I'm going to SPI this weekend with a friend and his boat. We do alot of bass fishing but are inexperienced when it comes to coast fishing.

What tackle rigs should we bring?
What's the best bait to use now?

Thanks in advance.

Live shrimp is a catch all for most inshore saltwater fish. Rigged under a popping cork (length depends on depth of the water) you'll get bites from reds to trout to flounder if you want to drag one along the bottom.

I go with free lineing live shrimp on a circle hook in the 8/0 to 10/0 range. Also throw a cast net and get some mullet and Mud minnows and hook them in the tail. Free line them and let them swim around...Be sure and have your drag set so when the Red or Spec hooks up you dont tear the hook out of there mouth.

Tight Lines.

Brian

Do you always have to use steel leaders?

A heavier fluorocarbon leader is usually enough for specks, reds, and flounder, but you'll want the wire if you get into some macks or sharks.

All the above bait suggestions are excellent. If you want to toss artificials, start with gold johnson sprites. For more distance, go with a Bomber flab spoon. (Needless to say, spoons are my favorite lures). If you find a feeding school of fish, topwaters (topdog, ghost) will pull the bigger ones out.

Good luck!

If you are fishing an artificial (I like touts), and something strikes your line and bites your lure off, it is a spanish mackeral. I'll switch to a light, short wire leader if that happens twice. Where are you going this weekend? Looks like you you may in be in good water conditions! Look for green water.

Okay, so I'm not a smart man-I see you are going South Padre. If the water is "green to the beach" you should have a good weekend.

Thanks to everyone who responded.

I am told it is going to be high tide this weekend, so I guess that is good (?)

Any tips on how 'high tide effects the fishing'?

Thanks again.

You doint always have to. I try to when I remember cause I really hate that line popping. But going overkill on the line can scare the fish. It's all a toos up there.

Are you fishing inshore, or offshore?
Two totally different worlds. I have
had a lot of fun offshore with very
light tackle,but there are things out there
that require heavier gear.
MO