Some help for the inlander.

First - Living in Colorado I envy you guys.  While we have some decent trout and OK warmwater fishing it sure doesn't compare with what you have.  When I was in the Coast Guard I spent my time on the East Coast and Great Lakes (which were awesome) and got my taste of ocean fishing.  Unfortuantely, I spent my ocean time in New Jersey which, at the time (24 years ago or so (ouch)) had pretty marginal fishing. 

Second - I have 2 psychotic 7 and 8 year old boys that might disown me if I don't get them on some kind of fish when we visit my sister in Oregon next summer.  We are planning on spending a week or so in the Coos Bay area and while I can't take them out on yaks, I would definitely like to take them surf or jetty fishing. 

Trying to get ahead of the purchasing curve.  What recommendations would you have for a decent surf rod and reel combo?  I don't want to go overboard on cost, yet I also like to buy gear that lasts.  If I can pull off a move out there in the next 5 years or so, I would like to begin my collection of saltwater equipment now.  I traded off my tackle when I left the Guard and am starting anew.  I do like spinning type tackle.  Baitcasting tackle seems to be outside of my scope of physical ability to operate .

As a long time lurker, Thanks for your posts for fishing and tips.  Even though they make me somewhat envious  .

Bill

this looks like it's tailor made for the roys and boxo to answer.. how bout it guys, you up to the task of gear advisors?

Ugly sticks have an unfounded bad rep in most fishing circles but they're practically indestructable, have good sensitivity and are easy on the wallet.  The "cheap" med weight combo I picked up 5 years ago as a "disposable" travel rod is still putting fish in my yak.

I'll defer to the Roys for specifics on where to fish during your visit.

-Spot-

Medium weight Ugly stick is the way to go for working class folks. Indestructible (unless you huli in the surf with it deployed). I use an Okuma Coronado reel. 

Caught lots of fish with the curly tail jigs.

Don't know your price point.  Ugly Stix are great, and I've never heard of them having a bad reputation.  I know there are a few in my future.

I have 2 (11', 12') Penn Spinfisher Surf rods, http://www.tackledirect.com/penn-spinfisher-surf-rods.html.  I've used the 11' in warmer climes and like it a lot.  Not too expensive so I'll not cry too many tears when I bang it up, break it, or lose it.  I bought the long ones to let me throw big stuff far, but I am not sure that is needed for the Oregon/Washington coasts and the fish that are caught from the beach there.

Consider keeping some gear at your sisters in OR.  It works for me to keep a couple rods and some gear at a friend's vacation place so all I need to bring with me are the reel(s) and small stuff.

What might bring you to the left coast?  Perhaps we can help out.

Thanks for the help;D,

I am looking at the Penn/Ugly Stick combos.  The 550SSg combo has a medium weight rod but the lengths are limited, while the 750SSm combos have longer poles but are getting up into the heavy action range.  I'm guessing I may have to make my own combo with the 550 and use a longer medium weight.  The only gripes I hear about the Penns is the graphite body . 

My coming to the "left coast" is somewhat selfish.  We don't have alot of family and my sister and her family moved to the Portland area in 1990.  While her kids are a bit older than mine, I would like them to be in the same area.  My wife and I have set a rough 5 year timeline to make the move.  Hopefully the housing market wil have rebounded and we will have enough assets to have a cushion while we get our feet under us.  Doing this will be a drastic career change.

As I mentioned earlier, my boys, wife and I are major outdoor freaks.  If they had their way, they would be outside from sunrise to sunset, and maybe longer.  Everything here requires an hour + drive and usually quite longer than that.  If we move a 5 years, they will be just getting into their teens and it's a now or later scenario.  They say don't move while they're in their teens. 

That, and the desire to live near the ocean, have us looking quite hard at the Coos Bay area.  The outdoor options look boundless and we love the area. 

Thanks, Bill

Thanks for the help;D,

I am looking at the Penn/Ugly Stick combos.  The 550SSg combo has a medium weight rod but the lengths are limited, while the 750SSm combos have longer poles but are getting up into the heavy action range.  I'm guessing I may have to make my own combo with the 550 and use a longer medium weight.  The only gripes I hear about the Penns is the graphite body .

I use a Penn 750SSm with the surf rods - metal body.  I avoided the graphite.  Love the rod/reel combo, and would recommend either.  It is rather heavy action, and tiring if you are whipping.  Great for dunking or sailing.  I've used it in places where you can hook big fish (50-100#) from shore - but never have.  Put 50# yellow braid on it and you're ready for anything.  The combo will cast 3-4+ ounces a long way.  I got them for eventual slide-bait fishing.

Looks like there might be some good clearance deals on 550SSm out there.

http://www.target.com/PENN-SPINFISHER-550SSM-SPIN-REEL/dp/B000COMTB2
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COMTB2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000CONRGS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0W16BP7QFHS0036CFF77

It looks like Penn has discontinued the 550SSm, whatever stock remains in the retail pipeline is it.

http://www.pennreels.com/

My coming to the "left coast" is somewhat selfish.  We don't have alot of family and my sister and her family moved to the Portland area in 1990.  While her kids are a bit older than mine, I would like them to be in the same area.  My wife and I have set a rough 5 year timeline to make the move.  Hopefully the housing market wil have rebounded and we will have enough assets to have a cushion while we get our feet under us.  Doing this will be a drastic career change.

I have friends who are in the same sort of catch-22.  Housing prices are depressed in areas to which they want to move, but they can't take advantage of them because they can't get enough for their current homes.  Luckily  , I bought my house near the peak of the market in 2005 and have no desire to move. 

 W99  ,, Great advice on Tackle so far,,Check the pawn shops for ugly sticks. For 5-10 bucks the kids can go for it ,, the tips on these things will stand lots.
  Get in touch when in Coos Bay, . The north jetty is a good place for kids and catching,, The current is somewhat  of a eddey there , incoming tide clears up well and mild current..
   The jetty rocks have slid off and made good structure for 50 ft out. Mainly blacks but are some good lings if you can keep them from diving in a hole in the jetty..
   Spinning is good there,, A Slip bobber drift  with a jig and flys above work well in the current.. Set for 9 to 15 ft.
    Fish off the rocks at Sunset Bay if swell is down.
  Kids lifejackets are free for the day at Charleston port, or Basin Tackle Shop     Royg
     

Medium weight Ugly stick is the way to go for working class folks. Indestructible (unless you huli in the surf with it deployed). I use an Okuma Coronado reel.  

Caught lots of fish with the curly tail jigs.

What size buzzbomb and what size hook is that on it?

Hey PNW just a few tips on your jigs. Get those Buzz Bombs sliding free on your main line. It gives it a ton more action and will increase that jigs effectiveness. Also put some siwash hooks on instead of the octopus hooks. They hook more effectively and will lead to less lost fish. One more thing, when you rig a jig head with a plastic grub make the hook point come out on the side of curl in the tail. The white jig on the top right is perfect. It'll stop the tail from hanging up on the hook point.

Z

Roy and Demonik,

Thanks for all the advice.  Roy, I definitely will call you when we get out that way which unfortunately won't be til next summer.  The kids are definitely jazzed.  My wife is ready to move right now.

I have decided to buy the Stradic ST5000 reels.  After looking at the Penns and such it was a tough decision, and of course more cost.  But I figure you get what you pay for.  Rods I will buy when we get there.  One reason is spending money in the local economy, and second, we obviously don't have a great selection of surf rods here in Colorado.

Until then, I hope you don't mind me lurking and picking up advice from the guys who are out there catching the fish.

Thanks for all, Bill

One more thing, when you rig a jig head with a plastic grub make the hook point come out on the side of curl in the tail. The white jig on the top right is perfect. It'll stop the tail from hanging up on the hook point.

Thanks, Zee.