How to Rig a Pole for Surf Fishing

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If you plan on surf fishing, you'll need to rig your rod a bit differently than you would for other types of fishing. Since your tackle will need to hold ground on the breaking surf, it's important to be rigged correctly to do this. Otherwise your line will just float back in with the waves. If this happens, your chances of catching anything will be slim. It's not that hard, and your local bait or outdoor store will have everything you need to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Surf rod Triangle weight Fishing line Hooks Bait
Surf rod
Triangle weight
Fishing line
Hooks
Bait

Step 1

Choose a surf rod that will be able to cast over the rolling surf. Surf rods are like any other rod, but are much longer. They usually come in sizes from 10 to 14 feet. Make sure to choose a rod that you'll be able to handle and isn't too big for you. As long as you're able to cast over the breaking surf and get into the calmer waters, you'll be able to catch fish.

Step 2

Select a medium-weight line to use on your pole. Usually a 10- or 12-lb. test will do the trick. These are medium-weight, all-purpose line strengths that will hold up in a variety of situations, including fishing in the surf.

Step 3

Use a triangle sinker on the end of your line. The rougher the water conditions, the heavier sinker you will need. If conditions are basically normal, a 3-oz. triangle sinker should work find. If you use a sinker that's too lightweight, it won't hold ground and will be pulled back into shore.

Step 4

Tie two to three hooks spaced about 3 inches apart, approximately 8 inches above the sinker. The more hooks you tie on your line, the more bait you will be able to rig the line with. This will give you more chances of catching a fish.

Step 5

Use bait that will attract fish in the surf. Shrimp, clams, sand fleas, live fish, cut-up fish and squid are a few of the selections you have. You should be able to find any of these baits at a local bait store. If unsure of what will work best, ask the locals what they use to catch fish in the surf.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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