Any Fisherman/Angler's on TB? I need advice on rods reels and line!

[thisSNsucks]

Hey guys,

Let me say, I love going fishing, but I'm a total amateur.

I've been fishing a bunch of times before but normally its just been on party boats where they provided everything for you.

Anyway me and a few buddies decided we're going to go fishing off the beach soon so I figured I'd make an investment and buy my own rod and reel. Little did I know, it was more complicated than I thought, or at least I'm making it that way.

So, after the research I've done, I figured out what we'll be doing is called "Surf Fishing" so I know now that I need:

A Surf rod, Spinning Reel, some line, hooks, etc.

We're going to try and catch some Striped Bass or Bluefish so I think what I'm going to get is a 10ft surf rod. Now what I'm confused about is what kind of line weight I should use, which will effect the reel choice.

Just from reading around the internet I saw that for Surf, guys are using anywhere from 10-40 line weights. I figured I'd go somewhere in the middle with 20b line weight but will that be enough? or should I go for less/more.

Thanks guys!

[baba]

20 is perfect for Stripers in the surf.

If you are going for blues also, you'll want to make sure you have a leader on there. Blues have sharp teeth that will cut your line. I'd use a wire leader, but some go with 40 lb or so mono leaders.

You didn't list weights. Get a selection of pyramid and torpedo shaped lead weights. 3 and 4 ounces are two good sizes to have. Given the wave surge, anything less is usually to little.

Cast into the edges of the rip tide. This is where the fish will be hanging and feeding. Cast over or before any sandbars. This is also where they will feed and hang.

[baba]

Speaking of the rips, here's what they are and how to spot them. This can be the difference in catching fish or not catching fish. Critical info here:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/mdl/rip_current/

Here's a great pic of what one will look like from eye level at shore. Notice how the wave's aren't breaking there:

[baba]

For bluefish try out finger mullet on mullet rigs.

For blues and stripers try cut bunker (alewive) on fish finder rigs, high/low bottom rigs, or surf fish float rigs.

Ok, I'm done. Good luck and don't forget a bait knife, rag, bucket, and beer!

[thisSNsucks]

Originally Posted by baba

For bluefish try out finger mullet on mullet rigs.

For blues and stripers try cut bunker (alewive) on fish finder rigs, high/low bottom rigs, or surf fish float rigs.

Ok, I'm done. Good luck and don't forget a bait knife, rag, bucket, and beer!

Awesome, thank you so much for all the advice baba!