09-27-2001, 06:57 PM
Fishing from sportboats takes special techniques,actions, and courage. The competition is heavy for the stern and usually you have to elbow in and hope the guy you are squeezing out isn't bigger than you. You have an advantage if your rod is so long it clears all the rod tips around the area. Presently the main attraction for sportboat anglers is the sandbass and barracuda bite. If they aren't cooperating the sculpin will be. Throughout the year fishing for calico bass is also one of the main attacks. So your first concern is casting with some distance. I use a 9 foot Pac Bay rod that I wrapped myself. If you can get the rod light enough the reel you utilize can be loaded with 10 pound line. With this light test I use the new Daiwa Millionaire with the level wind removed, it casts better. Your main reel has to be heavier. I use a Shimano TLD Star 15/30. It's a super fast retrieve 5-1ratio that I can use with jigs if needed. <br><br>George Van Zant<br><A HREF="http:// www.bigfishtackle.com/georgescorner.htm " target="_new">http:// www.bigfishtackle.com/georgescorner.htm </A><br>