Shore Fishing In The Outer Banks

[GADawgs]

Hey guys, I am looking for some advice here.  I am going to the Outer Banks on vacation in a couple of weeks with my in-laws.  I have some saltwater spinning rod set ups that my dad and I used to pier fish with when I was younger and they are still in pretty good shape.  However, I haven't done any saltwater fishing in probably 10 years.  What should I bring in terms of terminal tackle and what should I use for bait?  Also, I will need to put new line on, what would be a good and inexpensive line and what lb. test should I throw on?  Lastly, how should I hook up the weight to keep the bait down?  Thanks for the help!

 

Chris

[Chris at Tech]

I'm rather hesitant to help someone with a handle like that but I'll make an exception

For saltwater, I generally prefer braid but it ain't cheap. How big is the reel, or alternatively what is the line capacity shown on the reel? Based on that you can decide if it has enough capacity to use mono or if the smaller diameter of braid would be needed for line capacity reasons.

As far as terminal tackle and rigging, I'd recommend a simple "fish finder rig". Basically it's the saltwater name for a Carolina rig. You'll need egg sinkers, swivels, leader material and some circle hooks. As for weight, I recommend 1-4 oz depending on current. You'll want mono leader material in a heavier test than your main line so you can deal with the toothy critters. 30-50 lb should be fine. For bait, use shrimp, pogies or finger mullet. Match the hook to the size of the bait.

As always, a local tackle shop at your vacation destination is invaluable. You'll likely pay a bit more for tackle there, but the advice they provide is worth it!

[flyfisher]

I was in your same boat a few weeks ago down in Salvo.  I had a few older set ups and went to the local shop.  They told me to use berkely big game in 20lb test and then sold me a few of the fish finder rigs mentioned above.  I already had some lead weight.  I then used squid, shrimp and bloodworms.  Basically i had a cooler of beer, some chairs, my fishing gear and my headlamp.  Went out at night and fished until i was out of beer then headed back to the house.

 

Caught a bunch of croaker and then used those for bait and caught a few sharks.  I only fished one night but if i go back i will be fishing pretty much every night.

[GADawgs]

Haha, imappreciate it Chris. The reels are rated for 230/15, 180/20 and 120/30. I have already located a few tackle shops near us down there and will pay them a visit.

Flyfisher, that's about what I will be doing. Just looking to have some fun and hopefully catch a few fish while I'm at it!

Thanks guys!

[tomustang]

I've been using a 7' 10-20lb 1/2-1 1/2oz rod with a 3000 size reel spooled with 20lb braid using a fluke style mono leader rig for inshore/jetty fishing, mainly 2oz, it is a bit over the rating for the rod but it can handle it without a problem. This setup can handle abuse and the 20lb braid is strong enough for much abuse.

 

I haven't done the surf sets but they have 30lb braid and with throw up to 6oz.

 

 

More popular baits are Gulp's shrimp and crabs but you'll have to read some local reports on what's working better down in OB at that time and what's good to fish for.

[Chris at Tech]

If you're planning on making this a one time(or rare) event, then 15 lb Berkley Big Game will do just fine. If you think this will be a recurring thing, I'd recommend investing in a 300 yd spool of braid, ~30 lb test/8 lb diameter

[SirSnookalot]

I've been using a 7' 10-20lb 1/2-1 1/2oz rod with a 3000 size reel spooled with 20lb braid using a fluke style mono leader rig for inshore/jetty fishing, mainly 2oz, it is a bit over the rating for the rod but it can handle it without a problem. This setup can handle abuse and the 20lb braid is strong enough for much abuse.

 

I haven't done the surf sets but they have 30lb braid and with throw up to 6oz.

 

 

More popular baits are Gulp's shrimp and crabs but you'll have to read some local reports on what's working better down in OB at that time and what's good to fish for

Be my choice except I'd be throwing spoons and top lures walking the beach and looking for bait, fish and bird activity.