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大 M
小 Post at 2007-1-14 07:34 AM
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Intermediate Casting
Most intermediate skill level surf fishermen will utilize the straight off the ground casting technique. However, there are some skills that can be added to increase the distance and accuracy of the cast. Beginning casters use very little body motion when casting. Intermediate level casters can add body rotation, are more fluid in their motion and are more conscious of their follow through.
Intermediate casters follow the same initial steps for setting up that beginners do, though they may not actually draw the lines. However, intermediate casters are able to add shoulder rotation and weight transfer to increase the length of the casting motion, increase the leverage of the rod and increase the amount of power transferred. This motion begins at the initial setup and continues as the shoulders rotate toward the target throughout the motion. Weight shifts first to the back foot and then to the forward foot. Intermediate casters do not speed up their casting motion; rather it becomes more fluid and consistent. The follow through is held with the tip aimed more directly toward the sea, rather than toward the sky or the sand for many beginners, which allows better line flight. With these simple improvements, casting distance can easily be increased to around 120 yards.
The Pendulum Cast
When a surf fisherman becomes comfortable and proficient with the straight off the ground cast and desires more casting distance, the pendulum cast is the next step. The set up differs from that of the straight off the ground cast only in that the sinker is held at eye level rather than on the ground. From this point, the cast begins by moving the right hand away from the body to get the sinker moving away from the angler. The sinker is allowed to go behind the body to its maximum out swing distance. At this point, the head and shoulders begin turning to the target, pulling the body along with them. From this point, the pendulum cast uses the same motion and follow through as the simpler cast. However, caution must be advised. Although it may sound as simple as the straight off the ground cast, it actually requires a fair amount of practice to master.
Surf Fishing Tackle
The tackle used by surf fishermen encompasses a variety of specialized rods and reels, in addition to a multitude of different lures, bait and terminal tackle. Tackle selection is usually determined by the species targeted, required casting distance and water conditions. The key is to purchase tackle and gear that is appropriate for the conditions and species most often fished for. Many anglers who surf fish regularly will have several tackle assemblies so they can adjust to changes in fishing conditions through the year or on a given day.
Rods
Rod selection is primarily dependent on the distance to be cast and the weight of the lure or bait to be cast. Regardless of the length, it is recommended that the rod be a zoned action rod. A zoned action rod has a stiff butt end, a mid-section of medium flexibility and a soft, very flexible tip.
Short rods run 6 to 8 feet in length and are designed for use with lighter weight line and smaller lures or baits. In general, they are not capable of casting great distances and they do not perform particularly well in rough seas. Such rods are most useful when fishing for small, bottom dwelling fish that dwell just past the surf line. Shorter rods are a good choice for beginning surf fishermen because they are easier to control and offer the chance to learn how to cast properly.
Medium length rods run from 8 to 10 feet and predictably are able to handle moderate weight line and baits. These rods are a good compromise for many surf fishermen because they can be cast close to shore, yet are capable of casting fairly long distances to reach outer waters. The impetus for selecting a medium length rod over a short rod is generally to get greater distance on the cast and more leverage when playing a hooked fish. Trout, bluefish and smaller drum or commonly caught using medium length rods.
Long rods, also referred to as heavy gear, are most closely associated with the sport of surf fishing. These rods can run from 10 to 14 feet. The primary purpose of longer gear is to cast heavyweight bait long distances and catch large fish. It is not uncommon to use heavy gear to cast a 6- to 12-ounce sinker with a heavy chunk of bait 150 yards into or beyond the surf. Longer rods with heavier line also are more suited to rough waters.
Reels
Both spinning and conventional reels are effective for use in surf fishing, and it is really a matter of personal choice and comfort. Many surf fishermen choose spinning reels because they do provide the best casting distance capabilities. Other anglers are willing to endure a greater chance of backlash for the greater casting accuracy offered by conventional reels. Some expert surf fishermen also recommend conventional reels if the target fish are larger and stronger species. The chosen reel should be capable of holding a large amount of line, up to 200 or 300 yards depending on line weight.
Line
Like most of the surf fishing tackle, line is a matter of choice. However, it is usually directly related to the rod length and target species. Lightweight gear is not well suited to heavy line and light line on heavy gear is not going to be productive. Most surf anglers using short and medium length rods will use line with test weights between 10 and 20 pounds, perhaps going as high as 30 pounds. Even those who use heavy gear seldom go with more than 30- or 50-pound line. The exception comes on the leader, where line often will run from 60 to 80 pounds or more.
Bait
Natural bait is more common and generally more productive in surf fishing than artificial lures. The choice of bait, which is usually cut, is dependent on the target fish and often reflects the natural baitfish choices in a particular area. The keys know what the fish you have targeted find appealing, providing it to them and making certain that it is sturdy enough to remain on the hook when cast.
Shrimp and live or dead baitfish are both effective baits in the surf. Cut or chunked baitfish is preferable when a more durable bait is needed because of long casting distances or larger fish. Sea worms and sand crabs are also popular and effective.
Artificial Lures
Although the use of bait is more common than artificial lures, there are many species that will take a lure. In fact, species like Spanish mackerel and bluefish may prefer a lure to bait. Basically, there are three kinds of lures used in surf fishing: spoons, plugs, and lead head jigs.
Spoons, especially bright and flashy versions, work well for many surf fish, particularly those that depend on vision when foraging. Other species shy away from the flash and may prefer a dull finished spoon. Most plugs used are of the subsurface or diving variety, due to the inherent wave action of the surf, and large on average in order to be cast long distances. A variety of jig styles work well, though buck tail jigs are probably most common, and all jigs are frequently tipped with natural bait.
