Can I use a regular pole for pier fishing?

Question

Hello I was given a few fishing poles that are usually used for lake fishing. I'm planning on going to the beach in Ocean City, MD and was just wondering if I could use these poles for fishing from the pier or the shore. Would they hold up or do I need to buy sea fishing poles? As you can tell I don't go all the time so i'm not sure what to expect, I just want to do something different with the kids.

Also is there any recommended bait to use for this type of fishing? I was hoping something simple like hot dogs would do. Thanks again.

Answer 1

When I went fishing in Myrtle Beach my pole was for the lake too and I was fine. just make sure you rinse your reel off with freshwater because the salt will eat through your line. And as for bait you could use shrimp for regular fish and squid if you want to try and catch a small sand shark. you can buy this at any bait store. just put your bait on a hook and sinker and you will be fine. but you should use a good reel that holds 25 pound test line

Answer 2

you are using rods and reels not "poles" and the line needs to be changed on the reels and the reels need cleaning and lubrication. or don't even bother.

First) rods and reels given away to someone are always in poor condition (meaning the original owner weighed the time it would take to refurbish them or replace them and chose the latter)

Second) read a book about what fish are in the water you want to fish and read about what bait to use to catch them.

Third) if you take hot dogs for bait I will laugh all the way from California

fish eat fish! Be it live or frozen for bait but certainly not prepaired processed multi possible assortments of different kinds of tubular over packaged meat.

Fourth) Go to the library and ask the reference desk librarian for help finding the book you need to understand fishing better and all the knots to tie, then pactice tying them until you can ie them with your eyes closed (use all the old line from the reels to practice with.

Answer 3

Beach fishers usually use long rods to cast out far enough to reach deeper water, but for fishing from a pier, fresh-water casting or spinning rigs will work fine.  As the other poster said, be sure to rinse everything down in fresh water, afterward, and be sure your reel gears are lubed - that also applies for dedicated salt-water tackle, too.  I've been using a medium-weight spinning rod for salt-water for decades.  Lighter tackle provides more fun with small fish.

Answer 4

try not to use any poles that have plastic berrings and clean the reels when you are done. as for bait, i've never fished in MD but check with the bait shop near where you are going and they should guide you in the right direction. good luck!

artie- wow, way to be a jerk about it...on another note, i have caught fish with hot dogs, ham, even freakin marshmallows! so chill out and maybe you should go to the library and read a book on common courtesy

Answer 5

well for peir you need a long rod with a high test curve for beach im sure they will be fine but u need a long cast the best baits are strong smelling either crab squid or any other fish u can get.