Help with Surf Fishing

[Panoply]

I posted yesterday asking about some pointers for fishing from shore on the Gulf of Mexico at Destin, Florida. It has been viewed 74+ tims but with no response so I thought I'd simplify what I am asking.
I would most like to know what type of reel and rod I need to truly LAUNCH a lure/rig further out than I have been able to until now. I like using spinner reels, but if it's necessary I'll use whatever. At the risk of complicating it further, I'll say I am after he bigger fish - I've no trouble catching the smaller ones - that are hanging out further than I can cast with what I've got. I can SEE them, just can't reach them. What weight line should I use? What type?

Thanks in Advance,
Jeremy/Panoply

[Striper66]

How far are you looking to cast. I like the 9' and 10'6" Tica rods paired withe the Penn SSG or SSM. If you are going to be casting lures and also chunking bait. I would recommend the Shimano Baitrunner reel. You could also get the Ugly Stik I have 9'and a 10'. The 10'er is the one with the Baitrunner on it.

[Panoply]

I am looking to cast 75-100 yards. I will be on the Florida panhandle. Are rods that long neccessary for the Gulf there? I have a 7' light action rod and a 7'6" medium heavy. I hve one spinner reel. I am not sure of brand names and can't easily check as they are in storage at my brother's house in New Orleans (i'm in Baton Rouge).
I've had pretty decent success catching smaller fish using a 'casting bubble' (not sure of proper name, a hollow transparent easter egg half filled with water) and a #4 treble hook w/ McDonald's straw. Mostly whitefish and small pompano. One truly decent Spanish mackeral, but that was likely a fluke. I can cast perhaps 40 yards with that.

Thanks!

[sureshot43]

Switching to braid may also help. Smaller diameter equals less wind resistance, therefore casts go farther.

[cameronwhite]

how big of a shark do you want to catch?



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