Inlet Tackle?

[Pfishingruven]

I am curious to see what other people use when fishing Inlets, primarily the Manasquan(Including the Canal) and the Barnegat Inlets?  I see so many different setups from freshwater light tackle to surf rods.  I  know it has a lot to do with personal preference, but I'd like to see what people prefer.  What type and size rod, reel and line is everyone using?  What seems to work the best for the variety of fish that travel through?

Any input would be great.  I am asking both for curiousity and because I am going to need to replace some of my gear.  After my fishing hiatus of at least 5 years saltwater and almost 15 years freshwater, none of my tackle is/was very good.  Since I freshwater fish a lot, I replaced a good amount of that already, but I just can't get away from saltwater.  So, I will need to replace my gear slowly and add items to my WISH LIST(Tacked up on the board underneath the HONEY-DO LIST).

Thanks

[Luna Sea 5]

  I  know it has a lot to do with personal preference

This is the honest answer.  Lighter tackle, more fun.. heavier tackle, less chance of losing the fish.

[ped579]

My choice would be a 7 - 8 foot medium heavy rod with any reel that would match the specs of the rod, loaded with 30 - 40# braid line.

As far as a leader material 40# mono or Flouro would be good. 

The tackle would be up to you and what you are going to target.  There is a lot of fish that make their way through there the best thiing is to ask the local B&T what is running or keep it tuned here to see what the guys have to say that fish that inlet.

Happy Catching

Paul

[fishon42]

i only fish for fluke at the inlet.. i use a shimano spinning reel with 14 lb visiline i think its called.. its not braided, and a 7 foot ugly stick.. works fine for me 

[Greg7]

I usually use a 7 foot rod with a penn spinning reel 17lb test when im fishing for fluke in the inlet. For anything else in their I use a slightly smaller pole ( i think its about 6ft) and I use 12-15lb test and a spoon or a saltwater assassin fish. Talk to kenny at Alexs bait and tackle right next to the inlet on the point side. He has alot of info about the inlet and canal.

[fishon42]

yeh usually am in there getting my killies and what not.... i like met 7' ugly stick and shimano spinning reel with 14 lb test set up...

[Pfishingruven]

Thanks for the replies!!  I have a better idea of what to add to the list.  I have an old Daiwa with 14lb and 20lb test on it that I completely stripped down, cleaned and greased/oiled.  Usually use it on my surf rod, but I have a 7 foot, only medium action, older Penn Slammer Rod that should work for now!

 

[Bucktail]

Yeah, that'll work.  Good luck

[ped579]

Sounds good to me.  Just check the rod for any signs if cracking or pealing of the finish around the guides.  Remember you will for the most part be hoisting a few pounds over the wall... I am being Optimistic for ya...

Happy Catching

Paul

[Greg7]

Sounds good to me.  Just check the rod for any signs if cracking or pealing of the finish around the guides.  Remember you will for the most part be hoisting a few pounds over the wall... I am being Optimistic for ya...

Happy Catching

Paul

Not to be pessimist or anything haha, but if its not a few pounds of fish it will be a few pounds of seaweed.

[ped579]

Think Positive...

[wink_man]

I do a LOT of jigging in the canal, so a lightweight outfit is important to me, because if the weight of the outfit wears you down, you're not fishing effectively.

I generally use a 7 foot light/meduim action custom Graphite rod and a freshwater reel. A smaller freshwater reel can be loaded with about 185 yards of 20 pound braid, and keeps the weight of the outfit way down. Add a 30 lb. shock leader to the braid, 24 inches long, and you're good to go. One of my favorite reels for the canal is a Shakesphere Excursion. Yep, it's a cheap reel, by any standards, will cost you $20.29 at Wally World, tax and all. But I have 3 of them, and I find that if you grease the reel with marine grade grease, including the roller line guide and drag assembly, they are more than up for the job. I've had one of them for 8-10 years, it's caught more weakfish & fluke than anyone has a right to, and I've landed some very large fish in very fast moving water with them. Never had a single problem with them. The real beauty of the reel is it weighs 9 ounces, and will keep the weight of your outfit down to under one pound 3 ounces, which is light enough that you can jig all day without tiring, yet it will still land any fish you will run across in the canal or inlet.

Garry

[MartyS]

I use a 7' spinning rod with 30lb powerpro.  An 8' rod is going to tire you too quickly as you make hundreds of casts.  I can get out plenty far with a 7 footer; as is, I'm always worried about hitting boats.  I like the 30lb line for getting unsnagged with less chance of losing rigs or lures.  It's also great for hauling in seaweed.

[blynch]

longer (8"+ ) rods are useful in keeping your lures off of the rocks, if you don't mind their unwieldiness.   Otherwise, a seven foot baitcasting outfit should serve you well.