The following are my basic tackle suggestions for the different fish species from boats and the surf. You could go lighter if you wish for the maximum sport. If you would like a light tackle recommendation, please direct your questions to my e-mail. Good luck!

SPINNING TACKLE
Species Rod Reel Line Test
Striped Bass
Live Eeling		 Medium Penn 5500SS or Similar 15lb.-17lb.
Striped Bass
Jigging		 Medium Light(Graphite Preferred) Penn 4500SS or Similar 10lb.-15lb.
Striped Bass
Chunking		 Medium Shimano Baitrunner 3500 15lb.
Bluefish
Chumming/Jigging		 Medium Penn 5500SS or Similar 15lb.-17lb.
Bluefish
Trolling
Conv. Recommended		 Medium Penn 5500SS or Similar 17lb.
Weakfish Medium Light-Light Penn 4300SS/4400SS 6lb.-10lb.
Bottom Fishing
Flounder/Weaks/Croakers/Etc.		 Medium - Medium Light Penn 5500SS - 4500SS 12lb.-17lb.
Wreck Fishing
Conventional Recommended		 Medium Penn 5500SS 15lb.-17lb.


CONVENTIONAL TACKLE
Species Rods Reel Line Test
Striped Bass
Live Eeling		 Medium Penn Int'l 965 or Similar 15lb.-17lb.
Striped Bass
Jigging		 Medium Trigger Stick Ambassadeur 6500UC/Penn Int'l 965 10Lbs.-15Lbs.
Striped Bass
Chunking		 Medium/Med. Heavy 310GTi or Similar 17lb.-20lb.
Bluefish
Chumming		 Medium/Med. Heavy Penn Int'l 965 o/ 310GTi 15lb.-20lb.
Bluefish
Jigging		 Medium Trigger Stick Int'l 965 or Similar 12lb.-17lb.
Bluefish
Trolling		 Medium/Med. Heavy Penn 310GTi o/ Similar 17lb.-20lb.
Weakfish Medium Light Small Baitcaster 6Lbs.-12Lbs.
Bottom Fishing Medium/Medium Heavy Shimano TR100G
Penn 310GTi o/similar		 15Lbs.-17Lbs.
Wreck Fishing Sea Bass: Medium
Tautog: Medium Heavy		 Sea Bass: Shimano TR100G
Tautog: Penn 310GTi		 Sea Bass: 15Lbs.-17Lbs.
Tautog: 20Lbs.-25Lbs.*
* Depends upon depth of the water fishing in

SURF FISHING
From the surf, I recommend using spinning tackle. It is easier for most people to cast further. G. Loomis, St. Croix, and other rod manufacturers make excellent rods for all applications including surf fishing. Van Staal makes what most consider to be the best spinning reel available for surf fishing. It is virtually indestructible and is backed by a life time warranty. Penn makes a more economical line of spinning reels for the surf...the Z series. The 704Z is a very popular surf fishing reel. I, personally, use the Penn SS reels for surf fishing. Most of the surf fishing I do is from jetties and occasionally from the suds.

Please keep in mind that the rod and reel combinations that I provide are for general fishing situations. Adjustments will need to be made based on conditions and personal preference. I hope that my suggestions help you to purchase the perfect combo for yourself.

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