I am heading to Port A this weekend and wanted to do some catching. I would live to catch some big reds (wouldn�t we all) and some trout. The thing is, I have never really fished saltwater and therefore have no experience. I am set up for bass fishing and will likely be using this equipment as the wife isn�t going to let me buy something new for this trip. What are my best locations to try (surf, Pier, jetty) with my current equipment? I do have a cast net and will try to land some live bait; any tips on this would also be appreciated. Anything you can offer that could help me out would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

With bass tackle you can work a good many lures in the surf or from the jetties with success.

I recommend soft plastics on 1/8-1/4 oz jig heads. Trout/Red Killers, Saltwater Assassins, Gulp Alive Shrimp (new penny color), Cocahoe Minnows, Paddle-tails, etc.

Hard baits would be Mirro-lures, Rapalla Skitterwalk, Badonkadonks, and other topwaters.

Also try Redfish Magic spinner baits, gold and silver Johnson Sprite 1/2oz-1oz spoons.

If you are targeting trout, I would fish the surf early (like starting at first light) with artificial bait or live, your choice. If you use live bait, try shrimp, freelined or under a popping cork. Finger mullet work great too. The surf will probably be better if the winds are not up too high and it's relatively calm. If the wind is howling, the surf can be tough to fish. If I was going to target bull reds, I would head down the jetties, almost to the end. Use mullet or larger artificial baits. I like big spoons, about 5" long or Storm swimbait. These can be cast a long way (which helps if you see birds working) or they can be fished deeper. I prefer an outgoing tide if fishing the jetties. You can also catch trout off the jetties by fishing the surf side. This allows you to effectively fish the guts (between sand bars) and work your way out deeper as the morning progresses.

The wind has been very light in the AM and kicking in the afternoon as of recently. If you find a nice clean area of beach and fish the guts you should find trout at the very least but there might be some redfish or smacks in the mix. Good luck!

The wind has been very light in the AM and kicking in the afternoon as of recently. If you find a nice clean area of beach and fish the guts you should find trout at the very least but there might be some redfish or smacks in the mix. Good luck!

Fish the Packery Channel jetties. Channel side for reds and snook, beach side for trout. Live shrimp under a popping cork. Cast as far as possible on the beach side to get over the sand trout. Lots of trout on top waters also. There is the added bonus of getting to see tarpon and kings too.

Jason

Thank you for all of the help.

quick question, is there a specific size hook I should be using?

Thanks again.