I will start the ball rolling with:

• Sun Block

- polarized sunglasses

- ice

- cooler

- rod holders, either sand spikes or cooler attachments

- sabiki ready to go at a moment's notice =)

- camera ((because you know people won't believe you! lol))

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Needle nosed pliers (or dehooker)

knife and or multi tool

Hand towel

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Will the Gulf State Park Pier REALLY open July 23, 2009?

www.FishTheKite.com

Now lets talk terminal tackle...

Only one rig, I would guess a pomp rig with 2/0 circle hooks and 2-4 ounce pyramids.  Fresh shrimp.

For lures, maybe a hopkins 2 ounce.

30 lb Flourocarbon Leader Material.

I normally take 3 rods:

       -  Two  8' spinning rods, 20# mono , both terminally rigged with pompano rigs, for fishing on the bottom.

I use 2oz-4oz pyramid, depending on the current/waves, or (more expensive but better holding)

spider weights. The wires will flip the other way when you pull on them and are easier to pull in.

I buy the Marathon pompano rigs at wal mart

and replace the hooks with Eagle Claw 2/0 hooks. 

I use the Eagle Claw because they have a big eye that you can get a double line of the Pompano rig through.

That's an Eagle Claw hook on the left, Owner hook on the right. I can not get a double line through the Owner.

For bait, I use either a sand flea I catch there

I start out with pieces of fresh peeled shrimp until I can catch some sand fleas. I usually put a sand flea on one hook and some shrimp on the other. I believe peeling the shrimp releases more scent and the fresh ones stay on your hook. I would not bother buying the frozen sand fleas. This piece is probably a little big.

Place them in 5' PVC sand spikes.

To make your rod holders, I get a 10' section of schedule 40 PVC from Home Depot/Lowes, cut them in two pieces at an angle, and put a bolt about 1' down from the top. You can flare the top by heating it in a flame to soften it and then flaring it with a beer or wine bottle. You want a tall sand spike as they keep the line high with less wave action and it also lets the tourist walk under them (they will)

        I also have handy a light-weight spinner with 10# test mono, 40# 3' fluorocarbon leader with a gotcha on it for throwing to spanish, bluefish, etc. You can use other lures, bubble rigs, top water, etc, but it really doesn't matter. If they are passing through, they will hit just about anything you throw to them. 

Or a pompano jig if in season.

Cooler for the bait, fish, and drinks. Have it marked so can measure the fish. I use a hard one because I can sit on it. Modify it by putting 2 holes in the handle and attaching a carrying strap to it, leaving my hands free.

Soft sided tackle bag with a shoulder strap.

In the tackle bag i have extra hooks, sinkers, a knife, needle nose wire pliars, a "law stick", pre-rigged pompano rigs, an old towel to handle fish with. The sardines just happened to be in there if i get hungry.

Hat

Camera. I use an Olympus Stylus 1030 SW as it is waterproof to 33' and can take the sand/salt water. In fact, the directions say to soak it in fresh water after you use it to dissolve the salt. I have used other brands in the past, but the sand or salt water would get into them after a few trips.

Sunglasses so you can watch the scenery passing by without staring. Also good for keeping the sun out of your eyes too.

I usually go early in the morning or late in the day. If i stayed during the day, I would probably take a beach umbrella and sun block with me.

Sand flea rake with an old sock to keep the sand fleas in.

I use 2 bungee cords to tie my rods, sand spikes, and sand flea rake together so they are easy to carry.

I used to use one bungee, but 2 small ones are better.

I use a small piece of a 2x4 to hammer the sand spikes in and carry it in the cooler or tackle bag.

I can usually carry all this without a problem.

If you are going to get serious about it and stay for awhile, I would probably invest in a cart. Here is a picture of one I saw over at Henderson Beach. He had a nice set up and has room for a chair on it too. I believe there was an old post on here that discussed carts. This one has been modified with the wheeleze wheels, which are great for the soft sand. The bigger cooler is good and I would carry a separate cooler for you drinks as once you put a fish in the cooler, you get the fish slime all over them.

You should carry your license or picture id with your florida address but I have never been checked on the beach (knock on wood). If you dont know the size limits, a copy of the Florida rules/regs.

Now, if you are going to try to get beyond the second sand bar or do some shark fishing, you will need a bigger rod and some stronger equipment. But that is another post.

And, always take some money with you so you can stop at the Sextons or Joe Patti's on the way home.

Makes me want to hit the surf! Tight Lines!

"Fish Like You're Hungry!"

"Eat More Fish!"

Here's a little trick I use if the floats on my surf leaders get chewed up and I don't have extras with me.  I've always got a pair of cheeeeeap bright colored flipflops with me and when my leader floats get chewed, I cut a small piece of the sole of a flipflop, pierce a hole in it, and replace the old styrofoam with a chunk of flipflop.  Takes just a few seconds, and lines back in the water in a very short time!

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division Biologist (www.outdooralabama.com)

http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/gallery.asp?gallery=1096

http://www.myspace.com/kjr3too

http://www.piratesoflosttreasure.com/

"Catch, Filet, Cook, Repeat"

"Yes, we try to be perfect, but we're only fishermen. We wade out into the water, we don't walk on top of it."

James @ WWW.JOSHUASJIGS.COM

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Jigs, Rigs, and much more

"If you can't catch fish with our jigs, go home"

Catching what I can and keeping what I'm allowed.

WWW.TX-SHARKFISHING.COM
Author of the SHARK FISHING HANDBOOK

WWW.TX-SHARKFISHING.COM
Author of the SHARK FISHING HANDBOOK

WWW.TX-SHARKFISHING.COM
Author of the SHARK FISHING HANDBOOK

I can't BELIEVE the ridiculous topics some people start on here.  And shame on the rest of you for responding!!

I life without fishing is one not worth living

???

I life without fishing is one not worth living

Catching what I can and keeping what I'm allowed.