Surf Fishing Tips

July 5, 2013

By John Pettinelli

Hope springs eternal and each day I head down to the surf I have thoughts of hooking that big one., I imagine just throwing a line out there with  some bait and just reeling in a big fish. Well, it rarely happens that way!

As I enter my third season of surf fishing I've gotten a little smarter and wiser.  Before you ever cast your first line here are some tips that I recommend.

 

Surf Fishing Tackle

The biggest tackle box with the most expensive gear is unnecessary and generally a waste of money. The secret to surf fishing is local knowledge, reading the surf, the birds, the bait fish and patience, not the amount of tackle in your box.

Depending on the season (check with a reputable local  bait store) I keep the following gear handy.

• Long Leader Surf Rigs with 3/0 hooks and a small float to keep the bait off the sand away from sandsharks, skates and crabs!  The rigs I buy come complete with three way swivels and sinker holder.  It's OK to buy ones with fancy streamers and skirts but not necessary.
• Three and four ounce pyramid sinkers depending on surf conditions
• Three and four ounce Sputnik sinkers for times when the surf and tide is really strong. 
• A package of elastic tie down string for times when you are using surf clam as bait.  A couple of quick turns around the clam hold it securely to your hook.  This is a must for casting the clam the proper distance.
• Flat Head saltwater fishing jig.  Ask your local bait shop for size recommendations. 
• Artificial surf bait.  Currently any artificial PINK bait is hot.  Some examples are the GULP 4" Pink Saltwater Swimming Mullet and the ZOOM Pink 4" Bubble Gum Salty Super Fluke.
• Saltwater Surf Casting Lures.  Current hot lures include Deadly Dick #1 Long and Acme Kastmaster.
• Saltwater Surface Poppers.  Current hot poppers include Tsunami Timber Lure Needlefish and  Yo Zuri Sashimi 3D Popper.