Please tell me about this rod...

A couple of years ago, I was given a selection of fishing tackle from a friend of the family. Among the roods was the rod pictured here. I am assuming it is a boat rod? It is about 7ft long when assembled, and the tip is very substantial, I believe it is for dragging rays and other big sea fish from the deep. I was wondering if I could use it as a peir rod as I have no intention of going sea fishing in a boat.





Anything anybody can tell me about it or suggest a use for it would be appreciated.

Ralph

Not really my specialist area so someone may advise you better but yes it appears to be a sea fishing boat rod. it looks like an older version of an uptide rod for up-tiding from a boat.

I had a similar rod about 7 or 8 foot long and used to use that off a pier when I was a kid. If you don’t plan to cast too far then for lowering a bait down a pier wall and cranking a fish up it will do the job.

It is a late 1960s 1970s boat rod possibly Milbro but more likely Modern Arms Rod company or possibly outside chance Hardy.
Normally there is some sort of manufacturers label somewhere but the colour looks like MARco from Kent originally but they went under a long time ago now.
It is a bit short and a bit stiff for fishing off a pier but could be used at a push.
Be careful with the pink porcelain eyes as they break very easily but there are still a few replacements kicking about in older shops.

I was doing to say a boat rod, they are often designed like this. Most people use beach casting rods on piers, the 12ft gives plenty of room for bite detection with about 6ft of it sticking over the railing when propped up and the top sections are not so stiff. And fish are mostly a lot smaller than what you might catch in a boat. Boat rods are designed to pump big fish up from a long way down off the bottom and are normally short because its easier and safer, wielding a long rod around in a boat is not practical.
However, nothing wrong with using this rod, plenty of people do, just a bit less than ideal on a pier, give it a go. Just a medium sized reel, a 20lb line or 15lb maybe, a flowing trace, lug worm, fish or squid strips on the hook. You can cast with it just not as far, maybe 30/40 yards whereas you can go 100yds plus with a proper beach caster. Some piers this is necessary to hit some known spot but plenty of fish down below piers; often over looked by regulars who often just like to show off with their casting prowess.. Occasionally a big conger lay around piers although rare or a big bass might come along and you might be grateful for the rod, I have seen good fish lost on piers because they are under gunned for such fish. However, the general mill are flatties, mackerel, pouting, small or medium sized cod, whiting etc.
Its an idea if your dropping down from a pier to get there at low tide and observe any snags if you can or ask some anglers on the pier if its snag free where you intend to fish, regulars will know of the snags and are usually helpful.
It can be a very pleasant day on a pier, have a go.