Surf fishing is a popular form of fishing and is enjoyed by anglers of all skill levels, but surf fishing does require slightly different gear, especially when fishing on the shoreline of the beach.
From longer rods and thicker lines, choosing the right gear for the type of fishing you will be doing can really improve your fishing experience.
Below, we are going to go through some of the ins and outs of surf fishing, including why a braided line is the perfect type of line to use for the best surf fishing experience.
Contents
How to Choose the Right Fishing Gear
Before you pack your rod and tackle box and head out on a fishing adventure, it is important to make sure you have the right gear for the type of fishing you will be doing.
This is also dependent on:
- The type of fish you are trying to catch
- The body of water or fishing spot
- The season or weather conditions (surf conditions)
A great form of fishing that has anglers rushing to the beaches is surf fishing.
Surf fishing is done from shore, in the surf of the beach.
This type of fishing requires anglers to have a good casting distance to reach the fish that hide in spots around 50 to 150 yards from shore.
Surf fishing requires the use of a longer rod to reach the sandbars where sneaky fish might be hiding.
Choosing the correct line to go with your longer rod is essential.
Most anglers use spinning reels and a certain size hook when surf fishing.
Common Types of Fishing Line
There are three common types of lines that are used by anglers. These are:
- Monofilament line
- Braided line
- Fluorocarbon line
Each of these types of line has different characteristics and is used for various types of fishing.
It is vital to know which type of line is best for a certain type of fishing.
A comparison is always helpful and it is a good idea to take a more in-depth look at the characteristics of three of the most common types of fishing line to determine which would be best for surf fishing.
Monofilament Line
Monofilament line is by far the most commonly used type of fishing line and is readily available from any tackle shop and most hardware stores.
It is cheap and durable, making it the perfect line for many types of fishing.
Monofilament line has up to 30% more stretch than other types of fishing line and is abrasion resistant too.
This line doesn’t tangle as much as any other type of line and is less prone to breakage.
Monofilament line is great for still bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and dams and is available in a range of colors.
Braided line
Braided line is the number one choice of pro anglers and competitive fishermen.
It is thinner than most other types of fishing lines and allows for more line to be threaded onto your reel.
Braided line gets its name from the fact that the line is woven or braided together to create a stronger line that allows for better casting and strength.
It has no stretch, which might seem like a problem, but it is actually a good thing as it allows for more sensitivity and gives the angler a better chance of feeling a bite.
Braided line sinks faster than monofilament or fluorocarbon line and is best for deep water fishing where visibility is low.
It is, however, rather expensive compared to monofilament fishing line.
Fluorocarbon line
Fluorocarbon fishing line is known to be one of the most expensive types of fishing line as it is the hardest to make.
It is thin, refractive, and almost invisible to fish.
It is great for stealth, and because it is abrasion resistant, it can be used in rocky areas such as piers and jetties.
Fluorocarbon line is not recommended for deep water fishing, as the line is thin and cannot be cast very far.
Why Braided Line is the Preferred line for Surf Fishing
Many anglers use braided lines for surf fishing.
As mentioned above, it is the preferred choice for pro anglers and can be used to catch larger fish that are most commonly found further away from the shore.
Braided line is heavier, allowing the angler to cast further and reach those sandbars up to 150 yards from the shoreline where various species of fish tend to lurk.
It also sinks faster than other types of fishing lines so perhaps not as ideal for floating bobbers.
This line is typically made by weaving or braiding four, eight, or 12 strands of thin line together.
It has an excellent pound-weight and can withstand pull from even the largest of fish without breakage.
Surf fishing requires the use of a wide range of lures to alert an angler to a catch, especially in deep waters and where the water is darker.
Braided line can comfortably support these lures and is known for its durability.
Surf Fishing Gear
Let’s look at a quick recap of the best gear for surf fishing:
- The Rod
Anglers recommend a longer rod for surf fishing. This is for two reasons.
- Longer casting distance
- Longer rods are more sensitive and allow more flex when reeling a fish in
The recommended length for a surf fishing rod is no less than 8 feet.
Spinning reels are most commonly used on surf fishing rods.
- The Lures
There are a wide variety of lures that can be used for surf fishing. The most popular types are spoons, jigs, and poppers.
These can be heavy and do well on braided lines to help the line sink faster.
Lures can be used with artificial or natural baits and are ideal for saltwater fishing.
Ensure that strong knots are used to tie the lures onto braided fishing lines.
- Braided line
Braided line is the best choice for surf fishing as it has a great casting distance and sinks faster.
This type of line is ideal for deep water fishing.
It is abrasion-resistant, more durable thanks to its woven lines, and pairs nicely with a surf rod.
Conclusion
Although fishing is just a fun activity for most, there is a sense of disappointment when you don’t end up catching anything.
Using the right gear can significantly improve your fishing experience and almost guarantees a catch.
For surf fishing, using a braided line is a good idea and will see less snapping of your line when reeling in those whoppers that tend to lurk in deeper waters or from strong currents.
Pop on a good lure and you are good to go.
