Rod
Whether it's a conventional or spinning rod, your fishing pole should be 8 to 10 feet long, rated for 3 to 6 ounces. The extra length helps keep your line above the waves, making it easier to feel fish bite.
Reel
Your fishing reel should hold at least 220 yards of 12-pound-test monofilament. Set the drag on your reel to release line at 4 pounds of pull.
Bait
Clams, worms and squid baits are universal to surf fishing. When targeting large species like striped bass and bluefish, chunks of mackerel or menhaden are effective.
Where
Fish are attracted to structure. Inlets, rock jetties, breakwaters, points and sand bars are all good pieces of structure where fish are often plentiful.
When
Spring and fall are migratory seasons for fish, and this is when the best surf fishing occurs. The best surf fishing occurs at dawn, dusk and during the night.
Article Written By Stephen Byrne
Stephen Byrne is a freelance writer with published articles in "Nor'East Saltwater," "Sportfishing" magazine, "Pacific Coast Sportfishing" and "Salt Water Sportsman." As a fishing charter captain, he was also interviewed for a feature in "Field and Stream." Byrne studied environmental science at the State University of New York at Delhi.
