Nice job Matt. Van Staal reels might be a bit pricy for a first surf setup. I have 3 setups right now. 1 with a Saragosa 10000 1 with a Saragosa 8000 and a 6000 Dawia Emblem Pro. The older model when they were the better. Good affordable 1st rods The Airwave or the Temple Fork Outfitters are a good choice. If jigging is your joice get something rated to at least 10oz.
have been fishing my vsx 250 for 3 years and it is an amazing reel. you get what you pay for with van staal. i wouldnt trade it for the world. the only reason why i got a van staal was the durability of the reel. i have buddys who have been beating the **** out of theirs for 15 years with barley any service and they are still working like new. the only learning curve is bailless but it is not that hard to learn. $800 may seem a little steep but i am expecting to have the reel the rest of my life so it is an investment well worth it in my eyes.
Wow I really know nothing! Had never heard of bailless doing reels until now. So I watched a quick vieo and concept makes sense and easy enough. I can see myself getting goofed up on the retrieve getting used to it.I know a couple people who say the same about van staal. I just figured I'm young enough to make an investment on s omthing I want to last all or most of my life..idk if that's possible..i would think VS has the best chance