New to fishing!

[adesai73]

Hi everyone!  Thanks for letting me post here.

So, this summer, I think the fishing bug bit me bad.  I used to freshwater fish some as a kid, but haven't dabbled much since then.  Until this year.  I ventured out on a few party boats here in NJ and also in Hyannis, MA and had a blast!  I've also been making some recent trips to the piers in Keansburg, Perth Amboy and other bayshore locations.  Just watching the other guys fishing makes me happy. 

I think I've decided that I like this enough to invest some money into it. That, I suppose, leads me to my question:

What kind of all-purpose/general setup do you guys recommend for someone who is new to saltwater fishing.  I'll mostly be fishing from a pier, jetty, surf, etc. as I do not have access to a boat. 

Also, I realize that I'm getting started late in the year.  But...if I were to go out and buy something soon, what kind of fishing could I expect (given where I'll likely be fishing) to have and for how much longer?

Thanks in advance for the replies.  Looking forward to learning a lot here!

[adesai73]

Oh yeah, one other thing... money IS an object! I really only have a modest budget to work with, so any places known for bargains would be helpful, too! 

[Mister Penguin]

Are you left handed?

[Skolmann]

First off..welcome to the site.

Since you're relatively new to fishing in my opinion you're best off with using spinning tackle for fishing from a pier, jetty and beach. Something in the 7-8' range with MH action.

Conventional tackle is better suited for boat fishing in most cases.

Alot depends on what type of fishing you'll be doing (casting lures or throwing bait), where you'll be fishing and the species you'll be primarily targeting.

Since you say $$ is not a major concern, I'm sure if you provide alittle more detail in the type of fishing you plan on doing (see above)--you'll have numerous replies & opinions given as to rod/reel makes & models.

[adesai73]

Thanks guys for the quick responses.

No, I'm not left-handed.

Skolmann, sorry if there was any confusion, but $$$ is most certainly an object.  I really don't have much to spend.

The area I plan on fishing is mostly going to be the Raritan Bay.  I live fairly close to Perth Amboy, South Amboy, Cliffwood Beach, Keyport and Keansburg.  Primarily, I would be fishing off of the shore.  Either directly or via a pier or jetty or somesuch.  So far, my experience has been fresh bait only.  Don't know the first thing about using a lure for saltwater fishing.

As far as species goes, I don't really have a target, per se.  Fluke, blues, stripers, whatever...!    That's why I'd like to buy something that can be outfitted for as much variety as possible.  Can I do that?


What's "MH action"?

[Skolmann]

There are plenty of good quailty rods/reels that wont break the bank.

MH, means medium-heavy action. It will allow you to cast heavier sinkers/lures as well as give the strenght and backbone to land bigger fish.

I fish alot of the areas you named along the bayshore so I'm some what familiar with your needs. As I said, I'd go with a 7-8' spinning rod. 7' would be more sporting and 8' would give you the ability to cast further and control your fish better when on a pier. Basically it would be a great set up for bass and blues (might be a bit overkill for fluke).

For rods, I'd look at Tsunamis, Penns, Diawas and Ugly Sticks. For reels look at the Diawa BG series. If you're going to be bait fishing primarily with either clams or bunker chunks then go for a Shimano baitrunner (the 4500 should be about the right size)

[ped579]

Welcome Aboard adesai73,

Thanks for joining our crew. 

First, MH = Mediun / Heavy.  The rod length of 7 to 8' would be right in the ball park and as for reels there are a bunch out there that are reasonably priced to get you up and running. 

Shimano and Okuma are good as some of the others.  A good price range for a starter reel would be in the neighborhood of $50 - 60 and the rod some where in the same ball park.  Don't start off with a super inexpensive rig because you will have issues with it in a very short period of time and maybe even get frustrated to give up the sport early.

Many of the sporting good stores are running specials this time of year so look around for a good buy.  As far as line 20# mono to 30# braid would be a good choice for the bay.  Keyport pier is a good starting place as I believe there is a nice hole right off the dock area.  I am sure others will chime in on that one.

For some one that is new to salt water fishing my advice to you is to spend time in a good bait and tackle shop and ask lots of questions.  They will outfit you with the terminal tackle you will need from hook choice to weights needed to get you out to that honey hole.

I hope this helps

Happy Catching

Paul

[Treebeard]

Welcome!.. being new here myself, I can say you have come to the right place for help..This group is unbelievably friendly and helpful.. Haveing spent 20 years selling tackle, I have set up lots of new anglers, so maybe I can help.. The advise you have recieved so far is great..Skolmann is right on IMO with his recommendations on rod size and action..MH is a great choice as I always said you can get in alot less trouble with a rod too heavy than one too light.. As far as your budget, here is what I would recommend as far as how to spend it.. First, buy the best reel you can afford.. You can get away quite well with a bargain basement rod, but the real low end reels can cause frustration, and will not last long if you really get into fishing..Also, I would suggest a spinning reel with a "baitrunner" As far as brands, Shim feature.. This is a switch that allows you to "free spool" line off the reel with the bail closed..This is a major advantage while bait fishing, and also helps to keep you line under control.. I will often use the baitrunner feature even while using lures such as jigs as it allows the lure to drop on a taut line which aids in detecting strikes as the lure falls (which happens allot!) .. Baitrunners kind of bridge the gap between a spinning and conventional reel..As for brands, Shimano makes a great line of baitrunners (BTR3500,4500 and 6500) The 3500 would match up best with a 7' rod, the 4500 on 8-9'.. They are not cheap howevr..If the Shimano does'nt fit your budget, look at the Okuma reels. Their  Epixor series are real nice, and they have an even less expensive model that features a baitrunner (the Advantage I think? I've been out of the biz a few years ).. A size 50 in Okuma is about right i think.. One other place I would suggest not to skimp on is the line.. This is often overlooked but is critical and the least expensive part of the rig.. Cheap line tends to be stiff and wirey and will fall off the spool in clumps and snarls and cause aggrevation as opposed to enjoyment.... Buy a high quality monofilament to start..  Trilene XL is very soft and casts nice, but is not as tough and stretches more than others.. Trilene XT or regular flavor Stren while a bit stiffer, may be a better choice for saltwater..Have the line installed on a machine (by someone who knows how to run the linewinder) when you buy the reel..Some shops will even throw it in free when purchasing the combo, just make sure they use a quality line.. As I said, the rod does not need to be top shelf at this point..Down the road you will appreciate the advantages of a good hi modulas graphite rod, but for now a glass or composite rod will not only suffice for less money, it will also be tougher and more forgiving of abuse.. Just look at the reel seat, and avoid plastic hoods and rings if possible unless they are strengthened with some metal.. Wow..did'nt mean to write such a tome!..slow day at the office but I hope this helps..Most importantly ..Good luck, and Have a Blast!!

[Luna Sea 5]

welcome to the site, I hope all your answers are answered to your liking. I am sure they will be.

[adesai73]

Great responses so far, really very helpful.  Thank you.

So, from what I gather, it looks like I can get started for something in the $150 range.  Including a basic box, hook remover, hooks, weights, etc.  Does that sound right?

Do you guys recommend a large sports store like Dick's or Sports Authority or a smaller bait/tackle joint?  I know the smaller place will likely get me more personalized and knowledgeable sales staff.  However, thinking once again with the wallet, I think the large stores would be a better option.  I'd hate to go to a tackle store, bleed the guy of information and time only to buy elsewhere.  That's bad karma, methinks.

[Pops Soul]

Welcome to the site, You will get many great answers to your questions. You don't really have to go to sporting goods stores or tackle shops for equipment. If you live near the shore area stop by your local walmart or Kmart for deals. I find the ones at the Jersey shore areas have bigger selection for saltwater fishing.

[Fishin Dude]

You've gotten some great advice. Not much I can add to it. Good Luck and enjoy the fall Striped Bass run. <'((((><

[mboy]

My best advice is make a friend on here who goes surf fishing in the areas you will be and see if they can show you the ropes.
Def get your own rod/reel and some basic gear, but you will really be able to see what lures and rigs you need after going with a veteran.

I wish I could help, but all my fishing is by boat.

[ped579]

Dick's or Sports Authority are good for their sales on rods and reels. but I would get my terminal tackle at the local B & T.  This way you still have the custom feel and the personalization on what bait to use for what species.

When you decide to go to the next level a good B & T is a good place to go for either a custom rod or higher quality one at least.

Happy Catching

Paul

[adesai73]

My best advice is make a friend on here who goes surf fishing in the areas you will be and see if they can show you the ropes.

Who wants to hold my hand?  LOL!   Seriously, if anyone is willing to be a coach, I'd love that.

And thanks to everyone for your answers.  I definately feel more comfortable about going out and making a purchase than I did a few hours ago.  Now, it's a matter of finding the time to get to the store and more importantly, the water!!!

[Treebeard]

....
Do you guys recommend a large sports store like Dick's or Sports Authority or a smaller bait/tackle joint?  I know the smaller place will likely get me more personalized and knowledgeable sales staff.  However, thinking once again with the wallet, I think the large stores would be a better option.  I'd hate to go to a tackle store, bleed the guy of information and time only to buy elsewhere.  That's bad karma, methinks.

While you may get a better price at one of the box stores you mentioned, you will get little in the way of product knowledge from them, so will need to do alot of homework before going to them.. There are a few bigger independents in central NJ that have very knowledgable staffs, and good selections with fair prices.. 2 that come to mind are Harry's Army-Navy in Robbinsville, and Sportsmen's Center (where I used to work)  in Bordentown..I'm sure other members here can offer other options as well.. Another option if you know what you want is of course mail order..

[Capt. Ed]

Welcome to the site ...

My suggestions: S

1. Stay within your budget ... there is plenty of good equipment at a good price point.

2. Keep everything simple!

3. Post all questions! There are no bad questions. There are plenty of people willing to help ...

Best wishes,

Capt. Ed

[IrishAyes]

mboy hit it perfectly.  Get chummy with someone who fishes the areas where you want to fish.  Learn from his/her experience.  That will save a bundle of time and money.  If you try hacking it out on your own you will most definately buy many things that you don't need.  Especially if you go on the advise of some of the salespeople in the box stores, as they are usually not into fishing but in collecting a pay check on their sales.

Go to the local bait and tackle shops.  Pick their brains, buy something they have on sale, buy bait.  Anything in exchange for some sound advise.

As far as rods and reels, others have given you all the advise you need on them.  Get to the store of your choice and purchase an outfit and have them spool it with line.

This time of year you will be seeing a lot of bluefish and stripers on the beach.  Fluke is out of season now so there is no targeting them. 

I know rugman is trying to set up a meet in Sandy Hook for later in the month.  You may want to join the group there. 

[Hotrod]

Welcome to th Site
Your in the right place..

I'll tell you though..  Wall mart has some nice fishing setups for what your looking for.. every time I go in there, I want to buy another rod and reel..  And they are not bad set ups...

[vespo]

....
Do you guys recommend a large sports store like Dick's or Sports Authority or a smaller bait/tackle joint?  I know the smaller place will likely get me more personalized and knowledgeable sales staff.  However, thinking once again with the wallet, I think the large stores would be a better option.  I'd hate to go to a tackle store, bleed the guy of information and time only to buy elsewhere.  That's bad karma, methinks.

While you may get a better price at one of the box stores you mentioned, you will get little in the way of product knowledge from them, so will need to do alot of homework before going to them.. There are a few bigger independents in central NJ that have very knowledgable staffs, and good selections with fair prices.. 2 that come to mind are Harry's Army-Navy in Robbinsville, and Sportsmen's Center (where I used to work)  in Bordentown..I'm sure other members here can offer other options as well.. Another option if you know what you want is of course mail order..

I'd add Efinger Sporting Goods in Bound Brook to the list if you find yourself in somerset county along rt 287. The store is huge for an independent shop, and they have a large fishing section with a pretty decent selection of gear for fly fishing, general freshwater, and, of course, saltwater. They seem to have a pretty wide range of rods and reels ranging from "decent but not too expensive" to "high end" - same goes for reels. Lots of lures, and plugs of all sizes. They usually have a few types of frozen bait on hand on any given day too.