I'm visiting my family here and decided to take my brother fishing in the keys along the seven mile bridge.

I haven't fished in ages and I'd like to get back into things with a cheap combo. One medium action for most of the fishing and other 9' rod in case we land something bigger.

This is all kinda short notice but I'm reading up on here and other sites. I've made a short list of what's in my budget for two R&R combo's. The Daiwa seems like an easy pick at Bass Pro shop... but having trouble finding a decent 9-10 foot Rod...thinking of putting a 30lb line on it and try for larger snapper along the bridge.

Can you guys give me your thoughts? What would you go with consider my budget constraint

Master Master 870/3215BK Saltwater Spinning 1 ball baring 10' 2 piece DN168WL
http://www.kmart.com/master-870-3215bk- ... ockType=G8

$29.59

Calypso BEACHCOMBER 3BB 9'2PC MH SPIN
http://www.kmart.com/calypso-beachcombe ... ckType=G13

47.99

Offshore Angler™ Power Plus™ Trophy Spinning Rod and Reel Combos
http://www.basspro.com/Offshore-Angler- ... 757/115561

49.99


Celsius Mako 10' Surf Combo
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Celsius-Mako- ... o/16637575

59.99

Daiwa® D-Wave™ 2011 Saltwater Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
http://www.basspro.com/Daiwareg;-D-Wave ... _THUMBNAIL

34.99

Whats your budget? I know basspro has
Penn fierce and battle combos. I think theres a 8 or
9 ft fierce combo for around 80? Also i dont think daiwa combos would be too bad
To start.

I'm glad you mentioned the Penn Fierce... that's exactly what I steered towards at Bass Pro Shop.. even though my budget was 75 or less I'm upping it $100.

Thinking of 10 foot pierce.. with a 40lb mono line shown here:
http://www.pennfishingstore.com/penn-fi ... ombos.html

What do you think about putting a 40lb mono on that Fierce 8000?

Using the following link as a guide to fish for large snapper/grouper off the marathon bridge:
http://boatlessfishing.com/forum/viewto ... =12&t=1045

Just my 2 cents but i don't think you really need a 9 or 10 footer.Unless you plan on usin it in the surf.You're limiting your options on a rod for bigger fish.

9ft rod are nice to have when fishing in the Keys. This helps if the fish take the currunt and runs to the tunnel. The 9+ fter will help to keep the line off the tunnel & not let it rub & break you off.

...and this is one of the few spinner's that can handle a 40 lb mono line.... You guys know of any other spinner reels that are in this price range and can handle a 40lb mono??

8-9 ft rods are nice for Pier and surf fishing because the length adds a bit to your cast, as well as being able to help keep your line off structures when fighting a fish like mentioned. I think the fierce combos would be a good start, maybe not the 10ft, but if thats the one you want go for it! I would put 30lb mono, but thats just me, i dont like using the max line a reel can handle.

I appreciate the help on here.. I ended up deciding on the:

Daiwa® D-Wave™ 2011 Saltwater Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

and the Penn Fierce 8000 combo with the 10' foot.... BPS didn't have the 10' rod so I ordered it online. It was the only Fierce spinner that could handle a 40lb test line, in case I need it.

Pushing out my trip to 7 mile bridge until next week because of the heat/holiday traffic.

Keep in mind that the heaver the line the more it will affect the cast ability of the combo..... you are much better off with 20 to a ABSOLUTE MAX of 30lb line.... you can add a 20 to 30 foot piece of 40 or 50lb shock leader if you have the knowledge and skill to tie it to the running line.... to get the best of both worlds....