Hi folks,
I'm a fly fisher who wants to gear up for saltwater fishing and need some advice on spinning and bait casting rods and reels. I want spinning gear to fish for reds and trout in the bays. I also want to buy gear for offshore fishing. I have no real experience with offsore fishing. I want gear that I can use for fishing around the oil rigs and out in the gulf. Any advice on rod,reels,rod length, action, etcetara will be appreciated.

Price range would help me help you. There are many makes and models that are great but some are a little pricey for most.

I was looking at 2 spinning combos in the $100-$200 price range 2 spinning combos under $100.00(backup) for trout and redfish. I havn't got a clue for offshore. I will probably need a couple of bottom fishing rigs in the $100.00 price range. I'm pretty new to saltwater fishing so I'm not sure what I'll need. Realistically though, I could probably spend up to a $1000.00 on fishing gear without risking too much nuptual bliss.

ambassador 7000 is an economic (well that s all i buy) bait casting real for off shore the cost around 100 bucks. buy a shakesphere big water rods.I usauly go with what is availble at walley world. Since I don't have much money. The tidewater models have roller tops to use with braided lines or wire lines. What are you fishing for at the rigs. you can catch some pretty strong fish out there with the teeth to cut your lines. lots of fun. Take a hammer too; to hit the big ones on the head

shakespeare-fishing

Thanks,So far on 2 of the bay rods, I've decided on the loomis greenwater series. They are a spendy, but I have a couple of Loomis fly rods that are spectacular. I've read a lot of threads on this forum and shimano seems to be one of the most popular spinning reels. I'm fairly new to salt water fishing. I was a purist flyfisherman until I spent two months in Port Aransas this winter. After several weeks of not catching fish, I guess you could say that "I saw the light"! and began using conventional tackle. I didn't catch a bunch but did catch some nice reds and a few trout. I just bought a 21'Triumph so I'll be able to access offshore and the bays. I've had no real experience offshore, and my bayfishing was limited to a kayak and wade fishing. My plan is to invite people who have the experience to fish with me. I figured that would be a good way to make new friends and gain some experience without the years of trial and error. I'm trying to get geared up before I return to Texas in the fall.

Avet for offshore. You can find the 4/0 clearanced out all over online right now. Great reel for the money. I wouldnt think twice about purchasing one. Much better than tha abu and can be used for all situations. You can even cast the reel.
Spinning rigs, I would check out the diawa Tierra. It is a tough reel to beat for the buck. Any of the upper end shimanos will work also and stay away from the magnesium, even if it says it has been treated.
Another good reel to check out is the Quantum Cabo spinning and the Quantum energy spinning.

Keith

Thanks PiePuncher, I've never heard of Avet so I guess it's more research for me.I already have a couple of Ugly Stick heavy duty 7' spinning rods but would like a couple of levelwind boat rods also. Any advice on the boat rods?