Beginner seeking tackle advice.

[kermic]

I am a beginner surf fisherman and my tackle is 9ft Penn Surf rod with fuji guides, Penn CV4000 Captiva Spinning reel, spooled with 14 lb. cajun line. Usually using 2oz pyramid weight on double or single hook rig. I tend to be pretty comfortable with this set up, but I was looking for some other peoples thoughts. I'm usually fishing small weaks, kings, blues & stripers off the surf. I seem to be getting pretty good distnance, beyond the break and don't normally get many birds nest if any.

I tend to prefer spinning reels over conventional so that's not an option, as I'm not looking for big game fish. I am not sure if i am using the correct pound test with my reel as my reel is on the smaller size- probably only getting about 150 yds. on my reel. Do I need much more then that? Any thoughts- suggestions??

[Redhorse]

I suggest you carry an extra spool of line in your pocket...cause the first time you hook into a big skate, or a citation drum or something...your gonna get spooled real quick...:eek: .

[kermic]

do you suggest heavier line or bigger reel or both??

[al bundy]

in the surf i don,t like using any less then 17lb.
liter lines are fine till then hit a shell or a fish gets wrapped up. they its over.
i alos try not to fish with less then 200 yrds. of line..
that way you have a shot at a big fish. (WHEN YOU HOOK ONE UP) and sonner or later you will they all ways seem to find the weekest link in the chain.

most of all just have fun.
good luck.

[Lipyourown]

Good advice with the two posts above. I'd bump up the # test you have now...then get a bigger set up that is made for heavier line then take the rig you got now and go back down to 14# test for small fish and lures.

[RuddeDogg]

Welcome to the family. I agree. Bump up to a 6000 or 8000 and 17lb but no more than 20lb. You won't need more than that.

[kermic]

thanks, i think i'll bump up my reel to a 6000 with 17 or 20 lb. test.

[RuddeDogg]

You get 225 yrds with the 6000 and 275 with the 8000. Thats 50lb. Of course you'll get mor with the 17lb. I would suggest you change your line too. Maybe Suffix or Berkley Big Game. They tend to hold up better than the Cajun line.

[kermic]

what would your advice be on the cv5000?

[RuddeDogg]

I use braid on my lighter set ups. I have used the Cajun line alot and I have found that, althought it is a good line it doesn't have the strength of the Suffix or Berkley. I have 15lb Berkley Big Game on some of my other lighter set ups which I use for tossin lighter lures and plugs.

[MCS]

You have a few options. One would be to upgrade the size of your reel. If you don't have the cash to upgrade the reel size, the only way that you will be able to get more line capacity and a higher lb would be to spool up with some Power Pro.

Power Pro adds more problems to the equation (wind knots etc.) but once you learn how to fish it, you will love it. Power Pro has a zero stretch when setting a hook.

I wouldn't recommend fishing with anything under 20lb from the surf. Berkley Big Game has been proven time and time again to be a quality line.

Avoid Cajun Line at all cost. The breaking (tensil) strength doesn't even compare to Berkley.

[kermic]

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll try the Berkeley Big game and probably upgrade to the 5000 penn. With that set up do you still think a 2 oz weight is enough- or should i go up to a 3 or 4? I am usually using cut bait or art.blood worms(fishbaits).

[MCS]

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll try the Berkeley Big game and probably upgrade to the 5000 penn. With that set up do you still think a 2 oz weight is enough- or should i go up to a 3 or 4? I am usually using cut bait or art.blood worms(fishbaits).

You will rarely find that a 2 oz pyramid will hold even under ideal surf conditions. I start out with a 3, and usually find myself changing to a 4-5. It all depends on the surf conditions and the rip.

[MCS]

Don't forget to check your pole and seed what weight it is rated to sling. If it says 1-3, you have to factor in the weight of the sinker, the rig and the bait. You should have a pole that is rated up to 8-10 oz.

I had a Penn pole snap on me because I didnt check to see the rating.

[kermic]

good idea- i'll check that out.

[kermic]

the rod is rated for lure size 1-4 oz, 12-30 line

i should be ok using a 3 oz ? i've only ever used 2 oz in the past.

[MCS]

the rod is rated for lure size 1-4 oz, 12-30 line

i should be ok using a 3 oz ? i've only ever used 2 oz in the past.

You should be fine. Just be careful if you plan on fishing with bottom or drum rigs and a 3+ oz sinker.

[kermic]

thanks guys, great help. i decided to go with the 6000 reel and the berkeley big game 20 lb. i'll upgrade sinker to a 3 or 4 depending on conditions. thanks for all your suggestions. love the forum by the way!

[Orest]

I don't see how you are going to hold bottom with 2oz of lead; on a semi-crowded beach or pier you will be moving/crossing others lines.

[kermic]

orest, what oz wgt do you recommend?

[cygnus-x1]

For me it depends on a lot of conditions thus I always have 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 oz sinkers available. In the rough surf you will need 6-8 or more. You can get by with a sputnik style at 4-5 oz sometimes.
For the pier I use between 3 - 6 oz depending on what the rod can handle. My bigger heavers I use a heavier weight to load properly. My smaller 8' rods can use a 3oz. I save all my 2 oz sinkers for dropping small poles off the side of a pier or from a boat

[Orest]

bottom. Any where from 3 to 8 oz, it depends on the tides, winds. Most of the time 4 -6 is enough. You just got to watch your line, if you cast straight out (12 o'clock) and 5 minutes later your line is at 10 or 2 o'clock, move up an oz. in lead.

[kermic]

thanks- i'll definitely do that, appreciate the tip.