8 days? Cool! As far as rods go… if you want to go the cheap route, just rent ‘em for the day at the bait shop on Merry Pier.

I generally bring two rods- one will be a medium action with 15 lb mono or 20 lb Spiderwire on a Shimano Sedona reel. This does the trick on the snapper, sheepshead and flounder, and provides a little sport for the grouper. It also provides plenty of casting distance if the Mac’s, bluefish or bonita show up.

But, it’s no match for a snook, tarpon, shark, cobia or a keeper grouper. So I generally bring a second, sturdier rod, with 20+ lb mono and a Shimano Baitrunner (4500 or 6500) reel for the serious work. I can toss a big pinfish out to the rock piles, or drift one under the dock, and wait for the baitrunner to sound. That way, I can comfortably fish to rods simulaneously unless the bite gets hot.

Steve

Hiya, good to hear you weathered the storm. Just 8 days left and I’ll be in P-A-G losing bait and tackle but hopefully landing a few nice ones ocasionally. I need a good pole or two to keep down there for when I visit. I’ve just been using junk poles put together with spare parts.

I’ve been reading and doing some research as to what type of rods & reels are desirable for the type of fishing I’ll be doing (around the pier and surf). Unfortunately I’ve ended up more confused and clueless than when I started…So many choices, afraid of going cheap and ending up with a crap R&R but don’t want to spend too much $ if I don’t have to… Any suggestions?