Discussion Board
Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
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 04/17/2005 06:30 PM
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Charlie
Moderator
Surf Fishing Board
Joined: 04/19/2007
Posts: 3147
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Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
For the beginning surf fisher, light tackle makes getting started affordable and easier to learn. The goal for now will be to get the angler catching fish right away. Once that first fish is caught, there is no turning back. Both the fish and the angler will be hooked.
A. Fishing Gear
1. Fishing Rod
A light 7" length rated for 4# to 12# line, with a fast tip action very much like one used for trout fishing.
2. Reel
Reels on the small side allow easier casting of small grubs and worms. For example, the Shimano 500 and 750 size reels are fairly inexpensive and work well in the surf.
3. Main Line
4# and 6# line will work well in the surf. Trilene XL lines are very castable and allow good casting range.
B. Terminal Tackle
The Carolina rig (C-rig) is a good all-around rig and has proven itself to be a good producer in the surf. It is perfect for the light tackle that is described here. Thread a 1/2 ounce egg sinker, then a 6mm bead on your line, and tie on a 2-way swivel. Tie a 6# fluorocarbon leader 24" to 30" long to the swivel. Tie a hook to the leader. The pic below is similar except the hook size may be changed to match the bait and the leader lb. test may also be changed to the appropriate conditions. See grubs in Sect. C below for how to hook a grub or worm.
2. Hooks
Size #8 or #6 Owner Mosquito Hooks
C. Baits and Colors: the following are popular and used successfully by members of this board.
1. Grubs are threaded starting at the tip and exiting just before the tail. They can also be nose-hooked.
Big Hammer 1.75" grubs in motoroil/red flake (MORF), clear red flake (CRF), Kalin 2" Pumpkin Salt & Pepper (PSP).
2. Plastic Worms are cut into 2" or 3" pieces and threaded like the grubs. Make sure the hook shank is completely hidden in the worm.
Berkley Gulp
Saltwater Sand Worms (GSW) in darkbrown, or camo
2" Swimming Mullet (GSM)
Sand Crabs (GSC)
Berkley Powerbait Micro troutworms in natural
3. Live baits:
Sand crabs - these live baits are available all during the summer months of June, July and August and are preferred over plastic baits or live worms from bait shops.
D. Where to Fish
All Orange County and Los Angeles County beaches are good. For more specific information, read this surf fishing board and look for the names of beaches you are interested in.the surf fishing reports.
E. Fishing Techniques for Beginners
Casting your bait out and retrieving your bait slowly is a good way to start. Try a faster or slower retrieve to see what speed of retrieve will be more effective. Keep your bait moving and be ready to set the hook. If after three casts you haven't been bit, take 25 paces and cast again. It is important to keep moving until you find some biters.
F. Your targets:
Barred surfperch, Yellowfin croaker, Spotfin Croaker, Walleye Surfperch, Halibut, Corbina, Leopard sharks, Smoothhound sharks, Jacksmelt, and Shovelnose Guitarfish are typical of the many fish that are being caught in the surf.
G. Gear Maintenance
Keep your reel off the sand and out of the surf. Dunking your reel in the surf will shorten its life to a few months at best. If dunked, your reel should be taken apart, cleaned and freshly oiled by yourself if you know how or a reel service guy. Lightly rinse your reel or better yet, wipe with a wet rag, with freshwater after every fishing trip.
Jeff (aka "Charlie")
He i'a no ka papa'u, He loa'a wale i ka hopu lima (Fish of the shallows are easy to catch with the hands)- Mary Kawena Pukui, "Hawaiian Proverbs"
This post edited by Charlie 09:03 PM 07/01/2007
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04/18/2005 08:44 AM
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jkim
Joined: 03/26/2007
Posts: 667
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
Great post, Jeff! Very complete. It would be nice if we could anchor this post up top.
The only thing I'd add is to say that a wide range of tackle will work in the surf. If you've got some gear (hopefully lighter tackle in the 4# to 8# class), try that first before making any big purchases. It's better to get some first hand experience so that you'll have an understanding of what might work for you.
And remember to work that grub all the way in. Lots of fish are caught surprisingly close to shore.
John aka JKim-----<><
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04/18/2005 09:24 AM
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jscrib
Joined: 05/03/2005
Posts: 2646
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
I agree, very thorough. Wish we could create a separate section for great articles like this one. Then when new people join they can be refered to it.
j
http://www.conscienceskateboarding.com/images/whalecock_moby.jpg
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04/18/2005 10:49 AM
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JP
Joined: 03/18/2007
Posts: 209
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
Fantastic post Jeff. Not only are you a great teacher, but writer as well.
JP
If you kill it today you can't catch it tomorrow
JP
If you kill it today you can't catch it tomorrow
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04/18/2005 12:22 PM
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mai tai
Joined: 05/01/2007
Posts: 598
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
Hey moderator, can you anchor it to the top like they do on the other forums?
It really is a good how to get started post.
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04/18/2005 12:30 PM
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jscrib
Joined: 05/03/2005
Posts: 2646
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
This post is anchored.
j
http://www.conscienceskateboarding.com/images/whalecock_moby.jpg
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04/19/2005 07:11 AM
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GUERO67
Joined: 03/21/2005
Posts: 1171
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
Thanks for the info, I am really going to start back up again in the surf this summer. I was starting to ask around for the "hot set-ups" and strategies and looks like I found it, right on............:+
Now where can I get a cool hat like Jscrib???????????
"Have the passion to throw one more bait."- Ken Corwin
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04/19/2005 08:43 AM
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WSK
Joined: 02/09/2004
Posts: 965
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
Try TOYS-R-US, if not there, the Kooks at the "S.M. Rainbow House" will have them in stock, and be able to hook you up...if you qualify to wear one. :o
Alan
WSK
Every day is a bonus day!
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04/19/2005 01:05 PM
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DawnPatrol
Joined: 04/20/2007
Posts: 581
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
Nice post Jeff. Took me lots of trial and error to finally land on many of your techniques you describe.
It's a pleasure to visit this board daily, and post like yours are just a big bonus!!
Thanks
Alan From San Diego
2520SL Parker "Dawn Patrol"
Home Port:
32.47.279 N
116.59.189 W
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04/19/2005 06:13 PM
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GUERO67
Joined: 03/21/2005
Posts: 1171
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
>Try TOYS-R-US, if not there, the Kooks at the "S.M. Rainbow
>House" will have them in stock, and be able to hook you
>up...if you qualify to wear one. :o
>
>Alan
>WSK
Can't pull it off with this equipment..........sorry
"Have the passion to throw one more bait."- Ken Corwin
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04/28/2005 08:50 AM
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WSK
Joined: 02/09/2004
Posts: 965
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
I have one of those weird sence of hummors...I was speaking of getting the W.C. hat at Toy's-R-Us or the Rainbow Room. Not tips on fishing.
Every day is a bonus day!
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05/08/2005 11:52 AM
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radastaff
Joined: 06/17/2007
Posts: 483
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
i would like to share a lil bit
ive found that having some pre-tied leaders folded in tinfoil
is very handy when its windy or getting dark
or if your fish swallows the bait
saving time and keeping ure line in the water
rather than on the beach
i like to have the leader a lighter weight than my main line
so it will break off first and i dont loose my swivels or weights
those swivels arnt cheap
also i use a simple loop knot on the end of the leader
where it connects to the swivel(the kind with the clip)
i dont always plan ahead like this
but when i do the fishing experience is always smoother
paul
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05/11/2005 04:44 AM
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jkim
Joined: 03/26/2007
Posts: 667
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
>Would the carolina rig be suggested for the sand crabs???
Definitely. That's one of the reasons the carolina rig is so popular: you can fish plastics and live bait without having to re-tie.
John aka JKim-----<><
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05/23/2005 08:49 PM
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bmatkinson
Joined: 05/23/2005
Posts: 10
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RE: Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
Okay, I am completely new to surf fishing so I have a couple of questions.
It seems that many websites I have visited recommend 10 to 12 ft. rods and 15 lb. line.
I guess my main question is why the larger set-up compared to the 7 ft rod and light line set-up suggested for beginners?
It seems like maybe different fishing methods for the two different rigs? Or different rigs for different parts of the country? (I'm in Huntington)
Have I stumbled on some major equipment debate in the surf fishing world?
Any insight, comments, etc. would be greatly appreciated to alleviate this bit of confusion!
Thanks!
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