Off the wall question. I"ve never fished with the big poles (9 and 10 foot) from the beach, wife wants me to sit with her a while and do this.

My question, is there a good way to rig up live bait (shrimp, finger mullet) to stay off bottom to catch specs, if water is right that is.

I usually always wade and fish the 3rd gut for specs when water is good. Has anyone caught specs using these big surf rods?

Heck I've never even thrown one of those big suckers. Just bought a Penn fierce II combo, 9 and 10 foot.

Best ways to get response on forum?

Plenty of videos on how to cast long rods on YouTube. However, I just read a post on another forum about catching specs in ankle-deep water.

Thanks. Yea I've watched vids on casting.
Really asking about set up.

That's it?

I use about a 3 foot heavy leader and use a 3 - 5 ounce spider weight above a swivel (depending on surf conditions). I rig it so the weight will slide on line so the fish doesn't feel the weight. I would stay away from using shrimp as the bait stealers will rob them off of the hook pretty quick. I have caught trout, reds, pompano, Spanish mackerel and small sharks using this type of set up. Some people use a wire leader due to the toothy fish out there. It can be fun because you never know what you will catch. As far as casting, I usually wade out a short distance and cast between the second and third guts and walk it back to shore and place in a pvc rod holder with a light drag set. My preferred method for specs is using light tackle and wading out to them like you stated.

Also might add that if you're targeting specs in particular you might want to consider throwing croaker instead of mullet. The bait stealers won't usually bother them and reds will also eat them. I also rig a slider weight and remember to let them run for a bit once they hit. If you try to set the hook on the initial hit you'll usually wind up with an empty hook. Been there. Done that. Got plenty of those T-shirts! Best of luck!

Thanks shutupandfish. Really wanting to stay away from hard head central. Want to keep a moving bait.

Saw this thing called a "fish finder" rig, looks just like a slip on barrel with a hanging clip for a weight that ties above swivel. These work well, if anyone on here has used them.

Good stuff folks