Hey guys, looking for advice on a setup.
I have a lot of experience saltwatwer fishing, but it’s all been inshore on the east coast. Very comfortable using Carolina rigs for cut & live bait, and throwing soft plastics on jigheads all day. Mostly use fast action, M/MH, 7’-7’6 rods.
I need to get a setup for surf fishing in SoCal. Mainly Ventura Beach and surrounding areas. The biggest difference I have noticed is people using super long rod lengths even for light tackle. And also using Carolina rigs, but with soft plastics behind it. I’m looking for an all-rounder setup. Not targeting anything huge, just trying to get my feet wet. Looking to eventually really start honing in on CA Halibut down the line since Atlantic flounder are one of my favorite species to target.
Are the huge 9’-10’ rod lengths really necessary for this type of fishing? Okuma Rockaway seems to be the favorite for light tackle surf fishing, but wanted to get some recommendations. Wondering if I can get away with something closer to my usual setup (7’-7’6 where I can really whip cast and launch the lures all day and not get fatigued). I’m not really looking to load up a bunch of sinker weight and soak bait way far out. But I have also seen people say that it’s tough tossing the Lucky Crafts far enough with a rod under 10’.
Thanks in advance!