Help/advice for new saltwater angler

[Fifteenelbows]

Hi everyone,
I am looking to get down to galveston this saturday and do some shore/bay fishing. Im relatively new to this and was wondering if anyone had any advice or pointers on where to go or what kind of bait/setup to use. Were mainly looking to go after reds, trout, and flounder. We were going to try San luis pass on the west side and fish the surf unless it was too windy then surf the bay side. We have some two hook rigs that we were going to use. Any advice for this area?
Also im looking for a place in Galveston I could buy a sand spike/rod holder. Does anyone know of a place down there i could pick one up? Thanks in advance for the help!!!

[B&P]

Cut your own rod holders from 1 1/2" PVC; just make a steep angle. I haven't really checked the water temps lately but if ya' using fresh bait I'm certain you'll have some kinda action. Beware of STRONG currents at and around SLP. At least post up some beach pictures next week.

[Fifteenelbows]

From what ive been reading the temps are getting warmer, right around 70-73. Im hoping we have a good day outthere.

[Curmudgeon]

Water temp is 73. Rod holders are available at Academy Seawall and usually at WalMart as well. I don't use surf rods, so I can't really give too much advice about that. Swellinfo (http://www.swellinfo.com/surf-foreca...ton-texas.html) shows minimal surf for Friday & Saturday. Might be a great weekend for fishing. Good luck!

[PasadenaMan]

Here is a lil trick I picked up.

If you stake the pvc in wet sand, put your lips in the inside of the PVC and make a seal and suck. This will make the Rod hold get sucked into the sand. Pick up a few live crabs from Fiesta and see if you catch any Black drum.

[Curmudgeon]

Never heard that PVC trick before. Sounds like it would work.

[WestEndAngler]

Never heard that PVC trick before. Sounds like it would work.

I don't want to be the guy caught sucking on a 3' long pipe damn I knew there was something wrong with some of y'all

[GHSmacker]

Welcome aboard oh brother of the salt.

My best advice to you is to PM JT, aqua pimp, Robalo, TTU Wader, clark08, Hogie70, or XtremeAngler on the topic. These guys like sitting on the beach, catching crabs, looking at the local talent, and soaking some rotten meat in the water while hoping for the best. These guys are well known experts in this arena. Good luck.

[Fifteenelbows]

Lol thanks for the tips! I hope this all comes together once we get out there..

[PasadenaMan]

I don't want to be the guy caught sucking on a 3' long pipe damn I knew there was something wrong with some of y'all

Man, I really set my self up for that one. lol

[mstrelectricman]

Man, I really set my self up for that one. lol

HeHeHeHe...yes you did. That's funny right there. I've known you for 'bout a year now and I don't believe that you are that type At least I sure hope not!

[Fisher_Of_Men]

Here is a lil trick I picked up.

If you stake the pvc in wet sand, put your lips in the inside of the PVC and make a seal and suck. This will make the Rod hold get sucked into the sand. Pick up a few live crabs from Fiesta and see if you catch any Black drum.

Huhhhhhhh......... Can you post a pic of that? I have some friends who like to fish in the surf...

[Hogie70]

Welcome aboard oh brother of the salt.

My best advice to you is to PM JT, aqua pimp, Robalo, TTU Wader, clark08, Hogie70, or XtremeAngler on the topic. These guys like sitting on the beach, catching crabs, looking at the local talent, and soaking some rotten meat in the water while hoping for the best. These guys are well known experts in this arena. Good luck.

Yea but there is no one on the island that can suck on a 3" PVC pipe like GHSmacker... LOL

[Fifteenelbows]

Hahaha

[Milkjug]

If you stake the pvc in wet sand, put your lips in the inside of the PVC and make a seal and suck. This will make the Rod hold get sucked into the sand.

Haha, it is unfortunate that it looks so homo because it is really an effective way to sink it into the sand. I tried this with 2112's surf fishing crowd and caught no small amount of crap. Oh well, beats hammering it in with a mallet.

SLP is good. Don't get stuck, I have been x2.

If you are going after eating fish, you would be better fishing the bay side or channel than the surf. Try to catch/buy some finger mullet and soak them, since it sounds like you are doing more "passive" fishing instead of wading around. Cast 'em into the channel, crack a beer, and wait.

Dead shrimp will catch lots of fish, but will need much more maintenance since all bait stealers will pick it off. Could be good if you aren't getting hit on finger mullet. Whiting is good to eat.

Academy will have the sand spikes, but you could also stop by home depot and buy that PVC and use their saws to cut them right on the spot. Much better deal.