I guess I was curious on rod combos. I'm looking to get something thats inexpensive because I'm mostly a fly fisherman in freshwater (i.e. I'm broke thanks to that addiction).

So to have a decent combo in the surf, I can use a regular bass sized freshwater combo with 10 lb mono on a spinning reel and rod capable of tossing 0.5oz. - 1.0oz lures and sinkers?
That seems very light for the surf when the current can was a 1oz sinker to Mexico.
Maybe this advise is for bays and lagoons? Or can it also be used in the surf?? Thanks guys!

How can anyone cast a 1/4oz in the surf?
Again, I'm totally new to Texas and used to casting 3oz plugs in the Cape Cod surf to stripers and blues.... with an 11 foot surf rod (Uggh!)

This is great info! Thanks for sharing... Three questions, what size of swivels do you prefer, and second, do you prefer coast locks or a tied knot? Also what knots work best for large gamefish such as red's?- Thanks

Learn the uni knot and become efficient at tying it. Steer clear of snap swivels of any kind if possible. The only good place for them is to connect your weights to a three way rig. Try to stay as natural as you can with your leader set ups. The more swivels and metal and mess on them the less fish you will catch. Use florocarbon if you can.

How do you use a freshwater outfit to cast a 5-oz sinker in heavy surf to hold in a moving surf?

Thanks for the advise, fairly new to this (salt water) and trying to set myself up for success. Do you prefer braid or mono for main line? I have heard so many different yay's and nay's on braid it's not funny. Used braid back about 8 yrs ago fishing in SC and promised myself I would not use it again. What is your experience? Have they improved it all that much? Currently use mono.

Good stuff.

Do you prefer braid or mono for main line? I have heard so many different yay's and nay's on braid it's not funny. Used braid back about 8 yrs ago fishing in SC and promised myself I would not use it again. What is your experience? Have they improved it all that much? Currently use mono. [/quote]

I hated it. My dad loved it. Pretty much sums it up.

I have used both and still do so. Sufix 832 braid is the best for me, no comparison to Power Pro

Great info.... Going to start using all Plano now.. tackle boxes makes me unorganized and stuff could rust because it not sealed Huge Thanks!

How do you fish plastics under a popping cork? Just jerk it every couple of minutes or something?

Yeah! using a popping cork is great... i use it at night under the lights very good for speckle trout pop it once a while and just let it it sit. noise will attract the fish

Cool thanks

Well, purchased the Power Pro Slick braid and will see how it works for me. Respooled two reels on surf rods and my medium action rod as well. Surf reels received 30 lb and medium action , 20 lb. Using fish finder rigs with either 50 or 20 lb big game as leaders and 1/0 circle hooks. Can't wait to hit the beach! Finally made a few 5' PVC rod holders.

Really good info. I wish I would have noticed this thread before I asked the exact same questions you already answered.