Hey everyone,
I have the opportunity to go to Florida over potentially three weeks of the summer, wondering what you'd suggest bringing. If I can make all three trips, I'll be in Rosemary Beach one week, Sanibel/Captiva another, and Key West the third. What setups would you recommend bringing along? I'm not sure if I'll have a kayak, but I'm sure I could rent one or find someone down there to go out with.
Want to get shark fishing in, and tarpon/snook certainly wouldn't hurt. - Drew
Bait Rod- Small Casting or spinning Rig for artificial's or live bait. 10 to 20lb test.
Senator- for Kayaking baits out. 9/0 and up for Sharking. 80lb to 130lb test.
Big Surf Spinning Rig- for when the surf is too rough or you don't feel like kayaking. 40lb mono to 100lb Braid. A Big Reel. like an 8000 class that can handle Sharks or Tarpon.
Casting rigs and hooks, Sinkers, preferably claw style for sharking in the current.
Plenty of poppers and maybe some spoons to reach out there.
Pair of Gloves, A camera, Headlamp, bug spray, a Chair, Rod Holder, Small set of Bolt Cutters and a Dehooker.
Pack the Cooler, Lets Head out!
If it was me, something similar to this that I have used, would be, Penn 750SS, six foot six Ugly stick Tiger lite rod. I love those rods
Marc..
Drew, I'm around this weekend if you want to call me about your spinner set-up. That may be light for Florida but get going anyway. One thing to consider is taking a reel that could double on two rods for multiple surf / yak duty if it comes to that, to save weight.
I live about two hours north of Sanibel. The inshore bite is pretty hot right now. If beach fishing pick you a good casting rod and reel with 12lb mono or 15-20 lb braid.
Two trips are officially booked, couldn't do one of them because of work though. First is somewhere in the Sanibel/Captiva area from June 26th to July 3rd. Second is Santa Rosa Beach from July 6th-13th. Anyone in the area feel free to stop by :)
Daron - like the way you think. I'll probably bring the 9/0, a light spinner (the one John is referencing - I've got the blank, just need a reel and some rod components), and then a casting rig. I have the 980 Mag Power right now, but I might see if I can't get a new setup before the 26th.
I may see if I can hook up with somebody in the Sanibel/Captiva area to go for tarpon - we won't have a boat at either location, and I am not sure about the kayak situation. And I certainly don't have any tarpon gear either - my equipment is either too heavy or too light for them.
Maybe I'll have to pick up an Avet SX before I go, I've seen some awesome reports on those little reels. Even 6'+ sandbar sharks from the beach have been caught on these reels, on the SOS forums one guy said the only thing that has even come close to spooling the reel was a 6'7" sandbar shark and a 5'8" foul-hooked sandbar shark. He's also got it on more of a boat rod and has caught bull reds, cobia, amberjacks, stingrays, you name it the reel has tamed it.
If I splurge I could get an SX Raptor and really handle some nicer fish :D
But sounds like overall, I'll bring the 9/0, lighter spinning rig for trout/reds/etc, then a bit of a heavier setup for casted shark baits and bigger boat/kayak/dock fish.
Drew
Due to air quality at in-laws in Hawaii, we may be doing local Florida trips instead. Wife mentioned a trip to Sanibel during this timeframe.
Can bring a bunch of setups if wife says it's a go.
Nick
Tampa
My mistake - first trip is Fort Myers. Not sure where I heard Sanibel
Drew
Partyboats in Florida are great ;D
Drew,
Florida is an abundance of opportunities.
If I had to take one rig,
It would be a 12' surf rod and a Fin Nor Lethal 100.
That is a $100 reel that packs a lot of punch.
I use many other options now.
No offense, But Avet or Shimano are not on my list.
I Hope you get on a Big Shark.
It will change your outlook. ;)
Quote from: Shark Hunter on June 10, 2018, 07:40:03 AM
Drew,
Florida is an abundance of opportunities.
If I had to take one rig,
It would be a 12' surf rod and a Fin Nor Lethal 100.
That is a $100 reel that packs a lot of punch.
I use many other options now.
No offense, But Avet or Shimano are not on my list.
I Hope you get on a Big Shark.
It will change your outlook. ;)
That would be a cracking combo for going after sharks with surf gear. The only thing I would consider above the Lethal, is a Penn 10500SVV. I know there are a lot of stories going around the internet, but I have two of them and have used one from a buddy of mine, and we couldn't fault them, not even after 50+ sharks on his (including 5ft blacktips and 8ft tigers) and a lot of rays on mine.
Why choose it above the Lethal? Because of line capacity, that's the biggest problem of the Lethal. With the Penn, we could do 400 yard drops and have enough left of the spool to be safe with a sharks' first run.
I also used Penn 950ssm's, but the drag is not always up to the task and line capacity is between the Lethal's and SSV's. Furthermore, it's not really designed for braid.
I am a Penn Man. I use the classics mainly.
I chose the lethal because of the price for Drew.
There are lots of better options.
Daron,
I am 100% positive the Penn's will work, I will likely bring the 980 Mag with me - because I know that reel can handle almost anything. But, I have heard great success stories of the Avet SX - and worst case I will buy it, try it in Florida, and if it doesn't live up to big fish there I will sell it with line here for a discount. But people have caught sharks, cobia, jacks, reds, rays, snook, bonita, tarpon, kingdish, and the list goes on and on. So to me this reel is worth a shot.
The Lethal for $100 is a great deal as well - there are some big-name anglers who have held these reels very highly. One is worth a look for me, but I would need a spinning rod to bring along - I already have a 12' conventional.
My little Daiwa 2500 with 15# braid will come along, for the trout, reds, beach snook, sheepshead, etc.
Then the 9/0 will get loaded and come for big sharks if I can get a yak anywhere down there.
Drew
Thay did have a avet at the bargain cave in Bristol va marked down,,,but when I go to Florida I take a 706,,4/0,,9/0 ;D
If you do decide to splurge on the SX Raptor, you might want to go with the MXL. It's basically the same reel as far as size and drag capabilities, it's just a wider version so you get more line capacity.
you need to practice with the 980 now, before you go. It will stop anything the SX will, maybe more, with better line capacity if you hook something worthwhile. the SX is a great reel but don't think you 're gonna go load up a lever drag with braid and go surfcasting with no practice and not have real problems, worse in the dark. Fish the 980 with 20 mono and a 40lb topshot. I have pried rays well over 100 lbs off the bottom with this.
I had an sx and mx and sold them both. Nothing really wrong with them but nothing that great either. I'd stick with that 980 and practice casting. I think it's a little more versatile than the avet and can use it for heavier line. Just my .02
Planning to bring the 980 no matter what, along with a ~2500 spinner and 9/0. Good news, Southwest allows rod tubes up to 91" long as carry-on, so I can bring rods much easier.
I really want to try out one of the little Avets to see how they do against big fish. I figure worst case scenario - I can resell here or eBay if it turns out I don't like the reel. It will be spooled with line, and I don't mind losing 20 or 30 bucks if I really don't like it. I'm going to sleep on it for a few more days though.
Thanks to John's help, I'll have rod parts coming in a few days, and I'll have a custom spinner for the trip.
Now - to stock up on lures for the trip, build my rod, build a rod tube, arrange for a kayak, and get to packing!
Drew
Drew, I was asleep when you texted back. 2.5" cork is fine for your split grips on 7'2" rod. don't forget the inch or so the butt cap will add if you set the layup to be 7-8" to the rear of the seat, and mount the seat downlocked or it will put the reel another 2" higher or so when mounted if you uplock the seat. more secure that way; hoods wont back off from bouncing around.
Rod parts for the inshore/bass build are ordered, should be here sometime next week and I can get it done. Going to practice on a beater rod first to get everything done. Big thanks to John for the help there.
Going to local tackle shop tomorrow or Friday to play with some Avets, I have decided the SX is probably a bit small - I am convinced it can do what I'm trying to get it to do, but that's at this reel's limits. MXJ or MXL would be much safer, 3/4 filled with 50 lb braid and then topped with a topshot based on what I'm trying to do... fish from a dock, pier, bridge, or the surf. Who knows, maybe I'll invest in a G2 or Raptor version.
While I'm there I'll pick up the spinning reel for this rod build. Have some store credit to burn up, and I'll make sure I'm stocked on terminal tackle and lures (can always restock down there if needed).
My main concern is getting this rod build done before the trip comes around. I'm convinced I can do it (should have 4-5 days to work, and I can prepare myself with a beater rod), just need to make sure I stay focused on the task and get everything else out of the way first.
Drew