Surf Fishing 101 Part TWO.... Houses for Sale in Emerald Isle, NC

PART TWO For many anglers, there’s nothing quite like fishing from the beach here in Emerald Isle, NC, while feeling the sand between your toes and listening to the soundtrack provided by the gulls and crashing waves. And because you never know what you may catch, surf fishing is not only healthy and relaxing, but also exciting too. But to surf fish effectively, you’ll need to learn the basics. Over the next few blogs, I'll try to help you do exactly that by explaining the gear you’ll need and the techniques you’ll employ.

TACKLE and RIGS Most surf fishing entails the use of live or cut bait, attached to any of several different types of sinker rig. To tie one of these rigs, you’ll need a few different pyramid-style sinkers, a few swivels (both two-way and three-way versions), a length of shock leader, a length of fluorocarbon leader and a few hooks.

There are an infinite number of surf fishing sinker rigs you can use, but you can rig up a basic version by following the steps below:

• Tie a length of shock leader onto your main line. The shock leader can be tied directly to the main line with an Albright special knot or you can tie it to a two-way barrel swivel with a Uni knot.

• Thread a 4- to 8-ounce pyramid sinker onto the end of the shock leader, and then tie the terminal end of the shock leader to a barrel swivel with another Uni knot. 

• Tie your fluorocarbon leader to the other side of the barrel swivel with another Uni knot and tie your hook on to the opposite end of the leader with an improved clinch knot, Trilene knot or Palomar knot.

• Circle hooks are typically the best option for beginners, as they’ll typically cause the fish to hook itself. However, treble hooks also work well, and they are usually quite effective.

Your choice of bait for surf fishing will vary depending on your location and target species. Cut squid or mullet are popular choices, as are whole shrimp, sand fleas (which you can dig up from the beach), clams or bloodworms. Anglers fishing for big fish or sharks may even use whole mullets or stingrays.

When you are getting started, you’ll be best served by selecting a good all-around bait like cut squid or mullet. These will both produce bites along most shorelines, and they’re attractive to a variety of game fish.

You can also use lures to fish from the shore, but, in my opinion, they’re not as easy to use as cut or live bait is. Spoons are among the most effective lures to use, but there are also a number of crank baits, plugs and jigs that are also effective.

Tools

You’ll also want to bring a few tools with you when you head down to the beach. Experienced surf fishers often bring along an extensive set of tools, but you can get started by just assembling the following:

• A pair of needle-nosed pliers with built-in cutting blades for removing hooks, cutting lines and similar tasks.  

• A knife for cutting lines, cleaning fish and cutting bait. 

• A sand spike (a 3-foot-long piece of PVC with a sharpened end that you stick in the sand) to hold your rod while waiting for a bite.

• A cooler to keep your catch cold until you are done fishing. 

• A surf cart to help you haul your gear down to the water.

You’ll also want to make sure you bring all of the necessary clothing you’ll need (including a long brimmed hat to protect you from the sun and a pair of flip-flops or other beach-appropriate shoes). A good pair of polarized sunglasses are also helpful and be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen – even on overcast days.

Check back for additional blogs offering insights and information on surf fishing here on the Crystal Coast. When you want to learn more about living here in Emerald Isle, visit my website at www.EIHomesforSale.com and request my free Guide to Living Where You Vacation or text your email address to: 919-308-2292.