Whether you intend to throw bucktails for fluke, fish plugs for stripers, or soak clams for dogfish, a lot of what you’ll carry as a surfcaster will be the same across the board.
For the purposes of this guide, however, we’ll assume you’re throwing artificials at aggressive gamefish like flatfish, striped bass, bluefish or seatrout. In that case, here’s some of the essential surf fishing gear you’ll need.
Rod, Reel and Line
Since you’re fishing artificials, you won’t need a sand spike or a surf cart. You will, however, need an appropriate rod and reel outfit spooled with line matched to it.
A longer rod is better, all things considered. Depending on the leverage you’ll want for casting, anywhere from 7 feet to 12 feet is ideal, with many surfcasters opting for a rod in the 9 foot range. Match it with a spinning reel as this will enable greater casting distance (with most lures and rigs) than conventional tackle.
As for line weight, many surfcasters go with braided line and either a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. Lighter line will enable you to cast farther, but also increases your risk of break-offs, so keep that in mind.
A Tackle Box or Bag
Many surfcasters carry a tackle bag with tackle trays as it is easier to carry on the beach, but you can use whatever works for you.
Appropriately Lure Selection
You’ll want to match your lure selection to the gamefish you’re pursuing, but some common options are surf poppers, diving plugs, metals like spoons and diamond jigs, and bucktails, which are most often tipped with soft plastics.
Waders
While waders are not an absolute necessity of surf fishing gear, if you wade, they are important during the colder months of the year, as salt spray and surf will chill you when the temperature drops. You’ll be more comfortable with waders that will keep you dry, especially in the spring and fall.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential piece of surf fishing gear not just because they’ll keep you more comfortable, but because they protect your eyes from errant casts. Never hit the water without them.
Line Clippers/A Knife
Do not go fishing, anywhere, without either line clippers or a knife. They are essential, period.
Pliers
Deep hooking a fish is very rare when fishing artificials but it does occasionally still happen. For those practicing catch and release, pliers make it much easier to quickly remove hooks and get the fish back in the water faster.
Measuring Tape
For any anglers fishing for meat, there are many gamefish with size limits; a tape measure will let you know what’s legal and what isn’t.
Helps to Have: Finger Protection
Many surf fishing lures are heavy, and they put a lot of pressure on your casting finger when fishing spinning tackle. Either tape your finger with medical tape or get one of the special surfcasting gloves or finger protectors that are made specifically for surfcasting.
Freshwater
Not just for you, but in case your reel gets sprayed with saltwater. Having a little flask of freshwater nearby will enable you to rinse it off, as needed.
Check Off Your Surf Fishing Gear Checklist and Hit the Water
While this list is not species-specific, it covers much of the indispensable surf fishing gear you’ll need for most trips to the beach. Be prepared with the gear in this checklist, get out there, and be safe.
