Keeping your rod tip up is during fighting the fish. Today’s rods allow the use of light lines. To avoid breaking the line and the fish spitting the hook, hold your tip up. The resistance and tension of the rod wears the fish out. Without the roads action the line would either break or pull. Just like Fredfish said. Tarpon are beasts and you must bow to the king as too much tension will pull the hook. Your rod is as important or maybe more than the line. This is how you catch 10# steelhead on 4# line. It’s all in the rod. When waiting for a bite you’re correct in your methods. Whatever presents the bait correctly and allows for a proper hook set.

Thanks Barnacles! Good timing !

Freshwater#1 crappie, 2 perch, 3 walleye
Saltwater #1 Mahi Mahi, 2 Flounder, 3 Red Snapper

Well- Walleye have been referred to as "Walligators" for as long as I can remember. Not so much when in Erie, Pa but very often around the Pymatuning area.

All great advice. I love the sun and can handle an all dayer with no burn. HOWER, I wear the gear, mostly gifts because it’s expensive but works great. Be very diligent about your feet. The top of your feet and in between your toes! Your nose- pack it on and the top of ears. I don’t like the gloves but I wear them. The best part about it is when it’s hot pour on a little water and your cool for a while.

I answered my last question. I downloaded this app and entered my questions about laws. With pictures. You may like it.

I see I put MC in the title versus NC for North Carolina. My fingers are not made for typing on a phone. I struggle understanding the laws about beach fishing, size limits, endangered, gear restrictions for sharks in NC. I will probably only harvest 1 shark in my life if ever. You get redirected to other sites and I think it is on purpose. Can someone direct me to a site that clearly states the laws?

Thanks for the reply. I guess my strategy is catch a blue, cut it up and put just shy of second sandbar. Do I need steel leader or heavy mono

Man you hit a sweet spot with some of your comments. I was in Hilton head a few years back way away from people on the beach. I hooked a 4’ black tip. I was at the edge of the water concentrating on landing him. By the time I had him in the surf to my surprise there was 50 people surrounding me. In my face saying crap. In a panic I grabbed him by the tail to unhook him and YES they can reach you! Almost got me. Grabbed my knife cut it above hook and pushed him back with but if pool.

Any advice on shark fishing around or near Wrightsville Beach (or other beaches near) from shore or close to shore?
Location, gear, bait. Are there any special laws or restrictions. I am intrigued with sharks and only want to catch and release without harm.

Thanks. This is my typical strategy. Up in Pa it’s pretty clear, find some cover or fallen tree in a bay that gets full sun 4-12’. Drift around, fun. But what I find at Harris is little cover, the shore lines goes deep quick and structure is hard to find even with good electronics. Or the flats which fill up with weeds quick. I seem to do my best in deeper water finding them suspended. It’s a lot of work and not too fun for youngsters. They have charters on the lake. Rods out the front and back trolling shallows catching a lot. But the good ole slip bobber or 1/8 jig I just can’t get to produce. Thanks for responding. I appreciate this.

Any advice for crappie on Harris. I don’t think I want to do the 15 pole slow trolling method. I just want to go with the kids 1-2 poles apiece and catch enough for dinner. I do have a boat. This lake is rated high for crappie but not easy.

I’m getting a hit. Or I just had a hit. Or hit it again. A nibble or a bite has always been referred to a hit.

I’m getting a hit. Or I just had a hit. Or hit it again. A nibble or a bite has always been referred to a hit.

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!