Abacos Tackle, Reasonable Price...Fish Don't Care What You Paid, Right?

[CrossPatch]

Was hoping to ask you folks where you've found the best deals on saltwater tackle appropriate for the Abacos?

We're preparing for a trip in July and are in the Midwest where (go figure) we don't see any saltwater tackle. Have our list of recommended tackle and know what we need to buy but was hoping your combined knowledge would allow us to shortcut to the less costly, reliable companies. Any experiences you can share on this thread or via PM would be greatly appreciated.

Pretty sure we'll need to accomplish the bulk of this online however we arrive MIA and drive to PBI the Friday noon before flying to MHH the following morning. This will give us opportunity to purchase small/last minute/specialty tackle in those areas if needed. We'll definitely buy the rods/reels and other bulky items in advance so we can pack them properly.

Thanks for your help,

Paul, Liz and Da Boyz

[SamFamAustin]

I buy most of my gear online at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's (no endorsement, just no complaints about them). Both have a nice saltwater line-up and you can compare and look for sales. Check out the combo rod & reels to save more. Most saltwater gear if simply freshwater stuff beefed up a little, since most the fish have sharp teeth, buck teeth, or gill plates. My favorite rig is a standard bass spinner combo rated to about 17 pounds. I'd avoid the offshore heavy tackle unless you want to blow some serious money; a local charter captain is best for that. If you have something for the larger bass, trout, and pike that's about exactly what you'll need!

Mann's diver plugs are quite popular for slow trolling. Hey, that's freshwater stuff, isn't it? Do companies like Heddon's, Rapala, Mann's, and Storm sound familiar? Bring along some long Bomber-A's if you have some.

The only caveat is that the salt can rust stuff in two days and could seize up your reel. Always wash stuff down in freshwater ASAP. Even the so-called saltwater reels with extra seals will go bad unless washed. One more suggestion is that if you don't know your fish, it may have sharp spines and gill plates that can cause quite an injury, so fishing gloves aren't a bad idea for handling them. Tight lines,
Sammie

[Chuck M.]

[COLOR=black]I agree with Sam; I do my shopping at both Cabela's and Pro Bass. Their prices ranges run from inexpensive to exorbitant; it all depends on how much you want to spend. I will say that the Pro Bass house brand for saltwater fishing,

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

Check Cabela's bargain cave. They have the Quantum Accurist AC500CX saltwater-rated baitcasters marked down to $65-$75 in your choice of three colours. If you like spinning, the Quantum Catalyst, Pflueger Medalist and President are good quality "low-end" salt reels, the Medalist with 10BB probably the best. We've found really great deals at the in-store bargain cave as well! My son is on Abaco now using his Quantum Boca which is between the Catalyst and Cabo in price and bells and whistles and is quite pleased!
Good luck,
Chuck

[schadm]

I would purchase from Melton's tackle: www.meltontackle.com (http://www.meltontackle.com) they are vey reasonable, and will often work with you if you are purchasing in quantity, (3 or 4 reels) etc. They are really great guys and although cabellas and Bass pro are good stores, I often find that the person on the other end of the phone (or behind the counter for that fact) have no idea what they are talking about, and just want to make a sale. The guys at meltons are very knowledgeable. Don't order from their website, call in and talk to them. Hope that helps!

[CrossPatch]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. Happy New Year! Paul