Thread: Rod n reel

Hey guys I just spent all weekend on the pier at okaloossa (sorry I wasn't at gssp) . But I have been using an old 7' ugly stik and a size 50 reel for bait , Spanish, blues . You get the idea but that thing wears me out it's too much rod n reel for that type fishing. How about some pointers on a good quality setup for that type fishing. One that's not to hard on an old man. Braid ready or mono doesn't matter to me.

A more manageable ugly stik then.....when I first came down , I had way to big , and wore myself out casting , catching spanish (at the end of the day my arm was like a spaghetti noodle) last time for that, you don't need large unless targeting large fish, but even smaller gear will still catch, if good line and drag setting

Find the lightest inshore rod you can with specs similar similar to these.
7'-8' length
Medium power
Fast-Extra Fast action
6lb - 20lb line
1/4oz - 1.5oz lure.

Then put something like a Penn Battle II 2500 or 3000, or other brand equivalent on it, and spool with 10lb line.

Go to any local tackle shop and find a good combo that fit inside those specs.
Most should carry a Penn Battle II rod/reel combo that'd do nicely.

I know that J&M tackle in Gulf Shores can fix you up, as will most shops local to the beaches.
And any of the big box sporting goods stores will too.

What they said.

6.5-7' medium rod with a 30 series reel and 10# test and you are in business.
You dont have to spend a lot of money, decent outfits can be had for under $100.
Our scoutmaster picked up a nice Penn combo at Academy for $65 last week.

Thanks fellas. I've spent so much time focusing on kings and such that I was overlooking some of the other fine points of being ready for the pier.i gotta get a couple of downsized outfits.

Watch Tackledirect.com as well they've had some really nice inshore combos on sale last week or two.