| Inshore fishing, especially in quiet bays, does not | | | | reel seat. |
| require the expensive high-end equipment that | | | | For the heavy set-up, the same reel specifications |
| true ocean fishing does. Before I start, let me say | | | | apply, only now you need a larger reel that can |
| that my recommendations are what has worked | | | | hold 350 yards of 20 Lb. test monofilament. If |
| for me over the years. It may not be the best | | | | you use a level-wind reel, make sure you get one |
| or only choice available. | | | | with a bait clicker. The rod construction still applies, |
| For inshore fishing, you really need two set-ups. | | | | only now you need a Med-Heavy action. A 7-1/2' |
| One for light duty fish like snook, redfish, flounder, | | | | to 9' rod is plenty. |
| pompano, speckled trout, Spanish Mackerel, and | | | | If you are going to troll, you need a good |
| smaller fish. | | | | selection of jigs and saltwater lures for the |
| The second set-up is for larger, more aggressive | | | | species you want. In a nutshell, most of what you |
| fish like sea bass, striper, tarpon, tripletail, cobia, | | | | want will be imitations of squid, shrimp, mullet, eel, |
| bluefish, dorado, small to med. sharks, and other | | | | and cigar minnows. |
| bruisers you might come up against. | | | | You might want to purchase a 'spider' rig for your |
| For the light rig, you want a reel that can handle | | | | boat, to allow you to troll with several evenly |
| the abuse that salt-water fishing can dish out. | | | | spaced rods. |
| Your favorite bass-fishing Ambassaduer reel is not | | | | For bait fishing from a boat, pier or shore, you will |
| going to work in the salt. | | | | need wire leaders, saltwater barrel swivels, hooks |
| You need one constructed of stainless steel, | | | | apropriate for the species you are fishing for, and |
| graphite, or anodized aluminum, with 3 to 6 | | | | a good selection of pyramid, egg and bell sinkers. |
| stainless steel bearings. The more bearings, the | | | | Most bait fishing in bays will be bottom fishing with |
| smoother the reel operates. | | | | a double hook rig, For speckled trout, oftentimes, |
| You will need a gear ratio of at least 5 to 1 up to | | | | you can get your limit with a double jig set-up |
| 6.2 to 1, and beyond. Look for a spool that is | | | | rigged under a popping cork. |
| longer than the short, stubby freshwater types. | | | | You can wade fish in some areas, especially along |
| This will allow you to cast light baits farther. | | | | the Florida coat and the Keys, but you need to |
| The reel needs to be able to hold at least 150 | | | | be aware of the hazards this type of fishing |
| yards, or preferably 250 yards of 12 pound | | | | involves. |
| monofilament. | | | | First off, be aware of the times of incoming tides. |
| Rod length is your choice, but if you are fishing | | | | This brings larger predatory fish like sharks and |
| from shore, or a pier, a long rod is not necessary. | | | | barracuda closer to shore. If you are fishing near |
| A 7-8 foot, Med action graphite rod will do nicely. | | | | breakers, watch out for undertows. They can be |
| Just make sure it has Fuji guides and a strong | | | | deadly. |