[backbeach]

I second the eels at night, heavy gear for serious fish plan...If you like to plug, learn to rig dead eels- you can work it like a plug, cover more water, and its easier to keep alert since you are moving and casting at a faster pace. When they hit them it won't be like a pickup on a live eel- often it feels like they are trying to rip the rod out of your hands. A conventional graphite 9-10' with a 7000 series abu and 50# powerpro and a 9-10' 50 flouro leader tied direct to the eel works for me. Check out Secrets of Surf Fishing at night book by Mueller for details on rigging.Oh, and invest in goretex wading jacket and waders so you don't get soaked and miserable before the cows come home....Best of Luck, Jim p.s. don't get caught up in getting numbers of schoolies- rarely will big fish mingle with them-unless they are eating them! Keep moving til u find bigger fish- it takes self discipline-but it's a must.