Saltwater help! I've fished a lot in freshwater, mainly catching bass and sunfish. I wanted to get into saltwater fishing just because it seems like a nice change of pace. Any...

FS Digest

I've fished a lot in freshwater, mainly catching bass and sunfish. I wanted to get into saltwater fishing just because it seems like a nice change of pace. Any suggestions for rods/reels and basic set-ups. I did a little research, but some of the rods and other gear can get really expensive. Thanks!

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by EmmetH05

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

FS Digest wrote:

I've fished a lot in freshwater, mainly catching bass and sunfish. I wanted to get into saltwater fishing just because it seems like a nice change of pace. Any suggestions for rods/reels and basic set-ups. I did a little research, but some of the rods and other gear can get really expensive. Thanks!

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by EmmetH05

A 7' rod and a $ 60.00 Penn reel and you should be good to go for stripers, flounder and trout.

Leeg53 Loc: Allen,texas/ worc,mass

Depending on the type of fish your after. A bait runner is great and ugly stick for beach fishing. Caught many stripers and blues with this combo. But look into fly rods for salt water. Pricey but lots of fun and produce fish.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Leeg53 wrote:

Depending on the type of fish your after. A bait runner is great and ugly stick for beach fishing. Caught many stripers and blues with this combo. But look into fly rods for salt water. Pricey but lots of fun and produce fish.

Second what Lee said

JackM Loc: North East Florida

As said above you don't need to spend an arm and leg on tackle. You do need to rinse your tackle after each trip. A low-pressure wash is called for. Be careful not to force water under spools or into the working of a reel. Don't forget the rod especially the eyes. Salt is a killer. Look at the Tsunami Shield which has more seals than any other reel in that price range. Another good bet is the Penn Pursuit III or the Penn Fierce III. I personally have owned many Ugly Sticks and have had only one disintegrate due to salt. They have changed the design so I don't think that is a problem anymore. Check out my website for rods, reels, and how-to. Tight lines. https://ameliafishbites.com/tackle-shop/

Barney

Try an 8 foot whuppin stick from Cabelas $ 29.00 it will last you 10 years their indestructible and a penn battle reel. You can fish for anything in the surf. Barney

Burleimi Loc: Baton Rouge/Grand Isle, La

If you’re going after trout and redfish, you can use whatever you use for bass in freshwater.

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

Salt water is really tough on any thing it touches. Tough on spinning reels so get the one with the best rated sealing o rings. I always look for ratings before I buy any thing. 4 /1/2 stars is my limit. When you come in spray your reel down with no pressure. Change line every season. Penn is a great reel.

gmorariu Loc: Coos Bay, OR

Seems like you have lot's of time on your hands ....

Registration date: Oct 16, 2018
Number of topics created: 12095
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Virgilio Loc: Wrightsville NC

When you think saltwater don’t immediately think bigger gear. You will hook more fish staying with light tackle. 10-12# mono or 30# braid is about right for reds and trout. I’ve out fished many of freshwater guys who come to the surf with heavy gear and heavy line. I have also had cheap reels freeze up on me when dunking in saltwater. A good ole 7’ ugly stick lite with a penn 4500 spin v is hard to beat. It is imperative to rinse well with fresh water ASAP. Freshwater reels will work for a while!

Captain

Depends on what you are fishing for as already stated. Check out the Diawa BG series of reels. Hang it on an Ugly Stick. Great reels and sturdy rods.

Captain

Depends on what you are fishing for as already stated. Check out the Daiwa BG series of reels. Hang it on an Ugly Stick. Great reels and sturdy rods.

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

when you finally decide what you're going to get , assemble it and spray it with WD 40. it was originally designed to keep water off of the sensitive Missile parts. and as stated before wash with fresh water before you put your gear away.

Nutgrower Loc: Centralcal

Wash all gear with fresh water, ditto to the high pressure cautions around the reel but spray the hell out of the eyes! Important last step: use a salt neutralizer like Saltex on everything after rinsing, EVERY TIME! NO wd-40 needed! Not good for mono line! Always put a drop of oil in the crank handle of any reel and on the bail mechanism of spinning reels! 50 years of fishing saltwater; long range, surf, pier and west coast rockfish. Tight lines!

JackM Loc: North East Florida

Good Advice: I like the idea of using Saltex and a drop of oil on the bail and handle. It seems like a lot of good reels don't have the best protection on bail mechanisms and handles.