Recommendations for Saltwater fishing tackle.

[BassnMan Mike]

The following may be an impossible questions to answer but I have to ask. First off, I am basically a fresh water bass fisherman. While I have been out on charter boats I have always just rented the rod and reels. The time has come to get my own. I’m not looking to spend thousands of dollars, because the wife would kill me, but at the same time I don’t want some cheap POS that wont last or is just plain crap.

That being said, I’m wanting to purchase 1, maybe 2 in needed outfits. I would like to do some charter boat fishing for tuna and other species as well as shore/pier fishing. I would prefer a left handed retrieve reel so please keep that in mind. I’m pretty much a newbie when it comes to salt so please be specific when it comes to products. Trust me, I know everyone has their favorite brands but please try and be objective.

Also, I will be needing to put together a basic saltwater box to do the fishing I mentioned above. I have tons of fresh water bass stuff, can some of it be used for salt?

I guess the bottom line here is I’m looking for Saltwater Tackle For Dummies.

Thanks All,

BassnMan Mike

[Max Estep]

I will keep this simple and uncomplicated.

You will need a Light and Heavy set-up for every trip you go out on.

I've noticed that you have taken interest in Avet reels. So a perfect light set-up for Charter boats etc, would be an Avet SX with a Shimano TMC-80M. That set-up can slay kelp patty Yellowtail to Calico Bass at San Clemente. You can pitch a grub back when fishing for Albacore or toss a Slug-O fishing the thick of the kelp forest for Calico Bass. It's a rod that can have the sensitivity of a bass rod but the back bone of any saltwater rod. And with the Avet SX, you have the compact and comfortability unlike any reels of the SALT. Yet, its power packed behind the reel is unreal. I've seen and witnessed first hand people kill 30-50 pound Yellowfin tuna with this reel. You will be happy with this set-up trust me !

As for a Heavy set-up I would recommend two reels. If you have the money go with the Avet LX. If you are looking to save a couple of bills go with the Saltist 40h. Both reels are perfect for slaying large grades of Yellowtail, Albacore, Yellowfin Tuna, and the list goes on. As for a rod for these puppies definitely stick behind a Shimano Tallus TLC-M70MHA. Since these are your first true saltwater set-ups, stick with something that has a nice warranty like Shimano (rods).

When you get into slinging Iron, let me know.

As for tackle, I am sure a few other people will chime in !

[Max Estep]

Also, as for shore/pier fishing you can use your bass tackle with any 8' M-MH rod.

[jeffcpr]

Hey Mike as for your bass lures, I am heading out to fish the break water later this month and every one is saying most of you bass tackle can be used.
Crank baits, jigs etc....
As for tuna I don't really know, I have heard irons would be a good lure, but I like you don't know enough.
I do have two older salt water reals Penn one is in good condition I would be williing to part with. I am not sure it is a left hander though. You can always check craigslist or ebay for good deals. but I am sure you have already though of that, good luck if I learn anything new I will share it.

[Walt]

Here are the basics of what you need to get out on the Salt for trips from a 1/2 day to
a 3 Day'er.

1 20 or 25lb set up with fresh 20 or 25lb line. Like an MX on a 7' 6" 15-40lb rod.
1 10-12 lb bass rig for the light inshore stuff.
1 25 meter spool of 20lb and 15lb Fluorocarbon
10 hooks...10 each 1/0 & 2/0
5 1/4 & 1/2 oz barrel sinkers
1 pair needle nose pliers W/Line cutters

THATS IT......

Learn to use the Irons later. Bait fishing is you most important skill, it will be
a lifetime study.

Walt

[BassnMan Mike]

Simple and to the point, I appreciate the information.

On the reels, should I get high speed, low speed or do I actually need to spend the extra money for the 2 speed?

[Walt]

Go for the 5 or 6 to one gear ratio. So you can crank irons at a later date.

Walt

[NulodPBall]

Hi Mike,
Walt's advice is pretty solid, but you might want to throw in a #2 set of hooks in case anchovies are what's in the bait tank.
There's plenty of advice on this subject, just do a search so you can see what everyone's opinion is, but you never really said what your target budget is.

1. I've caught most of my YT on a 7' Fenwick Inshore rod, with an old Calcutta 200. As Walt and Max have pointed out, your bass stuff will work, even the low-pro reels if you're just targeting calicos. I have been spooled though. This setup will be more than enough for pier fishing. It's a bit harder on an old body to fish triggersticks if the fish are the larger models (I've caught 34# YT on mine), so if you have a more traditional (non-triggerstick) rod, I feel it's easier to grind on fish with the longer butt.

2. Your 20# rig, as Walt pointed out will be very useful. You can catch up to 30# tuna without getting cornholed. But if the rod had three line ratings on it, like "15 20 30" or "10 15 20", make the 20# rating the middle or the lower rating...that way you'll have some meat left in the lower half of the rod if you hook larger fish...but remember, it's a bait rod, not a jig stick so a slightly flexible tip is nice. I like 8 foot rods, but that's just me. You can put more of a "hurt" on fish with longer rods, but they can work you also.

---If you have the budget, a Saltiga 30 is a great all around reel. If you don't have a budget then an SL 20 or 30 should be fine. Star drag reels are cheaper and everyone likes them...set your drag light...about six or seven pounds if you care about the numbers. You can always tighten it if you need it. I like Shimano because I can drive to their regional service center instead of shipping it, so I have Calcutta and a Trinidad or two. I've transitioned over to Lever drags so I like the smaller Accurates, but they're not cheap.

As Walt mentioned, you don't need a two speed...I have them but I always keep it in high speed.

If you get a hankering for a third rod, get a 30# setup...you should be able to run 40# line if you need to (that's why you bring extra line ) but you should be able to catch 40 pounders on 30# with that and you'll pretty much be set for any trip under $600.00

Sorry for so many words...

[cst]

Get yourself something to fish 20lb test with and something to fish 30lb test. Your FW bass rods will work for the inshore stuff.

The Saltiga 30L would be perfect for 30lb. IT will also give you the option of fishing 40lb test.

You might be stuck with fishing Avets though since you need a left handed reel.