How To Cast a Surf Rod

A surf rod is an instrument that is used for fishing.

It is used during surf fishing as a piece of equipment to cast a lure or bait as far as is needed into the water to get your target fish from the shore.

The length of the surf rod is usually determined by how far you have to cast into the water.

Surf rods are also commonly referred to as surf fishing rods.

For the most part, they are between 9 and 14 feet in length.

This length range gives a wide range of lengths to select from.

The length of a surf rod is a significant factor to consider in attempting to choose the surf rod that you will use.

As we go on in this informative article, you will be learning much more about surf rods and how to use them effectively.

So if you want to learn how to cast a surf rod and just about anything else to do with surf rods, keep reading!

What is Surf Fishing?

Surf fishing is a brand of game fishing that is based on land.

The fisher either stands on the shoreline or wades into an area commonly referred to as the surf zone.

It is fishing done in blue waters (saltwater) instead of fishing in freshwater (white waters).

Surf fishing is a general term used to describe all forms of shore fishing.

This kind of fishing may or may not involve casting bait. One of the most popular myths about surf fishing is that one must cast far into the deep water to be able to reach fish.

Surf fishing is a long-established sport that many have enjoyed for decades.

While tackle and gear have come a long way since anglers used cane poles, almost all the techniques and approaches have remained the same.

Without adequate preparation, surf fishing will be quite a tasking experience that can be overwhelming.

The fishing area is vast and the equipment is much larger than the gear used for freshwater fishing.

Not to mention that certain saltwater species are pretty huge and frightening.

If you’re not sure how you’ll go about surf fishing, don’t be concerned; it’s a lot easier than you may think and it can be one of the most satisfying experiences you’ve ever had.

Surf fishing puts a greater strain on your equipment than freshwater fishing.

To throw your bait over a longer distance and handle much bigger fish, you’ll need considerably larger fishing equipment (the fishing rod and reel) for your surf fishing setup.

Surf fishing rods, in most cases, are near twice the length of freshwater rods and come with a reel capable of holding many yards of a strong fishing line.

Surf Fishing Equipment

Surf fishing reels are the first on our list. They are available in a wide range of forms and sizes.

When choosing a surf fishing reel, a “spinning” reel is one of the simplest and most common types.

Because many saltwater species can grow over 3 feet long, the amount of line that the reel will hold is an essential factor.

Hundreds of yards of the line can easily be ripped off by something that big.

Surf fishing rods, the main discourse here, are next.

They are typically considerably larger than regular fishing rods.

This is what it takes to cast heavier lures to surf fish successfully.

To be casting reels further than the breaking waves along the shore, you’ll need a rod with appropriate height and force.

If it is in calm waters or shallow water, an 8-foot surf rod will suffice; otherwise, a length of 10 feet, at least, is recommended. “Power” and “action” are two more qualities of surf rods.

The power of your rod is represented by its strength, while the action is a measure of how bendable it is.

Choose a power rating of Medium-Heavy that has a Moderate action.

This will be an excellent all-around rod, with the ability to cast big sinkers, hit a sweet spot, and manage fish up to 3 feet long.

Surf fishing is best done with braided lines.

Make sure you have enough line to fill the reel to the desired length.

Ensure you spool your reel with roughly 500 yards of 25-pound braided line.

Using too small or an excessive amount of fishing line can result in issues that anglers can easily avoid.

Because the braid is light and slippery when wet, your fishing knot must be highly secure to avoid slipping.

Employ the use of the Palomar knot for this.

How To Cast Your Surf Rod

Many surf anglers believe that holding their rod near their body will aid in casting power.

This is a choice casting style. The truth is that because the rod doesn’t possess a full range of motion, you are removing the majority of its power.

Cast preparation is important to your success.

Place your right foot and left foot shoulder-width apart while you angle your body at 45 degrees to the water for the optimum stance.

Feet

Your front foot should face the water where you’ll be casting.

Ensure your body weight is aligned with the guide nearest to your reel as well.

Some anglers wade into the water to lessen the casting distance when it comes to surfcasting tactics.

However, this isn’t always essential. The idea is to place your bait or fishing lure in or near the breakers of the waves.

Line

You’ll need a lot of line to load the rod adequately when long-distance casting.

You may need some time to become accustomed this to because casting accurately with much more line out is more complex.

However, it will enhance your casting distance and give an optimal casting range.

Place your forward hand towards the end of your rod’s butt and your rear hand on the reel seat.

Move your rod out gently in front of you after holding it directly above your head.

Look out towards the water, then up 45 degrees when you’re ready to cast.

Aim for your 45-degree mark rather than straight out into the sea.

Pull down with your forearm as a lever, since this will be your power and strength, while your arm at the back pushes forward to aid your aim.

Breakaway Cast Cannon

The breakaway cast cannon seems to be a casting assist for surf fishing rods.

It is simple to set up the casting cannon.

You’ll align it with where your finger would naturally rest on the line when casting.

To mount the cannon to your rod, use two zip ties.

You’ll wrap one across the top and the other around the bottom.

Clip the tag ends and cinch down the zip ties as tight as possible.

Melt the plastic using a lighter to lessen the degree of sharpness of the tags.

Simply pull the trigger and wrap your braid twice around the knob while using the casting cannon.

Pull the trigger to keep the line in place and open the bail.

Cast like usual, but instead of releasing the line with your finger, release the trigger with your finger.

When casting heavier weights and baits, you’ll notice a significant increase in casting distance.

Drag Setting For A Surf Rod

Tighten your drag until you can’t draw any line out before casting.

The force of your cast will prevent you from being cut by the braided line.

Remember to re-adjust the drag after you’ve thrown out.

Making this error could result in a hook-up being lost and your entire setup being lost at sea.

Final Thoughts

Casting your fishing line using a surf rod can be done in a variety of ways.

If you want to enhance the casting distance and precision, there are a variety of strategies to explore.

It will take time and effort to master your form and align your casting rhythm.

There are some advanced casting methods.

However, this terrific article has set you on a good path in your surf fishing with basic surfcasting techniques for beginners.

It will improve your casting skills, especially if you are planning on increasing your casting weight using heavy lures.

Your lure selection will be vital, as will your cast preparation.

So grab your rod, line, lures, weights, and bait and hit the surf to practice your technique. Happy fishing!