Surf Fishing 101: Tackle, Rigs, and Tips for Beginners

Surf fishing is an awesome way to spend time outdoors—soaking up the sun, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, and enjoying the sound of crashing waves while catching fish right off the shoreline or wading into the surf. If you're a fisherman who also loves hanging out at the beach, what could be better?

In this beginner’s guide, I'll cover everything you need to know to have a great day surf fishing. I’ll go over all the essential tackle you'll need to bring along, including rods, reels, and various accessories, to make sure you're well-prepared for a day of fun and excitement.

I'll also talk about basic surf fishing rigs and how to set them up to maximize your chances of landing a catch. I'll walk you through different rig options and provide step-by-step instructions for setting up your gear like a pro angler.

One of the key aspects of surf fishing is selecting the right rod length—you can’t just show up on the beach with a regular rod and expect to have much success. Your ideal length depends on what fish you’re targeting, as well as your personal preferences. A well-chosen rod will allow you to cast further, handle the surf conditions, and provide the necessary leverage for reeling in your catch.

Now of course, no fishing trip would be complete (or very fun) without bait or lures. So I'll talk about some of the most effective options for surf fishing, both natural and artificial (and some in between!) to help you entice a wide variety of saltwater species. From live shrimp to scented soft plastics, I'll share my top picks to ensure you have the best baits in your arsenal.

Ready? Grab your fishing sunglasses, and let's hit the waves!

What Kind of Tackle Do You Use for Surf Fishing?

When you're surf fishing, having the proper tackle can really make a difference in your success. A few must-have items include:

Rod and reel: Usually a long, sturdy rod (9-12 feet), and a durable reel designed for saltwater use. Some fishermen prefer shorter rods (around 7’-8’) for a more manageable surf fishing rod and reel combo.
Fishing line: A strong, abrasion-resistant monofilament or braided line (15-30 lb. test).
Weights: Pyramid or bank sinkers, which help to hold your bait in place against the waves.
Hooks: Circle or J-style hooks in various sizes, depending on the fish you're targeting.
Swivels and leaders: Barrel swivels and fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders for connecting your mainline to your hooks.
Bait/Lures: Natural baits like shrimp, squid, or sand fleas, or artificial lures such as spoons or soft plastic baits.

What’s a Basic Rig for Surf Fishing?

A basic rig for surf fishing is the fish-finder rig, which is easy to set up and effective in different conditions.

This rig consists of a weight, a leader, and a hook. The weight slides on the mainline, allowing the fish to pick up the bait without feeling the resistance. A swivel connects the mainline to the leader, which is then tied to the hook.

Setting Up a Surf Fishing Rig

If you want to set up a fish-finder rig, just follow these steps:

Thread your mainline through the eye of a sinker slide or a small plastic bead.
Tie a barrel swivel to the end of your mainline using a secure knot, like the Palomar or improved clinch knot.
Cut a 12-36 inch piece of leader material (fluorocarbon or monofilament) and tie one end to the other side of the swivel.
Tie a hook to the other end of the leader, again using a secure knot.
Attach your chosen lure or bait to the hook.

Ideal Rod Length for Surf Fishing

The best rod length for surf fishing depends on the conditions and your personal preferences. Typically, a longer rod (9-12 feet) is used, as it allows you to cast further, reach deeper water, and clear the breaking waves. A longer rod also provides more leverage when fighting fish.

Now, some anglers prefer shorter rods (7-8 feet) for a lighter, more manageable setup. The advantage of a shorter rod is that it can be more comfortable/easier to handle and control on the beach—making a day of surf fishing even more enjoyable.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you and what works best for your fishing style.

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Best Baits for Surf Fishing

Choosing the right bait can make a big difference in your surf fishing success. Here are some popular options:

Natural Baits

Live or fresh-dead shrimp: Shrimp are a favorite food source for many fish species, making them a highly effective bait option. They release a strong scent in the water, which attracts fish from a distance.
Squid: Squid is another popular natural bait choice, as it is both durable and attractive to fish. Its unique scent and texture make it an excellent option for targeting a variety of species.
Sand fleas: Also known as mole crabs, these guys are small crustaceans that are commonly found in the surf zone and can be easily collected with a sand flea rake. They’re a natural food source for many fish, making them a highly effective bait choice.
Cut bait (fish chunks): Cut bait refers to pieces of fish that have been cut up and used as bait. The scent and natural oils released by the cut bait attract fish and encourage them to bite.
Fish Gum's Cut-N-Chunk Bait: This innovative bait option brings together the best of both worlds by combining the scents of multiple natural baits with the durability of artificial lures. Fish Gum's Cut-N-Chunk bait is infused with the enticing scents of crab, sand fleas, shrimp, clams, and more, making it a highly attractive option for fish. As the only bait that combines both synthetic and real bait extracts, Fish Gum offers a unique "buffet of scents" in just one bait. This allows you to present a wide range of enticing smells to fish, increasing your chances of attracting and catching your target species.

Artificial Lures

Spoons: Spoons are metal lures that imitate the movement of small baitfish. They are particularly effective when targeting predatory fish, as they create a flashy, lifelike action in the water that draws attention.
Plugs: Plugs are hard-bodied lures designed to resemble various types of baitfish or other prey. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to target specific fish species. Plugs can be fished at various depths and retrieved at different speeds to imitate the swimming action of prey.
Soft plastic baits: Soft plastic baits are made from a flexible material that mimics the texture and movement of live bait. These lures come in various shapes, such as worms, grubs, or swimbaits, and can be scented or unscented. Soft plastics are versatile and can be rigged in various ways to target different fish species.
NLBN Lures: "No Live Bait Needed" (NLBN) lures are a type of artificial bait designed to mimic the appearance, scent, and taste of natural baits. These lures are made from a soft material infused with fish-attracting scents and flavorings, making them highly effective in attracting fish. NLBN lures can be used in place of natural baits, offering the advantage of being more durable and long-lasting, while still providing the enticing qualities that fish are looking for in their prey.

Bottom Line

If you’re a fisherman who also loves hanging out at the beach, surf fishing’s the perfect way to spend a day. Now you know the basics of a fantastic surf fishing trip, from essential tackle to basic rigs. You're now well-prepared to face the surf and enjoy a day filled with fun, excitement, and hopefully a great catch or two!

Grab some sandfleas, a fishing hat, and the rest of your surf fishing gear, and get ready to experience the exhilaration of casting your line into the crashing waves—and feel the adrenaline rush as you reel in your catch.

The surf is calling—gear up and get ready for your next great fishing adventure!