Need advice on new set-up please

[Pappa Roach]

Hi all, my first post, i'm new to this forum and i've never fished drop-shot before. I want to buy my first setup and read the gazillion posts on this subject. Just confused with all the info out there.

Basically will want an all-round set-up and living in JHB will only fish around 4 times in a year. Will target the surf,  rocky gullies and estauary spots.

The fishing shop I went too offered these setups

Rod : Daiwa Excellor 8ft or Passion stick 8 ft or Blue Marlin Boss 7.6 with 2 tips(much cheaper)

Reel : Daiwa Regal 3000 or Penn Accord 3000 (same price) - (Daiwa Excellor out of budget)

Line : Fireline 10pound

The guy at the shop didn't recommend the passion stick due to the numerous stories of them breaking, is the Daiwa Excellor in the same class as the passion stick both are med-heavy rods.

Also is this set-up ok as an all-rounder if not pls reccomend something else? And last question should i go for rather a 7 foot instead of a 8 foot?

Thanx

 

 

[steve m]

please update your location

where you fishing mostly? if you need a long cast 8ft is better. if i were you go exellor rod very nice DO NOT GO PASSION STICK i broke two 8fts in the same place gave them back and was told it was a manifacturing fault. reel wisego for the reagal or shimie slade 2500 both very nice i dont know thye penn so cant comment about it line wise you could probaly go down to 8lb wich aparantly brakes around 15lb but ya main thing is to go with what you are comfortable with

 

[FLUKE]

I have a 8ft Exceller heavy and I use it to throw 1/8 jighead in the estuary right up to 1oz with 5" Minnow in the surf. I also use it for spoons, lures & poppers. I use a 8lb Fireline with 20lb braided backing on a Cardinal 704lx and I got about 300mtr total. The 704 is about equivalent to a Daiwa 3000 in line capacity. The 10lb Fireline might be more versatile than 8lb. The 8lb just feels a little light in the surf and around rocks but in the estuary it's ample. I don't like the Regal! I have a 2500 and the internal design is poor. The reel won't last long if you pull some big fish. Go Shimano Slade one size up on the 2500 as you want good line capacity if you intend targeting Kingfish. Penn Accord should be a good option as well.

 

[Pappa Roach]

Thanks guy's for the replies, Fluke good to know that the 8ft Exceller rod is so versatile, so will definately go for that rod.

 

[FLUKE]

Make sure you look at the heavy, you mentioned the MH. The MH will be better for estuary but if you're going to go near the sea get the H which is rated up to 2oz casting weight.

 

[Pappa Roach]

Will do so.. thanx