Fattie
I have a 7' 6" ugly stick and a 9' Winston. I plan on surf and steelhead fishing with the Winston.
All sound advice above. Just remember, for surf perch you'll be casting 2-3oz sinkers, so make sure the rod is rated for that much weight otherwise you'll break the rod or you won't cast very far. Anything 9" or longer is ideal. Also make sure you get a decent set of insulated waders if you're planning on being in the surf.
Also, I Surf fish with a Bug Wand and I have been known to catch a couple of fish in the process.
I discovered today that my ugly stik is actually just 7'.Fattie, use your Ugly stick and put a 3000 on it like AD mentioned.
Pinstriper, there isn't a line stripper on his Winston, which a Centrepin/Centerpin would require. Also, I Surf fish with a Bug Wand and I have been known to catch a couple of fish in the process.
Pinstripeter, what does this mean? Ah-WOOOOOOOoooooooooo................