Surf fishing opens up miles of shoreline for anglers to catch fish without needing a boat. All it takes is wading out into the waves or casting from the beach into the surf to reach fish. But successfully surf fishing requires understanding proper gear, bait, rigs and techniques to connect with fish in ocean waters.
Use this comprehensive surf fishing checklist and guide to learn everything from picking the best beaches to essential tackle and tips, so you can start catching fish in the surf like a seasoned pro.
Why Try Surf Fishing?
Surf fishing, also known as beach fishing, allows anglers to access ocean fish by simply walking the shoreline beaches rather than needing to go offshore. Surf fishing appeals to anglers for many reasons:
- Reach fish in the surf zone and just offshore from beaches
- Avoid the cost and hassle of needing a boat
- Miles of accessible shoreline fishing spots
- Catch popular species like stripers, bluefish, drum
- Great option for families and kids learning to fish
- Relaxing way to spend time fishing oceanside
The surf zone creates a habitat and food source perfect for many saltwater fish species to thrive, allowing surf casters ample opportunity to connect.
Common Surf Fishing Catches
The species you can catch while surf fishing depends on the region, habitat, and season. Some prime fish commonly caught from East Coast and West Coast beach surf include:
East Coast
- Striped Bass
- Bluefish
- Weakfish
- Red Drum
- Whiting
- Pompano
- Flounder
West Coast
- Corbina
- Croaker
- Perch
- Surfperch
- Leopard Shark
- Halibut
- Striped Bass
Leave expectations open, however, as the variety can be wide-ranging depending on conditions.
When to Go Surf Fishing
Timing your surf fishing outings around the best conditions for fish activity will drastically improve your odds and number of bites. In general, it’s best to surf fish:
- At dawn or dusk as fish feed more actively in low light.
- On a rising high tide, which carries baitfish closer to shore.
- On overcast or cool days instead of bright, hot sunshine.
- During summer months when waters warm and fish are more active.
- When winds are light rather than strongly onshore or offshore.
Check tide charts for your area and look for windows of optimum surf fishing conditions.
Picking the Best Surf Fishing Beaches and Spots
Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to surf fishing potential. Look for beaches and areas of shoreline that have the following:
- An active, fishable surf zone with wadeable water depth
- Structures like rock jetties, piers, or river inlets
- Submerged sandbars, trenches, or drop offs
- Sloughs and cuts between offshore sandbars
- Mixed sand, gravel, and rock bottoms
- No heavy waves or currents that will sweep you away
Talk to experienced local anglers to discover the known hotspots for reliably catching fish from shore in your region.
Surf Fishing Gear and Tackle Checklist
Gearing up properly for surf fishing is a must for success since you’ll be dealing with ocean waters, waves, and larger fish species. Useful surf fishing gear includes:
Rod and Reel
- 10-12 foot surf fishing rod rated for 20-50 lb. test
- Spinning or conventional reel matched to rod
- Monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided line
- Rod holders and spike to free your hands
Terminal Tackle
- Circle hooks, J hooks, treble hooks in range of sizes
- Swivels, snaps, bead chain, leader line
- Pyramid, egg, and spider sinkers from 2-8 oz.
- Lures like plugs, spoons, surf jigs, and soft plastics
Bait and Bait Equipment
- Cast net or sabiki rigs for catching live baitfish
- Fish finder rigs, bottom rigs, and pompano rigs
- Bait bucket, cooler, and aerator for keeping bait alive
- Assortment of fresh cut baits like shrimp, mullet, squid
Other Surf Fishing Gear
- Waders or neoprene fishing boots
- Polarized sunglasses for spotting fish
- Pliers, de-hooker, lip grip, and fishing glove
- Beach cart or wagon to haul gear through sand
- Waterproof bag or box to protect gear from saltwater
- First aid kit and sun protection like hat and sunscreen
Load up on tackle and you’ll always be ready to adapt your approach based on conditions.
Best Surf Fishing Baits and Lures
Bait selection plays a pivotal role in surf fishing success. Top live bait choices include:
- Sand fleas
- Shrimp
- Squid
- Clams
- Bloodworms
- Small baitfish like mullet or menhaden
When using cut bait, try cut strips and chunks of:
- Mullet
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Bonito
- Squid
Also pack a selection of the most effective surf fishing lures:
- MagicSeaweed Spro bucktails
- Daiwa SP Minnows
- Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows
- Hopkins metal lures
- Tsunami swimbaits
Present your baits on fish finder rigs and two hook bottom rigs. Vary retrieves until you find what triggers bites.
5 Surf Fishing Tips and Techniques
Follow these proven tips from seasoned surf casters for better results:
- Wade out past waves when possible to make longer casts.
- Inspect shoreline structure for drop-offs, holes, and sandbars.
- Vary your casts from parallel to shore to angled offshore.
- Set your drag properly to avoid losing big runs or snapping line.
- Keep rigs simple and avoid tying knots in saltwater to prevent weak points.
Regulations and Etiquette
Before surf fishing:
- Research your state’s fishing license requirements.
- Look up any size limits, bag limits, or restrictions.
- Avoid crowding other anglers along the beach.
Plan a Surf Fishing Adventure
With miles of shoreline to explore and great fishing action from the beaches, surf fishing is an exciting way to battle saltwater species. Follow this guide and gear up properly to embrace surf fishing and start connecting with stripers, bluefish, trout, and more from the waves.
