subject: How To Surf Fish And Some Of What You Will Need [print this page] Surfcasting refers more to fishing from the beach by casting into the surf. Basic surf fishing can be done with a fishing rod about nine feet or longer, with a suitable spinning, bait cast, spin cast, or fly reel. Terminal tackle is also needed, along with bait and lures. Terminal tackle is the hooks, swivels, lines and leaders at the far on the line.
Surf Fishers should have an assortment of tackle, fishing rods and reels of various lengths, lures and bait. Depending on conditions, the type of fish they are trying to catch, surfcasters choose rod and reel, bait, lures, terminal tackle to the size and species of fish there are trying to catch. Rod and reels, tackle and other equipment should be able to resist the corrosion and abrasiveness of salt and sand. Surf fishers who use lures, cast and retrieve them to try to get the species they are trying to catch to bite. The different lures for surf fishing are spoons, plugs, soft plastics, and jigs. Surf fishers usually add items such as flashlights, headlamps, light sticks for night fishing.
Other types of equipment used by surf fishers to improve comfort, convenience and effectiveness are fishing waders, used to wade out into the surf to gain distance from the shore. Full length, chest-high waders are the most popular, in order to provide a against the pounding surf, the extra reach provided by wading out from shore, improved footing, protection for feet and legs from sharp bottom objects and sting/biting fish and crustaceans and protection from the cold temperatures. Surf fishers prefer boot footed to stocking footed models, boot footed waders eliminates the sand and rocks from getting into the wading boots. In areas where fishing from slippery rocks, or mossy and slimy rock jetties, cleated boots with or without felt soles are used to improve footing and enhance safety.
Surfcasting is a casting technique which separates the surfcaster for ordinary fishing. Specialized, two-handed casting is used to cast the bait or lure the added distance to reach feeding inshore fish. The entire body rather than just the arms, are used to deliver the cast. Beachcasting is a popular form of fishing all over the coast. Beachcasters use very long fishing rods, usually between twelve and sixteen feet in length. Standing on the beach or shoreline beach casters will cast out with either a water filled float, or a lead weight weighing 120g to 200 g. Bait used for this form of fishing might be limpets, mussels, lugworm, ragworm, sandeel, mackerel strip, squid, peeler crab and or razor fish. Artificial flies and spinners may be used for mackerel or bass.
With any water sport care must be taken for safe participation. Surf fishing is usually done in rough water and at night. Powerful waves and strong undertows can cause serious injury or death if proper safety is not followed. Areas to be fished should be checked in low tide conditions. Sudden drop offs or dangerous conditions hidden at high tide should be noted. Any fisher wearing waders should be wearing a wader belt to keep waders from filling with water in the event one falls in the surf. A personal flotation device should be considered. Since lures and hooks have razor sharp points, it is a good idea to have a quality pair of cutting pliers capable of cutting the hooks you are fishing with.
Surf fishing can be a enjoyable and memorable experience for all. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines for the area you will be fishing. Check your equipment and make sure you got what you need. Explore the area where you are going to be fishing, note any and all possible dangers.
