Mike
From what everyone suggested will suffice for the SALT. Thats what I have come to find on this board. All very useful information.
This is what I carry and come equipped with when I venture to the NJ coast.
Rods: 1 - 10' x 10wgt, 1-9'6" x 8 wgt, 1 - 9' surf casting spin rod
Lines - My fly reels are equipped with Airflo intermediate and sinking lines(350 grain). Can't go wrong with Airflo, great lines that hold up in the colder water and shoot extremely well through the rod guides.
Reels - I have Orvis LA (8wgt) and a Redington RS2 (10wgt). Don't skimp on the reel too much. This is what fights the fish. In my opinion try to stay away from cork drag reels. They have been known to literally explode on you if the reel gets drenched and you tie into a BEEFY fish. The RS2 is a reasonably priced reel that has a nice smooth drag. Can't go wrong with Orvis or other reels out there.
Stripping basket - go to wal-mart, k-mart, etc and buy a deep dish washing bucket. By deep I mean 10-12". Deep is key, during windy days or heavy surf it will eliminate your line from getting picked up and tossed out of your bucket. You can make your own for less than $10. Buy some weed wacker string, make holes in your bucket big enough to thread 6" or longer pieces of string to create "loops". Glue string w/ GOOP or melt ends w/ lighter or match. You want to make at least 6-8 loops in your bucket. Also drill drain holes in the bucket for water to drain.
Leaders - 7 ' leaders maximum length to 12-15lb tippet. I prefer clear leader material when I make my own. I have friends who just use a 5' straight piece of 15lb for a leader from their fly line.
Flies - clousers, decievers, jiggies, half & halfs, will get you by. don't forget poppers too. Bobs bangers and others are out there to select from but don't go over board.
The SALT game is not the easiest by any means from shore. You will have to put in time and be willing to be mobile. Once you experience your first blitz or big bass on a fly, you will be addicted for sure.
One other recommendation is if you have a surf rod take it with you. It sometimes saves a long hard day on the water. Sometimes the fish are just out of reach w/ the long rod and the extra distance gained by a spin surf casting rod will enable you to reach the fish.
This years fall run has been exceptional to say the least. In fact its not over yet. Time will tell after this storm but we could have fish till x-mas on the fly.
Good luck in your Salt quest. If you have any other questions email me at
info@flyfishpa.net
Dean
Fly Fish PA, LLC
www.flyfishpa.net