I’m new to saltwater/ surf fishing. I’ve been asking a lot of questions for a trip to Matagorda next week. Thank you all for your help it’s greatly appreciated!!!.
Seems to be a difference of opinion on leaders. I know by using monofilament the bait is more presentable but also I’ve been told steel is the way for saltwater due to the fact everything has teeth. Can some of you experienced saltwater folks help me decide please? Again I’m grateful for any help.

No steel......get a good brand of Fluro Leader Line.

Thanks for the input. Now I’m watching the latest storm. Lol

Our surf leaders are made of 80# mono with two 7/0 circle hooks, snap swivel at bottom for your sinker. We use 4oz spider weights. WE just fished Matagorda about a week ago fishing was ok but not great 3 of us caught 17 slot reds in 2 days of fishing. Used mullet for bait plenty in the surf if you have a cast net. no bull reds were caught

Just to echo what everyone else here is saying: I almost never use steel. Even when fishing for big sharks, I've only had maybe one or two breakoffs on mono (300# - 400#).

This time of year you're not really fishing for sharks, so I normally do fishfinder rig with ~18" of mono to a 7/0 - 10/0 gamakatsu octopus hook (similar to what is in the pic above). I'll hand tie a 80#-130# swivel to 50#-80# line with a palomar knot, then use a snell knot on the hook. I'm not sure the snell knot _really_ matters, I just think it looks kind of cool

At the jetties, I will instead tie a three-way swivel with one lead to 80# mono (w/ a palomar knot) and then snell an octopus hook onto an 18" (or so) lead. To another of the eyes of the three-way swivel, I'll tie something like 6# mono to a weight. The weights will get snagged and you can break them off easier with the light mono.

If you're fishing for big sharks (6 ft +) I'll use braided wire. If you're getting cut off by spanish mackerel/bluefish when throwing spoons, I'll use a 6" steel leader. They have new colors these days, I bought some wire recently that was a flat green color, I haven't really field tested it, but I suspect it won't spook off fish in clear water.

Also, _please_ use appropriately sized circle hooks. You will gut hook fish occasionally, but it happens WAY less often than using treble hooks or straight shank hooks.

WOW! Thank you all for your input. It’s been a great help. I feel better prepared for sure. Definitely using circle hooks and I’ll start making a few leaders. I’m new to saltwater so I’m very excited to get there. Supposed to be there on the 11th. - 14th. I’m hoping this new storm (Delta) doesn’t mess with that. Thanks again for all the help. This is an awesome forum. I hope to pass on the help with some of my fresh water knowledge. I’ll be giving a report upon my return from this trip as well.