Surf Fishing Craze: What You Need To Know
If you’re looking forward to a beach trip with friends or family, why not catch some fish while you’re on the shore? Fishing enthusiasts taking a trip to the shoreline have likely already looked into the best surf fishing locations in the area, with surf fishing gear and tackle packed and ready. Others may be new to surf fishing, but excited to try their hand at this popular sport.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, surf fishing has become one of the most popular ways to fish. Join in on the surf fishing craze this season. There are a few things you’ll need to know in terms of timing, gear, and what fish to look for when surf fishing. Here’s what you’ll need to know to go surf fishing:
Surf Fishing Gear You’ll Need
To go surf fishing, you’ll need these essentials:
A fishing license
Surf fishing rod
Surf fishing reel
Fishing Line
Fishing Rigs
The other miscellaneous essentials which are required to go surf fishing include baits, swivels, lures, hooks, weights for tackling, and sunglasses, sunscreen, and a fishing hat to protect you from the sun.
The Best Time to Surf Fish
Of course, you want to make the most of your time surf fishing and maximize your chances of success. Experienced surf fishers will tell you that the best time of day to go surf fishing is in the early morning. Start during dawn when the sun is just rising, or wait until dusk when the weather begins to cool. Nighttime can also be conducive for fishing, as the lower temperature cools the water and fish are likely to come closer to the surface.
You may be wondering if surf fishing is seasonal: it’s not really, but there are times that you are more likely to be successful. You can go surf fishing year-round if you choose, but you are less likely to find success in extreme weather. For that reason, Spring and Autumn are the peak surf fishing season, as fish are more active and likely to bite.
Did you know that the tides can tell you when it’s the best time to fish? High tide is one of the best phases during which to go fishing, as the strong current brings fish closer to the shoreline. If you’re really committed to finding the ideal time to fish, check out lunar movements. A full moon or new moon result in stronger tides and currents.
Types of Fish You Can Catch While Surf Fishing
There is no true limit to the types of fish you can make your target while surf fishing. Many saltwater fish can be caught while surf fishing, depending on how far out you cast. You can catch pompano, shark, snook, cobia, redfish, bluefish, mackerel, sea trout, black drum, mangrove snapper and many more, depending on your location.
What Fishing Line To Use When Surf Fishing
Fish can sense color, which can set off alarms if they sense a trap. A fishing line is very useful to attract certain types of fish along with the bait or lures you choose.
To attract the best fish, use these fishing lines:
Braid fishing line: Braided fishing line is one of the most popular options. Some of the best braided fishing lines in the market are KastKing Superpower or Power Pro Spectra Fibre.
Monofilament fishing line: Monofilament line comes at a reasonable rate and has good tensile strength as it is made from plastic fibre. Some of the best monofilament fishing lines in the market are Kastking, Berkley Trilene, or Stren High.
Fluorocarbon fishing line: As the name suggests, fluorocarbon line is made up of fluorine and carbon elements which makes it water and wear-and-tear resistant. It also has low visibility underwater. Some of the best fluorocarbon fishing lines are Seaguar, Sunline, and Trilene to name a few.
Best Surf Fishing Rods to Choose
When it comes to surf fishing, not all rods are equal. To find the best fishing rod, first you need to decide on what area you’ll be fishing in and what type of fish you hope to catch. Rod sizes come anywhere from 7 to 15 feet. If you are looking for agility for swift action and maneuvering, and plan to catch small to medium sized fish, opt for a 7 to 9 foot rod. If you want to cast further out and catch larger fish, then anywhere between a 10 to 15 foot rod would work well.
Some of the best fishing rods in the market include Lamiglass , Okuma Solaris, St Croix Triumph, St Croix Mojo, or the Penn Batallion surf rod to name a few. They are durable and supportive to give you a good fishing experience.
How To Pick a Surf Fishing Reel
The fishing reel you choose should be conducive for the type and size of fish you catch, starting from sharks to the smallest catch. Surf fishing reels should be tough, as they also must withstand the water flow and current. The ideal size of fishing reel depends on the area you are fishing and the type of fish you want to catch. The spinning reel size can be anywhere ranging from 1000, 2000, to 5000. Look for a strong reel with good reviews.
Fishing Rigs Are a Must
Fishing Rigs like clipped rigs or flapper rigs help to hold baits, lures, and traps. You can hold it with your hand or tie it to your boat. The single hook clipped-down rig is the best you can get for casting surf fishing rigs.
So folks, hope these tips can help you get started on your surf fishing expedition. Happy Fishing!
