Tackle Talk

I'd like to get up to Island Beach more often. I've spear fished Barnegat Light a few times

 

Anyone have an Ultralight setup?

 

I literally just bought one today lol. Shimano Catana 1000 and a 5'6 Daiwa rod

 

The lightest reel I use in the surf is a Shimano Ultegra 3000 on an Ande Tournament surf 9’ medium heavy rod. It’s not a salt water reel but I rinse it off in the outside shower after every use.

 

Some of the guys in North Texas Fishing Addicts facebook group have been talking about this Ebay reel and how solid it is. I ordered a 1000 and waiting for it to arrive. I picked up a 5ft Shimano ultralight rod at walmart for $16. For less than $30 bucks i figured I'd give it a shot. Ive heard its really fun.

 

Shimano also makes a $15 ultralight reel that's pretty solid

 

If this Ebay reel craps out ill give it a try.

 

If anyone is looking for a rod holder this one is great!


Rod in Foam 14-Rod Rack Fishing Pole Holder • Strong, Saves Space, Easy Install https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RMK9942/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UZgCDbQAHHT0D

 

Old school Daiwa D4000 good as new and ready to hit the beach.

 

anyone tried these yet? Im going to try some this spring
http://www.berkley-fishing.com/berk...werbait/powerbait-the-champ-craw/1509873.html

 

I guess it goes on the hook backwards?

 

yeah texas rig

 

Looks interesting. Probably worth a try. I'm trying my best not to try any more new bass lures. I don't have any more room in the tackle box

 

I just put together a surf rig. I plan on using it to throw cut bait.

12' Ugly Stik with a Penn Fierce 6000 Live Liner spooled with 30# Spiderwire Stealth.

I'll probably do 50# mono shock leader and throw 4-5 ounces of lead with a circle hook.

I'm headed to Florida in a few weeks! I can't wait to try it out!

 

You didn’t ask, but for my 2 cents you don’t need to run a shocker with braid. I use a 4’ bite leader to the swivel then my rig. The advantage in distance you gain with braid will be negated by the shock leader. IMO. But hey, you do what work for you.

 

sounds like you need another tackle box...

 

I'm only running 30# braid, and I plan on throwing 4-5oz of lead. Everything I've read has suggested that your line or shock leader should be rated 10# for every ounce of lead. I've never had great luck with heavy braid on spinning gear. The leader is also to protect my finger from getting sliced by the thin braid while casting.

How?

Because I'll be casting a knot through my guides?

I use fluoro leaders when I fish for bass, which I cast through my guides. I have no issues with casting distance while throwing 1/4oz jigs. I can't imagine a knot passing through a few guides slowing down a 4oz sinker very much.

I read one article where a guy had quit using shock leaders, but stepped up to heavier braid to handle the weight of the lead. I thought about this, but I figured that the heavier braid would affect my casting distance.

Even if I stepped up to heavier braid, I would probably want to run a leader before my rig just for resistance to abrasion, I would think.

I'm definitely interested in hearing about what works for an experienced surf fisherman. I've read a lot of forum discussions, and it seems like opinions and preferences vary from person to person, by region, and by target species.

I will be fishing from the causeway islands and beaches around Fort Myers and Sanibel. I honestly don't care much what I catch. My plan is to throw out some cut squid, or whatever bait fish I can catch. I'll either use a single hook rig, or I might try a pompano rig. I don't plan on thinking too hard about it. Just going to soak some meat, while I cast lures around for whatever's swimming by.

I'm definitely open to any input you might have.

What are you using for a bite leader? Steel? Or fluoro?

I tried steel a few years ago and I didn't get bit all day. I had gotten bit off early, and decided to try the steel. Then, I got no bites for about 5 hours and decided to chance it with fluoro again. Within a short time, I hooked up with a small shark.

Maybe this was coincidence, I can't be sure. But, since shark wasn't my ultimate target, I figured it was worth taking a chance.

 

I already have 2, and a Rubbermaid box full of soft plastics.

I feel like I've had better luck since cutting back a few years ago and sticking to a handful of lures and rigs that work for me. When I watch shows where guys are changing colors and weights constantly, i just think I'm not going to work that hard to catch fish. I've tried, and it's just been more frustrating.

But, in all honesty, i do have a pretty good selection.

 

I hear what your saying about protecting your finger. I tighten the drag down tight when I cast to keep the line from slipping. I use mono for my bite leader, up to 60#. As for distance, yes, IMO casting a shock knot tied with 40-50# mono/flouro through 6-7 guides will cause some loss of distance, maybe not enough to make a difference in your catching, but some. I avoid steel leaders at all times, if a big blue bites me off so be it. In FLA, using flouro is more important given the water clarity. Up in the northeast where I spend most of my time, mono is fine. Good luck and tight lines.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm definitely a novice in the saltwater game. I'll probably check in here after I get to try it out, hopefully with some pictures!