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Here's a copy paste of my old comment, take from it what helps you

I'll try to be brief as possible. Also, I'm not sure your experience level, so I apologize if I go over things that are obvious to you.

Basically you need to be aiming for Spanish Mackerel. They are a fucking blast to fish for.

Your set-up will work fine. These fish only get up to around 8-12 pounds, 15 if you're (extremely) lucky. But, bank on your catches being 8-12 pounds (closer to 8).

What you need:

Leader. You'll need to tie 40 or 50 pound monofilament line to your main line. Spanish have razor sharp teeth and will bite off smaller line. I'll go over later how to tie leader to main line. You can just buy the cheap mono line. I keep both 40# and 50# with me. I'll use 40# first, and if I get bit off 2 times, I switch to 50#. But, no need to spend too much money, just grab a spool of 40 or 50 pound. Worth noting, Spanish have eyes of a hawk and can easily be spooked away from lure, that's why I try with 40# first. So, it's a gamble of getting hooked up/ getting bit off between 40 and 50#. I suggest 40#

Lure: Gotcha plugs. Seriously, That's the only lure you need. Spanish love them. You'll also catch other things such as blue runners and possibly king mackerels. Get them at the local walmart down there in Destin (as well as your other fishing needs) prices online are a little high, and walmart has the best prices (believe it or not). Like I said ealier, get about 5 per person, as you will get bit off. But different colors; sometimes spanish will wanna strike white body/ yellow head, where as the next they want gold body/orange head. They also come in metal body and plastic body. I suggest getting both. In the picture of the gotcha plug above i linked is a gold body/ orange head/ metal body, I highllly suggest that, that is my go-to gotcha plug.

You said you already had line, but I suggest getting 12-20lb braided line. Braided line casts far and has better response.

Pliers. Last thing you want is a Spanish biting your finger. Have some pliers so you can pull the hook out of its mouth.

a big cooler. You may want to rent a cooler cart at the pier. It's a hassle to carry a cooler to the end of the pier, and then back full of ice and fish. bring a long cooler with you

food drinks. don't waste 20 minutes of good fishing by having to walk to the front desk to buy a $4 coke and $3 snickers bar, have that shit with you.


Get to the pier before sun break. You want to be on the pier, in your fishing spot ~15 minutes before the sun comes up. As of today, 6:19 AM is sunrise for Destin, FL. So, you want to be walking on the pier to the spot at like 6:05am. Spanish run early in the morning to about 12pm and then head back to deeper water (they return a few hours before sundown, when the water cools off). Can't stress this enough, be there before sunrise.

Here is a video on how to tie your mono leader to your main line.

When you get to the pier, you'll see other guys out there fishing for Spanish, you'll know where to be. generally it's somewhere in the middle of the pier. Just keep an eye on the other guys and watch where they fish and how they do it. When you cast the gotcha, you'll retrieve it fast with somewhat of a jerk here and there.

So, to recap, hopefully put 12-20lb braid on your rig. Tie with uni-knot 40-50lb mono leader to you main line. Tie gotcha plug to leader (no swivels or anything, just line tied to line tied to lure). be in middle of pier before sunrise. Cast as far as you can, retrieve lure fast with some jerking.

Oh, and when you leave the pier, wash your poles off with the water hose at the entrance to the pier. Especially with your gear that is not designed for saltwater. Saltwater is very corrosive and will lock your reel up if not washed off your reel when done. But, don't wash the reel too much and clean the lubricant inside of it. Just a simple wash will do.


extra: while you're at walmart, get a lure called a sabiki rig. looks like this or this (get sabiki brand, not cheap stuff) Tie to your line, and add a weight to the end. Go near a pilling and drop it to the very bottom, then real up a few cranks and manually bring your pole up and down (tip of pole going up and down about 4 foot). It's always good fun to catch 4-5 fish at the same time. Most of the time it's fish you throw back, but fun none the less. If you were fishing for King mackerel you would do this to catch live bait. You'll see the Korean people on the pier doing this


Most importantly, have fun. If you take my advice, you're bound to have fun! I'll be in Panama city here in about a week and will be fishing non-stop. update me with some pictures of fish!

edit: Here is the gear I suggest for Saltwater fishing from pier (with capabilities of surf fishing)

Pole: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

Reel: Penn Battle II 4000

Line: Power Pro Braided Fishing Line 20lb/300yards I use moss green. Color choice is up to you. High vidiabilty colors (yellow for example) do help when fishing on a crowded pier. People can see where you are casted at. Helps reduce hook ups with other fisherman.

Can't go wrong with the Ugly Sticks for the price, however you might want to go down a weight... medium heavy (MH) is a bit much for the species you're targeting unless you're using really large lures and mostly going for big carp, and heavy is way too much. It'll be pretty stiff and with lighter line result in larger fish being more likely to break you off vs a medium action which will flex more when fighting the fish. You could even go medium light if you're catching more smaller walleye, crappie, and rock bass. I do prefer the Ugly Stik Elite over the GX2 though, they're 10 bucks more but lighter with a nice cork handle. Either way is fine though. Also, you mention casting rods and spinning reels... that won't work, you will need either a spinning rod and spinning reel (which is what I would go with) or a baitcaster reel and a casting rod (which is harder to get used to).

The reel you're looking at is not one I've used personally, but they're quite popular and most people love them here, so from everything I've heard it will be a fine choice. I use mostly Penn reels which I've been very happy with, and the compatible Penn would be the new Fierce II which is also a good choice.

If I were buying a new all around use freshwater setup today, here is what I would buy... I'm posting the Amazon link because it's easy to find, but you can get this stuff most anywhere:

Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel size 2500 or 3000. I use the Battle II line which is just a step up, but the Fierce is reliable and durable as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Penn-FRCII4000-Fierce-Spinning-Reel/dp/B011LVCGA8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770336&sr=8-1&keywords=penn%2Bfierce%2B2&th=1&psc=1

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod - this is a matter of preference, but I like a 7' rod for casting out a bit farther, 2 piece for easy transport, in medium power so it has some flex to help with casting and fighting larger fish on lighter line.

https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Elite-Spinning-2-Piece-7-Feet/dp/B00QJ4IE6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770384&sr=8-1&keywords=ugly%2Bstick%2Belite&th=1&psc=1

My choice for line (either way you go reel wise) would probably be 8-10lb mono, like this one, or 15-20 braid. If you get an extra spool for the reel you buy, you can have both.

https://www.amazon.com/Stren-Monofilament-Fishing-10-Pound-Fluorescent/dp/B00LDYHTQU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770474&sr=8-1&keywords=stren%2Bmono%2B10lb&th=1&psc=1

I would look for a spinning combo with a medium power rod and a 2500-3000 size real, that's a good middle ground for starting freshwater fishing... stout enough for larger fish but not so big that you can't cast lighter lures.

For 50, your best bet is probably an Ugly Stik GX2 combo, probably go with model MODEL # USSP662M/35CBO myself.

http://www.uglystik.com/uglystik-combos-spinning-combos/ugly-stik-gx2-spinning-combo/1314552.html#specifications

If you want to go up a bit in price, you'll get a bit more out of an Ugly Stik Elite combo version of the above, or a Pflueger President Spinning Combo like model PFLPRES2-70COMBO:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/pflueger-president-spinning-combo-15pflupflprs2spn2com/15pflupflprs2spn2com?recid=nosearch_PageElement_nosearch_rr_1_2564_&rrec=true

If it were me, I would probably save up a bit more and pair a Penn Fierce II 2500 with an Ugly Stik Elite 7' rod, which for the money gives you a versatile combo with will last a long time and a can handle light salt water use as well. Both pieces are about 50 bucks, here's what they look like from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011LVCGA8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VS0S1IO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Any of those are pretty comonly available at places like Cabela's, Dicks, Bass Pro, and some even at Walmart if you want to check them out in person. Any of those paired with some 8-10lb mono line like Stren Original or whatever you prefer, or 15lb braid will work well for most freshwater situations.

Other than rod/reel, I would get a decent tackle box, I like the soft side ones with a strap that make hauling your gear around a bit easier... I have a couple of them from Plano that were a bout 50 bucks. I would also get a decent pair of pliers or similar, ideally with a cutter to trim line, so you can unhook fish that took a lure a deeper in their mouth easily, especially toothy fish.

Where I went: Keweenaw Rustic Cabin in Allouez, MI.

When I went: 5/15/16 to 5/21/16

What I did: Hiked Bear Bluff counter clockwise, hiked Brockway Mountain, fished for trout in various streams (mainly the Gratiot River), used way too much data streaming music (mainly death metal), drank a lot of Miller Lite.

Wildlife I saw: Deer, duck, frogs, caught about 30-40 trout, pheasant, turkey, etc.

How was the fishing: It depends on what you're looking for. I caught a trout probably once every five casts. I fished every day and loved the views and fish. However, from my own observations and after talking to many locals, the trout here are native and do not get much bigger than 8". It didn't bother me. I only catch and release anyways.

How was the cabin? It was amazing. No electricity, running water, toilet, etc. I liked being detached. No houses within a 2 mile radius, no other cabins nearby, no road noises or airplane noises. It had a propane stove which I used every day. Also had some rain water collected that I used to shower with and wash my clothes. I would definitely go back.

Pros of the trip I could only stay one week, my girlfriend wasn't there to help me pack or cook for me, I didn't see or talk to anyone, I had pretty good cell reception, fish were biting, no bugs, great weather, no car problems, didn't lose or break any gear (except for losing my Sea to Summit stuff sack for my sleeping bag... where/how can I replace this?), dog had a blast, I don't have limes disease, I only lost 5lbs, the cabin was pretty cheap.

Cons: I could only stay a week, didn't catch many big fish, started chewing tobacco again up there..., not many long trails for thru hiking up near me... that's about it. I don't have anything bad to say about the trip or the area.

Gear:

• Brooks Cascadia 11 Trail Runners - I finally found a pair of damn shoes that work for me. I believe I've returned 5 pairs of shoes in the past year. This work amazing. Drain well, light weight, feel great, no blisters, etc.
  
  
• Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Fishing Pole - Small, lightweight, inexpensive, great quality, collapsible, comes with a carrying case that fits perfectly in my pack.
  
  
• Miller Lite - tastes great, cheap, gets you drunk.
  
  
• Merino Minus 33 Thermals top and bottoms - man... i love these things and I wore the fuck out of them, but my god they are not the most durable clothing out there. My top has signs of wear in the shoulders from my pack and several small holes. Same goes for my bottoms. I have probably only put 150 miles on them. As sad as it is, I will probably end up replacing them when they're fully worn out because of how warm they are, they don't stink, quick drying, and wicking properties.
  
  
• Cabela waders - worked great. Got hot under them, but that's unavoidable, I believe.
  
  
• Any other questions about my gear.
  
  All in all, I loved the trip and plan to go back. If you have any specific questions about the hikes I did, gear I used, the cabin, food I packed, workouts, etc. let me know! I will answer and respond to all questions.

There's not a lot of good info out the about it.

I'd just start with the Owner New-Half Moon Tenago hooks. Get them from TenkaraBum and get them pre-snelled unless you like to tie really really small knots. You can buy a tool to help you snell them, but I prefer them pre-snelled.

I like to use an old lightweight spinning combo that I had lying around, but sometimes the reach of a expandable cane pole can come in handy.

To actually catch the fish, take a tiny piece of redworm and put it on the hook. Hemostats can be a little bit handy for this. Different fish like different presentations. I almost always put the smallest piece of split shot I can find about 1.5" above the hook, but you'll have more aggressive fish hitting the shot instead of the bait.

For topminnows, mosquitofish, anything that feeds right on the surface - Lightly dab the bait on the surface of the water. When they hit it, pop them out. Don't ever just lift the fish out, you'll need a firm pop to set the hook.

For Cypranids - a lot of the cypranids like a super aggressive approach. Slap the bait on the water and let it sink. I've caught quite a few of them on the edge of a current seam between slow and fast water buy dropping the bait in at the very edge.

For darters, madtoms - Find largish rocks in clear water and very slowly and carefully move them out of the way. The fish will either lay there or dart away. If they run, watch where they go. They will almost always turn around and stay in that spot. Use the splitshot to control the bait and try to get it right in front of their nose. Bump them in the nose if they aren't responsive.

Some fish are super annoying. Stonerollers are hard to catch. Some won't bite no matter what you try, like spring cavefish often do. Sunfish are the opposite no matter the size. They will flock to your bait, even the big ones. A big sunfish on 1/2lb test is interesting. The nice thing about microfishing is that you can do it whenever everything else is locked down. Minnows will always bite, and can be a challenge to hook.

For ID - Peterson's Field Guide is the bible. Hit up /r/microfishing, www.nanfa.org, and www.roughfish.com

For good, cheap, and easily stowable I'd recomend a Shakespeare catch more fish combo, or a Shakespeare Ugly Stik. People online seem to shit on the former a lot, but I have two and they've never done me wrong. The ugly stiks get a lot of praise.

I have this for catching bass, panfish, any other small to medium sized fish and love it. I'm sure it could easily catch bigger fish, but I have another, heavier version of the same rod which I got while on vacation in North Carolina when I knew nothing about fishing and I still use it for catfish and carp. They're pretty good, especially for the price.

head over to /r/flytying there are some great resources in the side bar. I recommend buying getting a cheap vice kit that comes with some basic materials. This way you can get a hang of things before deciding if you want to invest in a better vice and tools. There are a few good books on beginners tying, I have this one http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Tying-Beginners-Failsafe-Flies/dp/0764158457/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395621072&sr=1-2&keywords=fly+tying and its great. I would also recommend getting a guide book for your state/ area you fish. They usually have decent hatch charts and good advice on what to use where.

The Audubon guides are good, but I like the Peterson field guides for all my wildlife needs. The Freshwater fishes of N. America just got the new 2nd edition published, and I think they added like 150 species to it. They have great pictures, its organized very well, and has lots of great info. That's what I use. Just get the paperback version and beat the hell out of it!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547242069/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0395910919&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=15NF3RRHGF4FY585GQ5P

Looking at that lake makes me want to bust out the canoe so much...

That said, if you are just starting out I wouldn't overthink it. People have been catching fish for decades with good ol' Trilene XL. haha. Especially on a setup that light (edit: I thought you linked to the ultralight version, but now I'm not sure sure), I'd just go with whatever weight trilene XL works on your reel and start to get a good feel for the hobby. It's easier to just start fishing without having to worry about leaders and things like that. But ultimately, braid really is the way to go. I've never used fluoro as a main line, but even now I don't use braid on my ultralight setup. Really small diameter braid digs in to itself too easily.

“Fishing for Dummies”

It seems silly, but it’s a great basic overview with good illustrations and diagrams. Used copies are pretty cheap online. I started fishing in a vacuum and this book got me started.

Get a book like this. Not necessarily this one or from this vendor, but this is the updated version of a book I used when I was a kid (before the internet). The nice things about these beginner books is that they talk about everything you need to know, with the assumption that you are going to need all the terms defined.

Read through it, learn the terms, learn the basic parts of the techniques, then watch some basic YouTube tutorials to actually see someone apply the techniques. The nice part about a book like this is that it's also a recipe book. It has a lot of basic patterns, and a list of materials that you need to tie them.

Warning: fly fishing and fly tying are as expensive as you allow them to be. You can really sink a lot of money into this hobby if you want.

I've got this thing and bought the trolling motor for it... it's pretty awesome actually haha

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Colorado-2-Person-Fishing-Kayak/dp/B00J0S0JGS

Nice :) I recently bought an Intex Seahawk II that's perfect for fishing. It has 2 pole holders, room for a tackle box and cooler, and you can mount a motor on the back. Not bad for $100 new.

I recommend an Ugly Stik Elite Medium Action rod paired with a Penn Fierce II size 2500 and spooled with 8lb mono line. It's a combo he can use for anything from brim to bass to catfish and even some light saltwater use. It's easy to use, and pretty tough and low maintenance. Here's the items on Amazon that are around your price limit with free prime shipping. The other option would be a Bass Pro / Cabela's / etc. gift card so he can choose his own.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QJ4IE6S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

+

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011LVCGA8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1&psc=1

+

https://www.amazon.com/Stren-SOFS4-15-Original/dp/B00MGBG6M2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1491522800&sr=1-1&keywords=stren%2Boriginal&th=1&psc=1

I've got a telescoping pole for some basic freshwater stuff and it actually works really well for me. I can see the drawbacks but I'm such a casual fisher that the benefits and storage space of the rod outweigh any issues.

I've been using it pretty often, 1-2x a week for a few hours to an entire day at a time, switching out setups/hooks, and catching fish (or trees....). I've had one serious line issue and it happened earlier today. Other than that it's behaved perfectly, and I have absolutely no complaints.

Rod I have; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OWNPA6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just to give you another choice I've heard decent things about the Daiwa Minispin from a friend of mine. Although I've never used it on the water I checked it out and it seemed pretty decent and I personally would trust a Daiwa over a Shakespeare in terms of quality of spinning reels.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000BY56T/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1406763478&sr=8-1&keywords=daiwa+minispin&condition=new

Honestly get two Shakespeare GX2's they are only $40 each. The GX2 is a great combo; I would say get the 6ft medium action. Spool them with 15lb test Mono!

Here are the links

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F0KMLCK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OLRQO0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this travel rod from Okuma. Its an inexpensive setup that gets the job done and I use it for the same fish you mentioned, and I prefer this style travel rod over the telescoping variety. I put a different light reel on it so I can't speak about that.

I don't mind that its not a high-end setup, but if you really want to spoil yourself St. Croix makes a very nice travel ultralight. I gifted one to my dad specifically for trout, and its a nicer rod than most of my non-travel rods. It comes in a soft fabric case and doesn't seem particularly durable, so I'd consider a hard case or tube for backpacking with it.

Well i think that most people would tell you the same thing I will. Get the Penn Battle 2. It's widely accepted as one of the best saltwater spinning reels and is available for as low as $70 on Amazon.

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel, 4000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LDYJ7CO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.qJqybKRAJNFW

I would probably go with the 4000 or 5000 size depending on what line weight and type you are using. (Braid, monofilament). If you plan on ever using it for bigger fish or offshore fishing then maybe go for the 6000. Hope that helps. If you have any question let me know.

I'd recommend this rod, doesn't get much more inexpensive than $15.

I purchased it a few months back and then my roommate couldn't resist and got one as well. Just bought another for my girlfriend.

It's the perfect thing for hiking or just keeping in your trunk as you mentioned.

You can't go wrong with a Penn Battle or Penn Spinfisher V. I personally own the Spinfisher and they're solid as can be. For sharks and rays grab a 6000 or 7000. For trout, snapper, and the like grab a 4000.
As for a rod, look in the 6-7 foot range. Star Rods, Shimanos, and Penn all make quality products. And you can't go wrong with going to your local tackle shop and asking for advice. It's hard to match a rod and reel without feeling it, so I actually strongly recommend checking them out.

Thanks for the reply. What kind of sharpener do you use? I have one of these
http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Deluxe-5-Stone-Sharpening-System/dp/B000B8IEA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404375235&sr=8-1&keywords=knife+sharpening+edge
I find I can get a sharper edge then any other technique I've tried, but it is a slow process.

Also, have you found some blades just have better steel overall?

I got one of these and have been incredibly happy with it: http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Fish-Soft-Sided-Tackle/dp/B002RPMUHM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417251660&sr=8-1&keywords=tackle+bag

It will fit three larger plano hard cases in it, along with all the other goodies I need.

Yeah those boga grip's are 100+. I found [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Berkley-Classics-Grip-Fish-Handling/dp/B002VLWWD4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_4) on amazon for 17 bucks. Polarized sun glasses I could second as a good recommendation.

I also recommend the Intex Seahawk II. Mine is pretty thick and sturdy. The material sort of looks like rubberized fabric.

this one has great reviews though

Dude I got a Daiwa travel rod--microlight that fits in a real small case. I routinely take it with me to school and keep it under the seat of my car. It has a little built in tackle box for a few lures and with a little creativity, you can easily make more tackle room within the case. Only about 40 bucks. https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-System-Minispin-Ultralight-Spinning/dp/B0000BY56T/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1524530392&sr=8-1&keywords=daiwa+minispin

What do you think about this one? It's pretty inexpensive and it has the kit with bobbers and lures.

My 1st rod/reel was this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0KM8GE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_OrIQBbYF8FXFX

It's an Ugly Stick GX2 rod /reel combo, medium/heavy 6'6.

Ive been using it for months and love it. I have it spooled with 20lb braid. I use lures of all different weights and I've always been happy with my cast distance.

Although to be fair it's my first setup and up until recently I haven't had anything to compare it to. I recently picked up a baitcast, but won't be able to try it out until Sunday:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MY4D3X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MvIQBbSB0X40E

One thing I found out quickly was that depending on the lure I was using I feel I really need to put a lot of "muscle" behind the cast. A lot of variables can effect cast distance so it could be one thing or several things effecting your distance.

http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Medium-Action-Travel-Telescopic/dp/B001H2RXBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342129433&sr=8-1&keywords=collapsible+fishing+pole I have oneand its nice for hiking or for places its hard to get to
Or this if you allready have a reel
http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Medium-Action-Travel-Spinning/dp/B0000AUWG5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342129567&sr=8-3&keywords=collapsible+fishing+pole

I'm looking for one as well. Here are a few I have been looking at.

http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Medium-Action-Travel-Spinning/dp/B000ODM2RM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1318181805&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-System-Minispin-Ultralight-Spinning/dp/B0000BY56T/ref=sr_1_14?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1318181805&sr=1-14

http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-VS-605-20-Voyager-Spinning-Travel/dp/B000MQTJW2/ref=pd_ts_sg_11?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods

I like telescopic rods way more.

I bought it from a local store I believe. Here it is on amazon though
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ODM2RM/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?qid=1418504163&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Fishing For Dummies

Very well written, funny, and most of all incredibly informative about all things fishing. It was kind of a gag gift but I learned a lot, and it's fifteen bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Deluxe-5-Stone-Sharpening-System/dp/B000B8IEA4

By beach caster do you mean baitcaster? Or are you looking for a rod and reel combo?
Combo Abu Garcia

Ugly Stik

About to pull the trigger on this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J0S0JGS

Try getting your son a lip grip

http://www.amazon.com/Berkley-Big-Game-Lip-Grip/dp/B002VLWWD4/

He could use the lip grip, then hold that between his knees while he removed the hook.

[Here.] (http://www.amazon.com/Zebco-33-Spincast-Fishing-Combo/dp/B000LNZ66E/ref=pd_sbs_sg_10)

Then buy:

Decent line, from six to ten "pound test."

[Terminal tackle.] (http://www.amazon.com/Dolphin-343-Piece-Terminal-Tackle/dp/B005LPVTTA/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370884155&sr=1-1&keywords=terminal+tackle+kit)

[And a decent beginner lure kit.] (http://www.amazon.com/Mister-Twister-Curly-piece-Assorted/dp/B000WEOPZK/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1370884345&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=curly+tail+jig+kit)

There you go.

rod and reel. That combo will handle any fish at the pier and will leave you enough money to get braid to go with it.

Shorten to : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J0S0JGS

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shakespeare telescopic rod

These rods are fine for the smaller sized fish. They're easy to use while backpacking as they collapse, instead of coming in separate pieces. Definitely not an everyday rod, but very functional for hiking. Plus at this price you can afford to buy a few and break them with out feeling bad at all.