Advice on a new rod & reel for surf fishing

[pd]

I plan to fish for surf perch around Kalaloch in June.  I did this many moons ago as a kid, and had a blast, but this will be my first trip into the surf this century.  I gave away all of my surf casting rods a long time ago.

I am looking for a basic set up.  Please give me some advice on the rod (length, brand), the reel, and what I should expect to pay.  (The local retailer here is Sportsman's Warehouse, but they are not open.  If they don't open soon, my only other choice would be Walmart or online.)

Also, what should I prepare for lures or bait?  Most likely in the boundaries of the National Park.

Thanks in advance.

[Wolfdog2314]

I got this for 90$ at sportsman’s. I really like it for surf perch. Long grip for tossing out those weights. I use 1-3 ounce pancake weights.

https://www.okumafishing.com/en/product/rockaway-surf-rod.html

I use Berkley Gulp sand worms. Camo color. 2 inch. Clam necks work great too.

https://www.sportsmans.com/fishing-gear-supplies/soft-baits/worms/berkley-gulp-sandworm/p/p40787

I use the “high-low” rigging listed here:

https://www.onthewater.com/three-surf-rigs-every-surfcaster-should-know-about

I’ve had the best luck in places on the beach that have a small stream running into them from the main land. Check google earth. Fishing the incoming tide seems best, but they can be caught at all times. Fish when the water is at its calmest, low swells. After the first hit and you think you have one on, give it a second before you reel in, this gives a chance for a double! Good luck!

[pd]

Thanks, Wolfdog, very helpful.

If you use a camouflage worm, can the fish see it?   

[metlhead]

I myself was thinking of going. Is, or when the ocean going to open?

[pd]

I myself was thinking of going. Is, or when the ocean going to open?

All national park beaches are currently closed due to the coronavirus, but if they ever open again you would be able to fish year around for surf perch.  Washington state fishing license IS required for national park beach fishing.

See this.  https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/upload/OLYM_Fish_2019-April.pdf

[Encore 280]

Thanks, Wolfdog, very helpful.

If you use a camouflage worm, can the fish see it?   

What about a ghost shrimp?

[hard hunter]

I went to a seminar on surf perch fishing at the Portland Sportsman show and he recommended mole crabs

[Alchase]

I use to surf fish off Klalaloch and the Pacific Beaches. We did most of our damage using Pile Worms. When we ran short of Pile Worms, we would cut up the first bullhead into strips. Bullhead stays on the hook great. You can also use clam necks and Octopus pieces.

[3dvapor]

Sportsmans is open in vancouver.

[BigGoonTuna]

Any medium action steelhead rod will work well. I rarely use over 1oz, fish are usually a lot closer in than you’d think.

[lokidog]

I bought a Penn Fierce II last summer and have liked it.

[Katmai Guy]

Sportsman's in Federal way is open.  Was there thursday.

[Encore 280]

12' Tika Salmon/Steelhead medium action rod and Penn Battle II spinning reel with 12-15lb mono.

[Alchase]

Any medium action steelhead rod will work well. I rarely use over 1oz, fish are usually a lot closer in than you’d think.

 

I used my medium action steelhead rod with 10-15lb test line for everything from surf fishing, to the Seqiu jetty. Caught a 23 lb king and many lings, perch even a couple 70 lb skates.

[donsk16]

I myself was thinking of going. Is, or when the ocean going to open?

All national park beaches are currently closed due to the coronavirus, but if they ever open again you would be able to fish year around for surf perch.  Washington state fishing license IS required for national park beach fishing.

See this.  https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/upload/OLYM_Fish_2019-April.pdf

Question for you, are only the NP beaches closed?  I didn't see anything about the other beaches being closed for surf perch, but our fish and wildlife site hasn't been very clear on what is and isn't open.