Minimum surf rod length?

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning to hit the surf soon, though most of my longer surf rods are heavy bait rods (11-12ft). I have a few 7' rods that would likely do the trick but not sure if I'd be able to get past the breakwater or where the fish are. Id like to be going out with some lures and those bait rods will likely beat my up by the end of the day if I end up using those. Has anyone had success with shorter surf rods ? I'd love to take my lighter 7' rods out, a NEW rod would be awesome but if I can get away with an existing setup that would be awesome.

Thanks in advance!

I used 7' rods but getting a good hookset is hard if your chasing anything bigger than a perch.I was also wading in the water in a wetsuit. Out of three stripers that day only landed one due to the fish being unhooked. Now when I use my 8' I landed every fish so thats why I believe the shorter rod had a harder time of getting a good hook set.

well shoot,

sounds like pretty much what I was planning on doing, I was going to go out on waders or possibly a wetsuit, sounds like I might need to make room on the fishing rack... or maybe using the 11' heavy ... I can already feel the pain...

11' your shoulder will fall off by the time your done.if you have a heavy action 7' rod id use that first and if you lose too many fish id start looking into buying a new rod.cause even with the 8' surf rod that I was using when I hooked up id had to switch between arms cause my right arm was getting worn out.goodluck

that sounds good, I'll probably try with the 7' first, how far out were you in the surf , waist/chest height ?

Thanks for the info!

Depends on the size of the waves and what type of break. fishing a steep beach with a shore break and 3' waves the 7' would be ok but with a flat beach and a reef break something longer would be better. Ideally you want to be able to hold your line above the crests of the wave so they don't wash your offering back to shore.  It's a lot easier to hold an 11' rod at waist level than to hold a 7'er over your head all day.   

There are light weight surf rods. They are called whipping rods.  Most are around 10 feet to 14 mh action.  They can do lures up to 1 3/4 oz. 

that sounds good, I'll probably try with the 7' first, how far out were you in the surf , waist/chest height ?

Thanks for the info!

Without waves im only waist high but waves would crash against my chest most of the times.the surf rod I was using is a team daiwa surf classic.8 medium 1-3 oz paired with a symetre 4000 with 50#powerpro. The 7 rod I was using was a 7heavy action baitcaster paired with a daiwa advantage also 50#powerpro.

Under $30 and free shipping with prime.  I have this rod and it works great for surf fishing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GI9RR5I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I have a 9' Medium Heavy Fenwick Salt Stick.

I can cast it almost all day with little fatigue, and its perfect for getting a nice hookset.

Its rated at 1/2-4oz I believe, so its gives me flexibility to throw plugs and bait.

Hell, I've caught a bunch of striper in the river with it.

9' is my happy medium.

I use a basic light weight Bass rod with a spinning real. 15lb test and use my waders. Not all that great if you are targeting Stripped Bass, but I like Perch, so it's more than ideal, IMO. I have had as many hook ups in the foam by my ankles, as in the break zone. At Muir Beach, I can, when conditions permit, literally high stick my rig through the near shore troughs and nail em left and right. No casting required.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Maybe i'll look at a longer rod if the 7' doesnt work out, i'll need to look at targeting some deeper drop offs closer to shore for now. I'll be targeting stripers for the most part, I have a 6' dedicated light outfit for perch and its some fun ! The rod rack is fairly full , I do have a 4000 and 5000 reel I can use with a newer rod, though the more salt friendly 5000 ( penn slammer) might be a little hefty for a 9'. A lamiglas x11 9'6" is fairly enticing at the moment... 

I have a 9' Medium Heavy Fenwick Salt Stick.

I can cast it almost all day with little fatigue, and its perfect for getting a nice hookset.

Its rated at 1/2-4oz I believe, so its gives me flexibility to throw plugs and bait.

Hell, I've caught a bunch of striper in the river with it.

9' is my happy medium.

   This! 9 Ft works wonders for what you are looking at.

Serious surf fishing or just casual? If serious, no shorter than 10'6 and if casual, everything else will work.

I'd say 10' , 10'6 is good. But I have an 11' these new surf rods are super light .