Walking the beach at sunrise with a trusty rod in hand is part of the allure that brings people out for surf fishing. In addition, there’s almost no end to the choices of places to fish, since anywhere waves wash onto the sand can be a good spot to try your luck.
Welcome to the Water's Edge
For anyone new to the sport, the elements involved in surf fishing are fascinating. Waves churn the bottom and stir small grubs into the whitewater where surf fish hunt their food. Casting into the break produces fish more often than casting beyond the waves.
Fishing in the surf is a challenge since the ocean is moving toward you one minute, and away from you the next. Patience is the key to landing a fish in the surf.
Equipment and Tackle
Another attraction of surf fishing is the minimum amount of tackle needed. A spinning reel with 200 yards of monofilament line in the 10-to-12 lb. class and a two-piece rod in the 8-to-10 foot range is ample for most fish. A waist bag with a packet of #4 hooks, some swivels and a handful of 1-oz. sinkers complete the kit. Personal accessories could be limited to a cap and a pair of sunglasses.
Finding Fish
Hunting surf fish is a matter of recognizing certain conditions. Waves that peak early signify shallow banks, and patches of rippled water signify pockets. These areas often hold fish, and learning to read the signs will certainly produce a bite.
By keeping up with the local action you’ll be able to determine the best times to fish. Overall, the incoming and high tides bring fish in close, and they tend to stop feeding as the tide goes out. In most instances this approach affords four to six hours of ideal fishing conditions.
Rigging Up
The most popular set up is the Carolina rig. This is simply a hook tied to the end of a 3-foot leader, a swivel that keeps the leader from twisting, and a 1-oz. sliding sinker above the swivel. As you retrieve the line, the bait rises off the bottom. If there are fish nearby there’s a good chance you’ll get hooked up.
In the event a school of jack smelt or mackerel shows up, a 3-oz. chrome or white lure can be very effective. Cast ahead of the school and start winding the moment the lure hits water. This mimics frightened bait, and the school will likely compete for the first bite.
A Friendly Community
Tackle shops carry frozen and salted bait that work well in a particular area. In addition, predator fish have the ability to see colors in the foam, and tackle shops feature packets of red or green plastic grubs that are effective during the spawning season.
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