Saltwater Line Help.

[bmac31]

I've inherited a Pflufger size 40 spinning reel and a St.Croix tidemaster rod. I've never done much salt water fishing but since I live more or less on the shore in CT I've decided to give it a go. Does this sound like a decent setup for shore/pier fishing for strippers and such. Also what line do you guys recommended. I'll probably also use it for big catfish/carp and Pike.

Thanks

Brian

[je1946]

I use Tuf-line XP in all my saltwater applications, on 2 of my reels I haven't changed line in 4-5yrs, with no issues, just rinse with fresh water when I get home.

[SirSnookalot]

What size is the rod and what model reel ?  At face value one could use the same set up for both salt and freshwater fishing.  More specifically that may not work that well, I'll list just a few differences.  On some of the larger freshwater species you may have to pull fish thru heavy vegetation, requiring a some backbone, that would be good for a pier too.  Those same size fish in saltwater can be handled on lighter gear from shore or boat, your just not going to handle a 20# too well on light gear from a 15' high pier.  I'm not overly concerned about the reel providing it will stand up to salt water use.  It really boils down to the size rod you have, the heavier the better for double duty in your situation.

[bmac31]

It's a St. Croix Tidemaster 7' med-heavy fast action 10-20lb. 1/2 - 1 1/2. The reel is a pflufger president model ppsw40 with a 5.2:1 gear ratio. 8Lb/260 10lb/195 12lb/175 with a 10 bearing system. I'll be fishing mostly the Long Island shore coast. I wouldn't mind adding the rod To my freshwater arsenal might i had to but I'm not sure what it would be good for.

Thanks

BRIAN

[bmac31]

I've got about 75yds of suffix 20lb 832 briad I was thinking about putting on with a 10lb mono backing. I also have suffix 12lb mono that I've considered spolling on.

Thanks

Brian

[SirSnookalot]

Long Island is a sensational place to fish.  Your rod should be just fine, in a perfect world I may opt for a surf rod quite often distance is needed there. I've fished Montauk many times, most of my Florida friends come from that area and we get tons of snowbirds from there too.  30# braid on that Pflueger is a good choice, if the bluefish are in I'd be using metal jigs, they can literally bite thru hard lures.  Stripers are really nice but bluefish take you to entirely different world.

 

 

I've got about 75yds of suffix 20lb 832 briad I was thinking about putting on with a 10lb mono backing. I also have suffix 12lb mono that I've considered spolling on.

I would not recommend that set up.  Straight braid 20-40#, should have some where around 200 yds, you may need it.  I would never use backing on an inshore set up, 12 lb mono on that size reel is not a good choice IMO, not enough line capacity and that diameter may produce coiling and line twist.  When fishing saltwater think like a saltwater fisherman.

[bmac31]

Wow that's really exciting to know about the blues. I'm looking forward to them now more so then before. Good to know on the backing, now that you say it it makes perfect sense. I'm going to invest in some 30lb braid. I hope to get out soon but I have a feeling its much to early. I don't eat freshwater fish but I do eat saltwater. Would you recommend blues or stripers as a meal?

Thanks

[SirSnookalot]

Stripers yes, bluefish not so much.

[MCS]

Striper aka rockfish are a nice white meat. Big fillet pieces(think salmon squares) baked or breaded and fried very versitile on prep. Blues are oily, when we eat it cut into small pieces and do a cornmeal dredge and fry like fish tenders....or smoke it in a smoker if an option.

[Chris at Tech]

To me in an ideal world, I'd want a reel with higher capacity for that type of fishing. In this case my suggestion would be to go with 20 lb braid mainline. Just select a mono leader for the situation you're fishing for abrasion resistance, reduce cut-offs etc.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Straight 20-30# Power Pro. Use Seaguar for leader material when needed.