Thread: december surf/lagoon fishing

Bass pro has a 2 piece 7'6" glass rod that I'm thinking of trying in December. Its rated for 2 oz. How much weight is usually needed in the surf in December? Hoping for pomps, whiting, maybe a red or two.

Unless you're targeting bull reds, 1-2 oz is plenty IMHO
So the rod blanks rated 1 to 3 ounces (12 to 20 pound line) should be about right.
IF it's too rough for that to hold, I go to the house.
No fun getting salt-slapped by a 3 foot wave in 63 degree water ;-)

Lol that’s Lake Michigan summer temps up here that we swim in

Originally Posted by Pier#r

Unless you're targeting bull reds, 1-2 oz is plenty IMHO
So the rod blanks rated 1 to 3 ounces (12 to 20 pound line) should be about right.
IF it's too rough for that to hold, I go to the house.
No fun getting salt-slapped by a 3 foot wave in 63 degree water ;-)

I'd probably target bull reds at least a few times if I knew more about fishing for them. As it is I'll be hoping for an accidental bull red hookup while fishing with shrimp on a pomp rig.

Then you may want to consider a longer (and more robust) rod than what you mentioned.
Something at least 9 feet, rated for 20#-40# line and 2 to 6 ounce weight.

If not looking to break the bank, I love my ugly stick 10ft surf rod that can be found for 50-60 bucks and goes up to 6oz

I think I can come up with something. Now if I can convince haywire to put on a sheepshead clinic while I'm in town I'll be all set.

Originally Posted by fordguy

Bass pro has a 2 piece 7'6" glass rod that I'm thinking of trying in December. Its rated for 2 oz. How much weight is usually needed in the surf in December? Hoping for pomps, whiting, maybe a red or two.

I use Shakespeare Ugly Stix GX2 and also older Ugly Stik in 2-piece and 9ft with 20-30 lb line throwing 2 to 3 oz sinkers in the surf. Matched with Penn Fierce spinning reels, the GX2 are $39.99 at BPS. Caught 30# blacktips and once a 50# cow ray, at that price buy 2 rods, I have had zero problems with those setups.

What fish does the lagoon usually hold in December/January?

We stayed at the Sanibel the last 3 years in Jan. & Feb. and I wade fished the Little Lagoon but never caught anything nor did I see anyone catch anything. I did get into some sheepies under the bridge and some reds at the mouth. Surf fishing in front of Sanibel was good, at times. I think the people in the small boats would do o.k. in LL. There would usually be a boat or two out there, but that doesn't mean anything. Winter fishing, Jan. & Feb. is tough, Good Luck!!