SURF CASTING BASICS: TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR BEGINNERS By Alycia Downs

SURF CASTING BASICS: TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR BEGINNERS

By Alycia Downs

Anglers have been surf fishing since the days of cane poles. While technology has advanced the equipment anglers use to surf fish, the strategy to catch fish is substantially the same as it was then. Instead of a cane pole people use modern baitcasting reels, carbon fiber rods, high test braided line and innovative lures. This article by Alycia Downs introduces her readers to the basic technique for surfcasting

The article first opens with a discussion of the fishing gear necessary for casting a line into the surf and hooking a fish. The goal is to cast your bait just beyond where the waves begin to break. To achieve this  length of distance one must have the proper equipment. The article recommends the use of a casting rod between 10 and 12 feet in length with medium fast action. This rod is designed to permit an angler to cast heavy lures and jigs longer distances. The rod should be equipped with a high-capacity reel with a smooth drag. The reel’s spool should be filled with the correct line. The author suggests that anglers use 20 pound braided or 40 pound monofilament line.

The surf cast is a long-distance overhead cast intended to obtain enough distance to fly beyond the breaking waves to where the fish are lurking. You can wade into the water to reduce the distance that your cast must cover, but this is not a necessity. In fact, proper casting technique and practice should render this action unnecessary.

The author explains the proper surf cast as follows. First, open the bail and place you finger on the line, putting pressure on the line to hold it against the rod. Second, hold the rod with both hands, using your dominant hand to bear most of the weight and with your other hand serving as support. Third, bend your arms to bring the rod tip over your shoulder and behind you. Fourth, flick the rod forward quickly and release your finger off of the line. Finally, this combination of actions will launch you bait forward over the surf and land at your target beyond the breaking waves.

Before you begin to fish in earnest, try a few test casts to judge your distance and measure the speed and power you need to cast you bait beyond those sudsy waves. Remember to let your rod tip do the work. If you equip yourself with the correct rod, reel, bait and tackle you should hit you target area with a little practice. Once distance is achieved, keep casting so that you will develop the accuracy land you jig where the fish are lurking. Keep you eye on your target and cast away!

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