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I am new to this page and saltwater fishing. I have been on a couple of charters, but that's about it. I am a U.S. Marine moving from North Carolina to Camp Pendleton, California. My wife's parents just sold me a 1985, 18', Wellcraft, center console, with a 115 hp saltwater motor. I am planning on buying new gear, but don't know where to start with saltwater gear. What do ya'll recommend (reel, rod, tackle, etc.)? Does anybody know how far out I need/can go with the boat mentioned to catch something worth throwing on the grill? Please help! I am really excited about moving to California and even more excited about getting in to fishing again. I just don't know where to start. Thanks for your help.
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Welcome to Bigfishtackle.com there Devil Dogg. Make sure and check out the Cali board for more local info on the area you'll be in.
If you can throw a baitcaster, i'd go with a 7' Ugly Stix rod and a Abu Garcia 6500 spooled with your favorite 20 lb line. I prefer Berkely Big Game Trilene myself.
If you can't throw a baitcaster, then i'd get a quality spinning reel combo. I'd still get an ugly Stix rod, just make sure it's a rod for use with a spinning reel, not a baitcaster rod. The difference? The baitcaster version will have small eyes from top to bottom. The spinning version of the rod will have large eyes at the bottom that will get smaller as they go towards the tip of the rod. In saltwater, I prefer Penn spinning reels over all other. I'd get a Penn spinfisher reel and spool it with 20 lb line as well. You need a reel that can hold around 200 yards of 20 lb line, so pick the size reel accordingly.
I recommended an ugly stix because they are nearly indestructable, and they are perfect for the newby saltwater fisherman and veteran alike. Most of my medium saltwater tackle and my heavy freshwater tackle is compromised of ugly stixs, and i've been doing it for nearly 20 years. That says alot for the quality of the rod. There are better rods out there, but for the money and strength, there is no equal.
I also recommend you buy a book on saltwater fishing. Walmart has a great one is the fishing section. I suggest you check it out. As for specifics and stratagies, head to the Cali board like I mentioned earlier. Those guys will be able to get you squared away! Good luck!!![cool]
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welcome usmc,to start off you guys have all the respect in the world from me.and its just what tarpon4me stated .if you want more info you can talke to tuben2,he is just about the saltwater king,and from cali.
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Welcome abard usmc. Welcome to SoCal as well.
For much of the Coastal fishing, you will need a 12 or 15lb set up, 20 to 30lb set up and perhaps a 40lb set up depending on your ability to angle out there.
12 or 15 lb set up would be good for the Calico Bass, Sand Bass, Bay Bass, Perch, White fish and other smaller species.
20 to 30lb set up would be good for Halibut, Rock Fishing, White Sea Bass, Barracuda, Bonito and Yellow tail. 30lb would also be good for Albacore fishing but not quite stout enough for Blue Fin Tuna nor Yellow Fin Tuna.
Before I recommend the gear, please let me know if you are more into spinning combos or conventional (Bait casting) set ups.
Tarpon4me has a good recommendation for brand and style. I can further enhance the equipment that would meet your general needs out here in Cali.
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I am more comfortable with the spinning combos, but I would be more than eager to learn the bait casters if they are better in any way. I really appreciate everybody's help! This is awesome!
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There is a wide variety of equipment that you could use for the lighter and medium applications.
Ugly Stick can and will meet your expectations for most general fishing.
It would be difficult to get into every aspect of every piece of equipment in just one or two posts so I will tell you what I use. Others can chime in as well to tell what they use.
Shimano, Diawa, Penn, Mitchel and Okuma reels are in my arsenal for Saltwater Spin Reels. I have different sizes from the 1000 class to 5500s in the Shimano lines, 30s to 50s in the Okuma lines, Mitchell 300 and 400 series. There are different sizes for differrent line sizes and capacities.
My Saltwater spinning rods range from 5' (ultra light to) to 7 1/2 foot (stout) and I also have several spin class surf fishing rods that are in the 9 to 16 foot range.
The Diawa Beefstick makes a good general use spinng rod for heavier saltwater spinning. The Ugly stick is also very good.
Regaurdless of what you decide to purchase, and other items that may get recommended to you, try to stay away from those combos that come with line already shrink wrapped on them. They are generally inferior quality and you will need to buy more of them as they break.[cool]
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