Complete Information on Surf Fishing. Tackle, Bait and Techniques

Surf fishing can be really great fun. You can enjoy this sport day or night, and on almost any coast around the world. The fishing techniques are the same. Fish big or small can be caught with baited hooks or artificial lures.

Surf Rods

The length of surf rods must be 8-14 ft. or even longer but not shorter, heavy-duty, medium to fast action. Their main purpose is to sling those heavy sinkers of 4-6 ounces plus the bait and terminal tackle up to 100 yds into the surf.

Surf rods made of graphite with large diameter guides to minimize line abrasion when casting are best. Today’s long powerful surf outfits come in two-piece with long handle. The long handle enables surf casters to obtain better power and leverage to cast with two hands.

Some surf casters prefer one-piece rods arguing that one-piece rods are better for casting. It’s only a matter of opinion because both perform as well as the other. Personally, I prefer two-piece rods because they’re easy to transport and store.

Surf Reels

The choice of surf reels depend on your personal preference. Some prefers spinning reels while some prefers multiplying reels. I prefer spinning reels. They’re much easy to handle. However, surf reels must be large enough with a line capacity of at least 200-300 yds., smooth drags and corrosion resistant. They must have a high retrieval ratio to handle powerful running species.

Line

The standard line used by most surf casters universally is monofilament line of 15-25 lbs. test. Using braided line which is thinner in diameter is best for longer casting and more lines can be spooled.

Surf Weights or Sinkers

Though pyramid sinkers are the standard weights for surf fishing other designs are as good too. Storm sinkers, sputniks sinkers and even ball sinkers are some of them.

Pyramid sinkers are good for muddy and sandy bottom, digging in with their sharp edges they hold bottom very well. But over rocks or any structure they’re not the choice.

Storm sinkers are one of my favorite surf weights. They’re specially designed for surf fishing. Hold bottom firmly in most conditions and cast well too.

Sputnik sinkers are the best sinkers for surf fishing, but they’re not cheap. They’ve four wire arms for perfect holding to the bottom even when surf conditions are real bad. They cast well too.

These sinkers are not designed to be used over rocks or rough structure. When fishing over rocks or rough structure I use ball sinkers, because they’ve no sharp edges they won’t dig in, they just drift or roll on the bottom.

Sand Spikes

Sand spikes are important. Don’t forget to bring them with you or else you’ll be miserable without them. Because they not only hold your rods and reels while you’re waiting for that big fish to bite, they hold them away from the sand which can give you big trouble with your reels. Never place your reels on the sand. You need them too when you’re hooking the bait or changing terminal tackle.

I made my own sand spikes from PVC pipe. They’re cheap, light to carry and they won’t rust. The diameter must be large enough to place your butt end of your rod. Cut a sharp angle to one end of the pipe for easy pounding into the sand. I prefer them long because they hold the line away from the waves. Sand spikes must be firmly secured to the sand to avoid having your tackle being pulled into the sea by that record-breaking fish.

Bait

Bait for surf fishing, the choice is wide. Worms, cut or whole fish, crabs, clams, mussels, squids, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, eels and a lot more. I prefer those with tough flesh, they stay on the hook better.

Always check and change your bait every 15 minutes or so. Fish are like humans they like to be served with their food, fresh and juicy. The size of the bait depends on the fish you are after.

For artificial bait or lures bring along some spoons, bucktail jigs, surface plugs and a variety of other lures are also effective for surf fishing.

With all the information that I've provided I hope you have lot of fun on some coast somewhere. Happy surf fishing!

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