How to Use a Fishing Rig at the Beach

One of the best advantages a beach fisher has is the strong current, which can take away a rig into the surf much farther than a fisher can cast. On the beach, you also have the advantage of using some of the tide-pool life as bait, making your outing cheaper than it would likely be on the lake. Rigs are also popular and often very effective in the surf, but using them can be a frustrating challenge if you don't know how to use the beach water to your advantage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing rod
Rig
Bait

Step 1

Try to find a location between the shore and a sandbar to cast from. Find an area of relatively calm water, called a "break," where the waters aren't particularly strong against the sandbar. You're likely to find fish hiding out from the current in this area.

Step 2

Attach bait to your rig. Popular items are prawn, bloodworms, mullet and sand fleas. Shrimp, mussels and clams are also good options if they are in your area and you don't have to buy them at a shop.

Step 3

Cast out as far as you can, or cast into the shallow slough. If you cast out into the ocean, get it past the breakers so that the rig won't immediately get carried back to you.

Step 4

Let the rig sit out in the ocean and wait for a fish to bite. Many beach fishers recommend using sand spikes--rod holders you can fashion out of PVC pipe and stick into the sand--to keep your arms fresh for when the fish strike.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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