fishing from the beach-Daytona area

Question
Hi. I will be visiting the Daytona area at the end of October, and would like to try fishing from the beach. Is this refered to as surf casting ? Can I rent a rod and reel, do I need a permit for one day? Will a sixty-something grandma be able to cast a 12 foot rod without falling into the water? or more importantly, how much strength does it take to reel in an ocean fish.......husband no help, as he will be laughing and taking the video.
Thanks.
Paula from the Ohio shores of Lake Erie  

Answer
Hello Paula,
Yes, fishing from the beach by casting out into the ocean is called surf fishing.  I don't know about tourists, but fishing in salt water with your feet on land does not require a resident to buy a license.  Yes, you can rent rods and reels at tackle stores, but I would guess not all do it.  You should contact the Daytona Beach C of C and get the names of tackle stores in the area so as to check them ahead of your trip.  I would not advise a lady of your age to use a 12 foot rod.  They are heavy and tiring to cast, but falling into the water hardly ever happens.  Reeling in a fish is not so difficult if you take your time about it.  I would suggest finding a spinning rod and reel combination with the rod rather light and about 6 or 7 feet long. This may be difficult to find; I use such a set-up and I had to have the rod custom-made.  Whatever tackle you use, at the time you will be fishing there will be bluefish in the surf and you will not have to cast out very far.  So possibly a shorter rod will work.  Where you fish will be a major consideration as much of the surf area at Daytona declines to deeper water gradually so that it would be difficult to cast far out enough.  Therefore, driving south to Ponce de Leon inlet (locally called Mosquito Inlet) or north to Matanzas Inlet are your best bets.  But check with a tackle store for closer good locations.  Good luck.  Boris