equipment, and terms. also knots

Question
I recently started deep sea fishing from party boats. I have an older Penn 209 level wind reel that is from when I was a boy and a medium action rod, I have also been bidding on a Penn 309 on ebay. I am looking to go out in the Murrells inlet area of South Carolina on an 11hr. shelf fishing trip in deeper water and wonder if my equipment is sufficient. I also would like to know where I can get information on learning to tie tackle knots. I know a few basics but would like to learn more to pass on to my children..

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Bill- Please accept my sincere apologies for not getting back to you sooner. Work unexpectedly kept me away from my laptop and access to your question.
 Let's take a look...I'm very familiar with the Penn reels that you are interested in and own. The 209 is adequate for many types of fishing and the level wind is very convenient. You will only find yourself limited by the size and efficiency of the drag discs and the limited ability of the reel to cast. The line test that will be best suited in monofilament will range from 12lb. to 20lb for the 209 and should you aquire the 309, you would be able to use from 15lb test to 25...perhaps 30lb, although the drag system will be stressed greatly by the 30lb line. If you choose to use braided dacron line(s) on either reel, you will find 20lb to be the most useful.
 When you select the rod for either reel, be certain that the line rating is matched to that of the reel. The action you choose is strictly up to your preference. I happen to like fast action or "fast taper" designs. These rod actions have most of the "action" or flex in the outer 25% of the rod and give the angler more leverage (giving the fish the short end of the stick, so to speak!) and during casting, allow far more casting energy to transfer into lure or weight speed.
  Before your trip to the "shelf" check with the skipper or a member of the crew of the boat you'll be booking. A quick and friendly phone call will usually be greatly rewarded. If the depths of water to be fished are less than 80 ft or so, many party boats may be using spinning tackle for their clients to provide ease of use. If you are comfortable with the 209/309 conventional levelwind reels, stick with them. If you will be fishing deeper waters say from 100-200 or more feet, larger reels like the Penn 112H and 113H or perhaps 500L's will be used and dacron line (due to limited stretch and abraision resistence), may be used. They should be matched with rods that also handle the line tests the reels can handle.
  As for knots...there are nearly as many knots and variations as there are fishermen. Those that have served me well time and again are the improved clinch and, if properly tied, the Palomar knot. They will allow you to maintain from 85 to nearly 100% of the strength of the unknotted line if tied well and the line is fresh. Sadly I cannot demonstrate either for you with the limits of the website here at AllExperts.com
 Barnes and Noble book sellers offer many great titles that have sections on angling knots and general angling information. Stop by one of the stores or perhaps go to Amazon.com so you can actually see the step by step progress of the knots being tied.
 Look for these three knots specifically: 1- Improved clinch- the bet general purpose knot for lures, weights etc. 2- The Palomar- 98-100% strong if tied well 3- The Perfection Loop (Great for single hooks and live bait fishing), 4- The Spider Hitch (a quick and acceptable substitute for the illustrious "Bimini Twist", both used to double your line thereby creating a leader of double strength). Last but not least, learn the surgeons knot...also known as the blood knot, to tie two lengths of line together and maintain the strength of both.
  With just a bit of practice, the five knots above will allow you to perform at least 98% of the knots you'll need in fishing.
  As for titles of reference books, the Encyclopedia of Sportfishing is superb ( a huge "coffee table" style book). I believe it was authored mainly by Mark Sosin but others were named as well. You'll probably find six or mroe titles readily available.
  Knots are one of the most important skills in angling...I hope this has been of some help for your upcomming adventure and allows just a bit more of the knowledge you have to be passed on to your children. Teaching them to fish and respecting the environment around us is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
  Great fishing and great catching-    Mark Rimmer- AllExperts.com