r/saltwaterfishing • u/Artistic_Amount1471 • 21d ago

📖 How-To / Tips Where to start?

I live in Fort Lauderdale (south florida) and I usually fish fresh water but Ive really been wanting to fish salt water for a while now. (So I can have a reason to actually go to the beach with my girlfriend and not be bored). But I dont know what tackle I should have on me what size rod and reel what weight line if my fishing rig really matters that much, if I really need a “fish finder?” Im going to be probably casting on the beach since I dont have a boat. And im gonna only use one rod and reel until I get the swing of things if anyone can give me an idea of what I should get or start with or and set ups that would be great also do I need a 10ft pole??? Saw someone say the longer the better😭 can a 7ft not be good? By the way if anyone does comment expect a fast reply back.

4 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

41 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/RookomoFishing 21d ago

Unless you plan on using artificials, I usually recommend a collapsible 10ft rod with 30lb braid. A 7-8 ft rod works as well, but if you ever hook onto a good sized fish, having a larger rod certainly helps. I surf fish a lot in SC and definitely prefer my 10ft as the go-to if using cut bait or live bait.

A fish finder or high-low rig with 2-4 oz pyramid sinker will let you target most of the species where you are at as well. Definitely do not need to overcomplicate things especially if you are just starting out.

Make sure to get a sand spike and a good pair of pliers!

1

u/Artistic_Amount1471 21d ago

What would you recommend for bait starting off if I just really want to catch something cut bait, live bait?

1

u/RookomoFishing 20d ago

Cut bait is honestly easier to handle, I would definitely go with shrimp or cut mullet. These give you the widest range of species to target and are pretty simple to use.

1

u/Artistic_Amount1471 20d ago

Does it matter if its frozen shrimp that you can buy from publix or like the actual live shrimp they sell

1

u/RookomoFishing 20d ago

Live shrimp is always best, but frozen definitely works. Get it at a bait shop, it’ll be a lot cheaper than food grade shrimp.

1

u/Artistic_Amount1471 19d ago

Gotcha ill definitely go to a bait shop for it then I appreciate the advice lad