Surf fishing tips 101

[DarkSkies]

Lotta people pming me lately. Don't mind helping new people, just not one at a time, with the same answers.

Thought it would be a good idea to lay it down, one tip at a time.

Surf fishing used to be an elite club, hadda pay your dues, put your time in. I still believe in that, but sometimes I need to follow my own advice. Maybe if it's here in print, it can help some of the new guys, and I can look at it and remember to follow the simple rules.

I'll kick it off:

20 and done.

Fishin a spot you know is good, give it anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. No fish during that time, they're not there that night, or that tide. Move on to another spot. Keep moving until you find the fish.

Find the bait.

Fish are in an area when they are travelling from one place to another or feeding. No bait, they can't eat. Keep moving until you find a decent amount of bait.

[DarkSkies]

Never leave the fish to find the fish.

Part of my compulsion is thinking the grass is always greener on the other side. It ain't. When you're catching, unless it's sea robins, stay there until the bite dies out.

[paco33]

Fish before, or right after a storm. Clams are the best bait for this type of fishing, bass will be hungry. Great thread.

[basshunter]

When fishing bait, don't set up right next to guys who are plugging. When plugging, give the bait guys some space.

[paco33]

Don't fish heavy bucktals near where there are rocks.

[bunkerjoe4]

The above post reminded me of fishing metals over clam or mussel beds. If you are doing that in the late fall and trying to drag the metal to imitate sandeels, that stuff will abrade the heck out of your braided line.

If so, make sure you cut off at least 10 feet and re-tie if you leave that area to go somewhere else. At the very least, check your line with a light for abrasions.

Weakened braid could cause you heartbreak as you lose that fish of a lifetime.