CookieMonst3r

A huge surf rod isn't needed for piers, any cheap rod and reel combo that's made to handle 2oz weights will work fine. Long time ago when I first started fishing I bought a Berkely Fusion Rod/Reel Combo ($20 at Wal-Mart) and use it till this day, it's only made to throw 1 1/4 oz. weights but I've used weights up to 4 oz. with success, and have caught LOTS of fish species. But I would recommend a BPS Trophy Class Rod, cheap, but useful. And forget bloodworms and squid, shrimp is the way to go. Tight Lines.

Bill Dance followed by Jimmy Houston.

I tried braid on my Quantum baitcaster, and hated it so decided to only use braid on Spinning Reels. As far as brands go for braid I use 20# Hi-Vis Yellow Power Pro, for mono I use Sufix Seige, and I never really tried fluoro. Tight Lines.

Nice Red, I'd try catching some on crabs but in my area (NE Florida) they seem to love fresh dead shrimp. Oh and, was the crab live or in pieces?

Booyah and Strike King

Soft Plastics - * Anything else - BPS, ***

I wouldn't write the diving depth, because the diving depth depends on the line your using, and other factors.

Looks to be a good 7 pounds or so. Nice hog.

Those mst have been some great fights on light tackle. Welcome to the Forums

Nice Cats man, keep it up.

Small bread the size of a pea, with a split shot 12" above the line. I recommend using Owner Circle hooks in size 1. Wacky rigged live Crawlers will also work. Chum up the area first.

Like many, I only use a leader when the water is clear. Double uni knot, is the knot I tie.

That's one huge cat.

Small beads of bread on a #2 hook w/ a split shot up the line or weightless. Or try a 1/8 - 1/16 oz. jig w/ a grub, chartreuse is always a good jighead color. If you go with bread, chum up an area with small "sheets" of bread, Crappie love it.

It's probably Croakers or other pinfish.

In your opinion, what is the strongest brand of line based on line diameter, not pound #. I use Suffix and have found it to be extremly strong.

I use a modified Improved Clinch Knot. After I make my Improved Clinch Knot, I use the remaining line from my knot and tie a basic knot. This way my knot stops slipping.

And one more question. What is the average size (lengh) of these fish? I caught one 12" and thought that was nice(for a Croaker).

I was thinking 2 might be good, but the problem is I'm using cut shrimp so I can also catch Redfish, Flounder, Black Drum and other big fish in my area, and size 2 is way too small for those fish. So I figured 2/0 would be the most versatile. Maybe 1/0?

I've never fished for Trout, but I'm guessing they use their sense of smell to find bait so Berkley Gulp baits might work. :-/

Jig: Booyah Baby Boo Jig (Black/Blue) Trailer: Uncle Josh Phantom Trailer (Black), YUM Chunk (Black) You can buy jigs at BPS, ***, and other sites.

I would downsize line sizes, try going to #10 or 12 Trilene XL, if you want to switch it up try #10 Yo-Zuri Hybrid.

X2

Or you could pick up some #10 Yo-Zuri Hybrid to solve your problems.

Most hate them, but I find them quite useful. The action isn't bad, and they catch fish.