I have some questions regarding nearshore tackle and fish. I will not be out beyond 5 miles. I currently have a few 7’ rods MH 15-30lb that I’m going to start out using along with some large 7000-8000 series spinning reels. I already own the rods and reels so I’d like to start with what I have and I’ll upgrade as time goes on. I’m learning here so if I’m way off then please correct me.
What is a good basic all around rig for bottom fishing?
Hook size? 7/0?
Weight? 3-5oz?
What lb test? 20-25?
Depth?
What dead bait?
What can I expect to catch?
Can I use most of the same stuff for trolling as well? What can I expect to catch while trolling?
There are so many variables here and it all depends on where you are going to fish and what species you are going to target. Obviously, if you are looking to go shark fishing you are going to need different gear than fishing for reds, trout, BSB etc. Since you’re looking at nearshore, I’m going to assume youre looking to bottom fish the Charleston nearshore, jetties, grillage etc. Basically, any setup will work for this but good versatile rig is a 6-7’ boat rod with a 6000+ reel with 30lb braid. A 3oz carolina rig and a 4/0 hook. For bait, squid, shrimp, finger mullett, cut bait etc will all pull up fish at these places. My advice would be to use the gear that you have and try to get a feel for it before buying new gear. If you have different types of gear try it all and go with what feels comfortable. I like to use a light weight 7’ rod and a baitcaster reel because I enjoy the fight and release what I catch.
As for the the type of fish: The beauty of fishing Charleston is there is such a wide variety. You have your bull reds off Morris island. The Jetties and Charleston Nearshore reef have everything from Black sea bass, flounder, red and black drum, spanish mackerel, ladyfish, spadefish, Tarpon, whiting, toadfish, sea trout, pinfish, mullet, bluefish, stripers, kingfish, bonnethead shark and dozen other species of sharks and rays of varying size. It’s not uncommon to catch a half dozen different species at any location.
One thing I do is not over kill the rod and reel size. I use 7’ rods with med bait casters. Same ones I red fish for in the rivers. 30# braid is good with a good 50# leader. I also take a 7’ rod with a med spinning reel with 20# braid with a jig just incase a Cobia decides to show up.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Nearshore reef and anywhere else I can find. Just looking to catch stuff. I mostly fish for fun and keep very little. I’ll look into the reef anchor. I’ve also heard a brick wrapped in duct tape with biodegradable rope is a good alternative.
I don’t know about the brick thing, but I started by taking a piece of rebar and bending it kind of like an offset or folded in W and tied my rope to the middle part of the W. The two other legs with the offset/folded in would eventually hook to something. It cost about $3 and worked well, not sure why I left it other than getting away fro. The rust. It would bend as I pulled it off the reef and I’d bend it back. Occassionally lost one, so I carried two with me. A regular anchor will be an addition to the reef if you try to use it… you won’t get it back.
Your gear with bottom rigs and squid will be a fun day.
I’ll have to give the rebar reef anchor a try. I just so happen to have some laying around.
I’m hoping it’ll be fun. I enjoy the fight as much as actually landing the fish. I’m in it for the sport not for the food, although it isnice icing on the cake when you get a good fat one for dinner.
If you want the sport, get one of these: http://www.cabelas.com/bait-fish-rigs-barracuda-surge-lure.shtml
Put it on a spinning rod with a good heavy leader, throw it out around the reef and burn it up on the retrieve, as fast as you can. If there is a buoy, throw it by it. Hooking up on a cuda is a poor man’s sailfish, they go nuts. Be careful getting the hook back though.
I lost an anchor at the Charleston nearshore my first time out there. Making a reef anchor is easy and cheap. I prefer aluminum rods over rebar. They are much easier to bend back and last longer. Attaching the chain to the bottom of the anchor with a zip tie to the top makes for easy retrieval if it gets stuck. You are welcome to borrow mine if you need to. I even have a few spare parts left if you are looking to make one. Just shoot me a PM.
Here is my gnarly reef anchor. Made it out of scraps laying around. It’s so heavy I found I didn’t need the chain on it and it still bites hard. I really want an aluminum one though because of the rust. There is never any aluminum scrap at work that is usable.
Looks don’t matter. As long as it works. The reason I used the chain was to attach it to the bottom. I zip tied it to the top end on the anchor. The aluminum seemed to work well for me. It’s easy to bend it back into place. Not sure if it will hold up as well as rebar.
Matt, you are welcome to borrow mine anytime. I sold my boat and don’t use it anymore.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
I appreciate the offer, but I don’t like to borrow things like that. I would hate to lose it and then need to find 2 anchors. If you want to sell it or if you find the time to make another one, I would buy one from you.
I don’t sell them. If you borrow it and lose it it’s no big deal. If you want to make one, I’d be happy to help. Or, if you ever have an extra spot on board I’ll bring the anchor.
