I've been really getting into fishing over the last year, but its been mainly off of piers, and I want to try surf fishing for shark, drum, etc. I just bought a Penn senator 9/0 reel off of ebay for $70 (I believe that's a good deal) even though I've never used a baitcaster. However, I know someone with a kayak who wants to go as well, so we can just kayak the bait out. I want to know what kind of rod you guys recommend- I'm thinking about an Ugly Stik but I'm not sure about what's compatible. I do have a pretty good shark leader I bought from somebody who does a lot of sharkfishing who made it himself, but il probably try to make another one myself. Also, I don't know much about spooling, but I've read that many people use 80lb mono topped with braided, but I don't even know how I would set that up-I would be afraid to tie it on wrong and screw everything up, so would bass pro shop or someone do that for me and do I even need to top it off? And what kind of knot is the best way to attach the leader to the line? Also, I will be in the Katy area and plan on making a trip in a couple weeks. What nearby areas are the most productive this time of year- Surfside? Galveston? I know I have a lot of questions, but I just don't want to go out there and not know what I'm doing and waste my time, so I would greatly appreciate any help you experts could give me.

wow so many question in one post. for the rod it depends on what your going to fish for. everyone but sharks then a long surf rod is great (ugly sticks) are a good rod for a good price. but if your going to fish for sharks then a shorter rod is better. about 6'6 or 7 foot.

you can ALWAYS tie two lines together using a "blood knot" thats the easiest and the least obtrusive of any of the knots. over the last few years i've done lots of surf fishing and i really like it. sometimes there is no action but sometimes there are great action. i've been trying to go after big sharks. a few years back i caught large bull shark about 6+ foot and over 100 lbs.

also leaders are very easy to make. there is really only one leader that i've seen really used for the surf but the gauge changes when you fish for larger fish.

Unless you're fishing from a boat, slap a long rod on that 9/0. One of the best rods out there (but no longer made) is the Harrington 552. 10' long and ready for battle.

As far as spooling goes, the braid goes on the reel first, then the mono "Topshot". The thicker mono has a better abriasion resistance to the sand bars than braid. Average topshot is around 100 yards.

Use an Albright knot with a lock to connect the mono to the braid. double blood knots work, but the braid will cut the mono on intense pressure, and plus braid slips on "clinch" type knots.

Here is a video of "Beachbum" fighting a 7'5" sandbar shark on PINS using a 10' rod with braid/mono combo.

LoneStarSharkers Video Page

It's a large file, High speed connection is a plus. and don't forget to have the sound up.

TB