Rod suggestions for surfmaster 100

[Jenx]

Like the title says I'm looking for advice on a rod to pair with a surfmaster 100. I plan on fishing this as a 15-20lb live bait setup (probably more in the 20lb size), and I need a rod to pair with it. For those of you who have fished with a 100, or still currently do, what rod(s) have you used?

I did some web searching and all I could find was one guy mentioning he paired his with a Saber 196-7. I'm open to both newer rods, and older pre-21 century rods.

Thanks.

[George6308]

For my Penn 180 which is the same size as the 100 I have used two Ugly Stick rods median action rods 8 ft 6 in long for back bay southern NJ fishing and one 8 ft 3 in median action rod. They are sold as down rigger rods. Had them for over 30 years.

[Alto Mare]

Mine is mounted on a penn long beach light action 12-30lb line.
I fish with it and really like this rod.
Best,

Sal

[Jenx]

Thank you for the advice.

[Porthos]

My similar sized Penn Monofil 27 with the 100's 29L-100 spool is fished on these:

• As a 20-30lb setup on an Okuma Oceanic OC-C-701MH.
• As a 30-40lb setup on an Okuma Catalina CT-C-661MH.

[JRD]

I fish two surfmaster 100s.  Both on 196-7.  Gotta admit the Seeker 196-7 is a little noodley (not sure that's a word) though.  The Calstar is more in the 20lb range.  IMHO.

[MarkT]

The 196 is a classic 15# rod while the 270 is a 20# rod.  The Seeker Classics are built with the old Sabre mandrels hence 'Classic'.  Calstar stiffened up their versions so they tend to be at least a half a rating higher than Sabre/Seeker.

[SoCalAngler]

Composites are more pricey but IMO well worth it. A Calstar 800XL will fish 15-20 lb test great, I use one for my 20 lb setup. I also have a Seeker, Black Steel 196-8 and love this rod. The Black Steel is a little more heavy in over weight than the Graphiters and will fish up to 15 lb test fine.

[Decker]

Like the title says I'm looking for advice on a rod to pair with a surfmaster 100. I plan on fishing this as a 15-20lb live bait setup (probably more in the 20lb size), and I need a rod to pair with it. For those of you who have fished with a 100, or still currently do, what rod(s) have you used?

I don't know what a "live bait setup" is, probably because I'm from the other coast.  I have a Jigmaster 146 (pretty much the same as the 100, but with spool bearings) and I use it for light surf/jetty/back-bay fishing with a 9 foot whippy ugly stik.     

[joel8080]

I have a Surfmaster 200 in a 100 size, Tiburon frame, and hot rodded, 40 spectra and mounted on a Cal Star T196

Joel8080

[Jenx]

Thank you for the responses.

I own a Uglystik Custom Bigwater rod (12-30lb) that I have never had a chance to use. I think I'm going to pair them up and see how they feel together. The tip is a bit soft, but luckily I only plan on using it for fly lining live bait instead of casting, so the noodly tip shouldn't be a problem.

I have a a swimbait rod, and a couple of heavier bass rods in the 20lb+ range that would have worked perfectly if only this reel would fit in a trigger grip reel seat.

[Jenx]

I bought a Calstar 270-7 today off of Craigslist that came with a Surfmaster 200. I paid $40 for the combo. I didn't need the reel, but he wouldn't separate them.

The 196-7 was the rod I had been keeping an eye out for, but I remember the 270 being mentioned in here, and the price was right.

Thanks for the advice.

[Swami805]

Sweet deal right there, just the rod for 40 was a deal. That combo will serve you well.

[Jkjhung]

I bought a Calstar 270-7 today off of Craigslist that came with a Surfmaster 200. I paid $40 for the combo. I didn't need the reel, but he wouldn't separate them.

The 196-7 was the rod I had been keeping an eye out for, but I remember the 270 being mentioned in here, and the price was right.

Thanks for the advice.

$40?? Sweet deal. I just bought a seeker 270-7 American series for my 100

[Ron Jones]

A 270-7 and a 100 will make a very nice setup regardless of what line you chose. Love that action.
Ron