Surfcasting is basically what its name implies– casting into the surf. It is sometimes referred to surf fishing or beachcasting. Getting started in this sport is relatively easy and inexpensive. If you succeed on an outing, you usually get a single fish that will provide a meal for the whole family. If you are looking into how to get started surfcasting you are going to need some basic gear.

Specifically, what does it take to get started surfcasting? Not much– here is a basic list: 

• A surfcasting rod (typically 8-14 feet– I like 8 and 12 feet myself) and saltwater reel (usually a spinning reel) with about 15-20 pound test line
• Small tackle box or gear bag or five gallon bucket with a handle
• Some rigs for the targeted catch (Pre-rigged hooks, leaders, and swivels)
• Assorted sinkers (1, 2, 3, and 4 oz.)
• Needle nose pliers  
• A knife 
• Tape measure to check if your catch is a legal keeper
• Gloves for handling a catch
• Band-aids
• Rags
• Small cooler  with a blue cold pack for bait
• Big cooler with ice for the catch (Also good for holding some beer or drinking water)
• Sand spike rod holder
• Bait– usually $5-10 per outing (I will refreeze and save bait for next time) or free if you catch or trap it
• Add a tide chart and map for the beaches in your area and you are set (Free on the Internet)
• Bring the local regulations with you– You may also need a federal or state marine license (This is a relatively new thing) about $10

 

This is a bare bones surfcasting list– I am a big fan of carrying just what is needed. As for cost– On the very low end– $50, $100+ on the moderate end, and hundreds of dollars on the high end. Most of the cost is the rod and reel. Some of this stuff can be found in yard sales. Again, this is the basic gear, you can always add more perhaps starting with a few lures or soft bait plastics.

As for cost– On the very low end– $50, $100+ on the moderate end, and hundreds of dollars on the high end. Most of the cost is the rod and reel. Some of this stuff can be found in yard sales. Again, this is the basic gear, you can always add more perhaps starting with a few lures or soft bait plastics.

What can we catch here in the Northeast? Most commonly people go for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke, a few other lesser known species, and a few unexpected ones as well.

A few more tips: It is usually best to fish into an incoming tide. Spring and fall surfcasting usually requires cold weather clothing (I went early Fall at night in just jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, but started to feel the cold around 11 PM). I especially love summer surfcasting, I wear my bathing suit and surf shoes and fish from the water. If you like multitasking and are bay fishing, try a few crab traps (Also commonly found at yard sales on the cheap).

Good luck.

P.S.: I briefly mentioned night fishing, this can be extremely dangerous– watch the tide, wear a headlamp (Don’t point it out at the water unless it is red filtered– you will spook the fish otherwise), and don’t take chances with your life.

This post originally appeared on the SurfcastingToday.com, here is the link to the original post: How to Get Started Surfcasting. If you are interested in surf fishing, you may want to visit that site.

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.