the absolute essentials

Lots of hooks. I'd look into some treble hooks as well.

My haven't used them much in the gulf, but hurricane or spider sinkers are useful if the current is rough. A 1oz spider can hold like a 4oz+ pyramid.

Rod holders, camera, beach cart, pocket knife, de-hooker, tape measure are all other helpful items. Don't show up without a camera, you will regret it when you catch a monster.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mforbesiii

Thanks to everyone that contributed. I think I have a pretty decent idea of what he needs to finish out his gear and more importantly, I know know the items I am also lacking.

Pier#r, I'll probably have some follow up questions as I digest your list a bit more and as I attempt to figure out where i need to make changes in my own set up (e.g. I don't know a thing about bubble rigs, how to fish them, what set up to use, etc)

---

J&M sells everything you need to make your own bubble rigs. Many a Spanish has died with a simple drinking straw in its mouth.
http://forum.gon.com/attachment.php?...1&d=1203355843

Any reason why you have beads on both sides on the bubble? I do use beads on the swivel/knot side to protect the knot from the bubble hitting on it. I also use clear beads so the bubble doesn't become the focal point for the fish. Am I missing something with what I am doing?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spottedbass

Any reason why you have beads on both sides on the bubble?

---

You think of the only knot to protect as the one below the float, but as a Spanish runs with the rig the float is driven back toward the knot on top of the float. Hence the protection on both sides of the bubble. If you thread the main line through the bubble, that's not an issue, but many people have a secondary heavier leader under the bubble, so they don't have to retie anything but the hook-length leader below the float. This weak link saves everything but the treble/straw.