Surf fishing terminal tackle starter kit

[whitefeather010]

I'm sure there is a thread that refers to this subject already, but I've just spent the last couple hours searching P&S, and have been unsuccessful in locating it.

I am basically interested in opinions of the experienced surf fisherman here, Primarily those guys that fish the OBX.

I would like to create or obtain a "shopping list" if you will, of the basic terminal tackle for bait fishing the OBX in the middle of summer.

I appreciate any help you can give, and thanks so much for all the wonderful information on the site already. My wife pretty much hasn't seen me for the last few days, because I've been glued to P&S, trying to figure out how to surf fish so I don't look like an idiot next month on Hatteras :)

My rig is going to be a Daiwa Sl30SH, on either a 12ft 2-12oz ugly stick or a 12ft 6-12oz Ocean Master. (haven't exactly obtained the rod yet, but diligently shopping for a good deal, hoping to get the OM!)

[kingfisherman23]

Pyramid sinkers: 4-6 oz
Circle Hooks: 1/0 - 9/0
Barrel Swivels
Mono for rigs/leaders
Two-hook bottom rigs (unless you want to tie your own)

[HStew]

You would do well with med. size spinning reel and a 8ft.(min.) to 10ft.(max.), 11ft(graphite max.,max.) 8ft surf,pier. 10ft surf. 11ft.surf may throw more weight and more reach. This sort of outfit would be good 1st. choice or good backup for the Daiwa SL30SH /12ft.OM.

[phoenixshard]

I'm not sure on past fishing, but since it will be the first time with surf fishing, but if you're going to want to use a conventional reel from the start, you may want to try practicing at home some before you get to the surf. It'll still be different from casting at home, but you'll at least get some experience with it instead of just trying to pick it up on the beach. It can be a bit frustrating at first. Having a good spinning reel as a backup as has been suggested already may be a good plan just in case.

[whitefeather010]

Thanks for the information so far, very helpful.
I've been a "mountain" fisherman for decades, so I'm not as green as I may appear, I've also been casting a conventional reel for several years too. Just not one quite as big as the Sl30SH. I'm hoping to get to a big field somewhere or maybe even a lake to practice with the big boy before stepping out on the sand and making a fool of myself :)

[Danman]

I take it you've never surf fished before??....If not your in for a big change from the ole mountain streams and lakes I use to fish up north:):)

I've been surf fishing for about 3 yrs now and I would suggest a simple setup if your not going to be fishing all year...like a 10ft rod.....now the reel....l use a spinning reel only but others will chime in about the conventional surf caster....I know their has to be alot of difference between your small conventional and your surf conventional reel...

After reading the threads for over a year now on your question...I am going to get a conventional reel and it seems the 525 is the one for the beginners up to the pros...good luck and enjoy!:fishing:

[eric]

note: this is a basically checklist. but it already covers about 75% the majority of your tackle.
well even though im not in the obx. the same tackle applies for me up north.
id get the OM 12 heaver. alot more and better rod then the uglystik.

pyramid sinkers 2 2-3 of each. 4, 5, 6, maybe 1x 8oz
circle hooks in size 3/0, 6/0, and 9/0. a couple of each
some 100-150lb barrel swivels.
the blue or yellow slidey sinker clips. not the thin wall plastic black or white ones.
some 8mm beads, color is preference. (i use beads to protect shock knot)
a 1/4lb roll of big game mono in 60#, shockleader
a leader coil of 100# mono.
you can use 15-30# test for main line on reel.
a nice 30size reel will basically fish all your needs.


then tie everything into a fishfinder rig. go fish.
the fishfinder rig works in the surf, on piers, on boats.

[inshoreangler95]

Also since you are almost new to casting conventionals this size, you might want to bring along an extra spool of line as you most probably will encounter a birds nest. Theres no shame in it, it happens to all of us:). Also it might be in your best interest to learn some line to line knots so that you can tie on your leaders!

Tight lines mate!:fishing:

[whitefeather010]

I'm hoping to find a reasonably priced spare spool for the reel before I go, for just that reason. I've used many of the knots used in surf fishing, or similar knots before, for example, bloodknot, clinch knot, improved clinch, nail knot, and so on, but there are a few that I am in the process of adding to my repertoire. As for casting, I'm going to feel like I stole the jolly green giants rod, Before this the biggest rod I will have casted is my 6 1/2 ft muskie rod w/ an abu 5000c.
I just priced some sinkers from basspro.com, wow, I'm not used to paying 4-6 dollers PER sinker. I wonder if I can find a couple sinker molds cheap before I go. I've already got the lead smelter for my handloaded bullet's.

One question that has been nagging me though,
If I'm running oh .......17lb test running line, 50lb shock leader, shouldn't my rigs be at least 50lb test also, seems like if I run anything less then I've just negated the purpose of the shock leader, or maybe I'm just a newb and somebody can explain it to me.

[UOPaul]

You don't have to pay $5.00 per sinker. Go to a local store, usually 20-30 cents per ounce. So your most common weights 3-6 ounce are going to be about a buck a piece. A typical break off in the surf will cost you $2-4 bucks each time. You can keep it cheaper if you can tie your own rigs.

[fishnuttz]

One question that has been nagging me though,
If I'm running oh .......17lb test running line, 50lb shock leader, shouldn't my rigs be at least 50lb test also,.

Yes .. That's why ooeric stated 100 /150 # barrel swivel and 100# mono
definetly want the 50# shock leader to be the weakest link;)

[scsurfcaster]

I would take that muskie rod to throw stingsilvers(blues, spanish,trout) and double hook rigs(pompano, mullet, trout, black drum, puppy drum)

[whitefeather010]

I would take that muskie rod to throw stingsilvers(blues, spanish,trout) and double hook rigs(pompano, mullet, trout, black drum, puppy drum)

sounds good, would I rig it similar to the big outfit, with shock leaders and such, or just tie into the running line?

[scsurfcaster]

you might want to put a short 3' or so 30#clear bite leader if you are throwing a stingsilver. Other than that if you are just tossing double hook rigs in the surf i wouldnt throw it very far and only use 3oz or so. if that wont hold you might be better off not fishing the breakers and fish for big stuff. part of the benefit of a long rod other than castability is that it puts your line up over or high in the breakers. If you are fishing the breakers it doesnt matter. Throwing a stingsilver is different. you want to throw it as far as you can unless fish are breaking and then you throw to the boiling water

[Brook]

>if I can find a couple sinker molds cheap before I go. I've already got the lead smelter for my handloaded bullet's. <

I don't know what you consider cheap, Whitefeather. New molds for pyramid and storm sinkers run about 30 bucks a pop. Plus you'll need brass eyes for them as well, which run about $4/hundred

Coincidentally, I just wrote an article about this. You can find it at:
http://www.the-outdoor-sports-advisor.com/sinkers.html

The big cost in pouring your own sinkers is, of course, the lead. But as a handloader, you already should have the lead-scrounging skills down pat. Which makes the sinkers cost mere pennies.

To put it in perspective, the average cost of pyramid and storm sinkers is $1.50. Depends on size, of cost. But that's it for the more commonly used sizes.

So just do the math, and you'll know right away whether casting your own makes sense.

[whitefeather010]

$30 a pop for molds is about average for most of the molds I use as well. It's probably not going to be very cost effective for someone like me who only gets to surf fish a few weeks a year. As for lead, I have hundreds of lbs of the stuff. I fell into a goldmine of lead several years ago when a contractor friend of mine was tearing down an old medical facility with an x-ray room in it. The whole thing was lead lined.

Just had another thought though, I could go ahead and get a mold, make all I need for myself and then start selling them to counter the cost of the mold.......hmmm.......shipping cost would be a killer on lead though.

Great article btw!!

[eric]

10$ usps flat rate box.. stuff it up to 75lbs?

[fyremanjef]

you can tie your own rigs for bottom fishing Its easier and cheaper.

use circle hooks.

To make a bottom rig take a piece of line with a loop at one end (for sinker) and 2 dropper loops (for hooks) Tie a swivel to the other end and attach to your line.

For a fish finder.

Snell a circle hook (it gets easier to do) tie a swivel to the end leave 3"-6" of line. Slide on a snap swivel to your main line and tie on the the snelled hook. Clip on a sinker and cast away. Its commonly called a drum rig. Heres a picture. You can make em or buy them.
http://hatterasoutfitters.com/posts/fulldrumrig.jpg

Drum rigs for bigger fish in the surf and high low (2 hook ) rigs for the smaller stuff in surf.



Dont over do it, until you know exactly what you need. First time to the surf, I lugged out abou8t 30 pounds of lead and all my lures, talk about overkill and a heavy cooler on the walk back to the car. :) Good Luck

[whitefeather010]

10$ usps flat rate box.. stuff it up to 75lbs?

Thats a good idea, I may have to get into the sinker business guys!!

which is especially good for me since I got laid off last week.

[dsurf]

note: this is a basically checklist. but it already covers about 75% the majority of your tackle.
well even though im not in the obx. the same tackle applies for me up north.
id get the OM 12 heaver. alot more and better rod then the uglystik.

pyramid sinkers 2 2-3 of each. 4, 5, 6, maybe 1x 8oz
circle hooks in size 3/0, 6/0, and 9/0. a couple of each
some 100-150lb barrel swivels.
the blue or yellow slidey sinker clips. not the thin wall plastic black or white ones.
some 8mm beads, color is preference. (i use beads to protect shock knot)
a 1/4lb roll of big game mono in 60#, shockleader
a leader coil of 100# mono.
you can use 15-30# test for main line on reel.
a nice 30size reel will basically fish all your needs.


then tie everything into a fishfinder rig. go fish.
the fishfinder rig works in the surf, on piers, on boats.

The bead is not really to protect the shock knot, but to keep it from sliding beyond the shock knot, up closer to the rod, and mis-representing where the fish (or bait if fish not hooked) actually is, and potentially entangling with other anglers.....a must have if fishing congested areas like the Point at Hatteras.

[eric]

The bead is not really to protect the shock knot, but to keep it from sliding beyond the shock knot, up closer to the rod, and mis-representing where the fish (or bait if fish not hooked) actually is, and potentially entangling with other anglers.....a must have if fishing congested areas like the Point at Hatteras.

no. for me i protect the knot on the hook side.
i use the yellow slideys. the holes are big enough my leader knot could go through it if i need it.
which is why i dont use the bead on that side.

[HuskyMD]

Are you going to be fishing the ocean side at OBX or the bay side? If your answer is the ocean side, forget the ugly stick. The tips are like noodles. A 12' ugly stick can't chuck more than 4 ounces before the tip starts looping like a wet noodle. If you can't get an OM, get a tica, or even a pinnacle.

Jeff pretty much showed you what you need in the image. 50 or 60 lb line for shock leaders, 5/0 - 8/0 circle hooks that you snell yourself, swivels, snap swivels or fishfinder rigs (if you get fishfinder rigs, get metal ones, not plastic as the 6 to 8 ounce sinkers can cause them to break), little beads (it will hit up to the shock leader knot which will keep you slider from going off your shockleader and onto your main line), a bait knife, and a multi-tool or pliers. That's really about all you need for soaking bait.

Do yourself a favor and do not get an uglystick. I have been there (HI) and tried surffishing with an uglystick, it did not go well. I ended up across the street on the bay side and did much better. Or, if you must get an ugly stick, get the 12' stick and cut about 8 inches off the tip. This will allow the uglystick to handle more weight. I did that to my ugly after the fact and it was a big improvement.

[HuskyMD]

Forgot to mention, that daiwa reel you'll be using does well with 17 - 20 lb test mono.

[Brook]

>Great article btw!!<

Glad you enjoyed it, Whitefeather. I hope you poked around some of the other pages at my site as well.

As to selling sinkers, I don't know as I'd get involved mail ordering them. The logistics of that can get to be a bit much. But there's no reason you can't sell them out of the back of your truck.

At the price you'll be able to offer, other fishermen will flock to you. We all lose a lot of lead, in the course of surf fishing. And paying even half a buck instead of three times that is very appealing.

Another alternative would be to make a deal with a tackle shop or two. Delivering in wholesale quantities is a whole different ball game.

I also think the flat-rate priority boxes are something that work more in theory than reality. Currently, the flat rate is almost 12 bucks. A real bargain if you actually fill it with lead. But the reality is, people will be ordering in smaller quantities.

So, just to put a point on it, let's say you are selling 30 ounce pyramids for 50 cents each, and I order a dozen. You have to add a buck each to cover the shipping, which brings it right up to retail.

[whitefeather010]

HuskyMD, you are the man!
Guys HuskyMD is the guy that hooked me up with my reel. Amazing fellow!

Thanks for the advice HuskyMD, I am planning on fishing the ocean side, so I'll definitely put forth the effort to get the OM.
I had some passing thoughts about fishing the sound side as well, but at that time I didn't even know if people did that or not. If things get too slow on the ocean side I might hit the sound, but then I'll have to learn even more stuff.

[side story] - Yesterday I was going fishing locally. (Pisgah Forest, NC) The family and I were at wal-mart picking up a couple menial items before heading out. I was in the sporting goods dept looking at fishing equipment, seeing if they had any of the stuff that I might be using at the coast, (not much) and then proceeded to search for some hooks and stuff for the days fishing. As I was doing so it crossed my mind what a huge difference, what a completely different world I was getting ready to fish at the OBX than what I had done my entire life. For most of my life, while I was shopping at a tackle store, I was looking for the SMALLEST tackle I could find, the SMALLEST BB shot, #8 or even #10 bait hooks, all the way down to #24 hooks for some dry flies, tiny spinners. Its the same with the rods and reels that I've previously bought. 4 1/2 - 5 ft ultralight rods mated w/ micro spinning reels. Granted this is my trout equipment, I do have some larger stuff, like my muskie outfit which is an abu 5000C on a 6ft medium heavy rod. But for the majority of my fishing, it's been the ultra-lite stuff.
hmmp.... from one extreme to the other. I can't wait, I'm so excited.
Well I gotta hit basspro.com see if I can find out how long this sale lasts on the OM's.

[whitefeather010]

12ft 6-12oz OM is on it's way!!!
sale price, plus free standard shipping, couldn't pass it up
only thing I had to pay for (besides the rod) was the $6.00 oversize fee.

[Pond Pounder]

.

[Pond Pounder]

Just thought I'd throw in my $.02 cents. You can find sinker eyes even cheaper here:

http://www.barlowstackle.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&Product_ID=2377&CATID=59

$7.99 for 500 No. 2 eyes, which will work up to a 10 oz pyramid weight (can't imagine trying to sling that beast...

[whitefeather010]

Someone mentioned to me that the lighter OM was fully capable of throwing 8nbait, I heard this after I ordered the big one, the 6-12 oz. Do you guys think I should try and switch the order before they ship or just stay with the 6 - 12 oz??

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Oh one other thing that I've never had to worry about till now. Do you think I should get a reel clamp for the Sl30Sh on the OM?

I didn't even know what they were, did some research, read some horror stories of sea monsters ripping reels right off the rod :) LOL. It's a whole new world of fishing for me.

[Byron/pa]

After 20 years of fishing OBX, I'll make a couple coments.

First of all, that big rod is great when needed, but make sure to bring along a lighter rod or two, in the 6 - 8 foot range with 12 or 14lb line. At the time you will be there, smaller fish (blues, trout, flounder, spot, pompano, more) should be present and the smaller tackle will catch more fish.

And to add to the tackle list.

sunscreen
pliers
sunglasses
small cooler for bait
big cooler for beer
towell to wipe your hands

And add some metal spoons to your tackle, such as hopkins or slingsilvers. Nothing worse than to have fish breaking in front of you and not be prepared.

[HStew]

the reel should come with reel clamp, reel tool,1 tuba' greese,2 sets reel brakes. As suggested by Byron/Pa ,the lighter outfit will be appreciated after throwing a "not use to this" 12 foot outfit. Given the right circumstances and the right amount size and number of fish a " 6-8 foot range" outfit will make you holler "uncle"!!!

[HuskyMD]

It depends how big/strong you are. While I am big because I'm overweight, I have a small frame and not that strong. I used to have the OM cape whatever its called (6-12 oz) and it felt a bit heavy and stiff for me. The lighter OM (which I own) is much easier to use for me. Can it throw 8 and bait? Lightly tossed. I throw six on it all the time. I have lobbed 8, but never felt comfortable throwing 8 and cutbait hard with it. What I'll do instead is use a 7 ounce sputnick sinker.

In the end, I think it is a decision you need to make for yourself. Somedays the water is calmer and you only need 5 or 6 oz and the lighter OM would be a lot more comfortable. Some days the water is far from calm and 8 is a must. Then you'd rather have the heavier rod.

Bottom line, you'll be fine with either one.

[HuskyMD]

as for your question about the reel clamp, I never had the clamp. If you want one, it is easy to call daiwa and order one. I personally don't like reel clamps on surf rods. Boat rods I like the clamp.

[whitefeather010]

good info, I think I'll stick w/ the 6-12oz, I'm 6-2, 185lb, so maybe it won't beat me up too bad. It is supposed to be here Tuesday. I'm going to spool up and go to a local field on a state park and see how far I can whip it out there.
As for the reel clamp, I'll probably end up without it. If I find some money laying on the ground somewhere between here and the OBX then I might pick one up. Looks like they're going for about $15 on ebay for machined aluminium.

[Sandcrab]

Oh one other thing that I've never had to worry about till now. Do you think I should get a reel clamp for the Sl30Sh on the OM?

I didn't even know what they were, did some research, read some horror stories of sea monsters ripping reels right off the rod :) LOL. It's a whole new world of fishing for me.

Those reels are pretty large and tend to move side to side when fighting larger fish like rays and sharks. I have the Daiwa 30 Grand Wave and have the clamp on it - you dont even know its there... My other small conventional reels really dont need a clamp to prevent movement of the reel while in the reel seat as they are much smalller and lower profile...

Sandcrab

[eric]

i would NOT wack 8oz on the light OM
6oz is really its limit. its a easy loading rod. the mid is soft.
it bends into a C shape on cast and when fighting fish. great for easy fishing.

i would only lob 8oz on that stick.
where as the om heavy, i can wack 5-12 oz with no problem.

stick with the heaver. it might take more effort to load and hit 5oz,
but itll definite still hurl it out far. and itll still handle more lead if needed.

dont bother with the clamp. itll just get in the way of getting good grip.
just wrap the reel foot with some electrical tape and winch it into the reel seat.

oh ya. dont try to power the heaver when you punch it.. itll kick you in the nuts.
just pull harder with the left hand and itll load alot easier.

[Oldmulletbreath]

Shovel, tire gauge, board for a jack, tow strap, carpet strips. You should have all of these if you plan to drive on the beach, that is assuming there is any beach that is open to drive on. While you are there join OBPA, NCBBA so that you are allowed to drive on it in ten years.

[eric]

examples.
rod is om 12' cps c heavy. newell p229f
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/ooeric/fishing/DSC00336.jpg

and the rig its attached too.
25# to 60#shockleader . slidey, bead, palomar, swivel, clinch, 100#leader, crimp, 9/0 owner ssw inline circle.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/ooeric/fishing/DSC00333.jpg


with your new rod coming in , with a good reel.
you can basically haul in anything that swims on a beach. minus the really big and fast critters

[whitefeather010]

Got my OM today, loaded it w/ 20# mono and 60# shock. went outside to lob a couple in the yard and about burned my thumb off! LOL
That extra 6 ft of rod sure makes a big difference.
Can't wait to get to a field to see how far I can really sling it!
I had been tossing a few casts on my 6 1/2 footer just playing around till the OM got here, and I had the brakes out. no problem. but with that big rod and half pound of weight on there. whew! man that thing flies. needless to say brakes went right back in after one cast. LOL

[eric]

just keep the 2 red blocks inside the reel.
its good enough for any weight you throw with it.
even directly into strong winds and youd be fine.

burn your thumb a few more times. and youll quickly learn you need to hold down the spool.
very very hard. lol have fun xD

[fishwhenican]

You might want to take some smaller hooks (#2 or #4) for sea mullet, etc. in case the larger fish are not cooperating. When I rig for sea mullet, I tie my own to minimize the hardware. I often use one large hook and one small hook (with the appropriate bait on each) to find out what is biting.
By the way, I am new to the forum and have found it very helpful and interesting.

[thebigman]

you can tie your own rigs for bottom fishing Its easier and cheaper.


Having just spent weeks churning out rig drawings for a UK based website it's interesting to see what you guys use. Any links to other US style rigs?

[thebigman]

I just priced some sinkers from basspro.com, wow, I'm not used to paying 4-6 dollers PER sinker. I wonder if I can find a couple sinker molds cheap before I go. I've already got the lead smelter for my handloaded bullet's.


Most Uk anglers make there own sinkers, easy once you get in the swing of it. Good guide here - http://www.planetseafishing.com/tutorials/read/how-to-make-your-own-leads-safely/

[Smally]

:fishing:Sounds like you got a nice rig Whitefeather010. I think you made a great choice. I too am a mountain boy that loves surf fishing, so much so that I lurk P&S prolly 5 times a week even though I usually only get to spend a couple weeks a year @ the beach. But I started mega-cheap, then went to just regular cheap, then upgraded 1 piece @ a time. So now in the end I wish I had done like you & gotten something worthy to start with. I'm wondering... with the name Whitefeather010... are you Cherokee? Where you from, I'm near Asheville?

Anyhow I'll go ahead & throw my 2 cents in although alot of it will just be repetative. First of all, if it's just a vacation then I wouldn't bother w/ sinker molds, nor would I order sinkers. I would go down there, hit the bait & tackle store & ask them how much weight is needed to hold bottom where you wanna fish. If they say 6 oz. then buy some 5,6 & 7 oz sinkers, 3 6's & 2 each of 5's & 7's in case they are needed. You shouldn't go thru them too fast and if you lose 1 or 2 then no worries because you will likely be hitting the bait shop on a daily basis to get ice & bait. BTW, if a bait store is selling fresh caught menhaden(bunker) or mullet then try it, fresh bait is great. That's just another reason to check in w/ the bait shop each day if there is a bait shop in the area you're going to that sells fresh caught (but dead) bait. Where are you going btw? Anyway, for sinkers I would wait & get down there & ask what you need as opposed to ordering everything you could possibly use & lose before getting down there.

Next, rigs. Here I would recommend making your own as others have suggested. In this case you can save quite a bit by doing it yourself. As for a fish-finder rig... when i was down in buxton I believe I paid almost $5 each for them. So you can buy a pack of swivels, pack of hooks, "fish-finder" slides (I dunno what exactly they are called), then a pack of beads or else they also have little discs made of soft material sold as knot protectors that can be used in place of beads. BTW the drum rigs I bought did not have knot protectors or beads and also used cheap plastic slides that would eventually break apart causing a lost sinker &/or a nice cut to your line. Once you have the hooks, swivels, slides & beads you can make your own fishfinder rigs and IMHO your 60# mono would be great for tying from your hook to swivel, make it as long as you like. My store-bought rigs were only about 3-4 inches but I prefer longer like 6-10" (but remember I am a novice). As for hooks, I would start with something between 4/0 - 6/0 circle hooks. Personally I would start w/ 4/0's but I'm sure there are many out there that think that's too small so go bigger if you feel you are gonna hook up w/ that 45" drum :). I just feel that the smaller the hook the more fish you can hook up with. Once you got your fishfinder rig on (that's what I would use on your new set-up if it were me) you can take it to your spot & heave it out & set it in your spike.

But while that is out there I think you may want another set-up. Maybe a cheap Wally world combo, or if you can afford it something better. But while your big rig is out waiting for the big bite maybe you could have another outfit fishing in closer for whiting, spot, flounder & whatever. If the bite is slow, it could be nice to use your back-up by throwing a double bottom rig out with smaller hooks/bait for the smaller fish. Or perhaps throwing out some bait on a flounder rig that you can retrieve & keep the hands busy. And if you're gonna be fishing in the summer b4 the fall bite picks up then flounder may be a good fish to target (& they taste great). Anyhow when you get down there I think you'll see that alot of people fish more than 1 pole when they fish the surf. Also perhaps having your muskie rod handy would be nice in case you see some action happening within casting distance. As said before... hopkins, stingsilver or maybe a gotcha plug. Oh & for that spare rod... if you decide to target some smaller fish, you need to make the hooks smaller too. If you are going after whiting, spots, croaker then you need to use a much smaller hook, I would guess a size 2 (not 2/0) or so but maybe someone else could give you better info on that.

Sorry for the long, boring book I wrote here... I hope you found @ least 1 thing I wrote useful, lol. Anyhow, the last thing I'll leave you with is this... If you have a 4wd vehicle & want to go somewhere that has beach driving then remember to pack a shovel. Bring a Jack along. Bring some scrap pieces of wood along (to either place under the Jack to keep it from sinking or use as traction for the tires). Air your tires down to 20-15 PSI (Too many ppl don't do this and it usually just ticks the people off that have to pull them out).

Anyhow, hope you end up loving the salt as much as I did. & in case you forgot my questions after reading this stoopid long post they were... Are you Cherokee? Where are you from? Where are you going?

Oh yea.... and do you have room for 1 more :fishing:

[Smally]

Oh, 1 more thing about the conventional, just in case you don't know already. In addition to thumbing the spool, to have a nice smooth cast & not have a big backlash, you wanna make sure that you level the line real nice when you wind it in. If the spool isn't nice & even then when the line comes off the small part of the spool it will speed it up & cause problems.