Are you interested in surf fishing but unsure where to begin? Anietra Hamper provides valuable advice in her article “Surf Fishing for Beginners.”
One of the things I love most about fishing besides just spending time outdoors is experiencing new waters, unfamiliar methods and trying for new species.
Surf fishing is something new to me. It was intimidating at first (honestly, where do you aim to cast in the ocean?) but with the right tools and guidance I learned to lean into this fun way of fishing. Surf fishing gives anglers another way to enjoy saltwater fishing especially if you don’t have access to a boat or prefer to stay on land.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a learning curve with surf fishing, but I must admit it’s a fun one. I mean, who can get frustrated when you’re standing in the ocean waves and enjoying being so immersed in the process?
Where to Fish
It goes without saying that doing any kind of fishing anywhere you plan to visit requires a little research. You want to have a baseline knowledge about the area you are visiting, the species available to catch and the times of year that are ideal for fishing. You also want to know the beaches available for surf fishing and the kinds of conditions you might encounter.
When you get to your destination, scout the beaches for potential fishing spots before heading there with your gear. Specifically, you are looking for the sandbars. Fish are generally near the sandbars chasing bait and feeding near the breaks that are created by outflows and rip currents.
You also want to talk to local anglers who are fishing and catching. Generally, local anglers are happy to offer tips to those visiting the area.
When to Fish
Knowing the times of day that are most productive for surf fishing is as important as knowing where to fish on the beach. These opportunities change daily as the tide changes so you will want to look at a tidal chart before your trip.
Read more about surf fishing for beginners at Anietra Hamper’s Three Word Press.
Anietra Hamper is an award-winning outdoor journalist, author, speaker and lifelong angler who specializes in outdoor adventure and fishing for some of the largest species around the world. Having spent a career as a top-rated television news anchor and investigative reporter, Anietra brings credibility to the stories she covers with her "boots-on-the-ground" journalistic approach. Anietra is based in Gahanna, Ohio. Visit Anietra’s website at http://www.threewordpress.com/. View all posts by Anietra Hamper
