Tackling The Surf

If you love the waves crashing along the beach, the smell of salt in the air, and walking for miles along the beach, you might also be interested in fishing the great waves. If you are unsure where to start, you may be surprised to find out how easy it is to get started with surf fishing. You may also be surprised to find out how inexpensive it is to get started.

Fortunately, surf fishing does not mean spending hundreds of dollars in order to get started. Most anglers may be surprised to find they already have exactly what they need. If you happen to have an 8 foot or longer rod, and the collection of lead weights as well as a reel that is properly balanced on the rod, you probably have nearly everything you need.

When you considering tackling the surf, you will need a rod and reel that will allow you the ability to cast up to 4 ounces of weight. This means your fishing rod will have to have a fast action tip, and be fairly strong. Remember, 8 feet is a minimum because you will need leverage in order to get a good distance into the surf. It is also important, that your reel is well-balanced, and allows for up to 200 yards of at least 17 pound test and in some cases, even heavier monofilament.

Some anglers prefer a sliding weight system, which is simply a snap swivel of hook and a leader. However, most surf fishers prefer using a fish finder rig. A fish finder rig is a hollow sleeve that contains large snaps, that attaches to a clip on the sinker, so that as the fish snacks your bait, the sinker will stay at the bottom. The action that occurs causes the line slide towards the rig and the fish never feels the resistance. In effect, the swivel prevents the slider from landing too close to the hook which causes the initial resistance that the fish feel giving them time to get away. The best leader should be approximately 24 inches, and have a good hook on the end.

One thing that you will want to do is have an assortment of spoons as well as artificial plugs as part of your tackle. There are instances, when artificial lures will give you far better results than live bait. If you see fish actively feeding on the surface, you will want to use the top water plug to try to attract them. Most surf anglers have found that 2 rods are their best option. One fully rigged and ready to use with an artificial lure, and the other using live bait.

It should not be too difficult to track down the most productive surf fishing areas. In fact, chances are your local tackle shop will have information about this. There is little doubt, that anglers have come into the shop and told their tales about their surf fishing adventures. In addition to being a good source of information about location, a local bait and tackle shop will also be able to help you find exactly the right bait. Not only will they be able to tell you the best areas to fish, but they will also be able to fill you in on which lures work best for that area. As you grow more accustomed to fishing the surf, there is little doubt that as you gain experience, you will also quickly discover which lures help you the most. Remember, as with anything else experience provides knowledge.

There is simply no reason to spend hundreds of dollars to prepare yourself for fishing. This includes surf fishing. Even if you are just getting started, the basic equipment should be relatively inexpensive and as time goes along, and you gain more experience, and you can build up your supply of bait and tackle. Before you know it, you will have learned more about this great sport, not just from your local tackle shop, but from other beach anglers.

When you are preparing to undergo a saltwater fishing experience, it is important that you have the proper fishing gear. Some of the most popular gear include Shimino Spinning Reel, Penn Reels and Daiwa Fishing Reels.