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.
This post edited by Charlie 09:03 PM 07/01/2007
This post edited by Charlie 09:03 PM 07/01/2007
