Before you flag out your surf fishing rod on the shore, decode the language of the beach! Learn how to read the beach for surf fishing in this article.
Imagine the rhythmic sounds of bustling waves, that salty taste in the air, and the welcoming expansion of the ocean ahead of you as you cast your fishing rod. Fishing is not just a hobby but a passion that connects you with nature like no other. But like every event that has its own unique timing to occur, fishing too is a game only won at the perfect time.
Fishing at the wrong time means non-feasible weather conditions, a non-supportive water environment, and the wrong fishing spot to hunt the specific species you are looking for. So do you want to return home empty-handed after a whole day spent on the shore? Hope not, let’s learn about the hidden clues that tell you if the beach is ready to welcome you for fishing or not.
Understanding the scenery of the sea
a. Stages of the beach to learn
There are four main stages to locate on the beach first.
1. Sandbars
These are the overlaps of the sand within the water, that act as avenues for fish to route out there way but are not permanent areas to stay. That means casting your line in sandbars has fewer opportunities to get a catch. Sandbars are useless to cast in there, as there are no fish.
What does it look like?
Where the waves frequently crash and hit the shore. It looks like a foamy white water running parallel to the sea floor.
2. Troughs
This is the area within the water used to feed fish. This is not parallel above the sea like sandbars but is a calm dip where water flows back. This is not a feasible area to cast your line.
What does it look like?
It’s a low area where water is silent, as you can see from the bay, an area where waves are not crashing.
3. Cut or drain
This is the easiest stage to observe. A cut through the shore and draining the water out to the bay. This area is good to cast your line, there is enough opportunity to catch many fish there.
What does it look like?
Run your sight from a distance on the shore and locate a cut vertically draining the water on the shoreline.
4. Deep channels
This is the area where a sudden dip is observed. It’s calm but has depth. This part of the sea is also good enough to get you a catch.
What does it look like?
It appears as a dark patch near the shoreline. And when you walk towards it, you can feel a sudden dip under the still water.
b. waves can help you more
The behavior of the waves crashing on the shore tells a lot about the fish. This is another main criterion for knowing the expected location of the fish. Waves are strong enough to throw small fish on the shore but large fish like bass, trout, and shark, and medium ones like pompano lurk only in calm water. Large fish await smaller fish at the breaking currents that’s where you too can catch medium to large size fish.
c. What birds are trying to tell you?
Have you ever seen seagulls roaming in the sky at a specific location above the ocean? That’s another clue nature gives you. These seabirds are feeding them where fish are abundant. That large seagull circle indicates a sweet spot for fishing for you guys; say thanks to them and cast your line there.
d. Observe the tides
Some clues about the beach may be ruled out as well if the tide is not supportive because rising and falling tides highly impact the behavior of the fish. Some species like to remain in the shallow water when there is a high tide and some act more powerfully than usual in the rising seashore.
Don’t be picky when selecting your bait
After locating the right spot for fishing, if you pick a bait randomly, your effort will go in vain. Be vigilant in selecting the right bait for surf fishing. Your targeted fish may not like to go behind your chosen bait. Some common surf baits are cut bait, shrimp, sand fleas, live bait, and artificial lures.
Cut bait
These are cut pieces of mackerel, eel, squid, mullet, herring, etc. They trail off the scent of meat behind them to coax big fish into the ocean. These effectively attract large predators like sharks, catfish, largemouth bass, etc.
Shrimp
If you want to catch snook or flounder, use live or artificial shrimp.
Sand fleas
If you haven’t decided on the targeted fish and want any species to get hooked, then use sand fleas. They look like tiny crabs, which you can collect from the shore or buy from any tackle shop. These are very helpful to catch various fish lurking on the beach.
Live bait
Tarpon and snook are the most commonly used live bait. They are also one of the best surf lures to entice the predatory species at the beach.
Verdict
A successful surf fishing trip starts with understanding nature’s cues. The angler needs to be keenly observant before dropping his tackle on the bank. Beach fishing sometimes facade fishing environment which later causes failure in surf fishing as well. Always rely on multiple clues when reading the beach for surf fishing, not just one factor determines the feasibility of fishing in the ocean.