First cast of the year and first cast at a new spot

Googled it but couldn't find anything matching well enough

I beleive the title says it all, that reel handle is a peice of junk (it broke on a little bass) and im looking to buy a replacement handle so i can use it as a beater reel for my little cousin

I have no idea what to buy for it, do any of you guys?

I went to Walmart a little bit ago and they had a lot of stuff on sale especially Abu Garcia bait casters. I grabbed to one and got an Abu Garcia real for eight bucks which normally is 70 there

Advise go hit up Walmart whilst there on sale

C&R of course

https://preview.redd.it/s1uk9mirisge1.png?width=604&format=png&auto=webp&s=7256fe5fe08541969fa93342ce54688e54e14773

Sienna was $13, trion $18, and nexave $20!! Now to find the right rods for them

Dude hit the worm like I was stuck on a branch. I actually sighed in frustration when I saw the bobber go under as I drifted with the wind.

Hi all,

So I’ve been fishing for about three years now. I do mainly sea fishing and mainly fish in the uk on the south coast. I use mainly pre made rigs like pulley rigs, flapper rigs etc and I throw them out and catch nothing. They often get snagged despite choosing supposedly clear areas and using spikey fishing weights. I never have any luck with soft plastic lures and spoons. I usually fish one or two hours before high tide and as early as I can. Last weekend I went to Hastings for those in the uk and caught nothing after hours and changing fishing spots and tactics. I am not sure how to get more consistent results. Only time I’ve consistently caught fish was in the rain in Cornwall in the evening. Otherwise it just feels like pure luck and none of technique or planning helps me catch more consistently.

A photo of a man at peace fishing from a jetty in Kennebunkport, Maine - 2024

I want to go on a fishing trip soon and was wonder if I should base it off of what my fishing apps say. Thanks.

C

7 runs, something that bit through my line several times, one common carp, 2 mirror carp and one barber

I’ve read so much mixed information about this topic that I haven’t been able to reach a conclusion on what I need to achieve the most “optimal” setup and I may be overcomplicating this, but i want to get the most out of my fishing gear.

Basically, I’ll be doing some “surf” fishing. For context, where I live, the fishing spots are very rocky ocean shores, so we need to cast really far to actually target decent-sized fish (from medium-sized barracudas to possibly some 30 lb yellowfins) and avoid getting snagged. To do this, I want to choose the right setup that will allow me to cast the farthest and not break when fighting a big fish if it bites.

I’ll definitely be using a 7’6” to 10’ rod, 40g sinking lures/1 to 1.5 oz jig heads with soft plastics and braided line with mono leaders, but I don’t know what size spinning reel to choose and the importance of the max drag with the rest of my equipment.

My questions are as follows:

I’m aware that fishing rods usually provide a line recommendation for optimal casting distance while ensuring the rod doesn’t break before the line does. However, I believe these recommendations are based on the pound test and diameter of monofilament lines. *If I want to use braided line with mono leader, should I choose the same pound test braid and mono as the rod recommends, or should I use a braid with a diameter similar to that of the recommended monofilament line?*

Regarding the reel’s max drag issue, for example (knots would not break), *if I use 30 lb straight braid and my reel’s max drag is 15 lbs, will the reel’s mechanical components wear out faster if the pressure exceeds the drag and I continue reeling the spool?*

I know that with baitcasters, the reel continues to let the line out if the drag is exceeded, but I’m not sure if that’s the case with spinning reels or if the bail will break.

Any recommendations on gear, lures or surf casting techniques would be greatly appreciated, and I’ll be happy to provide any further information if needed.

Was working on one reel and decided to grab em all lol.

A few missing from the pile, few missing/borrowed for some years lol.

Few of these just picked up from the Walmart clearance.

Some of these are hitting the decade mark or more. I’ve beat most of these up and fish from shore and some salt so I’m surprised they’re still going strong.

Anyone ever use these abu garcia vengeance tactical spinning reels? Looking forward to testing them out next weekend.