Surf Fishing and Casting Gear
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You may encounter surf, waves and swells along the Texas coast. Conditions like these require a special line of technique and gear. The folks at Surf Casting recommend using 12-foot poles with heavy reels. Use a wire leader with a small sinker to give extra push when casting into the swells and surf. If you are using a slow retrieve choose soft plastics or slow-sinking plugs for the surf, according to Capt. Chris Martin at the Texas Gulf Coast Fishing website.
Reels
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Using an open casting reel along with fortified rods is a preferred gear setup for the folks at Texas Gulf Coast Fishing. Bait casting reels are a bit burlier and unwieldy but are able to withstand abuse. Use heavy models along the Texas Gulf Coast when fishing for larger sport fish such as redfish or striped bass.
Conventional fishing reels, while poor casting reels, are solid choices for species that require a lot of line or stronger pound test such as marlin, tuna or shark, all possible along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Other Gear
Due to the hot, unrelenting sun of the Texas Gulf Coast, care and caution needs to be taken. No fishing gear kit should be without a wide-brimmed sunhat. Polarized sunglasses are required; using a pair of polarized sunglasses reduces glare from the water and sun and allows you to have a better view into the waters as well as the ambient surface light. Sunscreen and a sting kit should be kept on you at all times if wade-fishing to help protect from sun or treat jellyfish and ray stings. Soft-soled water shedding shoes are helpful. Wear a pair of shoes such as Keens or other water shoes to protect against sting rays and other hazards.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
