Where to go/first timer

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rtpatter

I thought about J&M but assumed they would be at the high end in terms of equipment. Since I'm just looking for something basic and cheap for the kids I thought their might be a better option. However, will probably swing by there anyway just for the advice. Thx

---

I was in J&M a couple of weeks ago and they had several spinning combos in the $30-$35 range already spooled with line. Your bass spinning tackle in the 10lb-12lb line class would be just fine for the surf and shallow end of the pier for Pompano, slot redfish, black drum, whiting, speckled trout, Spanish Mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish, flounder and spadefish. The key is to gently rinse them with freshwater from on of the hoses on the pier before you leave for the day and spray them with Reel Magic before and after fishing. Get you some size 2 hooks, make up some Carolina rigs and get fresh dead shrimp or preferably live shrimp and maybe a size 4 sabiki rig or 2 to catch bait and you will be as well equipped as most anybody else unless you want to target king mackerel, jacks or bull reds on the end. Prices at J&M are competitive with just about any other retailer but you can get specialized tackle and service and advice that you won't get at Wally World.

Ditto on all the above, and double ditto on live skrimps when fishing surf with kids. Much better than dead frozen bait. Fresh dead shrimp at worst. Avoid squid unless you like sea cats.

Also...I always bring an 8 or 10lb bass rod with a spoon or swimming minnow lure if the lady fish/blues/Spanish are hitting baitfish near the surf. The kids had a blast with those when they were younger.