FS Digest

Additionally I have some further questions:

How about combining lures with squid?

which kind of lures do you usually get the most bites on?

I use a normal nylon line, is the threaded one worth it, or should I wait until I'm more experienced?

I read a lot online, but still don't know.

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by cmn99

FS Digest

Squids are great baits. You can combine lures with squid, but the scent of the squid is enough.

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by gb03839

FS Digest

So when I have squid I don't need to bother taking lures with me?

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by cmn99

FS Digest

Yes, do not sink them to the bottom, let them float. You can try the surface and 1-2m depth.

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by gb03839

FS Digest

In my experience they both work but using squid as bait seems to just never fail. The threaded fishing line which is referred to as "braid" is something I only moved to after fishing monofilament line for a long time. It's great because it has a smaller diameter then the plastic line but will still take the same weight. It can be a pain when using light braid, 20pd or less, because sometimes it will tangle or knot which monofilament just seems to barely ever do. You will also want to learn about using a "leader" and how to tie the right knots if you go to braid.

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by mcguyvaa

FS Digest

Thank you. What's your monofilament knot for a lure with an eye? And which do you use for line on line? I use the uniknot for the first and bloodknot for second, but it took a while to get it on the first time xD

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by cmn99

FS Digest

I use a double uni knot for mono to mono and a blood knot for lures. Best thing to do is get some thin rope and just practise your knots when you're just sitting around doing nothing.

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by mcguyvaa

FS Digest

I will right now on the kitchen floor. 🤣

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by cmn99

FS Digest

I’ll take a shot at answering ...

1- combining squid with lures, absolutely! Take squid strips and add them to a bucktail can add enticing flutter and scent to the lure. When fluke/flounder fishing with bait, a squid strip with spearing is a classic combo.

2- impossible to answer. So many different types of lures, so many different types of applications. Instead I’ll answer this way, get a metal spoon (brands: Hopkins, Kastmaster, Johnson for example), in an ounce weight appropriate to your rod and line. Start there if you are committed to using lures from shore. There are vast other options but metal is easy to cast, simple to retrieve, durable and cost effective. And they work. (And cheap at Walmart for good quality choices)

3- since you say you’re just starting, I’d stay with the “nylon” aka monofilament line. You don’t need braid right now. Braid is wonderful because it’s super sensitive, it’s thinner so you can add more to your reel and it doesn’t really have memory (meaning if you coil it and leave it wrapped up for a long time, it is prone to hold that coil “twist” shape as it comes off the reel. Which can cause complications, but keep in mind ... anglers have been using monofilament FOREVER. Caught mega fish on mono for years on back. Mono is inexpensive, durable, easier to untangle if you birds nest a reel or tangle with another line. It has stretch so can be more forgiving in certain situations.

Basically just stay with mono for now because the extra cost and characteristics of braid aren’t a benefit for you just starting out. Mono is better ROI all around for your current skill set.

And 4- keep reading. Keep at it online, on YouTube and whatever else ... but most importantly, get out on the shore and practice, explore, meet other anglers. When it comes to fishing, solid basics will catch fish so don’t spend forever in research mode; get out there, become a member of your areas fishing community and keep trying. You’ll develop further and faster with practical experience than web research.

Last 2 recommendations. Go find your local tackle & bait shop. Talk to them. They’ll give you good guidance because they want you successful. You’ll come back and purchase more that way. And ask them about a local guide. Sure, a guide will cost you some coin but a day or two on the shoreline, walking the water, reading the signs, learning some spots, having immediate guidance to improve your casting, your retrieve, your lure choice, etc ... is well worth the cost of the guide. This is the fastest and greatest ROI for your time and effort. A guide will raise your skill set faster than any self study technique (and by guide, I also include getting out with friends if they know what they’re doing). Once you have a basic foundation, you’ll be more successful out on your own, which will keep you going out. Spend a lot of time at the beginning trying to figure it out all on your own and you may become frustrated and see going out as a waste of time. These are traps. It’s called fishing, not catching. Get some good guidance and good luck! 🎣🍀👍🏾

Good luck. Come back and post your first catch story.

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by RichardsST

FS Digest

Thank you very much that you took your time to answer this!

1, 2- I think tomorrow morning (new moon, I want to go at 5 am) I just use squid, because I'm not that confident casting in darkness yet and don't want to throw one of my only two lures onto the pier! ;-)

3, 4- okay

4, 5- Unfortunately it's not that easy. I live in Cambodia on a remote island. If I want to buy lures it takes me a full daytrip to the mainland. The only shop I know in the city, they just sell, the owner doesn't know anything I ask him (in his language). Same applies to fishermen. There aren't any out there except me. Ok, you got some locals, but 99% of the time they're handfishing on sight with rice as bait or going for squid (I tried both, they're fun but I want to do something else. I still do fishing like that but for now I want to learn usage of the rod). I guess I might be able to hook up with some tourist fishers next season, if the covid-19 thing is over or if people start to travel again anyways.

Again, thank you very much!

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by cmn99

FS Digest

You can try this ... got where the tourists fish. If it has trees and rocks and lots of places an angler can get snagged, spend some time poking around and you might score some free tackle. I’m always finding lures and hooks snagged in the mangrove trees; especially during low tide where you can see more of what’s hung up.

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by RichardsST

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

CM: since you are online with Stages, you Gould be able to order on line any lures you wish. My recommendation is not to lose your head

Remember, lures are made in the thousands of styles and colors to catch fishermen! At no time in recorded history has a bass or trout ever gone into a Walmart or any other sporting good store to buy a lure!
Since squid is readily available and works that is your first choice. I personally found that various sized jigs with shrimp tails in plastic work here in the Gulf of Mexico. Just Sayin RJS

Cleemartin Loc: Hampton, Virginia

On-slip loop knot.

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

Everything in the ocean eats squid it seems no fish will turn up their nose at it whether it is by itself or with a lure it is great bait.