28 years old and never been fishing...

[cutter125]

...spent a lot of time on boats cruising the ICW and sailing, but never fished. My family has a house on Edisto Island and a powerboat worthy of going offshore, so I decided it's time to learn.

I just started reading these forums and researching online. I really have some basic questions...

What kind of fish are out there during the summer?
What kind of bait should I use?
What kind of lures should I use?
What kind of rods and reels do I need?
What is the difference between the two configurations of the reels?
What are some good bait and tackle shops in Edisto or Charleston or in between?

I'm really starting from zero. Just looking for anyone to help point me in the right direction.

My little bit of internet research has interested me in dolphin and tuna on ballyhoo, but I really still don't know anything about reels or leaders or hooks or skirts, or spoons, or plugs or test pound line, or any of that. I don't know what I can keep or what I need to toss back. Do I gaff them or use a net?... Those kinds of details are really foreign to me.

I'm definately green, but really excited about giving this a try this summer. Anything you all could offer would really help me out.

As a thanks for any help I get, I'll be sure to post back often on all my learning experiences. I'm sure you'll all get a good laugh out of my learning curve.

Thanks a bunch,
Cutter

[Polar Rock]

try trolling

[27 sailfish]

Best way would be to go out on a local charter boat a few times.

Some marinas offer " make up" trips-they put six people together on one charterboat.Great way to get offshore and make new friends.

Stop in your local baitshop and explain your situation.They can help you with tackle/bait/lures and might know fisherman willing to take you out if you pitch in for fuel and help clean up the boat.

Good luck-it's a great sport. Skip

[Coastal1]

If you've got a boat don't pay a charter, do the research, get some friends and take the advice of good local tackle shops, you can take yourself fishing and learn much info for what you will spend for a charter, if you've got the cash to thow towards a guide do it but I would recommend you putting that money to use in your gas tank. There have been books written about the topics you asked about. Your going to need to pic something and target that general species and go from there that will give you a general idea of what type rod/reel, tackle, bait to start with. R/Chip

[bluetuna757]

Hey Cutter, it would be your best interest to buddy up with another boat, and as for gear
start with about 4 rods and reels , if there is a Bass Pro Shops near you or a Boaters World you can get great deals on combo pakages. My recomendation would be a couple of
tld30 2 speed on a 30-50# class rod and a couple of tld50 2 speed on a 50-80 lb rod. As far as lures go, you buy pre rigged sea witches, green machines, cedar plugs, and definately naked ballyhoo rigs. Don't worry about outriggers if you don't have them on your boat, you can troll without them. and don't forget to have a couple of gaffs, 4ft and 6 ft will work well. And most important be patient, cause you dont always catch fish.
If you have more questions or just wanna shoot the shit gimme a call.

Good Luck, Mike P
757-287-2003

[shellfishshucker69]

I Hope You Make Alot Of Money Cause Your Gonna Need It It Aint Perch Jerking In The Local Creeks