Surf Fishing Tips: 10 Ways to Catch More From the Beach

Surf fishing tips? Pick one target species that is in the surf that season, look for moving water and structure (sandbars, troughs, rocks, seams and changes in depth), fish around sunrise and sunset, and plan by the tide rather than the clock. Keep the gear simple and move until you find fish.

Below: ten practical tips for beginners, from reading the beach to choosing bait and timing the tide. Need help with casting? Read how to cast a fishing rod.

Why surf fishing is a great start

In Wired2Fish's Surf Fishing 101, the author says surf fishing "has one of the lowest barriers to entry of all types of fishing in terms of gear, akin to bank fishing," and that "anywhere the saltwater touches the shoreline can be fishy."

10 surf fishing tips for beginners

1. Know your species

Many species are migratory, so find out what is in the surf where and when you fish. Wired2Fish suggests picking one species, or two closely related ones, and focusing your tactics on it.

2. Find moving water

"Virtually all predators like moving water." Current from tide, waves or wind overwhelms bait and gives fish the advantage.

3. Look for structure

Sandbars, rock piles, oyster beds, points, corners, depth changes and even breaking white water all count.

4. Fish the edges

The guide highlights the edge between sand and rock bottom, sharp drop-offs from shallow to deep, and "the seam" between fast and slow water.

5. Cast at anything that looks different

If part of the beach "looks 'funny' or stands out," it is worth a cast.

6. Plan by the tide

Keep notes on what you catch and when, then "return to that spot at the same time in the tide again — focus on the tides, not time of day."

7. Fish low light

Sunrise and sunset are often most productive because fish move close to shore in low light.

8. Keep the rig simple

A long surf rod, a reel with fresh line, a fish-finder or two-hook bottom rig, pyramid sinkers to hold in the current and a sand spike cover most beach fishing.

9. Use fresh local bait

Sand fleas (mole crabs), shrimp, clams and cut bait such as mullet or menhaden are proven surf baits. Match what lives on that beach.

10. Stay safe and legal

Watch the waves, wear sun protection, keep swimmers clear of your casts and check saltwater license rules for your state.

Is it better to surf fish during low or high tide?

Neither is always better. Moving water is key, so the hours around a tide change are often best. Scout the beach at low tide to spot sandbars and troughs, then fish them as the water rises.

How do you tell if you have a fish on while surf fishing?

Watch the rod tip in the spike. Waves make a steady rhythmic bounce; a bite shows as sharp taps, a bent-over rod or slack line when a fish swims toward you. Reel down until you feel weight, then lift.

What should you wear surf fishing?

Light layers, a hat, polarized sunglasses and a long sleeve shirt for sun coverage. Our marlin shirts and best-selling fishing shirts can be personalized with your name, in styles such as Long Sleeve UPF, Hooded Long Sleeve UPF, T-Shirt UPF and Kids Long Sleeve UPF depending on the design. Check each product page for fabric and fit details.

FAQ

What is the best time to surf fish?

Around sunrise and sunset and during moving tides, especially the hours around a tide change.

Is it better to surf fish during low or high tide?

Moving water matters most. Scout structure at low tide and fish it on the rising tide.

Where should I cast when surf fishing?

Into troughs, cuts in sandbars, rips and seams, and next to rocks or other structure, not always as far as possible.

How do you tell if you have a fish on while surf fishing?

Sharp taps or a sudden slack line, different from the steady bounce of the waves.