Cast a Line

Growing up as a kid in Boston, my early fishing experiences were little more than standing on Rowe's Wharf and casting my line into the murky waters of the Atlantic Ocean, hoping that I'd catch something more interesting than a sunfish. It wasn't until I moved to Long Island over 25 years ago that a friend of mine introduced me to the sport of surfcasting. From then on, I was hooked. As you may know, the "surf" is the area of water where the waves or ocean swells "break" on the shore or nearby reefs. Surfcasting is a special type of saltwater fishing that takes place along the shore in the break. Anglers who surf cast are trying to catch fish that are in the surf, and they do this by fishing from the shore or by wading into the shallow waters and casting out into or beyond the breaking waves. Surf fishermen typically use "big water" spinning gear, strong line and heavy weights or lures.

Surfcasting has been around since the founding of our nation. I think one of the main reasons for its enduring popularity is that it is a very peaceful and beautiful experience. The sky near the ocean at night is usually darker, so you'll see more stars. Not to mention beautiful sunsets and sunrises. And the quietness and solitude can almost be spiritual.

Nighttime is the best time for this particular kind of fishing, and the later you go the less crowded it is. Safety, of course, is a critical issue. When fishing in the dark it doesn't take much for a hook to become embedded in your hand. And since fish are extremely sensitive to light, they will be moving speedily away from you should you decide to light that Coleman lamp. The solution is to learn how to rig your lines in darkness and use as little light as possible. You should also scout the area during the day at various tides so you'll be aware of the layout of the beach. This will not only enhance safety, but you can also figure out the best places to fish ahead of time.

Although surfcasting gear is a personal matter, your rod should have some backbone. There are several reasons for this. First, fish found in surf can be quite large. The gear needed to fight them therefore needs to be strong. Secondly, tides and currents in the surf pull very hard on the tackle. Again, strong gear is needed simply to deal with those conditions. Last, the fish that you are fishing for when surfcasting are usually a good distance from shore, meaning that you need to be able to cast long distances. Long rods help to do this. I recommend a 10-foot rod for ease and efficiency. It also helps to have a tall rod because it keeps your line out of the surf when fishing in rough water. A graphite rod is preferable for its stiffness and lightness. Fiberglass rods are too heavy for prolonged fishing. And a glass rod can weigh as much as twice the amount of a similarly sized graphite rod.

Casting heavy surf fishing equipment could be very difficult if it weren't for the special cast that is used, called the surf cast. This cast is designed to throw heavy terminal tackle long distances using the big fishing gear. However, surf-fishing rigs are not going to allow you to cast to precise spots very easily. Not a problem. Accuracy is not really important when surfcasting because fish are not necessarily in precise places in the surf. When surf fishing, you will cast to general areas, such as to schools of fish or drop-offs.

Always carry a small flashlight. Those small headlamps that clip onto your hat are very handy. If you need to use a light do so with your back toward the ocean, do not shine the light onto the water. It is best to keep your rod in your hands. A sand spike will allow you some freedom but you may also miss some of the more subtle strikes.

The type of bait you use depends upon many factors. You should become aware of the local habitat and to speak to local bait suppliers. Ask them what baits are popular and where the best place to fish them. They can get you pointed in the right direction.

- Frank McChristian

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