Going saltwater tubing for the first time

Hey fellas,

I was curious how to rig for salt tubing. I can't imagine we're going after goliath grouper or anything like that because we will be in the harbor, but what kind of tackle do I need? Line? Rod? Lures? All I own is freshwater stuff but boy do I have a lot of freshwater stuff... Do freshwater baits work in the harbors and bays? If so, how do you rig it? Carolina? Drop shot? Crankbait tied to a naked line? I have no clue what I'm doing out there and if I need to go shopping first. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Bring your Bass Gear, 6 to 8 lb test is good for Mono (that's what I use). As for lures dropshot worms, and regular bass worms will work for you. You can also use any creature baits, and crank baits, even spinner baits. If you have time pick up some 3" to 4" swimbaits and some 1/4oz jig heads. I will bring some extra baits so if you cannot pick anything up in time I can help out. But Freshwater Bass gear will be just fine.

Awesome thanks Jeff. I have floro on all my reels right now but it sounds like that should suffice. I have a couple of swim baits that size but they're freshwater patterns, bluegill, trout, etc. but that should be ok huh?

Hey Urban Cowboy,

You're going to have a blast!
I normally carry a lil' extra gear for replacing or to share.
All that I can say is ... try to keep it as light as possible.

For both of my rods I use Shimano 6'-8" Crucial Mojo 4-10 lb stix.
I use Shimano Stradic Ci4 2500F spinning reels with 8-lb Izorline XXX Super Co-Polymer line (clear or smoke colored).

As my go to ... I normally use a 3/16oz Chartreuse 2/0 hook Hammer-Head w/ a 3" Big-Hammer swimmie.

Note: Make certain that you place a drop or two of Super Glue on the edges of the factory supplied 3/16oz Hammer-head eyes. The factory eyes have a tendency to popping off regularly.

I setup my second rod in the swiveling rod holder and I drop shot with it while working the 3" swimmie. I drop it down to where it barely touches the bottom.
I use a 3/16oz to 3/8oz finesse drop shot weight with a Size-1 Owner Mosquito Hook, tied on using a Palomar Knot at approx 6" to 10" above the weight.
You can attach anything (bait) to this set up but I prefer to attach a 3" to 4" Gulp Watermelon Minnow.

Hopefully we'll see you out there this Sunday.
Let's hope that the fish got the memo that we are going to be there!    lol

PS ... I always wear a PFD.

Dan

Shared information:

They say .... that if you are using 8-lb Fluorocarbon, you may want to step it up to 10-lb .
They say that it doesn't have the same knot strength as 8-lb mono.

Dan

All of this is great advice Urban Cowboy. I do pretty much the same. I carry two bass rods. One set up with a 1/4 oz. (3/16-3/8oz all work depending on amount of water movement) jighead and 3" swimbait or grub (lately trying out the jika setup though) and the other a 1/4 oz. dropshot rigged with a 3" grub, swimbait, or gulp sandworm. Using 10lb mono lately tied to 10 lb fluoro. Big hammer, AA, Zoom, any fresh or saltwater worms and swimbaits will usually work. You can use some scent too if you like (procure, hot sauce, uni butter, etc...) Spinning or Casting both work depending on your preference

See... That's good advice but I was hoping you could give me some details? Haha just kidding. Wow! Seriously thank you guys for the thorough tips. I'll go to bass pro tomorrow and pick up a couple of things. Some of these terms (hammerhead for example) are out of my league, or at least my isle. I shall venture where I have never dared tomorrow... The saltwater isle! Thanks gents! "Sea" you Sunday. (Intentional typo for sake of being punny)

Yes! Sea you Sunday!