I'm going to spending a week in Port A in mid-september. I plan on fishing quite a bit while there mainly from a pier or the jetties...possibly some light surf fishing. I have a few questions...

Do I need to buy a special saltwater rig? I have numerous 7' M action rods with reels that will handle 20lb test line for freshwater. Is there a reason not to use them? I don't have a problem spending $60-$100 to buy a salwater rig, but don't want to spend the money if I don't have to.

I have used my freshwater rigs in saltwater---Just HAVE TO wash them off GOOD after each use......I have had no problems as of yet.....

What species are you going for? Unlike fresh water, In saltwater there are many different type of fish. You should be ok with the texas 3, Trout, red fish, and flonder.

Agreed most of your lake tackle will work for most types of fishing on the coast. The only thing I might add is I use a longer rod for surf fishing. I just take one of my lake spinning reels off and put it in a 7'6" or longer rod.

Hey mike!

If on the pier, you'll have to haul a caught fish about 40-50 feet from the water -over the pier rail- to land it.

There's a landing net with a long rope attached to it specifically for this purpose.

I was catching bait off the Caldwell pier this week and a lot of bonnet heads were caught. A lot of hard heads too!

We didn't catch the Spanish Macks we were after but I did catch the biggest ribbon fish I've ever seen! LOL

I use my freshwater tackle down at the coast everytime, but like someone else said, give them a good freshwater rinsing afterwards or you'll get lock up. Make sure not to submerge your reels in the saltwater, either. If this happens, a little more in depth rinsing, cleaning and oiling may be in order. I use 10 lb test, but I am on a boat. If you are high up on a pier or jettie, than 20 lb should do.

If you have shimano or abu garcia reels. They hold up real well in saltwater.