I know this is not the Forum, Surf/Pier, in question but! I had a guy on my boat offshore once that showed me something! Tie a Clark spoon onto a line while trolling and just throw it over the transom. Tie the line to a rear cleat and continue trolling. If you have to clear lines because of a fish on, pull the spoon in! You just might, have picked up a SM, you dragged to death:wink: Works 
No rod or reel involved, just line and spoon! Maximize your profit:wink: