Whats the best kind of rod and reel to use in the bays at galveston. Length and action. Fishing for reds. What about line and hooks using live bait

As far as rods I prefer Shikari over most anything. One of the best rods in my opinion for bay fishing for reds and trout. Better than a G. Loomis, St. Croix, Falcon, or most any rod on the market. I also love the Daiwa Steez rods for reds and trout but they are a bit pricey if you are just getting into fishing, but they are an awesome rod. I build custom rods so most all my rods I build.

As far as reels that is a tough one. There are too many and it depends on taste and what you like. You want something that is tough and powerful for big reds and you want a good workhorse reel then go with an Abu Garcia Revo Inshore reel. I love that reel. If you want a really nice and super smooth precision reel that also lasts in saltwater and good bang for your buck then go with a Daiwa Sol, you can't go wrong since Daiwa makes some of the best reels in my opinion. I like my Shimanos and Abus and various other reels but I really like my Daiwas. The Daiwa Steeze reel is also an amazing reel I like to use in the bays for reds and trout even though it is considered mostly a bass reel.

It all depends on what you like. If I were to use just one rod for wading in the bays for reds and trout, I use something like a 7 foot, fast action rod, with a line weight of about 8-15 lb test, and lure weight of about 1/8 to 3/8 oz or 1/4 to 1/2 oz. Something in that range.

As far as line, I use Izorline Platinum monofilament line. In 10 lb. and 12 lb. test. I use braided line as well but the Izorline Platinum mono is what I use most often. It's never let me down and the best mono I have ever used hands down. And it isn't expensive either and actually pretty well priced.

As far as hooks for live bait I like a size 1/0 Khale hook for live bait like live shrimp, finger mullet, croaker, or shad. Rigged with about 1 foot to 2 feet of 20 lb. fluorocarbon leader material tied to a swivel. Sometimes free lined or sometimes with a weight rigged Carolina style. Or under a cork. It all depends on the situation.

Thanks for the tips. Headin to bps this week

No problem. Have had many good wade fishing trips in that area around Bayside Park and Spillway.

I'm probably the exception to the rule, but I find bait casting rigs to limiting.

I can cast, with equal precision, a much lighter weight, with much less tangle with a spinning rig.

I have an uncle who would not dare hold a baitcast rod and reel. Ever. Just a personal thing. He is a fly and light spinning tackle only fisherman.

I suppose baitcasting rigs are a Texas thing. Not that fisherman in other states don't use them but it just seems that when in Texas do as the Texas fisherman do and that's use a baitcaster, heh heh. Seems like the baitcaster is just as Texan as high school football and barbecue.

But I agree that with a spinning rig you can cast lighter lures farther and with no backlash and they are generally easier and more comfortable to use. I like my spinning rigs a lot. I really like to use my long spinning rods. In the 8 to 8 1/2 foot class. And light spinning tackle.

The Diawa Sol is a great spinning reel for saltwater too. It has plenty of power and drag for any inshore fishing. You can dunk it in saltwater and it won't lock up or affect the reel performance. It stands up very well to saltwater and you can use it day after day in salt without much attention and it's very durable. And it's easy to clean and maintain with no problems.

gonna pick up some tackle while i go to galveston. is their some good tackle shops in the area. i guess academy and walmart prob carry some saltwater stuff

gonna pick up some tackle while i go to galveston. is their some good tackle shops in the area. i guess academy and walmart prob carry some saltwater stuff