New to fishing stripers from jetty

[Tundra49]

Hello.. I am getting into fishing for striped bass again for the first time in almost 15 years. When I used to go, I used a conventional reel off a boat, and usually fished with live eels. I wanted to start fishing again, and will be returning to the same spot I used to go (Moriches Inlet NY) -- but now I will be fishing it from the jetty instead of on the boat. I have a 10' Shakespeare Alpha rod and have a Penn Slammer 560L on the way along with 40# Power Pro. I've never used braided line before and was wondering a couple of things.. I am going to try throwing bucktails to see how I do..

Is this a good reel for what I want to do? The road I have was pretty cheap, so I suspect I might want to upgrade that in the future at some point - just not in the finances at the moment. Second is the 40# Power Pro OK as well? I understand its a good idea to use mono leader with the braided -- what should I use in this case, and how much of it? I'm so far removed from fishing that I have forgotten many of the things I used to do.. Specifically, how my tackle should be set up.

I would appreciate any feedback anyone would like to offer.

Thanks..
Mike

[Thumper]

Mike, only time will tell you if and when you need to upgrade your set up. as far as getting back into fishing it sounds fine, plus you already spent the money so fish it then decide what you want your rod and reel to do. i have no experience with power pro so i can not comment. after you cast out when braid, manually close the bail to avoid any line loops in the braid that will cause wind knots on ur next cast. for a leader i would use 30lb mono if your fishing lead, that way when you get caught up you should be able to break the leader. make sure you always check, feel you leader for any nicks in the line. if you feel anything, take the time to change out the leader, its not worth losing a nice fish over something so simple. i use a spro size 4 swivel to attach the braid then usually a 36in section of mono attached to a f-11 breakaway clip. sometimes fishing lead with the breakaway clips can be a pain since they aren't that big. you can either by snaps or just tie direct with the knot of your choice. some guys pre-tie leaders at home before they go and some in the field, that is up to you. just remember at the end of they day its only fishing, find what works for you and get out there and enjoy yourself

[Tundra49]

Thanks Thumper.. And youre right -- what it comes down to is you're fishing, and its ultimately going to be better than working or (fill in the blanks). I just wanted to try and avoid spending money now that I will end up spending more of later.. My goal is to simply relax and enjoy myself.. And maybe, catch a fish or two. Heck, it took me 3 years on the boat to take home my first legal striper -- I'm well aware of how elusive they can be.

[JohnR]

Tundra - welcome to S-B. Thumper is right, keep it simple. Not familiar with that rod but use what you have, right? 40# Power Pro should be sufficient and I know guys use & like the Slammer.

With the braid, make sure you use a few more turns in your knots so they don't slip and make sure you wear a finger guard or wrap your casting finger, or get the Aquaskinz Black Thunder gloves so you don't cut your finger on the braid:

Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating - Search Results

[Circlehook]

Tundra, 40lb Power pro should be fine, its what I use in the canal. If your on a jetty I would go with a 4 or 5 foot leader of 40 or 50lb mono (I use 50lb mono).

The reason is that you want to grab the leader, not the braid when landing a fish. A longer leader makes it easier to grab, no to mention it has better abraision resistance and your first 5' of line above a jig will get the most abused.

50lb mono will break before 40lb power pro does, if you get snagged on the bottom. That way you just loose your jig and a few feet of leader, saves the expensive braid.

[luds]

I would go at least 50lb on the leader. Penn Slammer is a fine reel. Don't have any experience with the rod but you will find out if it does the job for you quickly when you use it. Good luck and welcome back!

[Tundra49]

Thanks everyone that responded.. For the leader, should I use a swivel between the mono and the braid, or can I use a uni knot to tie them directly to one another?

[Circlehook]

I would use a swivel with a palomar knot.

[Raven]

remember to fish all levels of the water collum

[luds]

I use a swivel but know guys who tie direct braid to mono. If you go with swivels get some croc swivels from cape cod tackle. They are small and the best you can get for pretty short money.
Cape Cod Tackle: KROK SWIVELS 50 pks

size 7 is plenty big.

Get some breakaway clips while your at it.

Cape Cod Tackle: Breakaway Snaps

For leader material you can grab a 50 pound spool of clear Ande from your Local #^&#^&#^&#^&'s or Sports Authority.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by luds

I would go at least 50lb on the leader. Penn Slammer is a fine reel. Don't have any experience with the rod but you will find out if it does the job for you quickly when you use it. Good luck and welcome back!

right on the 50lb leader must have been sleeping while typing.

[Thumper]

one last thing make sure you get yourself some korkers or some other kind of spikes for the jetties if you don't already have them. stay safe and have fun!

[harritchate]

learn to love the palomar knot, the best way to attach braid to swivels or eyelets on a lure/hook

[jimmy z]

Welcome to the site!

If you are going to fish rocks, Korkers are a life saver.

About your tackle, it sounds ok. The Alpha rod might make ya arm weary at first. The reel is decent, but watch out for tha baler closing on the cast. The PP is ok, but I like Fireline on a spinner.
BTW, I use conventional tackle for plugging and such, if that info helps ya.

[flyvice11787]

Welcome to the site. Don't be so hellbent to fish the jetty ( which side by the way?). There's fish in Moriches before the inlet. If you're on the west side, you can find fish by the bridge. Save you the long ride down Burma Road (which may be closed soon due to nesting plovers). If you are fishing the Cupsogue side, don't overlook the back side of the inlet . Some nice structure back there .
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Tundra49]

Originally Posted by flyvice11787

Welcome to the site. Don't be so hellbent to fish the jetty ( which side by the way?). There's fish in Moriches before the inlet. If you're on the west side, you can find fish by the bridge. Save you the long ride down Burma Road (which may be closed soon due to nesting plovers). If you are fishing the Cupsogue side, don't overlook the back side of the inlet . Some nice structure back there .
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hi.. Thanks.. I wouldn't say I was hellbent on fishing the jetty... I'm open to trying new places in the area.. When I used to go out there in a boat, it was somewhat limiting in some regards because when I was going out there 15 years ago, if you took the boat anywhere outside the "channel", you were running aground.. By the way, I am talking about the west side.. I'd try the east side as well by Cupsogue -- and probably get there quicker anyway -- you're right, it is a long drive down Burma. I would also like to check out the north side by the bay just before the inlet.

In regards to the Palomar knot -- I checked it out and practiced tying a few of them.. Really simple knot for me to use and remember.

[missing link]

Welcome to the site.
do you make your own plugs?
if so my I have one to test out , i'll trade ya a limited edition" MISSING LINK " bucktail jig supply is going fast they catch LARGE.
ML Sr

[Tundra49]

One other thing.. Is a palomar knot appropriate for tying a 50# FC leader to a swivel?

Thanks

[bart]

yes