Rock Setup advice
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Landbased & Surfcasting
Forum Description: From rocks or beaches, here's the place for the landbased fishos to share information
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=134109
Printed Date: 04 Feb 2026 at 2:24am
Topic: Rock Setup advice
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Subject: Rock Setup advice
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 12:22pm
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Hi all, after a long hiatus from rock hopping I am after a new setup and would appreciate some advice. I'm after a 7-8ft (preferably one piece) spinning setup to tackle Snaps but given the opportunity will pull a Kingi. Any advice on rods, reels and weight class would be greatly appreciated. Cheers RockyWannabe
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Replies:
Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 3:25pm
| Daiwa VIP 80s with a 12000 sized shimano baitrunner c, d or even the Thunnus depending on budget. |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 3:38pm
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Boom I think ypu nailed it on the head Pico, that will fit the bill. And just run 15kg line? Cheers
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Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 3:55pm
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Where you fishing? What area? That is most important. |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 4:41pm
| Hey mate spend a lot of time between Coromandel and Far North East Coast. |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 4:53pm
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Fair enough those are serious spots where distance casting is not needed. I would still go 9 foot plus rod on snapper. |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 4:58pm
| Thanks Muppet, any suggestions a 9 footer to look at? |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 5:19pm
| The Okuma Tournament 10ft is good about $150 |
Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 5:37pm
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Yeah 15kg mono is the way to go if you’re looking to give yourself a shot at kings too. And 15kg mono for snapper isn’t overkill with some of the donkeys swimming around in the far north. |
Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 5:55pm
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In terms of rod length I think you’ll be fine with 7-8 foot if that’s what you’re in to. I’ve got a mate who uses a 7 footer in the far north. But I’ve also got a mate who likes 10 foot rods. There’s no right or wrong answer, just depends what you’re comfortable with really. The longer rods can be handy when there’s a bit of swell around. |
Posted By: The Tamure Kid
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 7:27pm
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This Okuma X-Factor 10-15kg rock fishing rod is one worth considering. I've got one, and at 8'6" it's a decent compromise between 7' and 10'.I like using it along the Tutukaka coast etc. Only $135. https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/surfcasting-and-rock-fishing-rods/okuma-x-factor-ii-spinning-rock-rod-8ft-6in-10-15kg-2pc?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhIP6BRCMARIsALu9Lfls-wS6nD_zKjXOscKcXHwBy4ff8H4WXbZ4bW9irvVL4aq5WP4MYfUaApRcEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow - https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/surfcasting-and-rock-fishing-rods/okuma-x-factor-ii-spinning-rock-rod-8ft-6in-10-15kg-2pc?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhIP6BRCMARIsALu9Lfls-wS6nD_zKjXOscKcXHwBy4ff8H4WXbZ4bW9irvVL4aq5WP4MYfUaApRcEALw_wcB i know you mentioned one piece, but I reckon it's often helpful to have 2 pc in terms of the clamber in to your spot. The X-Factor is a composite, so can cope with a bit of knocking around that's almost inevitable on the rocks, even if you carry a rock spike to stand the rod in when you're re-baiting etc. I also have a Daiwa VIP spin, and they are bulletproof and an absolute classic. Heavier than the composite rods, obviously. The Ugly Stik Black Tiger is another to consider in the 7" length. Slower action than the others, but can handle decent sized fish. |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 8:21pm
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My favourite rock combos were the old Jellytip Rocky II with the original chrome guides paired with a Slosh 30. Even in Auckland I got well enough distance to get great snapper action. And I had a 10ft Kilwell Viking my ol mate made 9'10 on its first outing. Once repaired with a 6500b Baitrunner...the good ol days! I gave that rod away with the Rocky II to someone off here, they deserved to stay together. |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2020 at 11:07am
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Thanks guys for all the advice. Wish I could get my hands on a Rocky II. I've got a Killwell Jelly OH paired with a Saltist which is an absolute weapon combo off the boat. I'm definitely going to load a Thunnus with 15kg Mono. For the rod I will have a good look in to all your suggestions. It is definitely a matter of what tickles your fancy! |
Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2020 at 1:15pm
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There was a guy selling a mint Rocky 2 on Facebook marketplace a couple of months ago, looked to be set up for spin. Think he was asking $200. Could be worth a look. Great rods! |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2020 at 1:25pm
| Cheers Pico, will have a nosey. Just weighing up one or two piece now! |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2020 at 5:10pm
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Guess who is the proud new owner of a brand new Rocky II ! Thanks Pico for the insider tip. Its going to fit the bill perfectly. 8'6 Spin 10-15kg. And ive decided with a Thunnus 12000 running 10kg and a spare 15kg spool for when I run up north. Thanks guys. I'm set!
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Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2020 at 5:44pm
| Nice great score |
Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 11:59am
Great score mate, that's a mean combo, and the spare spool is always handy.
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RockyWannabe wrote:Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:05pm
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I'm actually thinking of the below for a reel, worried the Thunnus 12000 wont hold enough 15kg line when I do want to use it. What are your guys thoughts? https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/shimano-big-baitrunner-ci4-xtb-long-cast-surfcasting-reel" rel="nofollow - https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/shimano-big-baitrunner-ci4-xtb-long-cast-surfcasting-reel
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Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:06pm
Yeah that's an iconic combo alright! I use pretty much the same for my lbg straylining. Got a mate to build me a custom rod on a kilwell blank, basically a rocky but with fuji guides and a fuji reel seat.
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Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:10pm
I think the Thunnus should have plenty of capacity. If you want to increase the capacity you could spool it with 100-150 meters or so of 50lb braid then fg knot to 15kg mono. Kinda like a top shot on a game reel. It also means when it comes time to replace your mono you don't have to replace the full spool.
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Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:20pm
That's actually a way better idea! Cheers Pico 
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Posted By: kitno
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:26pm
| Good thread, it's answered a few questions I have wanted to know. |
Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:27pm
I have same reel (big bait runner 14k ci4) paired with a Lox Iridium 13’ rod. Impressive reel and drag coupled with long cast spool and bait runner capability and plenty of capacity. My only grumble is being ci4 like the thunnus is light weight but suffers from being a bit delicate on the rocks . All depends how you treat yr reels I guess. |
Posted By: rockz
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:31pm
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Plenty of thin 15kg mono around now, i'd just fill it with mono and forget the 2nd spool. I'd then look at some type of stickbait set up ready to go with a lure or deadbait.
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Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 12:50pm
Thanks rockz, ive got feeling the missus is going to love this addiction 
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Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 1:43pm
| The big baitrunner ci4 comes with a spare spool I’m pretty sure |
Posted By: taurangatroutmaster
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 6:34pm
| Big baitrunner is a surfcasting reel. You will get plenty of 15kg mono on a 12000 baitrunner or thunnus.even with thick stuff like momoi. |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2020 at 8:56pm
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You all reckon the Thunnus is worth the extra coin? Just thinking in terms of durability off the bricks, would you be better to get the Baitrunner D? |
Posted By: Pico
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 10:54am
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I reckon go the Thunnus, buy the best you can afford and all that. From what i've read the Thunnus are more prone to showing external scatching etc than the D series... but the Thunnus has better internals, and that's what counts. Have a read of this thread https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/thunnus-c14-or-baitrunner-oc_topic80514.html" rel="nofollow - https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/thunnus-c14-or-baitrunner-oc_topic80514.html Nomis, who I'm pretty sure works/worked for Shimano, gives a really good breakdown of the differences
But the D series are still good reels, I've had an 8000D for about 7 or 8 years and i haven't had any issues with it. The gears are starting to show a bit of wear but that's to be expected. |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 11:07am
| Awesome thread on the differences, majority vote is the Thunnus, im going to be a sheep and follow the herd. |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 11:46am
| Penn Spinfisher Baitrunner? |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 11:51am
| Another great option, is it the "live liner", great capacity on the 8500 model. Holds 260 yds of 40lb mono! |
Posted By: rockz
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 12:13pm
also weighs about 4 tonne 
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Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 12:34pm
| Looks like a beast! The drag on it would break your arm. |
Posted By: shaneg
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 2:49pm
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Alvey, very indestructible. Drag model well proven on big snapper and kings.such as 650 inch rock hooper. With rod just hacksaw bottom 2/3 off replace with wood surfcast spud or glue a rubber knob cover over bottom.
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Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 2:52pm
| Looked at Alvey's, my old man has been surfcasting with one since way back! Classic and reliable. |
Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 5:42pm
| Won’t go far wrong with the thunnus. Strong, buttery drag esp if kingies turn up. ❤️8000 |
Posted By: RockyWannabe
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 6:44pm
| What line are you running on your 8000 Jac? |
Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 7:03pm
| From memory 40lb ygk braid which I run to 40lb mono to 40lb fluoro leader. Not to say mono isn’t the way to go especially for abrasion resistance. |
Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 7:05pm
| From memory 40lb ygk braid to 40lb shock leader and fluoro. Mono maybe the go though especially from abrasion resistance point of view. Just I have always fished braid |
Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 9:22pm
| Doh! 🙄 |