How Far to Cast In Surf Fishing (Average Surf Casting Distance)
One of the biggest misconceptions in regards to surf fishing is that you have to be able to cast long distances to catch fish. However, if you trying to land that prize catch, On The Water states that the largest fish typically breakwater over 100 yards from the shore. The largest schools of fish are often found farther from the shore because the noise and the commotion generated in shallow water usually frighten the fish. If you want to catch bigger fish, or even if you want to catch more fish, chances are that you will have to learn to put a little distance in your cast when surf fishing.
You should cast 100 yards while surf fishing. According to the Surf Casting Republic, the average casting distance when surf fishing ranges from 20 to 100 yards. Some of the world’s top surf fishing anglers can even cast an impressive distance of up to 300 yards. I have found that the following are the most significant factors when trying to cast for distance:
● The Weather Conditions
● Your Fitness Level
● Your Height
● The Gear You Use
● Your Casting Technique
● Using The Proper Angle
● How Often You Practice
The Weather Conditions
In Surf fishing, the weather plays a large role in your successes or your failures. Unfortunately, weather conditions are one of two factors regarding casting distance that you cannot control. However, you can make sure that you are surf fishing during the proper conditions that will ensure you are getting the most distance from your casts. While weather conditions have the potential to suddenly change, you can plan accordingly.
I find that having a stiff wind at my back helps with long-distance casting. I have also discovered that surf fishing during low tide helps me to wade out into the surf, which also helps. Me to cast farther out into the ocean. This is especially beneficial because bigger fish are most often found away from the shore. So if you aim to improve on the distance of your casts, planning I have found that planning my surf fishing trips around optimal weather conditions can be a secret weapon.
Your Fitness Level
Believe it or not, your fitness level plays an important role in your ability to achieve those long-distance casts you seek when surf fishing. Two of the most important aspects of the fitness level of your ability to cast for distance are strength and endurance. While strength does not play a very large part in casting, it does make a difference. Having a high level of endurance is also a significant factor in being able to launch casts of longer distances. Employing a fitness regimen of strength and cardiovascular training has helped tremendously.
However, if exercise isn’t necessarily your thing, I have good news for many of you. Your endurance can be built up over time simply by fishing more. Now that’s what I call a win-win situation! I have found it especially helpful for my endurance levels to get out and fish as often as I can. Besides improving my casting distance, I have also found that improving my endurance has worked wonders with my cardiovascular health. I have to be honest. Improving my endurance has not only made a difference in my casting distance, but it has also made me feel years younger.
Your Height
Now it’s time to discuss the second aspect of distance casting over which you have no control. That would be your height. This makes perfect sense if you think about it. Taller people usually have longer arms, which means that they can generate more velocity in their surf Casting than shorter people. Shorter people also have a significant disadvantage over taller people when it comes to two key factors of casting. Those two factors are leverage and angle.
Taller people naturally have more leverage, as well as a broader range of angles, than shorter individuals. Unfortunately, these are the cards you have been dealt if you are short. I have found that it is frustrating, as well as impossible, to argue with the laws of physics. However, it has been my experience that these are things you can somewhat overcome by over-compensating in other areas. Keep in mind that being short may not be the end of your distance casting dreams, but being tall certainly doesn’t hurt.
The Gear You Use
The gear you choose to use during your surf fishing expeditions can often play a key role in how far you will be able to cast. This makes choosing the proper gear essential to your casting distance. I cannot stress this enough. One of the most important pieces of equipment you will use that has a direct effect on your casting distance is your rod. I have found that using a longer rod has a positive impact on how far I can cast when surf fishing. Longer rods help to generate a whipping motion that is quite important in casting.
Another factor that might not be as obvious, but does make a difference in your casting ability, is the line you use. Switching to a 40 or 50-pound braided line might require you to sacrifice a little strength in your line, but it will have a significant impact on increasing your casting distance. It has been my experience that long-distance spools are also quite helpful for distance casting. The weight you choose is also key, with a 5 to 6-ounce weight being the best choice.
How To Cast Farther Surf Fishing (Try This Technique)
Your Casting Technique
I firmly believe that your casting technique is the single most important factor in surf fishing long-distance casting. Most of the best surf fishing anglers in the world say that the pendulum casting technique is not only the most popular method of casting when surf fishing, but it is also the best technique to use when you are trying to get more distance from your casting. One of the most important reasons that this method works so well for casting distance is that it employs the use of both of your hands.
If you aim to achieve more distance in your surf fishing casts, this method works best because it utilizes both of your hands in tandem with the rest of your body. When using the pendulum casting technique, hand placement is important. One hand should be near the butt of your rod, with the other near your reel. The three most important factors in perfecting the pendulum cast are preparation, casting, and release. Each of these steps is equally as important as the others.
Using The Proper Angle
While you may not be able to argue with the laws of physics, I have found that there is something you can do about the angle of your surf fishing casts. Angles play two important factors in long-distance casting. The first facto is the angle of your line when using the pendulum cast. I have found that a 90-degree angle from the tip of your rod to the end of your line typically works best. The second aspect in which angles play a key role in your cast is during the launch. The optimal angle of your launch should be approximately 45 degrees.
If I may be so bold as to harken the days of high school physics, I want you to think about the law of leverage. According to Wikipedia, this law states that “the distance a from the fulcrum to where the input force is applied (point A) is greater than the distance b from the fulcrum to where the output force is applied (point B), then the lever amplifies the input force.” If I can put that into fishing terms, the 45-degree angle of your launch is the fulcrum of your cast, where maximum power should occur. Your casting distance is simply the byproduct of that power.
How Often You Practice
As is the case with almost anything that applies to your life, the more you practice your casting, the more distance you will be able to get out of it. While there may be no substitute for real-life experience, practicing your casting will better prepare you for when it matters most. Besides, perfecting the pendulum method of casting is a technique that will require plenty of practice. While practicing your surf fishing casts at the beach would benefit you the most, I have found that practicing in other non-traditional places has also helped me achieve longer distances.
Two areas where you can get in that much-needed practice area on your lawn, and in an open field. However, I would not suggest practicing near your local park for two reasons. The first reason is that there may be other people near you, which could result in an unfortunate accident. The second reason is due to the strange looks you may get from other people, although I tend to find that reason slightly humorous. I find that if you are not able to get to the beach to practice your casting, an open field will usually be sufficient. There aren’t many things for your line to get tangled in and when it comes to an open field.
Conclusion
When trying to get the most distance from your cast, several factors come into play. Some of these factors cannot be controlled, such as the weather conditions and your height. However, there are several aspects of the perfect long-distance cast over which you have complete control. These factors include your fitness level; the gear you choose to use; your casting technique; using the proper angle; and how often you practice. When all these aspects are combined with ideal weather conditions, the result can be practically unbelievable. Trust me when I say that with a lot of practice and a little luck, you will achieve casting distances you previously thought were out of your reach.
Related Questions
What is the best spot for surf fishing in the United States? One of the most intriguing aspects of surf fishing is that it can be done practically anywhere that you can find a shoreline. This means that you can surf fish from the Pacific Coast, the Atlantic Coast, or the Gulf of Mexico. However, the state of Florida has earned the illustrious title of the “fishing capital of the world,” because it is the only state in the United States that is surrounded by water on three sides.
Is there a world record in regards to casting for distance? While it is common knowledge amongst the world’s best anglers that you do not have to be able to cast incredibly long distances to catch fish, there is indeed a world record for distance casting. According to Outdoor Life, Danny Moeskopsholds has the world record at an astonishing 915.22 feet! Mr. Moeskops set the record in August of 2004, and it is still the record today.
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.