So you want to start surfcasting? Chances are you’ve heard of this discipline before, and maybe you’ve even dabbled before hitting the serious learning curve that comes with it. Before we get into the thick of it, let’s lay some groundwork.

Surf fishing is really an umbrella term that applies to any saltwater fishing where anglers target fish from the shore. Here in Rhode Island, the nocturnal pursuit of striped bass on foot with various artificial lures and natural baits is the name of the game. Surfcast fishing for striped bass has been a true American pastime for over a century. It gives anglers the opportunity to tangle with bigger fish without taking out a loan for a small boat or booking a trip across the world. Though this guide focuses on our Northeast striper fishery, most aspects can be applied to fisheries across the Atlantic Coast and beyond.

Challenges of Surf Fishing

Vast and Unpredictable Ocean

Fish are not evenly distributed across the coastline. Predatory fish are constantly on the move, seeking conditions that offer favorable feeding opportunities. In fact, much of the coastline at any given time is largely devoid of our target species. A particular spot may be dead for weeks, then suddenly it’s teeming with big fish feeding with reckless abandon. 

To be successful, we have to understand the variables that influence when and where our target species will be actively feeding within casting range.

Risk for Predatory Fish

Predatory fish like striped bass aim to maximize their calorie intake while not becoming prey themselves. Coming into shallow water along the coast is a big risk for these fish because of threats like ospreys and seals, which rely on sunlight to hunt. Meaning nighttime is the prime time for serious surfcasters. You can still catch fish during the day, but the night will almost always produce more and larger fish. 

The same principle applies during the day: a bright, clear day with no swells is ideal for birds and seals to hunt, causing fish to become inactive and retreat to deeper water. Conversely, a day with gray skies and significant swells increases the odds of finding active fish close to shore. This rule applies at night as well, with the new moon generally being more productive than a bright full moon for the same reasons.

Baitfish Distribution

Baitfish, or just “bait,” is an umbrella term for anything that our target species feeds on. These species are foundational elements of our coastal ecosystems. Baitfish can vary widely through the season and across different regions. Some of the most common baitfish in New England are bunker, anchovies, sandeels, herring, mackerel, squid, shad, and silversides. 

Most of these species do have one thing in common, though: they evolved to form schools ranging from a few dozen individuals to groups the size of a football field.

Tactics for Surf Fishing

Maximizing Feeding Opportunities

To be successful, surfcasters must understand the variables influencing when and where fish will feed within casting range. Predatory fish, such as striped bass, risk coming into shallow waters at night when threats from predators like ospreys and seals are minimized. Tactic: Focus your efforts at night or during overcast days when fish are more likely to venture closer to shore.

Targeting Baitfish Schools

Locating schools of bait is critical to catching stripers, especially during the spring and fall. The location of bait schools may seem random to a novice, but advanced surfcasters are tuned into the factors that influence these schools.

Tactic: Wind is often the most significant factor. Photosynthetic plankton, the primary food source for baitfish, occupies the top few feet of the water column, which is heavily influenced by wind. If a stiff wind has been driving into the coast, there’s a good chance you will find bait—and game fish—tight to shore. Stack this with tidal currents for optimal results.

Fishing Bottom-Dwelling Baitfish

The other category of baitfish includes popular species like scup, tautog, and sea bass. Unlike the baitfish that form visible schools on the surface, these bottom dwellers require a different strategy. 

Tactic: Focus on areas with hard structure like reefs and boulderfields, where these species congregate. Using bottom-fishing techniques and gear will increase your chances of success.

Harnessing Tidal Currents

Large tides caused by the moon’s gravitational pull are particularly productive for surf fishing. Strong currents disorient smaller baitfish, making them easy targets for predators. 

Tactic: Target areas where tidal acceleration occurs, such as shallow bottoms or narrow inlets, to increase the likelihood of encountering actively feeding fish.

Reading and Using Structure

Structure not only influences current but also provides habitat for baitfish and predators alike. Learning to read the water and interpret how swells interact with the bottom is essential. 

Tactic: Use a depth chart to identify underwater features like ledges, points, and channels. Scout the coastline at low tide to locate productive areas that may hold fish when the tide comes in.

Pro Tip

Start by focusing on areas with overlapping favorable conditions, such as a strong current near a sandbar or structure during an overcast night. Combining these factors increases the likelihood of success.

Surf Fishing Gear

Surf Fishing Rods

Perhaps, the most iconic piece of surfcasting gear are the long rods that allow us to cast far from the shore and effectively fish a large amount of water. They also help to keep the line above the breakers, white water, and abrasive structure encountered in the surf. This ensures that you stay connected to your plug or eel throughout the retrieve and prevent the braid from rubbing against rocks.

Rod Lengths and Their Uses

Rods from 8-12 feet all have their use in the surf. Longer rods generally offer greater casting power but can be tiring to cast for extended periods, especially at night. Most surfcasters agree that rods in the 9-11 foot range cover 90% of surf fishing scenarios, while shorter and longer rods serve specific, niche purposes.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, rod selection comes down to personal preference. Some experienced surfcasters stick to a 9- or 11-foot rod for all conditions and still perform exceptionally well. Experimenting with different lengths can help you find what suits your fishing style and the locations you frequent.

Recommendations for Beginners

• 10-Foot Rod: If you're new to surf fishing, a 10-foot rod rated for 2-5 oz is an excellent choice for your first surf stick. It is versatile and can handle everything from lighter bucktails to big metal lip plugs.

• 9-Foot Rod: Ideal for calmer nights and fishing smaller, intimate areas like bays and rivers. This length provides a balance of casting ease and maneuverability.

• 11-Foot Rod: Perfect for tackling big water, rough surf, or fishing difficult terrain such as deep boulder fields or ledges. The added length helps manage the line and maintain control in these challenging conditions.

Rod Action: Finding the Right Balance

Understanding Rod Action

Rod action refers to how much and where a rod bends when pressure is applied, affecting casting performance and fish-fighting ability. Many beginners are surprised to learn that serious surfcasters often prefer rods with a moderate action, which provides flexibility and versatility for various surf fishing situations. 

The Lamiglas GSB is a quintessential moderate action surf rod, renowned for its balance of smooth casting, durability, and reliability when fighting large fish. It remains a favorite among experienced surfcasters.

Why Moderate Action?

Advantages

• Smooth Loading: Helps cast large plugs or lures with precision and control.

• Shock Absorption: Reduces the risk of gear failure when battling big fish.

• Versatility: Well-suited for most surf fishing scenarios, making it a go-to choice for many surfcasters.

Casting Performance

Moderate action rods load deeply into the blank during a cast, allowing energy to build up smoothly and release effectively. This is particularly beneficial when using wind-resistant plugs, as the gradual loading and unloading motion prevents plugs from tumbling mid-flight.

Fighting Big Fish 

A moderate action rod acts as a shock dampener, absorbing the force of head thrashes and tail beats from powerful fish. This reduces strain on your terminal tackle, protecting your line, knots, and hooks during intense fights.

When to Use Fast Action

Fast action rods bend closer to the tip, offering more sensitivity and responsiveness than moderate action rods. While they’re not ideal for large, wind-resistant plugs, they shine in specific scenarios:

• Probing Rocky Terrain: If you're working a deep boulderfield with a heavy bucktail, the added sensitivity of a fast action rod can help detect subtle strikes.

• Lightweight Lures: Fast action rods excel at casting smaller, lighter lures with precision.

Reels

Reels endure significant abuse in the surf. Rocks, sand, and corrosive saltwater constantly test the durability of gear. Spinning reels are the most popular choice for surfcasting in New England due to their reliability in harsh conditions. While conventional reels are suitable for bait fishing with heavy bottom rigs, they lack the capability to cast lighter lures effectively and do not handle submersion in saltwater as well as spinning reels.

Choosing a Spinning Reel 

Spinning reels should be rugged and resistant to saltwater intrusion when splashed or dunked. The Van Staal X series is considered the gold standard for surfcasting reels. These reels are simple, durable, and fully submersible in saltwater. Although they come at a premium price, they are an investment that can last your entire surfcasting career. 

Understanding IPX Ratings

IPX ratings measure water intrusion resistance, commonly found on reels and other gear:

• IPX5: Light splashes and spray.

• IPX6: Heavy splashes.

• IPX7: Submersion up to 3 feet.

• IPX8: Continuous submersion in over 3 feet of water.

Not all reels are marketed with an IPX rating but may still be highly capable. For guidance, consult experts or your local tackle shop.

Line

The evolution of braided lines changed the game in the world of surfcasting. The ability to spool up thin-diameter braid allows anglers to cast further and gain sensitivity that was never possible with monofilament.

Understanding Braided Line

Braid is defined by the number of strands woven together to make the line. The most common options are four-strand and eight-strand braided lines:

• Four-Strand Braid: Known for greater abrasion resistance due to thicker individual filaments. For example, 40lb test four-strand braid consists of 10lb filaments.

• Eight-Strand Braid: Offers a smoother and more symmetrical cross-section, which results in smoother travel through guides and increased casting distance. However, the thinner 5lb filaments in an eight-strand braid are weaker individually.

While four-strand braids are often considered tougher, regularly inspecting your braid for nicks and abrasions is the best way to avoid break-offs regardless of the type.

The Weakness of Braided Line

The biggest drawback of braid is its lack of abrasion resistance. This makes using a monofilament leader or fluorocarbon leader essential when surf fishing.

The Importance of Leaders

The leader is a critical component of your surf fishing line setup, designed to withstand the abuse of rocks, sand, gill plates, and the sharp teeth of predatory fish. Leaders also serve as a reliable handle for landing fish, ensuring you won’t risk cutting your hand on the thin diameter of the braid.

40-80 lb monofilament leaders are the standard for targeting stripers in New England, with preferences varying by situation. Notably, striped bass are not known to be line shy, particularly at night.

Monofilament vs. Fluorocarbon Leaders

There is ongoing debate between using monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders, with each offering unique advantages:

Monofilament Leaders

• Provides stretch, acting as a shock absorber during fights with large stripers.

• Protects terminal tackle and knots from failing under sudden force.

• Easier to tie knots with due to its suppleness.

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Fluorocarbon Leaders

• A relatively newer option that is harder, stiffer, and more abrasion-resistant than mono.

• The lack of stretch results in more responsive hooksets, making it an excellent choice when fishing in rocky structure.

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Ultimately, the choice between fluorocarbon and monofilament comes down to personal preference. Both perform well in various scenarios, so experimenting with each will help determine which best suits your fishing style.

Terminal Tackle

Having the right terminal tackle is critical, especially when targeting big, powerful species like striped bass. These fish, combined with the strong currents they inhabit, have an incredible ability to straighten hooks and expose the weakest link in your system.

Connection Options: Clips vs. Direct Ties

Using Heavy-Duty Clips

Clips are highly convenient for switching out plugs, especially when you're standing on a slippery rock with breakers rolling in. The “paper clip” style quick clips have recently gained popularity over traditional designs like duo-locks and coastlocks, but the choice often comes down to personal preference.

• Clip Ratings: Clips rated for 75lbs or 125lbs are ideal for most surf fishing needs, with the higher rating better suited for large plugs and big fish.

• Barrel Swivel Pairing: If using a paper clip-style clip, attach it to a barrel swivel first. This prevents your knot from working its way off the clip and allows the lure or fish to twist and spin without twisting your mainline. Choose swivels rated for at least 100lbs with a high-quality corrosion-resistant finish.

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Tying Directly to the Lure

While less convenient than clips, tying directly to your lure or bait provides a more direct connection, which can be advantageous in specific situations. This option is especially useful when sensitivity is critical, such as when bouncing a bucktail along the bottom.

Hooks: Durability and Performance

Upgrading Stock Hooks

Thick-gauge, saltwater-grade hooks are essential, even when dealing with moderate-sized fish. The hooks that come stock on many lures are often inadequate for the rigors of surf fishing.

• Standard Practice: Replacing stock hooks and split rings is a common practice among serious surfcasters.

• Recommendations: VMC Fish Fighter trebles are a go-to option, but there are many other high-quality alternatives available.

Conservation and Hook Choices

The debate about the number of hooks on a plug is ongoing in the surfcasting community, and conservation plays a significant role:

• Catch-and-Release Mortality: Fewer hook points reduce damage to the fish but may slightly lower the hookup ratio.

• Current Trends: Many surfcasters now use a single treble hook paired with a tail flag on the back of their plug. This setup maintains good hookup ratios while minimizing tissue damage and improving release survival rates.

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• Single Hooks: These are another excellent option, provided they don't alter the lure's swimming action.

Waders and Wetsuits

When it comes to surf fishing, staying dry and comfortable in the water is key. Both waders and wetsuits play critical roles in helping surf fishermen navigate challenging environments, from rocky beaches to low tide conditions.

Waders

Waders are crucial whenever the temperature is too cool for wet wading. There are two main types of waders: boot foot and stocking foot.

Boot Foot Waders

• Design: These are a one-piece design, with the boots connected to the legs of the waders.

• Pros: Simple and convenient, great for quick outings.

• Cons: They don’t provide a snug fit, which can be uncomfortable for extended walking distances, especially along sand bars or state parks.

Stocking Foot Waders

• Design: These have neoprene socks attached to the legs, allowing you to wear separate wading boots.

• Pros: Provide a much more comfortable fit, ideal for long walks on public beaches or fishing piers.

Boot Sole Options

• Rubber Soles: Perfect for walking long distances and less slippery environments.

• Studded Felt Soles: The go-to choice for fishing on slick, rocky surfaces such as island beach state parks.

Safety Tips for Using Waders

Cinch Your Wading Belt

Always wear your wading belt snugly outside the waders. In case you take a spill, a tight belt prevents water from filling your waders, which could weigh you down.

Dry Tops

Adding a dry top provides extra protection, especially during surf fishing sessions in the Atlantic Ocean.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are invaluable for surf fishermen looking to explore treacherous areas or navigate boulderfields. Unlike waders, they remove the risk of filling with water and offer added buoyancy.

Benefits of Wetsuits:

• Abrasion Protection: Ideal when scrambling over barnacle-covered rocks.

• Comfort in Warmer Water: More comfortable during the summer months, allowing for long distances of beach fishing.

Choosing the Right Wetsuit Thickness

The thickness of a wetsuit determines its insulation and suitability for different seasons:

• 1-2mm Suits: Best for warm water during the height of summer along the East Coast.

• 3-4mm Suits: The most versatile option, keeping you warm throughout most of the surf fishing season.

• 5mm+ Suits: Reserved for early spring or late fall, when water temperatures and wind conditions are harsher.

Tips for Wetsuits

Go Thicker When in Doubt

Even in warm conditions, nighttime surf fishing can feel cold due to constant wind exposure. A thicker suit ensures you stay warm.

Layer with a Surf Top

Layering a surf top over your wetsuit provides added warmth and offers pockets for accessories like artificial bait or a fishing license.

Headlamps

Headlamps are essential whenever you’re heading out after dark. The first primer on this piece of gear is that it should be used as little as possible. Our eyes have better night vision than most would expect, but they take time to fully adjust to low light. 

Every time you turn on your white light, you are resetting this process. Red light dilates our pupils the least, so it is essential to have a red light function on your light. Higher quality lamps will resist saltwater intrusion and are generally more reliable across a full season.

Plug Bags

Plug bags are specialized tackle storage solutions designed specifically for surf fishing.

• Construction: Made with nautical-grade fabric and equipped with rigid plastic tubes for storing plugs.

• Closure Types:Many use a buckle or large velcro sections to ensure secure storage, even in rough surf conditions.

These features allow surf fishermen to store their artificial lures, circle hooks, and other gear in an organized manner that remains functional during active fishing.

Choosing the Right Plug Bag

Plug bags are typically categorized by the number of slots or tubes they contain. This determines how many plugs or artificial baits you can carry.

Efficiency Over Volume – Don’t expect to bring every lure you own. Experienced surfcasters prioritize a balance between carrying sufficient fishing gear and keeping the bag lightweight for mobility on the beach or around fishing piers.

Tips for Packing Your Plug Bag

Packing a plug bag is more of an art than science, and preferences vary by individual and fishing location. However, there are general principles to follow:

• Versatility in Lures: Fill your bag with a variety of lure profiles, actions, and colors to adapt to changing conditions.

• Profiles and Actions: Prioritize these over color, as they have a greater impact on attracting striped bass.

• Adjust by Spot and Season: Your selection should reflect the specific beach fishing location, time of year, and confidence in certain baits.

• Prioritize Accessibility: Arrange plugs so your most-used options are easily accessible during your session. This is especially important for quickly switching out lures at low tide or when conditions change.

Match Gear to Conditions

If fishing in locations like island beach state park or sand bars, ensure your plug bag contains lures suited for such environments, such as heavier plugs for windy conditions or topwater lures for calm surf.

Plugs and Lures

There is no gear more critical than the lures that we throw. The term “plugs” refers to large wooden lures that we use for stripers, but the term is often used for a wide array of different lures. Wooden plugs are quite unique to our fishery and are largely produced by small time makers across the Northeast. 

Bucktails

Perhaps the most effective fishing lure ever created, bucktails have earned their reputation as a must-have in every surf fishing setup. Found even in military survival kits, they are prized for their ability to consistently catch fish of various species. A bucktail consists of a weighted head molded around a jig hook, paired with a flared skirt of deer hair. This simple yet ingenious design mimics the profile and movement of baitfish, making it highly enticing to striped bass and other predatory species.

Key Features

• Versatility: Bucktails can be fished effectively in any water column, from shallow sand bars to deep ledges.

• Close-to-Structure Fishing: The jig hook design minimizes snags, allowing surf fishermen to target structure-heavy environments like fishing piers or rocky coastlines.

• Weight Variability: By selecting different weights, surfcasters can adapt to conditions ranging from calm surf to strong currents. Bucktails in the 1-2oz range are especially popular among striped bass anglers along the Atlantic Coast.

How to Use Bucktails Effectively

• Adapt to Depth: By varying the weight of the bucktail, you can target fish at different depths, whether you're fishing shallow flats or deeper drop-offs during high tide or low tide.

• Close to Structure: The ability to fish close to structure without snagging makes bucktails invaluable for targeting areas with high activity, such as state parks or public piers.

• Controlled Retrieve: A steady retrieve paired with subtle rod action enhances the lifelike movement of the lure, mimicking injured baitfish and attracting bigger fish.

Enhancing Bucktails with Trailers

While not mandatory, adding a trailer to a bucktail can significantly improve its performance:

• Profile and Movement: Trailers create a fuller, more lifelike profile while adding movement to the lure.

• Fall Rate: Trailers, such as pork rind strips or synthetic alternatives, slow the descent of the bucktail, giving fish more time to strike.

• Durability and Action: Soft plastic curly tail grubs are another excellent option, offering compact profiles and enticing action.

Metal Lips

Metal lips are perhaps the most iconic striped bass plugs of all time, named for their characteristic metal bill that creates their distinct action. On a steady retrieve, these plugs produce a thumping, back-and-forth wobble that mimics the sound profile of an injured baitfish, effectively ringing the dinner bell for large striped bass.

Two of the most well-known examples of metal lips are the Danny and the Pikie. On a steady retrieve, these plugs act as wake baits, wobbling along the surface or just below. Adjustments to the metal lip or line tie can help the plug run deeper, up to about a foot. If you need to fish deeper, you’ll require a custom subsurface swimmer, which can reach depths of approximately three feet on a steady retrieve.

Use Cases

• Metal lips excel when there is an abundance of large baitfish.

• They are highly effective when fishing shallow structures like boulderfields, sand bars, or other rocky areas along the Atlantic Coast.

Needlefish

Needlefish plugs are a unique choice that often confuses novice surf fishermen. Unlike the aggressive thumping action of many plugs, needles appear to do very little in the water. However, their subtlety is their greatest strength.

When targeting finicky bass or aggressive feeders, the slim profile and understated action of needlefish can be highly effective. They are versatile in both depth and speed, and their streamlined shape allows them to cast like a missile.

Use Cases

• Perfect for times when a subtle presentation is needed, such as in areas where baitfish schools are present but bass are hesitant.

• They shine in situations where covering distance with long casts is necessary, such as fishing piers or open surf during high tide.

Minnow Plugs

Hard plastic minnow plugs are a staple for surf fishermen targeting striped bass. Classic designs like the Redfin and Bomber have dominated surf fishing for decades, while newer models like the SP Minnow continue to prove their effectiveness.

Minnow plugs feature a slender profile and a plastic bill that helps them swim at various depths. Most are floaters, but suspending and sinking variations are also available, making them versatile tools for finding active fish in different water columns.

Use Cases

Ideal for covering water and locating schools of baitfish or striped bass.

• Effective at attracting bigger fish in conditions with minimal current, such as during low tide.

• While they often attract smaller fish, minnow plugs can also produce trophy-sized bass in the right conditions.

Darters

Darters are designed with a wedge-shaped head that creates a subtle, zig-zag action in the water. Unlike the hard-thumping action of a metal lip, darters excel in moderate current, where their unique swimming motion can mimic prey.

Use Cases

• Best suited for fishing shallow structures with a steady current, such as an outflow or near state parks with accessible surf fishing spots.

• Slowly retrieved through current, darters provide a lifelike action that entices striped bass lurking in transitional zones.

Bottle Plugs

Though bottle plugs are considered niche tools, they are invaluable in specific conditions. Their aggressive wobble, akin to that of a minnow plug or metal lip, is amplified by their ability to "bite" into large swells and turbulent white water.

Use Cases

• Perfect for surf fishing in rough conditions, such as during storms or heavy winds.

• A must-have when swells and breakers are too intense for other lures to perform effectively, particularly at public beaches or island beach state parks.

Top Water

Few moments in surf fishing rival the thrill of seeing a striped bass explode on a topwater plug. The most iconic topwater plug for striped bass is the Gibbs-style pencil popper. These plugs cast like rockets and are excellent for covering water while locating active fish.

Spook-Style Baits

Spook-style baits, like the Doc lure, have gained popularity for their ability to call up massive bass. Originally designed for musky, they’ve become staples for surf fishermen targeting striped bass.

Use Cases

• Topwater plugs are primarily effective during daylight hours, particularly in the early morning or evening.

• Focus on areas with white water, where the turbulence can draw bigger fish closer to the surface.

Soft Plastics

The introduction of soft plastic lures revolutionized fishing worldwide, and their impact on surf fishing is no different. These lures are incredibly lifelike and offer a high level of versatility at a relatively low cost.

Soft Plastic Swimbaits

• Versatility: Can be used in place of bucktails for similar applications.

• Action: Paddle tails create a unique vibration and disturbance in the water, slowing their descent and attracting fish.

Sluggo and Jerk Baits

• Reaction Strikes: Known for their ability to trigger reaction strikes when nothing else works.

• Downsides: Limited castability due to their need for minimal weight to achieve proper action.

Eel-Profiled Soft Plastics

• Finesse Option: These slender baits mimic eels and are designed for slow retrieves along the bottom.

• Use Case: Especially effective for targeting finicky bass or when baitfish like eels dominate the ecosystem.

Personal Preference

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to surf fishing. The best lures vary based on the time, location, and conditions, such as water temperatures, current strength, and the presence of baitfish. To find success, experienced surf fishermen recommend experimenting with a variety of plugs, learning from the conditions, and adapting to the behavior of the fish.

Tackle Your Next Adventure with The Saltwater Edge

Surf fishing is a deeply rewarding pursuit that combines skill, strategy, and an understanding of the ever-changing conditions along the coastline. From selecting your rods, reels, and waders, to mastering the use of lures like bucktails, metal lips, and soft plastics, success comes from preparation and adaptability. 

Whether you’re targeting striped bass under the cover of night or casting topwater plugs at sunrise, each session brings new opportunities to hone your craft. Remember, surf fishing isn’t just about making the catch—it’s about knowing the rhythms of the ocean, learning from each tide, and enjoying the challenges in pursuit. So pack your gear, scout your perfect spot, and embrace the learning curve. The rewards of surf fishing, both in experience and catch, are well worth the effort. 

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