Hey all looking for gear advice to get started surf fishing. I’m planning to target red drum and pompano along the Crystal Coast. I’m hoping to be able to get two rigs for under $400 if that’s not completely wishful thinking.
Speaking of rigs, I’m thinking I’ll want to use high/low or pompano rigs? Also open to suggestions on everything from hook size (I think maybe 4/0 for the drum and 2/0 for the pompano?) to main line.
I’m really starting from nothing here.
Thanks for any recommendations!
What time of year? That will determine what size reds you’re likely to encounter.
I know it’s not quite what you asked but answered another way I’d ideally like to hit the slot for reds (18-27” here in NC).
Just moved to the area(ish) so not really limiting myself to any particular time of year.
Ok, so here’s the rundown.
Pompano (and other small surf fish)
Rod: 6-9’, Med
Reel: 2500-3500
Line: 8-15lb
Hooks: 1-6
Rig: high/low with beads for visibility
Bait: shrimp, squid, blood worms, sand fleas, fish bites
For the most part these are really small fish. Whiting, flounder, pompano, puffer fish, and bluefish are your likely targets. You can chase them with something as small as a 6’6" med-light bass rod and not have much trouble. Bluefish might cut your rig, so be prepared with backups. You can use the high/low rigs with floats, but I think it’s unnecessary. Beads help, because these fish are visual feeders. Some people like green beads, I like orange. Any hook larger than about a 1 is probably too big for these fish.
Redfish December through August
Rod: 9-10’, Med to Med-Heavy
Reel: 4000-6000
Line: 12-20lb
Hooks: 7/0 or 8/0
Rig: drum rig or fish finder rig (leader no longer than 5-6")
Bait: shrimp, cut mullet, crab
From late August through November everything’s the same but you might want a 10-11’ rod, Med-Heavy to Heavy, because you might hook into a bull red that’s north of 30".
Any red larger than 12" can fit a size 7/0 hook into its mouth, no problem. Anything smaller than 7/0 risks getting swallowed, and it’s not worth killing fish by using a hook that’s unnecessarily small.
Use a small leader 1) because it’s WAY easier to cast, and 2) because it doesn’t get swallowed as deeply. Trust me you’ll never notice a decline in hook up rate because your leader is too close to your weight. ALL of the old timers use short leaders, even on Hatteras Point.
I never use a running line heavier than 15/16lb, but be sure to tie a shock tippet to your running line, at least the length of the rod x2 with at least 3 wraps around the reel spool. When you cast a heavy sinker, you want ALL of the line exposed from the spool to the terminal tackle to be at least 20lb, and as heavy as 40lb. Do NOT cast a heavy sinker where the knot between your running line and your shock tippet is away from the spool. It will break off at the knot eventually, so make sure you reel up high enough that the knot is on the spool, every single time.
Schooling Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, or False Albacore
Rod: 7-9’, Med
Reel: 3000-4000
Line: 12lb with wire bite tippet KNOTTED to line (NO swivels)
Lure: Literally anything shiny, I’ve seen guys use a fork with a hole drilled in the end for a trebel hook
When the schooling predators push up against shore, you need a rod that will cast a LONG way. If the schools are thick enough, these fish will destroy anything that moves, so keep a few 1/2-3/4oz casting spoons handy, just in case. Don’t use a swivel between the running line and your wire bite tippet because they WILL bite the swivel and cut the entire rig off. Trust me, I’ve lost DOZENS before I realized why they were cutting my line. Usually Spanish are in the area during the summer months, false albacore show up between September and November, and bluefish really any time of year. If these fish are schooling, you’ll see bait showering and birds circling/diving.
Thank you! There’s so much great info here
