Guys, I'm gonna be getting my surf set up this week and I wanted some advice/comments on rigging up. I plan on trying it out next Sat. at the Tx City Dike or at SLP.
I hear a lot about "shock" leaders. I should probably know what those are, but I don't. Do I need one? If so, how long and what pound test?
I was also planning on using a double drop leader(I think thats what it is called)with a spider weight and I'm not sure what size hook though.
Any other rigs I should consider for fishing live or cut bait? Any advice you guys have, I really appreciate. Its my first time to use the long rod.

On shock leaders for surf casting I was taught to use 10lb per 1 ounce of lead. So if you've got a 5 oz sinker, you would use 50lb line, 4 oz/40lb, etc. The leader should wrap about 5 times around the spool on the reel and run to the terminal tackle. This will keep the main line from breaking during casting the long rod.

This is by far the best surf fishing site there is. It has more info on surf fishing that you could imagine www.breakawayusa.com

Hey Jangofett,
Mike is on the money with the shock leaders. Be careful using a spiderweight around the rocks At Texas City, you are going to want to reel in very quickly to keep your rig on the surface and out of the rocks. As far as hook choice, the size depends on what type and size of fish you are most likely to catch, or that our are targeting. I would stay away from real thin wire hooks just in case you hook into a screamer, you will have just little better chance of landing it if you fish it right and gear holds up. You just never know what you are going to hook into in the surf and bays. Jack? Bull red? Big black Drum? any of these are very possible.

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TexSafaris Outdoor Adventures