Wanting to get into Surfcasting

Hey guys,

Hunting is my main passion but I am finding less and less time to get out due to work and having 3 young children. So was thinking about getting into surfcasting, easier to get out once the kids are in bed for a few hours and relax.

I have been reading the previous threads on this site on the topic, along with watching videos. Like everything these days a huge amount of information and opinion.

My question is what are the basics I need to increase my chances of being successful? What is the best way to set up a rod? I live in Invercargill and aim to fish around Oreti and Bluff. Complete newbie here. I haven't purchased anything to date, but have been looking at packages at hunting and fishing.

Looking for any advice.

Cheers.

locals will know the rigs that work for what species are around where you want to fish - I cannot advise on Oreti or Bluff - learn the basic knots- you tube will be your friend or obtain a book of fishing knots - if surf casting of a beach I would not spend to much on a reel - sooner or later its going to get dropped into sand and that reels dont like - I would get cheaper first up then if you really like fishing then up grade - two types of reels fixed spool ( often called egg beaters ) fit on the reel on the downside - free spool ( often called boat reels ) fit on the top of the rod -now real keen types will use a free spool but they take a lot of learning how to to cast with them - the pros will cast further with a free spool than a fixed spool but likely took them a no of years to learn how and very specialized reels designed for casting - so start with an egg beater fixed spool - the rods for both reels are different and cannot really be interchanged -the guides are set up differently as the height the lines comes of the reel is different especially back toward the reels for a start - Rod length 12 foot and 14 foot are common - one piece two piece and 3 piece - two piece probably more common - get one that has a flexi tip and a grunty butt section for power - the flexi tip helps signal a bite and set the hook - you will be suprised how much grunt you can give them - but never ever static load a rod - that is tie it to something that will not give and pull back on rod to see how much power it has you will snap it - I would go 14 foot two piece - line well 10-12 kg will suit for most fish of the beach - the real guns casting will be down around 5 kg but I would not advise that for most NZ beach fishing - the best would be to find someone keen to take you out and give you some tips - so much to learn what sinkers what length trace what trace hook set up - what sort of rod holder works but its all fun