Surf-Fishing.us http://surf-fishing.us Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:07:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Sabiki Rigs and Fish Bites http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/gFMowwNzmo8/ http://surf-fishing.us/tips/sabiki-rigs-and-fish-bites/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:54:57 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=68 Having a successful day on the beach surf fishing relies on many variables and non is more important than choosing the right bait. Each day may require a different bait and the bite can change very quickly. One factor that will never change is nothing beats fresh bait. A fresh piece of cut bait will always produce more strikes and more quality fish than frozen chunks. One tactic that has saved many of my surf fishing trips is using a sabiki rig.

A sabiki rig is a fishing rig with 6 or 8 small dropper rigs. One end connects to the main line on your fishing rod and the other end has a clip for a small 1 oz. weight. The droppers are tipped with small golden hooks decorated with hair and plastic wings. I will tip these small hooks with tiny pieces of Fish Bites blooodworm and cast to the breakers. Small fish and small bait fish are attracted by the shiny hooks and the Fish Bites makes the Sabiki even more appetizing. You can catch mullet, bluefish, pin fish, spanish mackerel, croaker, pompano, sardines, spot, perch. Then you have your fresh bait and the option of using your catch as live bait or cut bait depending on your situation. So spend 3 bucks and get a sabiki rig, I guarantee you will thank me for this surf fishing tip.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/tips/sabiki-rigs-and-fish-bites/feed/ 0 http://surf-fishing.us/tips/sabiki-rigs-and-fish-bites/ Salting Bait for Surf Fishing http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/KLNvkGFVXwk/ http://surf-fishing.us/bait/salting-bait-for-surf-fishing/#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 15:41:27 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=62 Undertow, suck outs, waves and small bait stealers make the surf a very tough place to fish. One of the toughest things to do in surf fishing is keeping fresh bait on your hooks. Normally when people head to the beach to surf fish they stop by the bait shop and buy shrimp that is frozen in water. By the time they thaw and pull some shrimp from the clump of ice it is typically mushy and soft. This bait barely stays on hooks and really doesn't produce very well. One very simple alternative is to salt preserve bait. This method dehydrates the bait and preserves it much better than freezing.

There are a few obvious advantages to salted shrimp. One, you don't waste any bait. If you salt two pounds of shrimp, you won't be tossing the second pound in the trash when it gets stinky, because it won't get stinky. Two, when you're fishing, it's really convenient to have bite sized, peeled, ready to go pieces of shrimp. Three, the shrimp is almost rubbery when it's been salted, and it stays on the hook very well. After it's been in the water it seems to rehydrate a bit, and looks just like fresh shrimp. Four, it saves you time. You don't mess around on the beach peeling shrimp, you just stick a piece on the hook and get back to fishing.

Check out the full surf fishing tip about salting baits.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/bait/salting-bait-for-surf-fishing/feed/ 2 http://surf-fishing.us/bait/salting-bait-for-surf-fishing/ Casting Jig http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/m0bA1KBFf5w/ http://surf-fishing.us/lures/casting-jig/#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 15:11:01 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=42 Many times surf fishing comes down to a game of distance and reaching fish with a lure can be critical.  Live bait and cut bait fishing lends itself to large weights and lengthy leaders that are cumbersome to cast and create drag that may cause the cast to fall short of where the fish are feeding.  A real go to lure for surf and pier fishermen are casting jigs.

Casting jigs are long and heavy pieces of lead or metal with a treble hook on the trailing end.  The front of the lure will be a sturdy, stainless steel swivel and the treble hook in the rear may or may not be dressed with a deer hair skirt.  The premise is very simple, the long slender lure should be the same size as the bait.

Hopkins Casting Jig in Gold and Silver

Hopkins Casting Jig in Gold and Silver

Following the simple design is the simple technique to fish the casting jigs.  Cast the lure and beginning reeling while you occasionally twitch or jerk the rod tip.  This retrieve will imitate the fast,darting motion of a small bait fish.  The irratic speed and jerks will intice the fish and cause them to strike.  You can control or vary the speed of the retrieve to cover all levels in the water column.  For pier fishermen, you also have the option of dropping the jig right down beside the pier.  Jigging the lure along the pier will imitate a small bait fish that is feeding from the pilings.  This can work well if the pier is really crowded.

Two of the most popular are the Stingsilver and the Hopkins.  Both lures are super tough for the surf fishing environment and have proven for many years that they catch fish.  Just remember to choose the correct size and color of casting jig and you will be successful.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/lures/casting-jig/feed/ 2 http://surf-fishing.us/lures/casting-jig/ Surf Fishing for Pompano http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/-kUGydMBTFE/ http://surf-fishing.us/tips/surf-fishing-for-pompano/#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 22:01:49 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=37 Pompano look very similar to the famous permit.  It is built like a bream and can put up quite a fight in the surf when it turns its broad profile sideways against the current.  The pompano is covered with very tiny and flashy silver scales on the sides with a bright yellow underbelly.  Their noses are blunt, and their jaws are strong for crushing crabs.  The pompano’s diet consist of shrimp, small crabs, and of course the sand flea.

The sand flea is the most popular pompano bait for many reasons.  The most important reason is the fact that these little mole crabs catch big pompano and many other fish.  Another important attribute is how well the sand flea stays on the hook.  It remains on the hook much better than small pieces of cut bait and does not get nibbled off by other crabs or pinfish.  If durability and producing numbers of fish have not sold you on sand fleas, then maybe the price will.  They are free to every 8 year old child on the beach that digs them up by hand while the tide is going out.  Just look for the "V" marks in the sand as the tide retreats, and you can locate a colony of mole crabs.  Remember to only take as many as you feel you will need for fishing.  After digging up your bait, place them in a bucket with a shallow layer of damp sand.  If placed solely under water for too long a period, the sand flea will drown.  Keep the sand damp and the bucket in a shaded area and they will last all day.


A medium action 7 foot to 9 foot spinning rod with 12 pound test can be used to fish from pier or surf.  I also fish with a longer casting surf rod to search areas around sand bars that are further off the beach.  A two hook bottom rig is the standard, but I do not use the heavy rigs with the fake shrimp skirts.  I prefer to make my own surf fishing rigs from a 36 inch length of 15 pound test.  By using one piece of line and some simple knots, I have eliminated all the swivel hardware that could deter a fish from biting.  The Pompano tend to bite in clear water; therefore, all the extra swivels are not needed.  Size 1/0 or 2/0 hooks are then tied directly to the line.  Sometimes I will tie on a fluorescent orange bead above one of the hooks.  This adds a slight amount of flash to the bait that could simulate a sand flea laden with eggs or a shrimp.  In an attempt to establish a feeding pattern of the fish, I normally start with a beaded rig and then a non-beaded rig. The long casting rod will be weighted with a pyramid weight suitable for the water conditions.  This rod will be used to fish the sandbars and other structures further off the beach.  After I have the big surf rod’s drag set up correctly, it is placed in the sand spike to wait on the bite.  The shorter rod is weighted with a 1 or 2 ounce bank or disc sinker.  This is a perfect setup for fishing the suds right where the waves drop on the beach.  On a rising tide, this area is the perfect feeding location for Pompano.  The incoming tide begins to uncover sand fleas and other crustaceans making them prey for all fish in the surf.  Casting out the 2 hook bottom rig and keeping the line tight will allow the current to move the rounded sinkers back towards the beach making it a great way to cover the surf zone.  This tactic will not only catch pompano but also catch red drum, black drum and sea mullet.  One important tip to remember is to change hooks regularly or bring a hook sharpener with you.  Pushing the hooks through the sand flea's shell combined with the hooks rolling and dragging on the sand will dull even the strongest hooks.

Here is a quick summary of the surf fishing for pompano tips;

  1. Use fresh shrimp and mole crabs for bait.
  2. Learn to tie your own pompano rigs because hardware will scare the fish
  3. look for sloughs and sandbars near within casting range
  4. Don't overlook the suds area right where the waves break
]]> http://surf-fishing.us/tips/surf-fishing-for-pompano/feed/ 3 http://surf-fishing.us/tips/surf-fishing-for-pompano/ Bluefish http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/Yzpls0Azdgo/ http://surf-fishing.us/species/bluefish/#comments Sun, 10 May 2009 02:56:26 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=30 For surf fishermen spring is a time when bait fish start their journey north. Everybody knows that when it comes to any species of fish, the big fish will be near the bait fish. This means schools of toothy biters follow mullet north in the spring and then following them south in the fall. One of the most abundant fish that can be caught during this migration are bluefish.

The scientific name for the bluefish is Pomatomus saltatrix. They can be found in all areas and in all waters and in all climates except isolated areas of the Pacific. The common name comes from the grayish blue coloring over most of the fish. The bluefish is easily identified with his large head and prominent jaw and v-shaped tail. The world record bluefish was caught by James Hussey at Hatteras,NC in 1972. The fish tipped the scales at a massive 31lbs 12oz. Many times smaller bluefish are referred to as snappers. This is because each jaw is lined with razor sharp teeth that can snap a bait fish cleanly in half.

World Record Bluefish

World Record Bluefish 31lbs 12oz

BlueFish Migration

Bluefish are migratory and as we have stated can be found just about anywhere. Their movements seem to follow that of migrating bait fish like mullet and menhaden . They can be found wintering off the coast of Florida and spending summers in the waters off New Jersey.

Bluefish Feeding Habits

Bluefish are very popular among surf fishermen because they are generally always around and always biting. Bluefish will eat live bait, cut bait or lures. When a bluefish blitz and start a feed frenzy, the water will boil with activity. They will start anything that comes close to resembling food and swivels and heavy leaders don't seem to deter these voracious predators.

Bluefish Lures and Tackle

Schools of small bait fish such as mullet, glass minnows and menhaden are often targetted by bluefish. When you are targeting these fish it will help if you match the hatch. Heavy casting jigs and plugs work great when surf casting for blues. Some of the most popular are Kastmasters, Gotcha Plugs and Stingsilvers. A fairly quick retrieve with a twitching action will produce plenty of strikes. These lures can be fished with medium action surf fishing gear. A nine foot root matched with a sturdy reel and 14lb test should be all that you need for most of the schools. You can also utilize any 2 hook bottom rig or single hook drum rig. Snap on a 3/0 or 4/0 hook and bait with a fresh slice of cut mullet or a live mullet. Just be sure to use heavy leader or monofilament for these rigs because the bluefish have very sharp teeth.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/species/bluefish/feed/ 3 http://surf-fishing.us/species/bluefish/ Surf Fishing Rod Basics http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/3SPpS9_ocBA/ http://surf-fishing.us/rods/surf-fishing-rod-basics/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 01:11:20 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=21 When you start the search for a surf fishing rod, you have many characteristics and options to take into consideration.  There are endless options available to the consumer.  We will try to provide you with the surf fishing rod basics that will come into play when you are looking for a surf fishing rod.
The fundamental property of a surf fishing rod is the material or combination of materials that is the basis for the rod construction.  At this time fishing rods available are made of fiberglass or graphite.  Most rods are made from a combination (composite) of the two and can be found for very affordable prices.

Graphite Fishing Rods:
Graphite rods have been around for a long time and have reached maturity as the choice for fishing rods.  The fact that the graphite rods are so light makes them favorite choice of anglers.  Along with being very lightweight, they offer amazing sensitivity and feedback to the fisherman.  You will be able to feel every bite from every fish and feel when the composition of the ocean floor changes as you retrieve lures.


Fiberglass Fishing Rods:
If you need a tough, durable rod, then a fiberglass rod should be your choice.  This can be a perfect setup for children.  The rods are super affordable and rugged enough to withstand torture.  Think about being in a rod holder on the front of pickup truck while a 3 ounce weight bangs around and sand is flying by at 20 mph.  If you choose to go with fiberglass you will be sacrificing sensitivity for durability.  You will find that fiberglass fishing rods are also typically heavier than graphite rods.  Keep this in mind is you are searching for a plugging rod.  A fiberglass rod may be more suited for fishing cut bait in the surf.

Composite Fishing Rods:
Composite rods are built from a combination of fiberglass and graphite.  This merger brings an economical fishing rod that is durable, sensitive and lightweight.   Composite fishing rods are available from all major rod builders and are currently the most popular fishing rod available.  The blend also provides more fishing flexibility to the angler.  You are not stuck with a really heavy rod that you dread to throw Gotcha Plugs .  You can use the same rod to fish cut mullet or a casting spoon.


So to be perfectly honest the choice of material has really been made for you by the masses and by the fishing rod manufacturers.  Unless you have really deep pockets you are going to end up with a composite fishing rod.  Now on to the one of the most important decision you will have to make when selecting your surf fishing rod .  What weight should the rod be?  The weight of the rod translates into the power of the rod.  You will see weight listed as either Line Weight or Lure Weight.  I believe that these two listings are fairly proportional because as the size of the fish increases so does the line and of course the lure follows.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/rods/surf-fishing-rod-basics/feed/ 1 http://surf-fishing.us/rods/surf-fishing-rod-basics/ Sand Spike http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/BmGfZN7iJUE/ http://surf-fishing.us/gear/sand-spike/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 01:03:35 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=19 A good sand spike is without a doubt the most underrated pier of surf fishing gear . So many times a novice fisherman will spend a lot of money on a surf fishing rod and fishing reel and then buy a $7 PVC sand spike. I will try to explain some of the major benefits of purchasing or building a decent quality sand spike.  The sand spike is the last line of defense between you and that car hood sting ray that just picked up your cut bait . So many times the drag maintains too much tension and the rod is pulled from the security of the spike and down into the ocean. Here is a quick list of things you should look for when buying a sand spike.


Sand Spike Features
* Aluminum Construction
* End Cap
* Adjustable Cup
* Foot Push
* Rod Leash

The aluminum construction (other durable metal) will insure that the sand spike does not bend and will last for many seasons. The end cap can be a rubber cap, nylon cap or any other soft material to protect the end of the sand spike from damaging the wrapping on the surf fishing rod . The adjustable cup is not necessary but is a bonus for making the sand spike fit perfectly with your favorite surf fishing combo. The foot push is not found on every sand spike, but after you try to push the spike into compact sand you will think it should be standard equipment. The foot push allows you to put all your weight into setting the sand spike into the sand. A rod leash is a short string that is tied between the rod and spike. Its purpose is to save the rod if a fish were to jar it from the spike and try to drag it into the surf. Finally you should think about height. An average height is typically around 50 inches. This will get the rod tip up high and keep the line above the incoming waves. The modest height will also keep the rod and reel at a comfortable level.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/gear/sand-spike/feed/ 1 http://surf-fishing.us/gear/sand-spike/ Sand Flea Mole Crabs http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/o_0Ycl_0iyg/ http://surf-fishing.us/bait/sand-fleas-mole-crabs/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 02:46:54 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=15 Moles crabs (Emerita Talopoida) are a very popular and effective surf fishing bait. These curious little crabs have five pairs of legs, no pincers and are well known for burrowing into the sand. Just about any child that has spent any time at the beach has dug up and played with mole crabs.
Sand Fleas (mole crabs) are swash riders .  This is a scientific way of saying that they live on the beach where the waves break.  As they ride in and out on the waves and the tides, the animals search for areas that are neither too wet or too dry.  Once they have detected an appropriate place, they burrow down where they will not be uncovered by the inrush of waves.  They are then able to extend a small set of antennae which traps phytoplankton that is travelling by in the water.

Video of Mole Crab with antenna extended for filter feeding.

Video of mole crab burrowing in the sand before a wave hits.

The movement of the sand fleas up and down the beach with the waves and the changing of tides makes them very susceptible to predators.  Each time they leave their burrows they are vulnerable to all fish that feed in the surf zone suds.  This is why they are a fantastic bait for surf fishing for pompano, black drum, red drum and whiting.  As the waves retreat the mole crabs must be able to burrow into the sand very quickly.  If they miss this opportunity or remain visible too long, they could end up in the belly of a citation pompano.


sand fleas at low tide

sand fleas at low tide

sand fleas at low tide

sand fleas during tide change

sand fleas during tide change

sand fleas during tide change

mole crabs at high tide

sand fleas at high tide

sand fleas at high tide

You can locate mole crabs by looking for a colony as the waves recede from the beach.  A colony will be a large collection of V shaped breaks on the surface of the sand.  Now all you have to do is dig them up by hand or with a sand flea rake .  The live sand fleas can be kept in a bucket with a small amount of moist sand.  The sand can be substituted with a damp towel or damp news paper.  Remember, it is important to keep them cool and damp but you do not want to submerge them in water.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/bait/sand-fleas-mole-crabs/feed/ 5 http://surf-fishing.us/bait/sand-fleas-mole-crabs/ Gotcha Lure Plug http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/RFty3IHXM3Q/ http://surf-fishing.us/lures/gotcha-lure-plug/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 02:39:25 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=13 The Gotcha Lure has long been a favorite of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish fisherman.  The lure has proven itself from the planks, the sand and from boats.  The very simple design makes it a rugged and reliable choice.  The head is formed lead and the body is constructed of hard plastic tube.  Below this durable frame hang two super sharp treble hooks.

The Gotcha Lure is about the size of a typical finger mullet and comes in dozens of colors and patterns.  When you add in the Gotcha plugs erratic darting and diving motion, you have a deadly, fish catching combination.  I know this all sounds too good to be true.   The Gotcha Lure is  durable, inexpensive, effective, and did i mention easy to fish.

To fish the Gotcha lure you simple throw it as far as you can and reel it in.  I am being a little sacarstic.  You just cast out the lure and fish it like a jerk bait on the retrieve.  How?   While reeling in the lure you snap your rod tip quickly to "jerk" the bait forward.  This action immitates an escaping or injured baitfish.  Fish the Gotcha plug on a standard 6 foot spinning fishing rod combo and you are sure to have a successful day.

]]> http://surf-fishing.us/lures/gotcha-lure-plug/feed/ 6 http://surf-fishing.us/lures/gotcha-lure-plug/ Flounder Rig http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Surffishingtips/~3/_rRZ-bgqiPo/ http://surf-fishing.us/rigs/flounder-rig/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 02:37:04 +0000 Jeff http://surf-fishing.us/?p=11 Flounder are some of the most sought after fish from the piers and surf. The mild taste of the flakey white fillets is a huge reason why so many people are flounder fishing. Another thing that makes them so popular is that there is no need for a vast amount of specialty tackle. Let’s take a look at what you should be looking for in a flounder rig.

Flounder are ambush feeders and lay in wait for their prey to drift by within range. For this reason the perfect flounder rig should be able to cover as much area as possible. You will never find a flounder rig with a 4 ounce pyramid sinker. If the fish does not move and the bait does not, you will never get a bite. By using a round sinker, disc sinker or cigar sinker gives the surf fisherman the ability to cast the flounder rig and retrieve slowly to cover as much ocean as possible.

Video of Flounder ambushing a flounder rig

When choosing a hook for your flounder rig you should keep in mind that flounder are subtle biters that must run with the bait. This is the perfect place to use a circle hook or a Kahle hook. Both of these hook designs provide the fisherman the ability to let the fish run while assuring that the fish will not be hooked deeply. This means that you miss fewer hook sets and also have the option of releasing the fish unharmed.
Offshore Angler Circle Hook Rig


The flounder rig is a saltwater version of the Carolina rig worm. The main line is threaded through the sinker and then tied to a swivel. A 20 inch leader attaches the hook of your choice to the sinker. You are now ready to bait your rig with a live finger mullet or a trimmed pied of squid or bunker.

Some fisherman even make things simpler by discarding the leader and sinker and using a jig head.  Now you add your live finger mullet or cut bait to the jig head and bounce it slowly across the bottom.  Just at long as you maintain a slow retrieve and keep contact with the bottom you will be in the flounders strike zone.

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