Surf Fishing?

[FisherBuddy]

When I recently did a bit of research on the topic of pier fishing, I came across surf fishing. Anyone heard of or tried this type of fishing?

If what I'm reading's correct, this could be the most challenging way to fish...or the easiest way I've ever heard of!

If you know what I'm talking about, have tried it, I'd love to know if you enjoyed it or not. Also, was it a success (lots of fish or just a bunch of little ones)?

[Schoe]

Yes Fisherbuddy, I have done quite a bit of surf fishing down in Fla. This year we have tried it at several locations where we were successful last year but haven't done any good at all. Out in front of the beach house we stayed at the first two months this year I tried fishing the surf quite a few times with no luck at all. Last year fishing the same place we caught lots of Whiting, Top Sail Cats, Pompano, and a few other trash fish. Some of the locals say the hurricanes shifted the sandbars so bad that there isn't a trough out front no more like before. But as I stated there have been good times for us and it was very productive. Maybe again next year. Schoe

[nosnag]

In Long Island Sound and Rhode Island I have done a lot of surf fishing. We use both artificals and cut and whole baits.
Catching 10/14 lb. bluefish and 20/30 lb. striped bass when lucky enough to find the schools is a blast.You catch a few and then follow them up and down the beach. Rock jetties are also fun to fish, but are a little more dangerous at night. I used to fish them when I could see where I was going.
Success depends a lot on knowing where the sand bars and underwater structure that cause breaks in the current is. You follow the birds in the daylight , and watch for the flourescent changes in the water at night.
Best part is that you can fish breakwater that boaters ca'nt get to.
I have many fond memories of fishing that way.

BILL

[Live2Fish]

I haven't tried surf fishing. After reading Schoe and nosnag, though I'm definitely considering it. Is there a special pole? Or just the same one you'd use for ocean/boat fishing?

[nosnag]

You have to reach out there to get behind the breakers.A 10' to 12' pole and a heavy duty conventional reel or spinning reel is a must. Also you need to have 16#/25# line of at least 300 yds. spooled on it.You will use 3to 6 oz. weights, or plugs and spoons from 3/8 to 5 oz. in weight.Waders help to keep out the cold and sand. Night fishing will have you using the same equipment you would use catfishing. I used to use a old Radio-Flyer wagon to transport my tackle and sand spike pole holders in. Bait depends on the fish you are going after.
Hope that helps you,

BILL

[Schoe]

My wife and I plan on going surf fishing a while tomorrow afternoon if it's not too windy and I will take a couple pictures of my surf setup and equipment. Schoe

[FisherBuddy]

How did it go, Schoe? Catch many fish?

I've talked to a friend of mine who's a cop and lives in FL. He said they have a problem with people fishing illegal down there (mostly tourist). Do you have to have some sort of license to go surf fishing?

[Katmaster Jr.]

I surf fish all the time and love it! I mostly go for shark's but have fished for Striper's and Redfish also in the surf. I'm still kinda new at it, so far have only caught a few 4-5ft Sharks.

Give it a shot, it's cool.:)

[Schoe]

Fisherbuddy, Didn't even set up as it was too windy the last two days. We went down and talked to some folks that had been there a while and they had one Whiting about 2 lbs.
You have to buy a fresh water licence for interrior fishing and a salt water licence for any salt water fishing, off shore and surf. Schoe

[wewamohawk]

well guys i have done a little surf fishing and had good luck i all so did some pier fishing i got some kings from the pier it was lots of fun you all should try it some time the mohawk

[FisherBuddy]

Fisherbuddy, Didn't even set up as it was too windy the last two days. We went down and talked to some folks that had been there a while and they had one Whiting about 2 lbs.
You have to buy a fresh water licence for interrior fishing and a salt water licence for any salt water fishing, off shore and surf. Schoe

Too bad, Schoe. I hate when the weather doesn't cooperate with your plans.:rolleyes:

There are a lot of people who never check on licenses when they go off like that on vacation. Makes it harder on those who do, I believe. They get hassled to show theirs when they might have been left alone to have a good day of fishing. Just my opinion...