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Fluke Combo Rod/Reel Comparison

Fluke rod and reel combination are made up of stiff rods and strong reels that enable an angler to fish bottom dwelling fish – such as fluke. The purpose of using a fluke rod is in order to keep stress off the line and tip of the rod while trying to wrangle in larger or stronger bottom dwellers.

Most fluke rods are purchased in order to chase after fluke, but these rods are exceptional at catching any bottom feeding fish. Here are four fluke rods that are excellent choices for both fluke and non-fluke fishing and within manageable price ranges. Many of these rods are one and two pieces but that should not discourage any buyer from the overall strength a fluke rod carries when in use out on the ocean.

 

PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo

The best and most available brand when searching for fluke rod is PENN. With various styles and reel types PENN is able to reach a wide variety of salt water angler. The PENN Squall Level Rod & Reel combination allows for one of the better option out of the four rods described here, but also commands the highest price as well at $166.49.

The Squall Level rod and reel set is certainly for the serious angler, but can be easily operated with success by an intermediate or casual salt water fishing hobbyist. Some of the features with this rod include: Wind leveling which allows for tracking larger game fish in saltwater conditions found all over New Jersey, HT-100 carbon fiber drag system to help wrangle those larger fish and also the rod is one solid piece. Having a strong one-piece fishing rod will enable the angler to pull up giant game fish without having to worry about freak accident snaps and fall apart traveling rods.

 

PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

The PENN Battle II is an elite rod for the serious or professional angler. Coming in both medium heavy and medium light and sold between six and a half and seven feet long, this rod and reel combination is perfect for boat trips, piers, or bay fishing all across the Garden State.

Some of the features with this rod are that it comes in two pieces making it easier to travel with, the body is fully metal to help combat the weakness derived from a two-piece rod, and the spool is machined and anodized aluminum. Those fancy features make up one rod that will surely be battled tested out on the water and all for the reasonable price of $102.99.

 

PENN Fierce II Spinning Fishing Reel & Rod Combo

The PENN Fierce II Spinning Reel and Rod allow for more fiscal flexibility then the last two rods, but still offer everything needed to tackle fluke and other bottom dwelling fish around the Jersey coast or any other coast for that matter.

The Fierce II is just as strong as the other rods, but comes stock with an anti-reverse barring in order to keep a fish on the line no matter what the ocean current is throwing out that day. This rod is certainly for the intermediate, expert, advanced or professional sea angler and comes in several styles and lengths all priced modestly at $79.99. Out of all four rods you will read about within this review this is the top rod I would endorse for just about any angler for any fishing environment.

 

PENN Pursuit II Spinning Fishing Rod & Reel Combo

The PENN Pursuit II and III models of fluke rod really give the angler as many choices as possible when selecting a simple to operate rod and reel combination. The Pursuit line of fluke rod allows for more flexibility with various rod thicknesses and lengths to accommodate any seasoned angler.

The differences between the Pursuit II and Pursuit III are minimal, but vitally important when it comes to pricing and suitability to the individual fisherman. The Pursuit II holds limited options when considering rod make up and length and varies between $59.99 and $69.99 brand new. The added features that come with the Pursuit II are an oiled felt drag system and the rod is extremely lightweight. An oiled felt system allows for just as much drag as the other PENN models but without restricting any speed when leading a game fish on.

The Pursuit III Spinning reel and rod combination allows far more options when it comes to materials used for constructing the rod. There are also more options when it comes to the overall length of the rod ranging anywhere from seven feet to the largest rod in this review at ten feet long. Prices for the Pursuit III also vary between $59.99 and $89.99 brand new. The Pursuit III carries less features then the Pursuit II, but makes up for it with medium heavy and heavy rod constructions suitable for anglers of all shapes and sizes.

 

 

 
address description owner Nearest Cam
Margate Fish Pier
121 S Exeter Ave,
Margate City NJ
08402
(609) 823-9846
 Atlantic Ocean

Must be a member of Angler's Club to use the pier.
Angler's club has one time initiation fee and per year fee which includes a locker.


 The Angler’s Club
Ventnor City Fishing Pier
Cambridge Avenue & the Boardwalk
Ventnor City NJ
08406
609-823-7944
 Atlantic Ocean



Ventnor City
Ocean City Fishing Club Pier
14th and Boardwalk
Ocean City NJ
08226
609-398-9800
 Atlantic Ocean



Ocean City Fishing Club
Keansburg Fishing Pier
275 Beachway
Keansburg NJ
07734
732-495-8842
 Raritan Bay

The Pier is approximately 2000 feet long. You have an amazing panoramic view of New York City, along with awesome sunrises and sunsets.


 Private
Lavallette Pier
Magee Avenue
Lavallette NJ
08735

 Barnegat Bay


Lavallette
Keyport Fishing Pier
1 American Legion Drive
Keyport NJ
07735
(732) 739-3900
 Raritan Bay



Wildwood crest
Sweet Briar Rd. and Park Boulevard.
Wildwood crest NJ
08260

 Atlantic Ocean



Mantolooking Bridge Fishing Pier
30 Mantoloking Road
Brick NJ
08723
1-877-OC PARKS
 Barnegat Bay

With great views of the Barnegat Bay, this is sure to be one of the best fishing or crabbing spots in all of Ocean County.


 Ocean County Parks
Berkley Island County Park
399 Brennan Concourse
Berkeley Township NJ
08721
1-877-627-2757)
 Barnegat Bay

Park is Open


Improved
The Pier is 285‘ long x 24’ wide. We provide landing nets, a fish cleaning station, picnic area, and toilet facilities. It is well-lit at night, family-friendly, and produces some of the finest catches of Flounder, Striper, Bluefish, Weakfish, Croakers, Kingfish and Blue Claw Crabs!!! Also the occasional Trigger Fish, Sheepshead, Drum Fish, & Almaco Jack. The Crabbing is Excellent!


Ocean Count Department of Parks and Recreation
Grassy Sound Marina Pier
13 Old N Wildwood Blvd
Wildwood NJ
08260
(609) 846-1400
 Grassy Sound
The Pier is 285‘ long x 24’ wide. We provide landing nets, a fish cleaning station, picnic area, and toilet facilities. It is well-lit at night, family-friendly, and produces some of the finest catches of Flounder, Striper, Bluefish, Weakfish, Croakers, Kingfish and Blue Claw Crabs!!! Also the occasional Trigger Fish, Sheepshead, Drum Fish, & Almaco Jack. The Crabbing is Excellent!


Grassy Sound Marina
Bayshore Waterfront Park
719 Port Monmouth Road
Port Monmouth NJ
07758
732-787-3033
 Sandy Hook Bay

Enjoy the maritime shrublands, tidal creeks, salt marshes, dunes, mile of beach and scenic views across the water. The park offers a fishing pier, access to Raritan Bay, and beautiful views of the NY skyline


Monmouth County Parks
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Fitness Trail
Carteret NJ
07008
732-541-3885
Arthur Kill
 Carteret Municipal Government

Pier Fishing Tackle Reccomendations

 

If you are new to Pier fishing, then there are a few things to keep in mind with regards to having the correct tackle. If you are on an Ocean or open bay fishing pier where Bluefish and Striped Bass are known to run, your not going to get by on light tackle. Still, you don't want anything too heavy to slow you down from casting and retrieving is in order.

 

Fishing Rod/Reel Requirements for NJ Pier Fishing

 

  • Fishing Rod Must Be At least 7.5 ft tall

Additional length means better casting and leverage. You want a pole longer than you typically would use on a boat. Don't go too tall though because taller rods are also clunkier to operate so you really want to stay in 7.5 – 9 ft range with your pier fishing rod.  This size rod will allow you to handle almost all types of fishing opportunities that will avail themselves while you are pier fishing.

Rod Must Have Plenty of Backbone

In addition to the possibility of big fish, the ocean is a challenge on your equipment as well. You need something that will handle dropping several ounces of lead as required on occasion.  You do NOT want a light action rod for pier fishing.   A rod with a MH (Medium-Heavy) designation is best to get started with.

 Spinning Variety

It just makes so much more sense to use a spinning rod for pier fishing. They are easier to cast and operate for experienced fishermen and newcomers alike. If you are looking specifically for a rod to fish on piers with, make it a spinning rod.

Quality Matters

It is worth noting that saltwater is really unforgiving. Whatever you can afford, buy the best spinning reel you can. If you take care of a good reel, it can last you for you years. However, some of the lower end models will last you 1 year and you will need to replace it. The quality of the rod is important also, but even the low end rods will last you a while, unlike the low end reels.

Our Best Pier Fishing Combination Value Reccomendation

Penn Pursuit II 6000-2 Piece Spinning Combo, 8-Feet/Medium-Heavy

Penn has been a well known name in saltwater fishing for decades.  This combination is a great starter outfit for pier fishing and can also be used for surf fishing.  And it won't break the bank.  You can get this for less than $75.

 

Additional Tackle You Will Need for Pier Fishing

 

Telescoping Landing Net

You should make sure you have a long handle or telescoping landing net when you are pier fishing. Most fish of any size will be lost as you try to land it on a pier if you don't net the fish.  Telescoping nets make it easier to travel. 

 

 

 

Quality Aluminum Fishing Pliers

No fisherman can go without fishing pliers. It pays to have a decent pair of pliers in your box for your pier fishing adventure. Remember, saltwater is unforgiving so make sure you get a pair of pliers made for saltwater use.

 

Stainless Steel Fishing Hooks

Of course you will need to have a variety of hooks and swivels at your disposal. You can save some money over the course of a fishing season by buying hooks in bulk, but be careful because if they are not Stainless steel they will rust quickly just being exposed to salt air. So, either buy small packs of hooks and leave packs closed until ready to use or buy stainless steel hooks. In either case you will need a a variety of sizes.

Saltwater Leader Spool 40lb Test

You need to have a just a few different sizes of leader spools here. You MAY want to also add some flouo to your mix but it is pricey

 

Berkley Gulp! Alive! Curly Tail Swimming Mullet

If you are a saltwater fisherman, you need Gulp. They make many varieties and most are quite qood. For pier fishing, 2 most haves are Curly tails and Shrimp.

3 Way Swivels

Nothing complicated here, just make sure you have 2 way, 3 way, and snap swivels in a few different sizes. Most pier fishing is done with a very simple set up of a 3 way swivel, a leadered hook with bait and a sinker.

Bank Sinkers

You will need an assortment of lead sinkers with most in the 2-5 oz range. You will save much money by buying in advance online as mark up on sinkers at piers and other tackle shops is high.

 

Diamond Jigs

You need bucktails, diamond jigs, and swimmers. Your set.

Marine Cooler

Much like surf fisherman, many pier fisherman get coolers on wheels. 

Fillet Knife

This is another area where you want to buy the best you can afford. Cheap knives loose there edge quickly, rust and will not give you satisfactory value for your money over the long haul. Handles of something other than wood is preferable as wood never really comes clean and it acts as a germ hangout on your knife.

 

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