What is the smallest lb test line I should use for baitcasting from the surf on the Jersey Shore?

Question

In a few weeks I am taking a trip to the Jersey Shore to fish off the surf. I have an Abu Garcia 5500 C3 baitcasting reel that holds up to 12 lb test. Will 10-12 lb test be sufficient? I am going for striped bass (and whatever else bites) by the way. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Can I get away with using a higher lb test braided line since braided apparently is thinner than mono?

Answer 1

You could get away with fishing 12lb test if your reel drag is set correctly. Just don't make it too tight. The problem is if you hook a big fish, a striper over 30 pounds, you are going to be fighting the fish for more than 30 minutes with a loose drag. If the drag was tighter, the line would snap, however, if the drag is loose enough to will land any fish.

Answer 2

Where exactly are you going to in the Jersey Shore? I live in Jersey so I have some knowledge on more fished on areas.

I don't think that having a 10-12 test will be sufficient. The bass are HUGE currently. It's really time to go after fluke buddy.

for stripers: If you want you should use gamakatsu circle hook with clam. I just use the main body (the circle basically) I take off the outsides of it.

fluke: get a jighead with berkeley gulp! swimming mullet. I prefer the pink one. Just jig it off the ground. The fluke bite the gulp like crazy. its been already said from northern jersey-south jersey that they actually bite it. of you can use minnows.

anything else: just use a regular hook with weight and use squid strips. squid catches anything from sea robins, skate, tautog, fluke at times,etc.

i fish in brigantine, its next to atlantic city. if your going to IBSP, have fun fitting into the crowded beaches most likely. go to a nearby B&T and ask whats been hitting on what. if stripers are getting caught alot then you should probably get a surf rod.

personally i have a spinning and surf rod. don't really want a baitcasting rod yet. spinning does everything for you. =]

Answer 3

I know nothing about fishing the Jersey shore, but I know that a 5500 will hold bigger than 12lb line. I keep mine spooled with 14 and have fished 17 in the past. A braided line is good for getting more(longer) line on the spool.

Have fun.

Answer 4

i think that its going to be a great trip...ive been there..well i like your choice of reel...abu is my personal favorite...braid is not for everyone...its not very forgiving..if your reel isnt tuned corectly...you will be getting nest's every cast...regular mono wont cast as far....i think that for your trip you should use braid...but you need to practice casting and you have to tune that reel.. and yes you can get 20-25 lb test on a reel rated for 10-16 lb test mono because of the small diameter...but dont got out there and make the first cast with braid without practicing before hand...your ganna be makin 100-120 yard casts over those breakers..and if theres blue around make sure you have some wire leader with some crimps handy

Answer 5

you can Use 12 lb test easy,going with braid is fine too, however remeber, braid doesnt stretch, and it snaps because it cant take abrasion at all, just make sure your drag is nice so you can rell up those big stripers!!

and another quick thing, I found that when I'm surf fishing to wrap tape on my thumb so my line doesn't burn into it when I cast, that Happens all the time when you use braid.

Answer 6

I grew up surf fishing in Delaware and now surf fish in East Central Florida. Use thirty-pound power pro. Make sure you have a leader of some sort. I make my own surf rigs with Flourocarbon. I nave landed sharks up to sixty pounds with thirty pound power pro in the surf. Just use your drag and follow them up the beach. If you used twelve pound line for any type of fish in Florida you would get your feelings hurt. The only thing I would use twelve pound line in your area for is Flounder in the bay. Any big ocean Blue, Striper, or pig black drum will take you to the junk yard.

Answer 7

the main important "qualified" scale weighed fish I ever caught became a 25# carp in a journey on 6# try Berkley Trilene. inspite of the undeniable fact that, the checklist books are packed with some spectacular scores for lots extra advantageous fish than that. and that i've got considered the photos recording the seize of a one hundred ten# Pacific sailfish caught on 6# try line. if so, it became only approximately as lots or extra approximately boat administration than it became what the fisherman became doing together with his rod and reel. Catching massive fish on LITTLE line is generally based on your reels drag placing, the size and adaptability of your fishing rod, and how experienced and affected person you're. the main mandatory element nicely worth remembering is to "take the time". You dare not horse in a great fish while applying cobweb for strains and leaders. comprehend what I advise?

Answer 8

I would use around twenty lbs. fishing line. I think that that would be your best bet.