FS Digest

Hello! Im heading to Mexico next weekend, so my buddies and I getting some gear for saltwater. I've never fished saltwater before. Through some research I found a spot where i'll be staying that has about a 100ft drop off into some deep blue water. I picked up a pretty good deal on a rod and reel combo, but I waited to buy some baits till I had a little more knowledge. So far what i've considered buying are some 4.8 inch keitech swimbaits but i'm not sure on which weighted swimbait hook to get for the ocean. I dont want it to be too heavy or too light especially with current. I've really only fished ponds and lakes for bass and trout, so this is a whole new ball game for me. Can anyone recommend a swimbait hook? Or any baits that are are "staple"? Even any tips and pointers, i'll take it all! :D

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by Jaybaum

FS Digest

I don’t know what to recommend, but have a blast!

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by it1032

FS Digest

I appreciate it man, thanks!

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by Jaybaum

FS Digest

Not Mexico but I've been going to Florida every year since I was born for a couple weeks a year and I lived in FT Lauderdale for 5 years.

If you just want to dock/shore fish the gulf/intercoastal. All you need is some hooks, sinkers, a bobber(if you really wanna relax), and shrimp, if you can get bait bucket and find live they work best but even frozen work well(almost all finishing stores and gas stations in Florida have the frozen and tons of places have live bait shrimp, I would assume you can find the same in mexico).

Also you will need a good pair of needle nose pliers(for the cats,snapper,stingrays and little cudas). And an ample supply of beer and you're in for a relaxing time.

Boat fishing can be had with the exact same supplies. Unless you decide to go after something big like tuna etc.

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by fxelite

FS Digest

I would bring large spoons and large jigs. Also bring some topwaters for when you see scared bait. Don't forget 40-50# leader line or steel leaders.

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by Penguintx

FS Digest

I definitely pick some up. Do you think a 1/8 weighted swimbait hook is enough?

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by Jaybaum

FS Digest

That's really light. Ill throw that on a light set up at change of light on a calm beach to catch bait fish and the odd larger predator, but any significant wind and swell and 1/8oz is going no where.


Whats your new set up rated to throw?


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by lithofile

edkealer

Get an assortment of weighted hooks. I would start at 1/4 oz. and go up to at least 1 oz. and maybe heavier depending on current and depth. Anything lighter than 1/4 oz. and you are stuck fishing the surface only (which you can do reasonably with a 1/4 oz.)