Surf Fishing for Beginners
Surf fishing is land-based fishing from the shore or surf zone. Surf fishing involves almost all types of fishing from the shore. Some anglers preferably argue that surf fishing is all about fishing in saltwater.
Surf fishing for beginners is simple but proper preparation can fill the day with action and excitement. But it might turn into a really nightmarish experience if you land on shores un-prepared because you need a piece of larger equipment for a huge area of water that might have massive predatory fish.
As mentioned above, surf fishing for beginners is very productive if, as an angler, you are capable enough to vary your tactics according to location, tides, seasons, water conditions, and the type of fish you are looking for. Moreover, surf fishing is easier for those as well who don’t have access to boats to quench their thirst for fishing.
Tips and Tricks for Surf Fishing for Beginners
Surf fishing for beginners becomes a lot easier if they carry along a good package of tips and tricks. So, here through this article, we are going to present a list of those techniques, following which would certainly make your day:
Decide the Location
Before casting a line, it is important that you know the water conditions of the area you are going fishing. Look for the spot where the fish gather to feed. In this case, the local anglers might prove helpful. As a result, you will learn more relatively in a short time.
2. Decide the Time
Changes in temperature, water conditions, and time have a huge impact on surf fishing for beginners. The time of early morning and early evening is the magic time for fishermen dealing in surf fishing.
High tides and our-going tides during these times are the best opportunities to maximize your fishing experience. However, the fishing line should be planned in the water 2-3 hours before a high tide. To further enhance your hunt, arrange a tide chart as an angler.
The fish feel more secure during these times and move around in search of food as compared with the time of light during the day. Besides these timings, overcast and rainy days can also prove fruitful but not at the risk of your personal life. Surf fishing for beginners is productive if a vigilant eye is kept on weather alterations.
Surf Fishing Gear
Surf fishing for beginners becomes fun if proper gears is arranged before heading towards the beach. Fish of all sizes are then on your disposal. Surf fishing gears includes following tools:
Reels: Spinning reels are highly recommended firstly due to their well-made model to protect against damage. Secondly, they have strong drag system.
Rod: You might have to act differently according to the type and weight of fish. The range of rods starts from 6 to 15 feet. A rod of 10 to 12 feet is also considered perfect for surf fishing.
Knife: A fillet knife must be with you to cut a frozen bait. As far as the size of knife is concerned, a knife sized 6 to 9 inches will suffice.
Pliers: As an angler, you might have to deal with the fish which have small mouths with teeth inside that cannot be dealt with fingers. Here, the pliers come in use to remove the hook. A plier from 6 to 12 inches is useful.
Towel: Besides all things, there should be a no compromise on cleanliness. Surf fishing for beginners should also possess this. A towel will help you keep the equipment clean. Additionally, a wet towel will help grip the fish safely too.
Bolt Cutters: A pair of bolt cutters is must in case of emergencies while surf fishing. Bold cutters provide assistance if a hook is swallowed by the fish. Similarly, if due to somehow, pliers don’t work in cutting the hook and wire, plier come to use.
Sand Spikes: Sand spikes can be used while fishing with multiple rods. They don’t move under pressure.
Others: This includes cast net, spare spool of line, umbrella, sunglasses, first aid kit, a cooler to transport fresh fish and a fishing license.
4. Decide the Bait
Surf fishing for beginners needs the decision of baits according to the targeted fish species and location as well. You need to follow a rule of thumb here that is, smaller baits like shrimps and squids for smaller fish and larger baits like chunks and mullet for larger fish. Further on, natural bait must be frozen to be used conveniently.
Surf fishing also entertains artificial baits. However, weather conditions matter in this regard. If the weather is calm, go for plugs and spoons, jigs and poppers. Addition of local flavor to a bait can also prove an added advantage.
These baits are advised to be used when water clarity is high so that fish can visualize them. Additionally, give the bait a life-like action so that fish are enticed to strike them Likewise, retrieve the bait according to the type of fish moving around.
5. Decide the Jig
Surf fishing for beginners also needs to take care of use of jigs according to the bait being used. A rig means how your fishing gears are set up together. A rig adds attraction to the presentation of bait to the fish. The better the rig, the better would be the result. There are following types of rigs:
- Fish Finder Rigs are appropriate for targeting fish over 3ft such as shark, striped bass and red drum.
- Specialty Rigs also called bottom rigs and pompano rigs are suitable for smaller surf fish species. However, their use differs according to the location.
6. Technique
As an angler, you should take of one thing more while surf fishing for beginners. You should try to land your bait near the area; baits are feeding. Similarly, wade into the surf to the point of comfort for a quick overhand cast.
Conclusion
Surf fishing for beginners is a great fun for those who are well-prepared as far as equipment, local knowledge, weather and water conditions, baits and jigs are concerned. An angler should also display patience while surf fishing for the first time. Likewise, learning from the experience should be a regular process for a smooth development as a fisherman.
FAQs
1.What to use for surf fishing?
Ans. Surf fishing needs reels, rods, cast nets, hooks, rigs and baits.
2. What is the best bait for surf fishing?
Ans. Squid is the best bait for surf fishing.
3. What action is best for surf fishing?
Ans. Casting fast action rods for surf fishing is the best action. It even allows small bites from fish in rough surf conditions.
