What could be better than waves crashing on the beach, the smell of salt in the air, and walking for miles along a sandy beach? There is one thing that could enhance the experience, that would be learning how to fish those waves. All too often, anglers are not exactly sure where to start tackling the surf. There are a number of concerns, including, which beaches are good for fishing, and what the costs involved are as well as what type of tackle they need.

Fortunately, surf fishing does not mean spending hundreds of dollars in order to get started. Most anglers may be surprised to find they already have exactly what they need. If you happen to have an 8 foot or longer rod, and the collection of lead weights as well as a reel that is properly balanced on the rod, you probably have nearly everything you need.

It is important to remember that your rod and reel must be up to the challenge of tackling the surf. Your reel and rod must be able to handle weights up to 4 ounces for a long cast. A rod with a fast action tip that is fairly strong will be your best bet. In addition, if it is longer than 8 feet that much the better, since the longer it is the more leverage will have. You reel must also be well-balanced, and allow for up to 200 yards of a 17 pound or larger monofilament line.

Some anglers prefer a sliding weight system, which is simply a snap swivel of hook and a leader. However, most surf fishers prefer using a fish finder rig. A fish finder rig is a hollow sleeve that contains large snaps, that attaches to a clip on the sinker, so that as the fish snacks your bait, the sinker will stay at the bottom. The action that occurs causes the line slide towards the rig and the fish never feels the resistance. In effect, the swivel prevents the slider from landing too close to the hook which causes the initial resistance that the fish feel giving them time to get away. The best leader should be approximately 24 inches, and have a good hook on the end.

Artificial plugs and spoons are important to have as part of their tackle. It is not unusual for artificial lures to provide better results than live bait. This is especially true, if Fisher actively feeding on the surface. In these cases, top water plugs will attract them far quicker than live bait. You may want to consider having 2 rods with you, one that you are using for live bait, and the other one outfitted with an artificial lure.

It should not be too difficult to track down the most productive surf fishing areas. In fact, chances are your local tackle shop will have information about this. There is little doubt, that anglers have come into the shop and told their tales about their surf fishing adventures. In addition to being a good source of information about location, a local bait and tackle shop will also be able to help you find exactly the right bait. Not only will they be able to tell you the best areas to fish, but they will also be able to fill you in on which lures work best for that area. As you grow more accustomed to fishing the surf, there is little doubt that as you gain experience, you will also quickly discover which lures help you the most. Remember, as with anything else experience provides knowledge.

There is simply no reason to spend hundreds of dollars to prepare yourself for fishing. This includes surf fishing. Even if you are just getting started, the basic equipment should be relatively inexpensive and as time goes along, and you gain more experience, and you can build up your supply of bait and tackle. Before you know it, you will have learned more about this great sport, not just from your local tackle shop, but from other beach anglers.

When you are preparing to undergo a saltwater fishing experience, it is important that you have the proper fishing gear. Some of the most popular gear include Shimano Saltwater Spinning Reels, Penn Reel and Daiwa Fishing Reels.

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

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