Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

[Krichbourg]

I've been away from the coast for a number of years and have been fishing in fresh water rivers and ponds. I've recently moved back to the coast and am eager to rediscover salt water fishing. I'm not going out deep sea fishing, I'm staying in the creeks, rivers and the marsh. From time to time I may fish from a dock or pier. I need new gear. Any recommendations? I need rod, reel and tackle. I like to buy quality. I don't have to get it all at once. There are many choices and I can get advise from the tackle shop, but I'd like to hear from you guys. Any and all advise is appreciated.

 

[tnduc]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

I miss the SC coast, I grew up in Beaufort. I just spent a week there visiting my parents and fishing the coastal creeks. Your best bet for inshore is a 4000 series spinning reel and 6.5-7 foot rod. I am very partial to Penn and Shimano, which is what I own. Spool up with 12 lb test and you can catch plenty of reds, specks, flounder and other inshore species. Jump up to the 6000 series reels (20lb test) for larger fish such as sharks and cobia.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

Most people fish way heavier than they really need to.

Equipment selection depends on the method of fishing, and whether or not you want to be "sporting" or just hoist the fish in boat. Obviously, fishing off a pier is going to require heavier tackle that fishing for the same fish out of a boat or fishing from the beach.

Inshore, back creeks and such I use a 6'6" ,#8-15 med heavy, fast action rod and a 260 Penn Slammer loaded with #10 Sufix braid. No problems with anything under #30 using this combo.

Out front, I have a strong preference for conventional reels. I use an Abu 6500 when the smaller fish (up to #40) are around and jump up to the Abu 7500 when the big boys (#40+) are around.

 

[adam7]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

Not to hijack this post, but I'm also in the Beaufort area now and just starting to think about some near/off shore fishing. Any suggestions along the same lines? I don't anticipate going after anything too big as I figure I'll stay within 15-20 miles.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

I've been a big fan of Diawa Saltist spinning gear for a while now. I only have one of their reels, but it is stellar. Same size as my Shiamno baitrunner, but the drag and finish is so much better. Also, you can never go wrong with G loomis rods...

 

[dingbat]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

Also, you can never go wrong with G loomis rods...

G. Loomis is by name only. Made in China by Shimano anymore. Gary's new company is North Fork Composites.

 

[sasto]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

I use the same gear in freshwater as I do in saltwater, up to a point. I've used 6# in the surf for panfish and 10# in the rivers and ICW. I double the line strength with florocarbon leader...usually the length of the rod. Some of those saltwater fish have big teeth. Everything I have is Penn, with plenty of spare parts hanging around.

Good Luck....Krichbourg.

 

[adam7]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

Should I think about buying used gear? For example:
http://hiltonhead.craigslist.org/boa/2091284318.html

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

Unless you already know exactly what you want, used gear is a great way to find out what you do (or don't!) want in your gear for cheap. And then you can either keep the used stuff around for guest gear or resell it without taking a big hit.

 

[valleydawg]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

Adam7 - Rest assured you can catch some mighty big fish within 20 miles of HH/Beaufort. There is plenty of good fishing in this area. I keep a couple of spinning reels for light to med, a couple of med rods and two heavy reels rigged for the big ones. I have both Penn and Shimano. Most of my rods are only a year or so old since this is a new game for me also. Get out offshore and have some fun. I sure have the past year!

 

[adam7]

Re: Returning to salt water. Gear questions?

Adam7 - Rest assured you can catch some mighty big fish within 20 miles of HH/Beaufort. There is plenty of good fishing in this area. I keep a couple of spinning reels for light to med, a couple of med rods and two heavy reels rigged for the big ones. I have both Penn and Shimano. Most of my rods are only a year or so old since this is a new game for me also. Get out offshore and have some fun. I sure have the past year!

Are you local too? I need to find more people down here I can talk to, I've been meaning to make some friends at the bait shop up the street but I'm never home lately.