Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: Lunker Larry on December 09, 2014, 07:49:07 PM

Title: Surf fishing line question
Post by: Lunker Larry on December 09, 2014, 07:49:07 PM
Going to try some surf casting this year when I'm down in Florida in Feb. Being a freshwater fisherman, I have no idea what would best suit this. Now, I'm not going to be doing anything serious, basically just want to stare at the rod tip while I'm sitting in the sun having a few pops. So what would be a recommended type of line or line set up to use? Not using serious tackle here either, just want to plunk out a cast or two and see what happens. Seen others with relatively light tackle (I would think) catching trout along the beaches but no fish of any size.
Thanks for your time.
Larry
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: Keta on December 09, 2014, 07:52:46 PM
Surf fishing can be anything from our small red tail surf perch to large sharks.  Lots of variables.
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: Shark Hunter on December 09, 2014, 08:31:23 PM
Use Monofilament Larry. The braid gets cut too easily from shore.
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: FatTuna on December 09, 2014, 09:29:39 PM
Quote from: Shark Hunter on December 09, 2014, 08:31:23 PM
Use Monofilament Larry. The braid gets cut too easily from shore.

I was down in Jupiter last year in Jan and did some surf fishing. I hooked into something nice. It took off and almost ripped the rod out of my hands. In about 10 seconds the 40lb braid popped.

The rocks down there are sharp. I second the mono suggestion.

Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: surfcaster on December 09, 2014, 11:17:02 PM
Most of my fishing is from the surf,  20 lb test mono is a great line for surf casting.
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: CapeFish on December 10, 2014, 01:59:21 PM
Quote from: Lunker Larry on December 09, 2014, 07:49:07 PM
Going to try some surf casting this year when I'm down in Florida in Feb. Being a freshwater fisherman, I have no idea what would best suit this. Now, I'm not going to be doing anything serious, basically just want to stare at the rod tip while I'm sitting in the sun having a few pops. So what would be a recommended type of line or line set up to use? Not using serious tackle here either, just want to plunk out a cast or two and see what happens. Seen others with relatively light tackle (I would think) catching trout along the beaches but no fish of any size.
Thanks for your time.
Larry

what rod and reel are you planning to use? coffee grinder or multiplier reel? you can get away with using light tackle and small hooks from the rocks, but if you pick up a beast it will smash you. From a sandy beach you can probably land something pretty decent on light tackle if you have enough line and use braid comfortably.
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: fIsHsTiiCkS on December 10, 2014, 07:30:58 PM
Fishing line is a very variable question that is persuaded by a lot of things, esp. Peoples personal preference! It really comes down to how you will be fishing the surf and what the terrain looks like in the area you fish. But as everyone has stated. Mono is a decent place to start.
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: Lunker Larry on December 11, 2014, 03:17:42 PM
From previous posts I figured 20 lb is a good average. Ref gear, just cheapo walmart type rod and reel.
If it lasts more than a day, bonus! ;D
Like I said, I just want to plunk around a bit. No serious fishing (yet).  I'll talk with the local bait shops and get the lowdown on everything else.
Thanks

Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: BMITCH on December 11, 2014, 04:28:39 PM
Larry, sounds like your purchasing your equipment when your down there. If so may I suggest buying it at your local bait/tackle shop when there. These little local guys could sure use the business and you may find the info you get from them will be spot on. IMO.
Bob
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: Lunker Larry on December 11, 2014, 09:06:28 PM
Quote from: BMITCH on December 11, 2014, 04:28:39 PM
Larry, sounds like your purchasing your equipment when your down there. If so may I suggest buying it at your local bait/tackle shop when there. These little local guys could sure use the business and you may find the info you get from them will be spot on. IMO.
Bob
Good suggestion. I do that up here too.
Title: Re: Surf fishing line question
Post by: ppvj64 on December 12, 2014, 12:54:50 AM
Only thing I know is if theirs alot of kelp or any other snagging kinds of stuff braid is your best bet with a mono leader. That way you dont leave miles of line in the water after your first snag