Hiya
Mr.X, you've absolutely no idea just HOW complicated this fishing can become!!!
The first thing to remember, is to keep your tackle balanced. You'll notice on the rod itself there will be a recommended line rating. Similarly, on your reel, you'll have a line capacity for varying diameters line. Use these as a guideline as to which line to use.
10 and 12lb lines are fairly thin for sea fishing. Nothing wrong with lighter lines, as you'll have more FUN, but you need to alter your tackle a little bit. Start off by adding at least a 25lb leader. This length of leader should be roughly two meters longer than your rod. So when you have the lure attached to your leader, ready to cast, there should be a couple of turns of leader on your reel. This will prevent you from breaking off when casting. Since you're fishing with lures, you tend to cast alot. The first two meters of your line takes a beating. Thats why the thinner line will snap after numerous casts.
BRAID. Stay away from that evil stuff!!! They're horrible to knot, difficult to cut, expensive, have no stretch which means more fish lost to hooks pulling out, but more importantly, WILL CUT YOUR FINGERS TO THE BONE!!! (especially when your hands are wet!!) They have their uses, such as fishing off a boat in deep water or in strong currents.
When i worked in London, i use to purchase the Sea Angler and Boat Angler magazines. The Sea Angler has PLENTY of good tips on fishing as well as regional reports. There are loads of cantacts in there and the guys are really helpfull!! I had a angler i met through the magazine give up his Sunday to teach me how to pendulum cast!! Really nice guy!!! After several practice casts, i was able to put a 4oz lead consistantly over the 130m mark.
Hope that helps!!!
Regards
miles
