Scaling Down The Surf
There is little doubt that most people perceive surf fishing is casting large sinkers and various types of bait with the aid of a stout spinning rod that is almost always 10 feet in length. Historically, large spinning reels bold with hundreds of yards of 20 or 30 pound test monofilament has been considered normal. Along with this comes exhaustion is typically brought on by hours of casting this heavy rig into rolling waves. Unfortunately, all too often an outfit with these specifications is necessary in order to ensure bait is properly placed when the surf is high, rolling and crashing against the beach. However, there are many surf situations where this is just too much. In fact, anglers often wind up exerting far more energy than is really necessary to accomplish their goal. Recent technological advances allow the surf angler to assemble a fishing rod and reel combination that is far lighter, shorter, and much easier to cast than the traditional surf sticks that many find unwieldy.
The Northeast particularly lends itself to some excellent opportunities for surf fishing and lower tidal currents combined with tame waves can be ideal. One thing to remember is these areas are not necessarily known for their large fish but instead a larger number of small sized striped bass as well as bluefish and the occasional bruiser. For this type of environment, scaling down to a graphite surf rod that is between 7 and 8 feet and a spinning reel in the 4000 size range is ideal. Using a 1 ounce to 3 ounce lure, you can still get the extra length you need for distance casting.
Braided fishing lines have also made distance casting far easier for the beginner fishermen. This line has made it possible to spool up to 4000 size real with monofilament backing and add an additional 200 yards of 30 pound test braid line. This is mainly because these lines are much smaller in diameter than traditional monofilament. Another advantage is the lower friction against rod guides, which helps increase the distance that you can cast. There was a word of caution for surf casters and that is the braided lines and not as abrasion resistant is monofilament. Surf casters are often found fishing in areas that have rocks and boulder fields and these can cause serious problems when using braided lines. You can mitigate these issues by attaching a long fluorocarbon leader to the braided line. This does help provide some insurance against breakage should a fish head for the rocks.
Another side benefit of this smaller tackle is the young anglers also get to enjoy the sport far more. They typically find these smaller rods far easier to handle than the traditional 10 to 12 foot surf rod. Add that to the additional sport and fun that results with smaller catches. When the occasional oversize fish hooks onto this gear, the angler will definitely be in a position to test their skills and will against a fish. There are few things are more sporting than this.
There is little doubt that large surf rigs will always be with us, and they definitely do have a place. This is especially true for the angler who is interested in using 5 to 6 ounce sinkers and is hunting for the largest fish. However, lugging those heavy rigs around can be tiring, especially when you are interested in tackling fish in the 5 to 20 pound range. In this case, it is time to start thinking about scaling down, scaling back, and sporting up.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Fishing Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Saltwater Reels.
Similar Fishing Advice info:
- Tackling The Surf Surf fishing can wear you down with the bulky...
- Surf Casting In Low Tide There is little doubt that most people perceive surf...
- Handling the Surf If you are tired of lugging around bulky surf...
- Lamiglas Ron Arra Pro Surf Fishing Rod Lamiglas has an amazing range of fishing rods that have...
- Scaling Down The Surf There is little doubt that most people perceive surf...