Newbie to saltwater fishing

[Josey Wales]

Going to Tampa to visit wifes family and I want to try saltwater fishing. I'll mostly be fishing from piers and want to know the following:
1) What's a good reel and rod combo for a beginner that is good for pier, beach fishing, and boat.

2)What's some good fish and lures or live bait to use for certain fish.

3)What crab can you trap and what should I use.

We will be down in October for a week if this helps on what is in season.

 

[Thunder]

I dont live on the east coast but I have been fishing saltwater all my life.
For a basic rod and reel that you can use for everything I would get a 7 foot rod with a Penn 550, 650, or 750ss reel
Peen reels are nothin fancy. But they are a good, rugged, basic, reel that works good and can take a beating.
A 7 foot rod is a good all around size. Small enough to manage in a small boat. But long enough to cast off a pier or shore.
Depending on size of fish you are after. Line from 12- 20 LB is good for all around inshore SW fishing. Smaller diamater line is better for casting.

Here is a link to a nice rod reel combo for vacations/traveling
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&indexId=cat601988&hasJS=true
It is nice because it breaks down to a small package if you are taking a plane. Long rods that dont break down are easly broken and a PIA to travel with.

I also like Diawa reels for salt water. Cabelas has some nice SW combos with Diawa reels too.

As for Bait, Luers ect. Talk to a local bait tackle shop. They will usually set you up and point you in a good direction to catch fish.

 

[Josey Wales]

Thanks Thunder. I'll check on those reels and it sounds like what I need to start with.