All - I’m looking for some advice (rigs, tackle, bait, etc) for fishing any of our mulititude of reef’s right off the coast. Along with what to use to catch fish, what sorts of fish can you get out there? Grouper, Snapper?
I have 0 knowledge of fishing anywhere but inshore, and I’m assuming a popping cork w/ a shrimp isn’t going to do it out there 
Thanks y’all!
How far out are you looking to go? What type of boat? There are many people on here that are willing to provide helpful info for you but you should probably provide more specifics. If you are just going to head out to the nearshore you will catch BSB after BSB on anything. A simple Carolina rig with shrimp, squid or mullet is all you need. Remember that BSB and Snapper are not open right now. Grouper are much more plentiful on the deeper reefs. Whatever you decide to do, play it safe and make sure you have the proper equipment on board before you head offshore. If you are in a bay boat, get Tidal Rails before you try to head out in 8 foot swells. jk on the last part. I’m sure there are people much more qualified than me that can help you out. Just give them a little more info to work with. Good luck.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
Thanks! I have a Pioneer 197SF w/ trim tabs, GPS, Charplotter/Fishfinder, adn VHF radio (just in case). Looking to stick to the reefs that are closest to the harbor for now, so probably the nearshore reef, PA-25 I think it is.
I heard there are some techniques regarding how to use the fishfinder over the reefs, any info on that too would be great!
'07 Pioneer 197SF
Suzuki 150 DF
The nearshore reef is loaded with small BSB and pinfish. If you are over the reef all you need to do there is drop a hook baited with anything, count to 10 and reel one up. To be honest, you would probably be bored after 20 minutes. You might want to make or buy a reef anchor. Those reefs eat up typical fluke style anchors. With your boat, on the right day, you could easily head out to some of the more productive reefs. I was in a similar situation a few years ago when I was new to offshore fishing. I didnt want to push myself or the boat and was out of my comfort range. I would suggest finding someone with experience and take them with you. A buddy boat is always a good idea too. Preferably someone with an epirb. Safety is paramount and the ocean is unpredictable. As for rigs, a simple Carolina rig or double hook rig will work fine with a 6’-7’ boat rod for bottom fishing. If you don’t get much of a response on this thread PM some of the experienced fisherman and ask questions. I’m sure they would be glad to help and have forgot more about fishing than I’ve ever learned. Good luck out there and be safe.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
Its basically glorified catfishing, just put some meat on a hook and drop it in the water. Whenever you’re thinking about going just start a thread saying that you are looking for a buddy boat and where you would like to fish. If i’m around ill buddy boat with you. I have limited knowledge/experience ,but i go and have fun every few weeks.
1802 MITCHEL CC
21’ NEWPORT DAYSAILER
anywhere your boat would take you comfortably typically the closer reefs like nearshore, chas 60, or capers reef. a double drop rig with a heavy weight to get you to the bottom fast. bait would be the same as inshore except make sure you take some squid and cut it into about 1’’ sections (all for bottom fishing)Do not cast out make sure you anchor right over the reef/ structure. Read your fish finders manual and it will tell you how to spot fish and bottom type then anchor directly over. After that just go have fun and get some experience. Nearshore Reef will not produce like the 60 or capers (on a nice day you should be able to see land). as a general rule the further you go the deeper it gets and the better the fishing.
hope this will lessen the learning curve because id say ive spent well over $1000 in just a few trips and still counting on bait tackle and towing/boating expences with multiple headaches just to figure out this much. if you can find a guide or an experienced person it will save you alot of time and money right from the start. PM, sellsfish he has a wealth of knowledge and he helped me out alot if you decide to go this route.
1990 Vector 1750 DC Hydra Sport
Pm sent
Filup
Pioneer 197 Sportfish
Good luck finding a fishable day.
get a reef anchor…There is a guy on here named komkazee that makes them. light tackle is fine for the nearshore reefs,carolina rig works best for me, you will catch black drum, redfish, sheepshead, weakfish, black sea bass, all year and other fish are seasonal such as spades and spanish. Live shrimp will catch everything, fidders will get sheep, bsb and drums… mullet will get bsb, red, weaks and flounder. Bait to use would depend on what you want to catch,white, gulp shrimp 3" will sometimes outfish live bait. As far as reading a depth finder, just look for areas the bottom changes depths,its not rocket science but make sure it is calm. Its no fun getting wet with spray this time of the year and calm water is easier to fish.
