Saltwater fishing in FL

[kevinb]

I will be going on vacation with my family and gf to Florida from June 23 - July. Whenever me and my dad are down there we love doing some fishing. Now I've never been a hardcore sport fisherman, just an average go out on the lake with my mediocre equipment once and a while kinda fisher. After watching the opening episode of river monsters (my favorite show apart from futurama and man vs. Wild) and my gf saying I needed a new hobby I began thinking of what I could actually catch in Florida with the right equipment. So I'm looking for advice on what a good rod and reel for some descent beach/pier fishing, and where some good spots on the atlantic and gulf coast sides in close proximity to Orlando. Also maybe some good freshwater spots open to the public in that area?

For the rod and reel, I don't want something that will cost me a fortune, but not something that will fall apart if I happen to hook something larger.

Also since I've never caught anything but a couple puffers and a jack (when I was in key west) what woukd be the best bait, line, and tackle for where ill be going?

Hope someone can help as id really like to get into some avid fishing.

Thanks,
Kevin

[kevinb]

No fishers out there? I find that hard to believe.

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[Aes_Sidhe]

Pier Boat on Inlet... 7-8 foot Medium Heavy Spinning or Casting rod will be sufficient.. depends on water deepth and condiction I Used 1-max 3 oz singers.. My First rod there was one piece 7 foot Ugly Stick Medium Heavy Actioin and Sheakspeare Casting Reel (60$ for both) and 20 lb mono on it... I catch all kind of fish from Whitening trout pompanos jacks small Sharks ( manage pull 3.5 foot atlancic Sharpnoose) to Over 50 lb Stingray... If You want to spend little more money on Line Buy yourself 300Y 50LB Spiderwire Breaded line.. and You will be good to go catch almost every Fish living in that waters

[kevinb]

My main aim is to catch a smaller species of shark. Or something of similar size. Being from ny I've only really fished ponds. My biggest catch up here was a 4lb channel cat which isn't much. Ill have to look more into it I guess, as I have no idea what any of the terms ypu just used are...haha. I've always just throw the line in and your set, nothing about what you actually want the setup to be like. Thanks for the help though.

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[Aes_Sidhe]

If You go specyficly fo Sharks... Then Little heavier Equipment will be necesary...
Casting or Spining Heavy Action Rod... Reel with will hold 250-300y 80lb braided line... Steal Leader 100-60 lb.... 4/0-6/0 best will be forged hook...
For bait.. Piece of dead fish i You bottom Fishing.... In my opinion Head or front Part working Better than tail...
If You Using Ballon... live mullet sand perch or even small whiting will be good....

PS. Sorry for Grama and such but from some reason correction dont work on my computer at work :o

[kevinb]

Can you give me a few links to some suitable rods and reels? Like I said I'm not new to fishing but I am to terminology. Sorry for being such a pest. :/

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