Never been saltwater fishing from a pier-Hudson Fl.

[jberry1969]

Hello everyone, I have to start by saying that I am in no way a fisherman. I went out on a charter last year and I have to say that Im hooked. I can't afford a charter everytime I want to go fishing so I'm going to be fishing from piers and from the beaches. I have a house I visit in Hudson Fl. so I will start by asking where should I go? Second I'm heading down there on the 17th of Feb. and I was just wondering what kind of fish should I expect if any. I've heard the cold has really messed up fishing in florida. I would also like to know what kind of bait and hooks and all that kind of thing should I get. I have a 9ft rod and a fairly cheap reel that was given to me. I'm going to put new line on it but have no idea what I should buy. Any help any of you could provide would be SO helpful. Thanks,

James

[aronfisher]

what kind of reel is it..........bait caster....spinner...etc

[jberry1969]

Oh sorry. Its a spinning reel. I can't actually find a name on it, it's pretty cheap i do know that.

[aronfisher]

ok id say about 20-25lb mono but if you can afford it ....braided spiderwire at the same thickness is 80lb......im not real sure about the dis advantages of spiderwire(expensive)but as far as im concerned it casts great.
as for baits rigs and hooks it really depends on what you are trying to catch.
with your set up(rod and reel) you could catch most things like ,snapper,macks,blue fish and little tunny out there just dont go after any thing to big... the rod could handle it but im not to sure about the reel.

send some picks so well know what were dealing with.