My name is Phil and I grew up in Duluth, GA as an avid bass fisherman and deer hunter. I play baseball for Wheaton College (outside of Chicago, IL) and will be graduating from there in May. I will be getting married in June and then moving to West Palm Beach shortly after to begin my job.
I have targeted sharks before, but only on vacation with limited tackle and resources. My only sharks to brag about were blacktips and lemons (around 2-3 ft) off of South Beach in Hilton Head, SC.
I really want to take advantage of the great shark fishing from shore that West Palm has to offer. I realize that I will need to come up with some better tackle and equipment in order to do this. With a newlywed budget, does anyone have any advice for where to start on gear?
I really do not know much about the West Palm area, regarding places to target sharks. I have lurked on the site for a few days and read up on Palm Beach Inlet? This seems like a hot spot for shark fishing from the beach. If anyone has any advice for where to fish (without giving away your secret spots) I would be greatly appreciate it!!
Thanks for any help you may have!
Tight lines. Phil.
Most guys seem to like a 9/0 for starting off, cheap and big enough for most sharks, a 6/0 is also a good reel.
What position do you play?
I am a catcher and hoping to play college ball, next year is my senior year.
Thanks, batrayz!
I am a first baseman and a relief pitcher. I have tremendous respect for catchers.. Where are you hoping to play ball in college?
A 9/0 sounds good. How expensive are we talking about? Just curious to get an idea of pricing.
Thanks!
-Phil
I am not hopeing to make a carrier out of baseball, just want to continue the fun and stay in shape (wouldnt turn down a draft either haha). So I dont know where I want to go yet.
And a 9/0 just from a glance at ebay run $60-200 with around $125 looking average. Again I just glanced at it, you could find a deal on there.
I hear you. I won't be playing baseball after college, but I'm sure glad I played for as long as I could.
A 9/0 looks good and could be in my price range. What about the rod to match with a 9/0? Should I just get a combo?
probably a 8-10' 80-130 or 60-100 rod. I have never fished the Atlantic or for the type of sharks down there, so I am only going by what I havve read.
A lot of guys like having custom rods, but those will cost you. You have two options really, look for a good combo or buy the reel and find a rod that matches it well.
Welcome aboard!! Batrayz is right a 9/0 or a 12/0 would be good to start out. You just have to look around for a deal!!!
Thanks guys! I've been on the lookout for deals on a 9/0, both combos and individual reels. I'll have to let y'all know how it goes! I've still got a while till the move to West Palm.
I'm really looking forward to getting down there and getting on some sharks. I suppose I need to invest in a kayak as well! I see an addiction beginning..
Phil