Streamers that represent the predominant baitfish in size and color. Also crab and shrimp patterns.

I’m 76 and recently sold my Tracker PT 175.
If I did buy another it would need to have a
wider casting deck; my balance isn’t what it once was

No need to use braid unless you’re trolling for huge trout in lakes. Mono, 4 or 6 lb, is just fine if fishing streams and rivers or 2 lb if fishing a brookie stream. I’ve used ball bearing snap swivels while fishing spinners only. Small crank baits get tied directly using a loop knot.

I have used Shimano’s exclusively for over
40 years for both fresh and salt water. I currently own a “boatload”of Curado’s and use them for everything from top to bottom.
You couldn’t go wrong. When you find something that performs well you stick with it.

Where are you fishing and what fish do you plan on targeting??

Hi Akiko, I n my limited experience fishing for tarpon they really don’t make a consistent appearance until May in the Gulf, that’s when they start to come shallow. I have hooked on a fly (not landed) tarpon along the beach adjacent to Redfish Pass on Captiva.
The Homosassa area is notorious for large tarpon in May. A world record fly rod caught tarpon of 200+ lbs was caught there. On a single day while fishing as a rookie with a guide, I had three shots at fish but no hook ups. Very exciting.

As a kid my friends and I used to use an umbrella or drop net to catch minnows and such in a small creek. We would put one or two small rocks in it,lower it off a small bridge, drop some bread balls onto the net and after 5 minutes or so, BINGO lots of bait.

Great fun on a 6wgt fly rod

What does your buddy say? What does he recommend? He should be able to provide you with useful information.
Good luck,
Tom

I use a Brodin net I purchase many years ago and has served me well. It has a deep net but I have shortened it up to use for catch and release.
Brodin’s are pretty expensive now. If you check on line you should be able to find a reasonably priced me. They even make c&r
nets if that’s what you want.
Good luck,
Tom

I have always used a shock leader while surf fishing but the pound test used was based on the weight of the lure or lead used to hold bottom when bait fishing. I can’t ever recall using anything heavier than 40 lb and that was rare, most of the time I used 30 lb mono and when targeting
stripers, fluorocarbon.

There are a ton of articles and books that have been published on fishing streamers and there is no single thing that causes a refusal but it must appear natural to the fish. I try to stick with natural colors especially with clousers, muddlers and Wooley buggers. In addition, it helps if you fish the steamer close to the bottom where most baitfish and other forage spend their time.
Good luck, Tom Z

Pick up a copy of “ Keystone Fly Fishing” It is loaded with info on trout streams by region as well as productive flies.
Good luck!

Tom Z