Surf Fishing: How to Catch Fish from the Beach
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Loading... - Morowa Sowah
- 15 Feb 2023
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Surf fishing can seem like the perfect combination of activities — you get to relax on the beach, enjoy the sunshine and the waves, and catch some fish to toss on the grill or in the fryer.
This sounds like a cinch if you’re used to a low-key fishing experience, but you’ll need a healthy dose of patience and plenty of persistence if you want to fill the cooler by the end of the day. Here’s how you can ensure surf fishing success.
Have the Right Tools for the Right Job
For surf fishing, you’ll need a spinning reel that’s sealed to prevent saltwater damage.
Look for a reel sized in the 6,000–8,000 range with a sturdy drag system. You’ll need a long line, so make sure your reel can hold at least 500 yards of 25-pound line. You may encounter some large fish (three feet or more), so you need to be prepared.
As for the size of your rod, you’ll want to look for something in the 10–12-foot range or possibly up to 15 feet if you want to fish in heavy surf.
Check the power and action characteristics to ensure that your rod is as strong as your reel. A medium-heavy power will provide sufficient strength, and a moderate action will resist bending during a struggle with a particularly stubborn catch.
The line itself needs to be similarly stout, so you may want to use a braided line. Make sure your knots are secure, as braided line can get quite slippery and come undone.
Lastly, use a sinker to keep your line from drifting in the waves. You can tie on pyramids (the most popular option), coins, wedges, or sputniks — your choice. Also, consider investing in a ground spike to hold your rod. That way, you can monitor your line without holding it all day.
Choosing the Right Bait
When it comes to surf fishing, you’ll get the most success using live bait.
The bait you use should be native to the coastline you’re angling. If you’re using bait fish, rig through the nose or other non-lethal area. You’ll want to let your bait fish swim as freely as possible, so don’t put it right next to your sinker. Give it a zone of freedom. Read More…
