Tackling The Surf

Surf fishing can wear you down with the bulky equipment that has become the norm. Many surf anglers elect to use large rods (10 feet or longer) and stout spinning reels with a variety of live and dead bait. Reels that hold hundreds of yards of 30 pound monofilament are the norm versus the exception and along with this bulky equipment comes weight and fatigue. Let’s face it, casting this stout equipment into rolling waves can do little more than wear you out – and yes, you may luck out and catch a whopper but you could be too tired to enjoy it. Fortunately, this isn’t the only way to enjoy surf fishing and in fact, in a lot of cases, this might be a case of pure overkill. The use of this equipment doesn’t really do much outside of forcing the angler to burn a lot of energy when today’s technology offers rod and reel combinations that are not only lighter, but are far easier to cast.

The northeast is known for great surf fishing opportunities. There are plenty of areas that are perfect that don’t have excessive currents and have relatively tame waves. These areas are good spots for landing smaller sized striped bass and bluefish and if you’re lucky, you’ll get the occasional bruiser. These areas are ideal for scaled down versions of surf casting gear. If you’re unsure of what to use, don’t worry. Graphite rods in the 7 or 8 foot length and a spinning reel with a 4000 size range will work out quite well for you. Both are suitable for use with lures that are in the one to three ounce range.

One of the advances that have made the shorter fishing poles more usable for surf fishing is braided line. Although it is highly recommended that you use a monofilament or fluorocarbon line leader (quite a long one in fact) to prevent breakage as your catch heads for the rock, braided line takes up far less reel space than traditional lines. In addition, it makes for a smoother release in your reel guides allowing you to cat far longer distances as well. You are likely to see the signs of failed attempts at using braided line scattered all over rocks and boulders as you are surf-casting. This can easily be prevented by tying your lure to a fluorocarbon which will help alleviate breakage.

For younger anglers, the ability to use smaller gear is perfect. Let’s face it – it can be pretty discouraging to a young person to be saddled with a 12 foot pole for his or her first time. Younger anglers are more than happy with a smaller catch, and the smaller rod and tackle offers them opportunities that they might not otherwise have with stouter fishing equipment. There are few things more rewarding than sharing your love of sport fishing with new anglers.

While there is little doubt that some anglers will still prefer oversized tackle, and there is little doubt that these surf rigs do have their place, for many, the smaller tackle works just as well. Unless you are determined to go after the biggest fish in the water with a 6 ounce sinker, there isn’t much point in wearing yourself out carting the heavier rigs around the beach when you can have just as much fun going after fish upwards of 20 lbs with a substantially smaller rig.

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 Reels, Penn Reels and Daiwa Fishing Reels.