Surf fishing isn?t the latest X game on ESPN. It?s actually a great family activity for fishing enthusiast of all ages. It combines the beauty of the ocean with the love of fishing. It?s one of the most relaxing forms of fishing you can try

The basic technique behind surf fishing is that you cast your bait from shallow shoreline waters instead of a boat. Unlike boat fishing where you can simply pull up your anchor and move to the next fishing spot, surf fishing requires you to carry most of your equipment out into the surf with you

The solution that most surf fishermen use is some sort of ?surf bag?. They use it to carry pliers, knife, first aid kits, lures and a fish net. This is a great time saver. You definitely reduce the number of trips back to the beach or vehicle to change equipment.

A wide variety of rods and reels can be used for surf fishing but most successful fisherman use heavy duty reels and rods that are 8?- 12? long. These longer rods allow you to cast past the break of the waves where the fish gather.

Before you begin to surf fish you should check with the local tackle shop to see if there are any restrictions on fishing in the area. While there you can probably get some insider information on the best spots to fish and what type of equipment to purchase. Most of these tackle shops will carry every thing you need and often have sales on surf fishing rod and reel combos.

As with other types of fishing you run the risk of loosing your lures and rigs so it?s best to make sure you have some extra?s with you. If you have a tight budget, start with a few rigs and add to them when you can.

One last piece of equipment you should have is some waders. Not only will you stay dry but you will improve your footing and distance on your cast into the surf.

So where do you start? Experience surf fisherman look for eddies and runoffs where birds are circling around nearby batfish. Start your cast and aim just around the break line of the surf. Start retrieving your line with the rod tip down. This will keep your bait closer to the bottom.

Once you have a fish on the line don?t get over excited and crank to hard. To many fish are lost in the wash of a retreating wave. Also be sure to monitor the tide and surf conditions. New people learning to surf fish don?t factor these elements into the amount of weight they use to keep their bait near the bottom of the ocean.

Some of the best surf fishing happens to be in the early morning. If you are an early bird you will get out on the beach before it gets crowded and enjoy a beautiful sunrise. I can?t think of any better way to start the day,

Return to Index

 

Copyright 2007 SunshineStateFishing.Com All Rights Reserved