SirSnookalot

What WRB said.

I would start off using senkos, not only do they catch a lot of fish but you will learn to get your timing on hook setting.

I own 3 supremes, had them for years, I like them.

String for odd jobs. Depending on the diameter it can be used to tie jigs, if you want it for a fishing use.

In Lake Osborne I'd try fishing off Lantana Rd near the airport, lot of bass and peacocks in that area, boat access only. Lake Ida, fish just north of the Lake Ida bridge for peacocks, also where the Bob West canal runs into the lake, holds a lot of fish. Further north near Mission Rd work the shorelines for both bass and peacocks.

Pretty much all that's needed, I'll have a top water, jerk shads on jig head with me as well. Surf fishing is surf fishing where ever you do it, the difference is location. Some areas require distance casting past the breakers, down south and the Caribbean there are few breakers, distance isn't needed, many fish are caught well with in 50' of the shore. Of the 100's of tarpon I have caught, have yet to catch one on a spoon, a mystery to me. I've caught many permit, but only 2 on jigs, they like crabs and live shrimp. A lot of barracuda in those waters and they love spoons. I'd say a med rod is passable, but I'm not real keen on a bass sized reel, need more line capacity IMO. Having a bone fish, tarpon or permit on the line, you'll know why. This is a surf tip, many of these fish cannot be pulled out of the water by swinging the rod, once they hit the swash they can become almost immovable. Once the fish is a few feet from shore, walk backwards and pull them out of the water, that's going to test your knots.

As they say the further south you go the more northern it gets, don't come to South Florida. With the population swell, especially in the winter, the lack of "rednecks" and there isn't any fish here anyway, go to California. When it's 50 I don't fish, gimme that 90 degree weather.

You're absolutely right. How often do people post having enough lures and baits to open a small tackle shop. Then they go fishing only to take a portion of what they have, once fishing much of what they have taken never gets used, but they are prepared, lol. Lures and baits can be categorized into a handful of groups, between all the different manufactures there is a lot of overlapping and redundancy. It's fun once in awhile to trying something different for a little variation. Just because a fish was caught on a new lure probably more coincidence than magic. IMO if one is already zeroed in on what works for them, don't see much reason to have an over abundance of stuff that may not get used all that much.

Winter fishing is always slow around here, this year seems to be one of toughest. I had a hot 4-5 days but that has ended, maybe the next outgoing tide will perk things up a bit. Being a C&R fisherman even in saltwater where many people are not, I'm strictly an artificial user. I may fish live bait a few times year (about the same number using a senko for bass) but I don't find it to be too stimulating.

Sailfishing for $200, that's probably $200 per person, 3-4 people, goggle eyes are 10 bucks a piece. Guide in the backwater will run around $350.

I'm speechless.

^^This for sure^^ The question is, are you already catching fish? If the answer is yes, why buy anything unless it's a replacement for what's already working. If the answer is no your are not catching fish, I'd suggest learning to use what you have, by your own admission you have a little bit of everything. I bass fish with only 5 lures, knowing how to use them is what catches fish.

I could see this being a benefit for some other species that require strength in the line as well as additional line capacity, don't see it for bass fishing. Thinner may cause a digging in problem, certainly don't need more line capacity and a line that presently breaks at 50# isn't already strong enough. I'd like to try this line in 10-15 or 20# (not for bass fishing), I might be concerned with a thinner diameter causing windknots.

Quite a few options in the keys, all saltwater. Offshore charters, inshore flats, beaches and bridges. I'd probably opt to use the charter or guides equipment, they have the right gear for the target fish. Other than bass fishing or some light inshore fishing, leave your bass gear in the car.

I've been fishing for over 60 years and I'm confused with so many responses, not really but I could understand how a new angler would feel. I'd find a new store, hopefully you'll get better service. Go with their recommendation as a starting point, in time you'll know exactly what is best for you.

Own 7 Redbones, not only my favorite rod under $100 but the best rods I have ever owned including ones 3 times the price. Have 3 Steller lites, very good too. Never an issue with any of these rods, some of my Redbones are approaching 10 years in age. I have 2 favorite combos. Abu Soron 40 on a 7'6 med Redbone, mainly used off the beach. Quantum Cabo 40 on a 7'6 mh Steller lite, my tarpon set up.

I'll go with Muhammad Ali.

I love the summers into the early fall in South Florida, dislike the winters here. From a fishing standpoint the action is almost unbelievable. Year round there is always a hot bite someplace.

Depending on the line capacity of the reel, if it's a small reel no backing. Targeting larger species I wouldn't use backing either, to equal the strength of the braid the backing is going to be too thick, reduced line capacity. Using the same diameter as the braid your backing is going to be too weak. I have only 1 reel with backing.

Re reading the initial post I'm wondering about the grass, is it light floating grass or something more substantial? I'm not so sure I'd be using a UL regardless of line choice. I fish UL often but in open water.

When I stated 6 lures on a regular basis, after thinking about it's 5. The lure that I could probably catch the most fish on is one that I just don't care to use, that's any kind of a plastic worm.

I very often buy white with a red head, 2 brands off the top of my head are Mirrorlure and Bomber, not sure I've noticed a crankbait. Saltwater lures but I sometimes use them in freshwater, they catch fish as well as any other color.

I'd go with 5-8 or 10# braid, more line capacity, no memory (even more so with a small spool) and won't have to change it near as often. That's what I use with my ul.

Can't dispute the strength factor as I've never tired it, it looks like a real pain to tie. From my experience catching fish like tarpon, which do have some power, I use an Alberto knot. Using 20# braid with a 30# leader for fish that may run up to 70#, I don't target bigger ones with this set up, I stop my Alberto short. I wrap 7 turns up and nothing down, that's pretty thin and the knot strength, well let's just say it's more than adequate. To me that knot is way too time consuming and overkill.

This is true.