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What do I use?: Equipment: When choosing gear, anything that can be used for more than one type of fishing or species will save money and space. Rods: There are as many opinions as there are suitable rods. I prefer a six to seven foot, medium action boat rod. It must have enough backbone to subdue large fish, yet light at the tip so you can see the bite. Our boat is equipped with Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger model BWC 2200 7'0" (210m) Action ML (12-30 lb SIGMA). I use this rod exclusively for all my bay and coastal fishing. Reels: Any baitcaster that has an adjustable drag and can hold at least 100 yds minimum of 20 to 30 lb test, good quality line. Any Penn from the Long Beach 60 on up will work. The Penn Jigmaster is an ideal choice for all around use. Line: Any major brand line such as Stren or Berkeley can be spooled by your dealer or purchased in 1/4 lb spools that will fill most reels. A few layers of Dacron applied first will be a good backing to absorb the pressure of tightly wound line. Terminal Tackle: This is all the stuff you lose when the fish breaks off or you snag. Sliders: This is a little plastic tube with a snap to attach your sinker. It slides up and down your line above the leader. Put the long end toward the leader and you won't rub the line with the lead.
Leaders: Sturgeon leaders are sold pre-made at most tackle dealers. They are made of plastic coated cable in assorted sizes and lengths. All will work but stay away from any with more than two hooks. I like shorter leaders in faster water. If the cable becomes frayed or kinked replace it. Sinkers: I use pyramid sinkers from 4 to 8 oz. Use just enough weight to keep your bait firmly on the bottom. Landing Gear: The DFG says you must have a net or suitible landing device for the species targeted. The same large net I use for salmon works well for fish up to about 50 inches. I also carry a snare. I am not very adept at using it though. Most of the time I wait till the fish is real tired and then pull him into the boat by the gill plates.
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