Any Tips for a new Surf Fisherman??

Not any I DIDN'T get when I was young bud but just some that I give to my boys and to anyone else new.

Be patient.

Don't try to learn TOO much at once. Get good at a couple of things FIRST and then GRADUALLY add stuff. If you try and master too much at once, you will end up costing yourself more than you may want to in both time spent and fish.

When you bump into someone that is catching, don't swarm them. Observe, see what they are doing (if they don't mind) and then, if you wish to try it and have the right stuff, move to a "respectful" distance and do so. Don't just start casting all over a guy just because he is in to fish.

The biggest thing I stress to my sons is that it is all about karma and paying your dues. If you put in the time, effort and sometimes what will seem like work, AND be a good person, help guys you see that need it and treat our oceans and fish with the respect they deserve, she (the ocean) may just reward your time with what you are there for.

Nothing works all the time and fishing is the BEST example I can think of for "sometimes you can do everything right and STILL lose" which means don't get discouraged just because you don't always catch what you are after. I've been fishing the ocean since I was 3 and I'm 48 now and STILL don't catch every time I go so pay your dues, be respectful to the men beside you and do FAR more listening than talking and it'll all come together for you in time.

There are no shortcuts although some of the "muggers" on here will say otherwise.

Welcome to the site bud. There are some very, very good people on here.

Sharkey

well you came to the right place SOL.pleanty of info here.put your time in on the water get out as much as you can.be patient watch what others are doing. good luck!

My advice, be smart and stay safe out there. The ocean we fish can turn on you at any given time.

Also if you ever get a chance to fish with Sharkey and you see him just bailing out fish. Run to him and cast across his line. because if your not catching and he is. You gotta make sure he's not catching also.

Also if your fishing on a jetty or big old rock. Take about 15 minutes to watch how the waves are crashing onto the rocks, also take notice how far people are standing away from the edge and waves.

And once you get that down, pick your spot. Before you make that first cast think about how will you land the fish. Don't want to get smack by a wave and dragged in while landing your fish.

Tight lines buddy

I'm easy to spot. I'll be the ruggedly handsome fella with the bent rod.


If Mofish tries tellin you a joke, save yourself the pain and either run or just jump in. If you listen to the joke, you'll end up doing either one of those anyway but at least if you jump in BEFORE you hear it, your ears won't be burnt off when you get to heaven....

I strongly suggest everyone take that advice.

Get a good set of Korkers!!!!

Go to a local Bait shop become a regular customer

ask them the answers you seek. It's their job to help.

 

You can help your self by reading some books about fishing.

John skinners' Bucktail book

zeno's book the art of surfcasting

night tides by Billy the Greek

 

B&T sell these books as well.

The best advice i can give imo is to learn how to read the water. Until you can take a look at any stretch of beach and instantly see what areas you need to focus on and what areas are a waste of time your success will be very up and down. I am a firm believer in this and for consistent success nothing is more important other than putting the time in. This is not a difficult thing to learn, but one thing you need and what i consider is paramount is a good pair of polarized glasses, without them you are severely handicapping your ability to read the water.

Another thing is don't buy into the best rod and reel garbage, some of the best fisherman i know use mediocre equipment and will embarrass most guys out there. As your skills progress you will know what equipment may give you an advantage and you can look into it at that time, but never downplay the basics, and reading the water effectively is at the top of the list. Another good idea is to keep a log of your outings including conditions, techniques used , baits used, effective or not etc... it will provide important data down the road and reveal interesting things that will give you the one up in the future.

Above all be safe and don't take chances, a little common sense goes a long way.

One thing that i forgot is to match the hatch, this means try to use an artificial or live bait that match's as closely as possible to what is in the water and what the fish are feeding on. If they are concentrating and feeding on anchovies than a plug that resembles a full grown Mullet would not be the best choice, (although at times this change in tactics can work) but it's not the norm.
Edited by cnnashman - 3/26/12 at 7:35pm

Welcome,

 

You can start by reading these threads:

 

 

http://www.stripersonline.com/t/417339/reading-the-water

 

http://www.stripersonline.com/t/537410/reading-the-water-again

 

http://www.stripersonline.com/t/499655/reading-the-water-again

I second all of that.  Your local B & T shop wants your business so the owner will give you the answers you seek wanting you to seceded and come back and continue to support his business. 
 

 

Never Bleive anything you read & Only bleive 1/2 of what you see!!

Asks Questions! The hot shot will Shun You! The Novice will great. Take Advice from all!

Never stop learning!