Pics just showed up for me. This is an awesome and informative thread. I'll add my two cents here. I always carry an extra empty Plano box. Anything I use and take off the line (lures, hooks, swivels, weights, etc) gets put in THAT box, not back in my regular boxes. A single hook used in salt water and just plopped back in the pile of shiny new hooks will rust every hook in the pile if ignored. Keep used/unused terminal tackle separated until you can give them a good cleaning.

Great post. Thank you.

Scratching my head about the pics on the last two pages ?????

I have been fishing coastal waters on the upper Texas coast for at least 50 years and I have picked up some good info here.

One thing I would add would be surf fishing for specs and surf fishing for big reds and sharks and stuff like that require different tackle and rods and reels. "Bass" rods and reels are just fine for specs and small reds. Don't ruin your day expecting to land bull reds or sharks with those same rigs.

Also, not sure about the not rinsing reels stuff. Its been my experience that you rinse them and re oil them and have any reel you use in fresh or salt cleaned and serviced every season.

Cannot agree more. Power Pro is a bit stiffer and gets more wind knots even if I fill up the spool in the correct direction. Sufix braid is softer and I had less issues with them.

What would be your issue with Power Pro, if I may ask?

This is what I received when I got my Wave Spin reel, I agree that you need to lightly rinse bait casters, but I don't do it to spinning reels anymore, although I do lubricate them quite often.

Ok I have a question. When using a topwater like the spook or the badonkadonk. What leader do I use to keep the smacks and the toothy fish from cutting me off. All advice would be appreciated
WoodyRed

Coated lite steel?

I have thrown out and commotion blows up near the shore. I try to reel over it and bam I loose my lure. No strike or anything just empty line. How can I avoid this lures are too expensive. I've tried heavier line but same outcome. Any solution to this problem?

I use 80lb. steel leader or florucarbon.

That doesn't effect the action and floatation of the bait. Is it a coated black steel leader. Just wondering if it would make it sink

Woody,
Use a small 2-3" section of single strand wire. Coffee color is best. As thin as you can find them. I think 28lb test is the lightest you can get. It'll be practically invisible. No smack can bite through that and it won't affect the action. If smacks are around I would not use expensive lures like that without wire.

Will do. Thanks for that money saving tip. Does port a outfitters carry them or a spool of it. When you say pier are you talking about Horace or bob hall. Or is there another popular one. Those two are the only ones I've fished. Except for Charlie's pasture

But I prefer to fish where the big boys swim. I love the fight

Always Horace Caldwell for me. BH is a bit too rowdy for me. Academy sells those wire.

Cool thanks. That is where we spend most of our nights. I agree about bob hall. About the line any particular brand you would recommend. And if you are out there where can I find you 2nd gut or at the t or the end. We really appreciate all your help and would like to shake your hand in person. Hope to see you. Don't worry we won't pester you about your spots or anything. We just like fellow saltys. Hope to meet you cuda
WoodyRed