Capt. Mel,

I am looking to buy a new rod/reel set-up. I want to get something reliable and will last without breaking the bank. I looking to spend $250 - $400. However with all the selections out there, it is hard to now which to buy.

Here is what I am looking for; One set-up for all around fishing. This will be my main set-up and will be used the most. I fish for the usual inshore fish (reds, snook, flounder, whiting, mangrove snapper, the occasional cobia if I am lucky). It will be used fishing around bridge pilings, flats, jetties, etc. Which rod and reels do you recommend? Also what type and size of line do you recommend?

Here is what I have been looking at. i am not sure if it is the right set-up for my needs though.
Rod
GL2 Merlot 7' Line wgt 8 - 17 lure wgt 3/8 - 1 1/2 Mod-Fast Medium 25 11097-01 $155.00

Reel
Quantum® CaboPT? Saltwater Spinning Reels
don't know what size though)

Thank You for your help,
Jamie Munsell
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Dear Jamie:

I personally am a big fan of the G-Loomis rods, and have a couple that I frequently use. One of them is in fact a GL2 – but my all time favorite is the G-Loomis GLX. It’s very light in weight, exceptionally strong for such a light rod and, most importantly, is one of the most sensitive rods that I use. The down side is that the GLX is a 400.00 rod. But the good news is that Lee Fisher International will shortly have in stock the new Ohero Capt. Mel Series rods, which are comparable to the GLX—and expected to be sold at half the price of a GLX. Yu can see sample of the rod right now at Tampa Fishing Outfitters (3916 Osborne Ave. in Tampa) and if you order one now, you can get 50-dollars off the retail price.

As for reels, My own personal opinion is that right now Diawa is making the very best reels on the market. They have excellent drag systems, handle braid perfectly, are very quiet and smooth and, most importantly, hold up very well in the saltwater environment.

I personally have been using the new Exceler model (2000 size) and have been very pleased with its performance. If you are working flats and bridges, yo may want to get a slightly larger size reel.

Mel

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Hey Captain Mel,

Just came upon your website and it is quite fascinating. I fish a 33 foot Trojan out of Manistee Michigan. It probably would be a dingy compared to your craft. At some point I will be coming to Florida to do some fishing. I lost my husband two years ago and have always wanted to do some deep sea fishing. My son received his captain’s license about three months before his Dad died and we decided to keep the business going. We have met quite a few interesting folks along the way and have not lost a lot of tackle so far. Our web site is huckfinncharters.com

Happy fishing sincerely,

Jo Ann Richards, Huckfinn2.
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Dear Jo Ann:

I would say that your Trojan would be a good offshore fishing vessel here in Florida. However, if you are just coming down to do some fishing, you should check our charter’s pages (http://capmel.com/charters.htm) with listing of some of the better guides from all over Florida.

The only problem you might have is, once you tasted our great Florida fishing, you might not want to go back to Michigan.

Mel

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Hi Capt. Mel,

I took a look at the lighted docs on the Intracoastal side of Clearwater Beach this past Friday night (4-4-08) and didn't see any snook (or trout for that matter) yet. Two questions for ya:

1) When should I expect the snook to start showing up at those docks?

2) Where would I find them now in the Intracoastal?

Thanks in advance, you've always been a great help. I owe much of my fishing success to you and your radio show.


Rob Kuntz
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Dear Rob:

Depending on location, snook should be available at night lighted docks this time of year. Don’t forget, during spring, they make their annual migration and should settle down at docks near the Gulf (or Atlantic) and by many of the passes. Also remember, they do not feed all the time so that you should fish these locations when there is good tidal movement coinciding with a strong solunar period.

Mel

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Captain Mel,

Your show is great I get lots tips. My question is what are some good lures for snook this time of year?

Thanks Sal Mendolia
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Dear Sal:

In my opinion, one of the best snook lures is the MirrOlure 7 MR. You need to supply the action, but when you get it down, you can catch lot of snook with this plug. Just be sure to crimp down the barbs so that the fish can be easily and harmlessly released.

I also have caught snook on a variety of jigs and spoons, as well as other topwater type plugs.

Mel


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