Getting Started

[fishflatz3]

Newbie on this forum. I hate to start my first post by asking questions, but I need the help. I'm looking to give swording a try and I have some questions on equipment I need to get started with.

What type/brand of line should I spool my 50 wides with? What type of lights and how many do I need to purchase? What other tackle/type ie. hooks or anything else to get started with?

I'll attend a seminar as soon as one comes up, but I'd like to get a Christmas wish list started. Thanks for any advice.

[Litetackleredneck]

Line I'm "old school" fill it with 50lb mono. I like the ANDE backcountry. If pure strength is needed, go with the Sufix 50lb, as it over-tests to around 80lbs.
For lights go with the LP electralumes. Tri-color are my favorite. I fish an assortment of lights. The "Durilite Diamond" strobes i have a bunch of and standard chem-sticks. Numbers depend on how many rods your going to fish. I have 3 Tri-Color electralumes, about 10 stobes (fish 2 per bait), and around 10 cylulmes (if you plan on fishing ballons/jugs you'll need more.) I fish 5-6 rods to give you an idea of the lights you'll probably need.
Terminal tackle; 200 lb mono, any brand, i fish the Backcountry 200 lb. Its pretty think, but really abrasion resestant. (Hasn't hit the market yet, should be soon though.) Crimps, match the millimeter not poundage. The tighter the fit the better. Chaif guard, i like the spring styles. Same thing match the mm to the chaif guard. And a good pair of crimpers.
Ball bearing snaps are a must. Get 200lb snaps for 50lb mono, you might be able to get away with 150. The snaps should be silver, not black. Black tends to corode inside the twists on the snap and break easily.
With hooks you have a wide range of choices. I loke either 7699 mustads, these are pre-offset with a "southern tuna" bend. And the 7691, non-offset, i offset them with a pair of pliers, and same bend. I only fish dead bait, so for live bait you'll probably want a different hook. Size wise either a 10/0 11/0 or even 12/0 on the Mustads. Hook file also.
Last but not least is weights. I like 16 oz and smaller, while most people fish 32 and heavier as a standard. I dont like sinkers over 24 oz, but some nights are a must. Also rubber bands, or copper wire. Ballons/jugs also. Floss to mark rods, and line counter.
That should be it good luck and welcome to the form. LTRN

[Mike]

LTRN pretty much summed it up for you. You can also check out the rigging section on this site.

Keep it simple at first and you should be fine...

Good Luck!