New to surf need advices.

[JustJames]

I might try surf fishing for fun but not sure where to start.

First off where should I go around hunting beach area? My target would be halibut

Second I got a few reels but not sure what would be suitable? Abu 6500 c3, penn 965, shimano Cardiff 200a or Newell 220. Which rod should I get for this reels? Right now I only have 7' rod MH saltwater rod. I plan to use mostly drop shot and might convince myself to spend money on some LC.

I remember when I lived in seal beach, I caught halibut for the first time from jetty and other from charter boat since then I move to riverside and don't have a chance to do any salt water fishing at all.

[DockRat]

Read BSP Halibut sticky.

http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/showthread.php?41562-Surf-Fishing-for-Halibut-101

Then read Dana's Surf 101 sticky also;

http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/showthread.php?14334-Surf-Fishing-101-The-Basics


Second I got a few reels but not sure what would be suitable? Abu 6500 c3, penn 965, shimano Cardiff 200a or Newell 220. Which rod should I get for this reels? Right now I only have 7' rod MH saltwater rod. I plan to use mostly drop shot and might convince myself to spend money on some LC.


I'm not a fishing gear head. A medium size spinner set-up for dropshot or LC, most prefer a level wind bass reel, hopefully someone will comment and help you out.

Toss the med blue/crome Kroc & Kastmaster too. I landed a 30" Butt at Cherry LB on the Kroc on my lunch break during a 15 min session.

It is obvious that DS for halibut is great for catching 8" to 15" Baby Butts. I prefer skunks and occasional legal for my typical 1 hour or less session's done in the past. Really amazed at this LC craze and how huge it is. A 6" - 8" live smelt is great for fishing halibuts.

Good luck; DR