I just moved to the area and the only salt fishing I’ve done is a few charters out of San Diego. Anyways I am looking for some advice on lures,baits, and techniques on how to shore and surf fish. Also a few good set ups, I’m currently using a 6.5 ft ultralight I had for bass gishing, I’ve just stuck a Penn frc5000 reel on there with 20lbs braided… Thanks for the advice and all.
Boot to saltwater
Because of the extensive marshes, deep pluff mud, and private property - you are severly limited in places to surf/shore fish. My advice is to find something like a jon-boat or kayak. Lots of good fishing within 100 yards of landings - but you can’t get there without a boat. Exceptions - sure, but (**() few.
186 Bone Flats Boat
140 Suzuki fourstroke
Tons of advice on what you are asking on this site. Mix a drink and start with the search function. Then ask us some more if you need it. 
Welcome!
He may not be old enough to mix a drink… Then again he may be an old fart like the rest of you lurking around here
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
I’m of age, however I’m on a budget since the marine corps doesn’t pay too well and I got two babies at home so no money for boozing lol. I’m looking to get a jon boat but that will take some time… I’ve been reading some of the other threads, I figured throwing this up may save me some time on the research end. Anyways guys if yall got any knowledge to impart feel free.
Boot to saltwater
Go to the Florida Sportsman website and order the book and DVD on inshore fishing. You’ll see that there are other book/DVD combos that are species specific but this combo can get you heading in the right direction. Follow this forum and you’ll get plenty of great advice and find good people. Good luck and tight lines
First of all thank you for your service! I have two little ones at home myself so I feel your pain. As far as rods and reels your rig sounds like it will work just fine. I mainly use a 3000 size shimano Stradic reel and it will handle pretty much anything we have inshore (such as trout reds sheepshead whiting sharks). So if you’re using a 5000 you will have more than enough line capacity and drag. For artificial baits I prefer using Gulp over just about anything. Specifically the 3" and 4" white and natural colored shrimp. Also the gulp 6" jerk shad in white. There is a 5" version but I like the 6" better can be a little harder to find. I fish the shrimp on jig heads and the jerk shad on a weighted swim bait hook. If you’re bottom fishing I would suggest using a simple Carolina rig with enough weight for current conditions. Bait of choice is shrimp of course and cut mullet. Those two will definitely get you a nibble from something…may not always be what you’re after. Since you don’t have a boat I would suggest the broad river pier… Don’t fish it myself (since I have a boat) but there have been a few Cobia caught from it the past seasons as well as other game fish. Also I believe there is some sort of boat rental offered by the military? Maybe someone else that knows those specifics will chime in.
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
Find another Marine with a Jon Boat that is getting ready to ship out and needs to sell his boat! You can get some real good deals that way! Find a guy that is just going to deploy for 6 months and talk him into letting you keep his boat for him?
My son is a Marine at Pendleton, when he is not deployed. Give me a call -lets see when we both might have a little time, and I will be glad to meet with you share what knowledge I have and answer your questions. I too appreciate your service.
Blair 843-321-0399
186 Bone Flats Boat
140 Suzuki fourstroke
You can check out a boat at the air station. Nice selection at VERY good rates. See MCCS.
ZX
^^^ Thats the info I was referring to… Thanks!
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction guys. The boats from base are a great price
Boot to saltwater
What you trying to go after? Trouts and reds? You can’t go wrong w/ Electric Chicken color swim shad. Sharks bite anything live or cut. Personally I use nothing but Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels. I have 8 of them, ranging between C3’s and C4’s, and 4600-6500’s. I once vowed I would never use anything but spinning reels, NOW I rarely use a spinning reel. Also, when i’m after big stuff I use a Penn 345GT Reel, PLENTY of line. You’ll want something on the medium to big side for cobia, I think it’s a law if you live in beaufort you have to fish for Cobia. You’ll be hearing a lot about them in the next few months. Kayaks are a BLAST, extreme amount of fun. I suggest getting one of those even if you have a boat. I have a wilderness system tarpon 120. it’s a good time.
“Lock em’ down”
I second the “Thanks for your service.”
For cobia, I would recommend losing the light weight rod in favor of a 6’6" or 7’ standup jigging rod (spinning) like the Penn Carnage or Shimano Trevala…in a 20-50 or 30-60 lb range. The fast taper will be forgiving on the 20# braid and the 5000 class reel. These will set you back from $100 to as much as you want to spend. They are great for jigging or casting 3 to 6 oz jigs for cobia in the river and jigging them up at nearshore reefs and wrecks. Also good for bull reds in the fall under the bridge and around structure at mouth of Port Royal Sound, etc. That 5000 class reel might get taxed by a big cobia, a heavy bull red and especially a nice sized shark.
For surf, you’ll need some length…like 7’6" and up…to get distance on your casts. You’ll also be using weight up to several ounces, so a rod designed for surf casting would be a good idea…and some are not expensive. Again, that 5000 class reel might be a little small, but you can size down the weight to “get your feet wet” in the salt.
Best of luck!
Wildlifesc, thats the info I’m looking for. Thank yoi, I know I gotta get away from this rod and thanks for giving me an idea on what to get… I defiantly want to get the right gear before a boat lol. Next payday I’ll probably go for that Penn rod just to keep the brand whore going lol. I’ll be sure to let you know how it works out for me
Boot to saltwater
boot2salt, as the folks above have said, Thanks for your service!
Before you make a purchase maybe I can help you out on something that will work for you that will save you some money. I will give you a good deal to help you out getting started.
I know most of the folks above and they really helped me out along the way. Still do.
Any chance you are on Lady’s Island?
NN
07, 23 Key West, Twin 115 Yammys
“Coastal Bound”
That rod will be fine for casting to reds and trout. Hang on to it toss a smaller reel on it and you’ll be good to go. Glenn up there ^^^ aka DoubleN is an awesome guy he’s helped me out when I was in a pinch quite a few times! Get with him he may have just what yur looking for!
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
Sounds good thanks. Glenn, I will send you a private message, but I’m out in Laurel bay.
Boot to saltwater
Thanks for your service to our country from me also. Welcome to the Low Country. The fishing is great But our waters can be tricky and you’ve got a lot to learn. Stick around here and you’ll get a good start. Before you rent a power boat it would be a good idea to go out with a local a time or 3.
Do you get any weekdays off? I’m needing to go fishing myself. PM me a cell phone number or email address. We might go try for those mythical cobia and redfish next week I’ve got the tackle.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Do this^^^^^
Thanks for your service!!!