Most people have a perception that surf fishing means casting large sinkers and a variety of live and dead baits using a spinning rod. These spinning rods often perceived to be stout and long exceeding 10 feet typically. The fact is a spinning reel spool with 20 to 30 pound test monofilament line has in fact, been the norm. One of the challenges with this is the fatigue that is associated with hours of casting this large raid into rolling waves. The problem is that this type of tackle is often required to get the bait into just the right spot when the surf is high. Surf conditions including rolling and crashing waves against the beach, often require this type of equipment. There are however, situations where this is really too much, and anglers wind up using far more energy than they need. Fortunately, technology comes to the rescue and allows you to assemble a fishing rod and reel combination that is not only lighter, but shorter and easier to cast.

The Northeast particularly lends itself to some excellent opportunities for surf fishing and lower tidal currents combined with tame waves can be ideal. One thing to remember is these areas are not necessarily known for their large fish but instead a larger number of small sized striped bass as well as bluefish and the occasional bruiser. For this type of environment, scaling down to a graphite surf rod that is between 7 and 8 feet and a spinning reel in the 4000 size range is ideal. Using a 1 ounce to 3 ounce lure, you can still get the extra length you need for distance casting.

Braided fishing lines have also made distance casting far easier for the beginner fishermen. This line has made it possible to spool up to 4000 size real with monofilament backing and add an additional 200 yards of 30 pound test braid line. This is mainly because these lines are much smaller in diameter than traditional monofilament. Another advantage is the lower friction against rod guides, which helps increase the distance that you can cast. There was a word of caution for surf casters and that is the braided lines and not as abrasion resistant is monofilament. Surf casters are often found fishing in areas that have rocks and boulder fields and these can cause serious problems when using braided lines. You can mitigate these issues by attaching a long fluorocarbon leader to the braided line. This does help provide some insurance against breakage should a fish head for the rocks.

Another side benefit of this smaller tackle is the young anglers also get to enjoy the sport far more. They typically find these smaller rods far easier to handle than the traditional 10 to 12 foot surf rod. Add that to the additional sport and fun that results with smaller catches. When the occasional oversize fish hooks onto this gear, the angler will definitely be in a position to test their skills and will against a fish. There are few things are more sporting than this.

There is no doubt that large surf rigs will always have their place. This is especially true for the angler whose preference is the 5 or 6 ounce sinker who is on the hunt for the largest fish they can find. However, for those that are tired of carrying around heavy rigs along the beach when your main interest lies in catching fish in the 5 to 20 pound range, it is definitely the time to start thinking about scaling back, scaling down, and sporting.

When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Fishing Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Fishing Reels.

1. Surf Casting in Low Tide
2. Saltwater Surf Fishing Book Guide
3. Concurring the Surf
4. Tackling the Surf
5. Making Surf Fishing A Breeze

FreshAire