Beginner Surf Fishing Tips

Man relaxing on the beach while fishing.

If you’re looking for a new fishing adventure, surf fishing may be for you. Surf fishing is a great way to enjoy the beach and the outdoors, while also having a chance to catch some fish. But before you head out, there are a few things you should know. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on the best spots to surf fish, the best time of year to go, and what gear you’ll need.

Selecting The Best Destination

There are a few things to consider when choosing a surf fishing destination. First, you’ll want to consider the time of year. The best time to go surf fishing is during the summer months, when the water is warm and the fish are active. You’ll also want to consider the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. Different types of fish are found in different areas, so you’ll want to choose a spot that is known for the type of fish you’re interested in catching. Finally, you’ll want to consider the level of experience of the people who will be fishing with you. If you’re a beginner, you may want to choose a spot that is known for being beginner-friendly.

Best Times and Season’s To Go Surf Fishing

You’ll have the best chance of success if you go surf fishing during the summer months, when the water is warm and the fish are active. The spring and fall can also be good times to go, but the water will be cooler and the fish may not be as active.

What Surf Fishing Gear You’ll Need

To fish in the surf, you’ll need a few pieces of gear. First, you’ll need a rod and reel that are designed for saltwater fishing. You’ll also need a line that can handle being in saltwater. Most fishing lines will work, but there are some that are specifically designed for saltwater fishing. You’ll also need some bait or lures. Live bait is often best, but you can also use artificial lures. Finally, you’ll need a few weights or sinkers to help keep your line in place in the water.

Best Baits And Lures For Surf Fishing

Live bait is often best for surf fishing, as it will attract more fish. Some good live baits include shrimp, crabs, and minnows. If you’re using artificial lures, some good options include plastic worms, jigs, and spoons.

Surf Fishing Techniques

The fish-finder rig is a good option for surf fishing. This rig consists of a weight at the bottom of your line, with a bead above it, followed by a hook. You can use live bait or artificial lures with this rig. Another option is the Carolina rig, which is similar to the fish-finder rig but has a swivel above the weight instead of a bead. This rig is often used with live bait.

Best Times and Season’s To Go Fishing

You’ll have the best chance of success if you go surf fishing during the right time of year and during the right time of day.

Best Times of Day

The best time to go surf fishing is two hours before high tide and two hours after high tide. The tide brings fish in and out of the surf, so you’ll want to be there when the fish are coming in.

Best Months of the Year

The best months for surf fishing are May, June, July, and August. These are the warmer months when the water is more comfortable to stand in and the fish are more active.

Man fishing on the west coast, standing on rocks.

What Gear You’ll Need

To fish in the surf, you’ll need a few things: a fishing rod and reel, bait, and a fishing license (if you’re 16 or older). You’ll also need some basic knowledge of how to cast a line. If you’re new to fishing, or don’t know how to cast, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn. Once you have the basics down, you’re ready to hit the beach!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

If you want to start surf fishing, you’ll need a few things: a fishing rod and reel, bait, and a fishing license (if you’re 16 or older). You’ll also need some basic knowledge of how to cast a line. If you’re new to fishing, or don’t know how to cast, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn. Once you have the basics down, you’re ready to hit the beach!

Best Baits And Lures

Live bait is always a good option when surf fishing. Worms, crabs, and sand fleas are all good choices. If you’re using live bait, make sure to keep it fresh by keeping it in a cooler with ice. You can also use artificial lures. Jigs, spoons, and swimming plugs are all good choices. When choosing a lure, make sure to match it to the size of the fish you’re hoping to catch.

Jig

Jigs are available in every depth and condition, and you can drag, hop, swim, and do pretty much anything with them. There are so many different ways to catch fish out there, all of which catch fish. You’ll want something with a slim profile, a narrow bill, and a tighter wiggle if you’re fishing in the winter. Depending on the type of cover you’re fishing in, you can use square bills, round bills, or hybrids. The coffin bill can be fished in a variety of conditions throughout the year, since it is a good combination of both.

Coffin Bill Crankbait

Coffin bill crankbaits are great for fishing in heavy cover because of their unique shape. The bill allows the bait to dive into the cover and then bounce back out when retrieved. This action is often irresistible to fish.

Jerk Bait

The summer is the best time to fish jerk baits because they are killer throughout the year. With jerk baits, you can catch fish all year long. If you want to vary your cadence and speed, you can pause them for a long time, stop them whenever you want, and then bring them back even faster. They can sit down seven or ten feet away and wait for a fish to come out. Both warm and cold water work well with them.

Craw Worm

Craw worms are essential for bass fishermen. They come in a variety of colors, styles, and varieties, and can be fished on many different rigs, such as jig trailers, Texas rigs, and football head jigs. Winter and summer are when fish are deeper, and spring and fall are when they are shallower. For digging them out, crawfish make great slim profile baits.

Spinnerbait

With the wire weed guard, you can fish spinnerbait all year in any part of the water column. Simply tie to it, and you’ll catch a lot of fish. White lures with trailers are great all year round.

Techniques

The fish-finder rig is the most popular rig for surf fishing. It’s made up of a weight, a swivel, a leader, and a hook. The weight is used to keep the bait in place, while the swivel prevents the line from tangling. The leader is attached to the hook, and the bait is attached to the leader.

Surf Fishing from the Shore

Surf fishing from the shore is a great way to get started. You don’t need a boat, and you can fish from any beach that has waves. The best time to fish from the shore is early in the morning or late in the evening, when the tide is coming in or going out.

Wading and Wade Fishing

Wading is simply walking through the water to reach a spot where you can cast your line. Wade fishing is when you fish from a spot that you’ve reached by wading. Wade fishing is a great way to get to spots that are inaccessible from the shore. It’s also a good way to avoid getting sand in your gear.

Casting

Casting in the surf can be difficult because of the wind and waves. The best way to cast in the surf is with a spinning reel. A spinning reel is a type of fishing reel that has a spool that spins when you cast. This helps to keep the line from tangling.

Bottom Line

Surf fishing is a great way to enjoy the beach and the outdoors, while also having a chance to catch some fish. To get started, all you need is a fishing rod and reel, bait, and a fishing license (if you’re 16 or older). The best time to go surf fishing is during the summer months, when the water is warm and the fish are active. You can fish from the shore or from a spot that you’ve reached by wading. When casting, use a spinning reel to help keep the line from tangling.