Do you find yourself constantly wishing you were fishing? Is surf fishing your go-to for relaxation? Are you looking to toss a few fish on the stove for dinner, but don’t want to go to the store? Is your timetable for surf fishing putting you on the beach at low tide? Are you questioning if it is worth baiting that hook and tossing in a line? (Let’s be real, it’s always worth it!)
If you find surf fishing fun, relaxing, and engaging, but struggle with the ability to hit the sand during high tide, this article has been written just for you. Let’s dig our toes in the sand and get to fishing!
Let’s start with the basics! What is surf fishing?
Surf fishing is a great way to relax and catch a few fish without having to invest in a boat! Surf fishing is a fun outdoor sport in which you stand on the shoreline or wade into the surf of the ocean to snag a few fish. It can include all types of shorelines, from sandy beaches to rock jetties to even fishing piers.
You’ll hear some fishermen say that you aren’t going to rip the lips of anything worthwhile by keeping your feet on the sand (or rocks), but you can access deep-sea game fish and a plethora of smaller fish when you surf fish in the shallows!
No boat, no problem! What else do I need to know?
First and foremost, you’ve got to get your cast right (and I’m not talking about holding auditions). Surf fishing requires a bit of practice to get the distance and accuracy of your cast down. The best way to begin is by practicing a basic overhand cast to find the best power and speed that works for you.
Once you’ve become a master caster, you’ll need to become best friends with your beach. Take note of sand bars, locations where waves begin to break as they roll in, areas of coarse sand and shells, changes in the sea bed, patches of weeds, and anything that might decide to hold your tackle hostage. CSI your beach and learn as much as you can!
Lastly, become a weatherman(or woman)! Pay attention to the conditions of the beach and note weather patterns that can aid you in landing that next fish. Overcast and rainy days can actually aid you in your quest by minimizing shadows from your lines and allowing fish to make a mad dash to your bait a little more easily.
Master-casting-CSI-meteorologist on board! Now what?
Now that you’ve practiced the perfect cast, bought your beach a BFF bracelet, and channeled your inner Jim Cantore, you’re ready to hit the surf! Here’s a few supplies that can get you on your way:
● Saltwater rod and reel
● Tackle and bait (no, you CANNOT use the neighbor’s annoying cat, Sprinkles)
● Surf fishing rigs
● Bait bucket
● Knife
● Sand spike (to hold your rod and reel when you take a water break)
● Sunscreen, brimmed hat, sunglasses (protection is important!!)
● Ice chest with drinking water (dehydration is no joke) and snacks (if you’re always hungry like I am)
● Fishing license (because tickets will really put a damper on the day!)
When gearing up for your day of surf fishing, be sure to keep your prey in mind when making bait and tackle choices. Different types of baits will bring in different types of fish.
Are you a beginner surf fisher? Here’s how far you should cast.
Rod in hand, sunscreen on the nose, I’m ready to roll (tide)!
When surf fishing at low tide, one thing to know is that stable water isn’t good water. You’ll only want to cast a line when the water is rising or falling. Casting into stable, calm water will likely lead to no nibbles on your line, as fish don’t normally feed unless the water is moving.
Fish are conditioned to feed when the water is moving because of two reasons:
1) Moving water shakes loose food and nutritional elements hidden in the sand, behind rocks, and around weeds.
2) Moving water also restricts the movements of small baitfish, making them easier for larger fish to feed upon.
Fish know that moving water exposes nutrients near the shore and will come in closer in their quest to fill their stomachs.
When fishing at low tide, for optimal performance, make sure you’re hitting moving water to grab those moving fish!
This is getting DEEP!
Shallow water might be safe for you, but it is a whole different story for fish. Shallow water gives fish less space to escape dangers and puts them in a state of stress. If you’re going for anything other than a small baitfish, I recommend hitting areas where the water is four to six feet deep.
The best spots to target when surf fishing at low tide will be the seaward and shoreward edges of the sandbars where waves break. These areas provide cover for the smaller fish to hide and feed while camouflaging larger fish who are stalking their prey.
You’ll find that most fish will congregate on the side of sandbars because those areas are the best and safest places for them to feed.
Identifying your beach’s sandbars will be key in having a low tide surf fishing trip! (Remember that whole “make BFF’s with your beach” speech……)
Sssshhhh….I’m hunting fishies!
Populated and crowded beaches aren’t recommended for surf fishing, regardless of the tide. Beyond the safety issues regarding people and fishing hooks, loud, crowded beaches aren’t going to result in a fruitful or even enjoyable fishing trip.
Fish become extremely cautious and will escape seaward when the beach is crowded with swimmers and surfers. You’ll find that fish are more willing to take a nibble on your bait when the area is calm.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re surf fishing, especially at low tide, you’ll want to pick a quiet shore or the time when the fewest extra bodies are on the beach.
Reeling it in
Surf fishing at low tide is wholly possible and can be extremely rewarding (in both fish and time spent relaxing). Just remember to choose to move, deeper water on a quieter beach and you’ll be just fine!
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.