Fishing The Surf: Getting Started
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I've been surf fishing in Pensacola for the last 2 years and while light tackle has it's place, there are days when it's necessary to use a long surf rod and a reel with a lot of line. Are there no fish to be caught far from shore? One of my favorite species to target in the surf is sharks. The easiest way for me to reach them was to tie a ballon to my line and cast as far as possible. If the wind was blowing right (north wind) my bait would go all the way to China if I let it. Is shark fishing similar in San Diego?
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46 Posts
Here's something I haven't seen covered in this thread:
Once I'm walking a beach, what characteristics do I look for to know it's a good place to start fishing?
I've heard recommendations like, "Look for broken shells," or, "look for lots of sandcrabs," or, "look for loose sand."
Can you describe more things that might suggest a hot spot and give some detail about the things I've listed above?
Once I'm walking a beach, what characteristics do I look for to know it's a good place to start fishing?
I've heard recommendations like, "Look for broken shells," or, "look for lots of sandcrabs," or, "look for loose sand."
Can you describe more things that might suggest a hot spot and give some detail about the things I've listed above?
Mickey, Every few months, someone new to fishing the surf brings up the topic of how to decide where to fish. Rather than build a new wheel, I dug up some of the old threads I thought would answer your questions as well as anyone else who came across this thread and had the same questions. As you will see, there will always be a bit different focus for each individual although all address pretty much the same general question. If anyone else finds a good relevant thread, go ahead and add it here. http://www.allcoast.com/discussion/...mList=323&searchDaysOld=0&search=true&page=51 Edit: I removed all the old links because the old threads disappeared into cyberspace when the new software was installed. I have no idea what the threads were. I did a search and came up with this. Lots of good reading material. Enjoy. 
This post edited by Charlie 05/04/2008
This post edited by Charlie 05/04/2008
I don't know if it is the same there, but the best time to read the water here in Pensacola is at low tide. You should be looking for any deep holes that fish might congregate in at high tide. One way to find those holes is to look at the waves. If you have waves to the left and waves to the right and a space between, there's probably a deep hole between the waves. Something else you definitely want to look for is birds. The birds eat the same thing the fish do, so where there's birds, there's bait.
I want to thank you guys so much. I have been fishing in N. Baja for most of my life (since I was about 5yo)..I have used every type of natural bait that I could find on the beach with varrying success. I hate to stroke my own ego, but I am pretty good with natural bait on my own beach. I have wanted to try artificial baits. The problem has been that when I come home to the inland empire and visit local beaches, I could not catch a darn thing. Thanks to your advice about where to look for holes and what baits to use, I went to the "Cliffs @ Huntington Beach" and caught 8 small BSP's. Even though they were small, it was fun. I will continue to contribute to the message board and hope to be a regular contributor.
Thanks again,
A grateful fisherman
Thanks again,
A grateful fisherman
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35 Posts
hey there everyone....
What do you goes think of using a Daiwa Coastal on a 8 foot fast action Teramar for surf fishing?
Thanks in advance.
WC818
What do you goes think of using a Daiwa Coastal on a 8 foot fast action Teramar for surf fishing?
Thanks in advance.
WC818
Jeff, thanks for the great gear info. for those of us just getting started. I'm thinking about doing some surf fishing. I have a boat but I can't always get away to use it. I don't go out solo, and my husband is not a fisherman. However my husband and my boys love to go to the beach. Hmmm, seems like the perfect time to get a little fishing in. The only thing is that I'm not really interested in catching Barred Surfperch.
I live in HB. Is there a place locally where I can catch something bigger that is good to eat? Does anyone know of any good Halibut spots off the beach?
Jan
Seamaster 2588 WA
"Jacqueline Jane"
I live in HB. Is there a place locally where I can catch something bigger that is good to eat? Does anyone know of any good Halibut spots off the beach?
Jan
Seamaster 2588 WA
"Jacqueline Jane"
LOVE THE ARTICLE! ALWAYS THOUGHT SURF FISHING WOULD BE A GREAT STRESS RELIEVER-JUST YOU AND THE OCEAN ON THE BEACH-MAYBE WITH YOUR MP3 PLAYER PLUGED IN. ANY IDEAS FOR GOOD AREA'S DOWN SOUTH HERE IN SAN DIEGO?..THANKS AGAIN FOR THE POST!!!
TROYBOY
"DRAGS A BURNING"
TROYBOY
"DRAGS A BURNING"
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8 Posts
you forgot one VERY leathal bait "Charlie".dig the sand outta your mellon n throw me some feedback!uperchpoacheru
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6 Posts
I am new to the board and I found this post incredibly informative. Will these techniques work in northern California as well? I will have the oportunity to fish near Bodega Bay in July, and would love any feedback you could give me.
>I am new to the board and I found this post incredibly
>informative. Will these techniques work in northern
>California as well? I will have the oportunity to fish near
>Bodega Bay in July, and would love any feedback you could give
>me.
I haven't fished the surf north of the San Simeon area. I have fished for steelhead on the Klamath.
I understand there are redtail surfperch up there in the Bodega area. Gulp and grubs should work there. Give it a try. Maybe someone else will chime in. check in with the local tackle shops, too, for the local info.
>informative. Will these techniques work in northern
>California as well? I will have the oportunity to fish near
>Bodega Bay in July, and would love any feedback you could give
>me.
I haven't fished the surf north of the San Simeon area. I have fished for steelhead on the Klamath.
I understand there are redtail surfperch up there in the Bodega area. Gulp and grubs should work there. Give it a try. Maybe someone else will chime in. check in with the local tackle shops, too, for the local info.
Charlie,
thanks so much for this informative post. am taking my 5 yo to dana or newport 7/4. i'll be bringing morf and gulp grubs. my only question is, is the carolina rig similar to dropper loop? if not, can it be used w/o the swivel?
thx again, Jeff.
oliver
thanks so much for this informative post. am taking my 5 yo to dana or newport 7/4. i'll be bringing morf and gulp grubs. my only question is, is the carolina rig similar to dropper loop? if not, can it be used w/o the swivel?
thx again, Jeff.
oliver
Hi Oliver,OChang said:
Here is the updated pic of what a carolina rig looks like.
The deckhands on the boat will be happy to help you put the c-rig or dropper loop rig together, whichever you decide on. They will also help with choosing the correct hook sizes and sinker weights.
If you have more specific questions, send me a PM. I'll be glad to answer them, if I can.
Hi, Jeff,
The plan is to start early at the morning high tide with my brother and our sons somewhere south side of Doheny Beach, work our way up and down. Will have to hit Angler's Center today at lunch to see what new baits and lures can buy. oh the humanity, I 'have to' go to a tackles store! haha
Also, has anyone been to Doheny recently that might enlighten us with a report? thx very much in advance.
thanks for your help, Jeff! Wish us luck!
Oliver
The plan is to start early at the morning high tide with my brother and our sons somewhere south side of Doheny Beach, work our way up and down. Will have to hit Angler's Center today at lunch to see what new baits and lures can buy. oh the humanity, I 'have to' go to a tackles store! haha
Also, has anyone been to Doheny recently that might enlighten us with a report? thx very much in advance.
thanks for your help, Jeff! Wish us luck!
Oliver
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