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Well the May trip is getting closer and my Son walked in and said: 'Dad we have 8 lb line on most of our reels, do you think that is OK for Alabama?'. Made me think so: What LB line should I have on my reel to fish from the pier and in Little Lagoon? If greater than 8, I want to get two reels re-lined. Thanks Mike.
YES! It is more a matter of "taste" of what one is used to fishing, the way I see it.
Fish for a day or two with 8 pound to see if that fits your needs, then adjust IF you feel the need.
Don't be overly concerned with hooking fish too big to handle on the tackle you are already used to.
Over 90% of the fish you will encounter on pier, in the surf, and especially in the Lagoon will weigh less than 3 pounds.
Someone is usually nearby with a net...
if I'm on the pier, I'll throw 10-12 because I sometimes need to crank a fish in quick (sharks) and since I'm using a wire leader of a heavier lead-line, the heavier mono isn't usually seen. (spooks the fish sometimes) But you'll get better casting distance with a lighter line, and the fight is more fun.
If you want to make sure you catch as many fish as possible, use a heavier line just in case. But as Mr. Pier says, you're probably not gonna hook many Spanish or Bluefish too big to handle.
- Just don't hook a King or Cobia or Redfish, cause you're looking at 20# mono and a prayer. Try the 8# and bring a spool of 12# in case you want to switch.
JMO
A couple feet of heavier leader for toothier fish (or piling abrasion) lets you cut back and retie a couple times before you need to a tie on a leader replacement. A lighter leader might help entice a reluctant speck in clear, calm water but seems less probable this type of year.
The general rule is 10 lb test for every ounce of weight when casting for distance. Not so much from the pier or close in the surf, and more true for 9 foot and longer surf rods. If you need to cast a 2 point ounce weight in the surf you may want to use a 20 pound shock leader - that is a leader long enough to wrap around your spool a few times for the cast. The main concern is that you don’t want a break off sending the weight into someone’s head at 100 mph.
All I use is 8lb for inshore rods and 15/16 on my king rod. It's all about how you use your drag
Thanks folks: My son advises ( he checked with a tackle shop ) that the reels have 10# line so I read that we are fine. I have 10# and 20# leader as advised above. Getting to get the 'night before Christmas' feelings. Thanks for all the help and advice. Mike