FL Gulf Pier Fishing Rig

[chindog]

I'm going to be spending a week in Carrebelle, FL on the gulf coast. There is a fishing pier at the campground that goes 250' out into the gulf. I've never fished salt water (except for guided tours on vessels). Since I'm there for a week, and there isn't much else to do around there, I'd like to see if I can catch anything. But, I don't have a rod and reel with me. My gear is all fresh water anyway. So, I need to buy a rod and reel, but not quite sure what I need. Budget is about $100ish for the combo. It looks like the fish that are around that area and are in season include Sheepshead, pompano, black drum, mahi, flounder, and a few other species. Since I'm traveling, I can't order anything for shipment to me, so have to find a tackle shop. But my question is: What should I buy?

I was thinking a medium duty spinning reel, rod of about 8'. Monofiliment line of about 25 or 30#, and using live bait (shrimp, sand fleas or whatever the bait shop sells).

Am I being to optimistic on the size of fish I hope to catch? Should I maybe plan on getting a lighter rig?

 

[BIKER13]

any striper rod and reel will work put braided on it and fish a carolina rig with about a 1 oz weight.

 

[The Southern Gentlemen]

I have fished Carrabelle all of my life, Reds should be running good right now. Shrimp will be your best bet. I use a cheap catfish rig from Walmart and have for the last 10 years, it does the job. My best friend just got back Sunday from down there!!

 

[The Southern Gentlemen]

If these ladies could talk!!

 

[The Southern Gentlemen]

I also use a bait caster setup to trout fish the grass with, white looking grub with a red head as bait or a silver spoon with treble on it!

 

[The Southern Gentlemen]

Also first thing at daylight and dusk into early night fall will give you some good results

 

[chindog]

Thanks for the advice!!!! I'm looking forward to this outing!

 

[Dpate]

Any medium spinning rod (I like 7'6") and a 3000-4000 size reel is more than enough for any inshore fish you will encounter. You definitely don't main line that heavy either. I run 20-30 lb braid (30 lb is 8 lb mono diameter) for abrasion and extra capacity then top it with a 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader (24-36").

Main thing is to keep your equipment out of the water and give it a wash down after every use. It will last forever.

 

[mfoster]

I would go in Walmart and buy one of them catfish rod and reel combo.usually around 50 bucks and leave it when you leave it’s gonna rust up anyway.

 

[Lancekl]

29 inch trout I caught last month down there