Using live or dead bait and a stout spinning rod usually exceeding 10 feet in length is usually what comes to mind when somebody thinks about surf fishing. It is widely believed that is normal. The use of a stout spinning rod spooled with hundreds of yards of test monofilament. One of the downsides of this type of raid is that it brings on a lot of fatigue from constant casting into rolling waves. The problem is this type tackle is typically best in order to get the bait properly placed when the surface high and rolling and crashing against the beach. There are however, a number of surf situations where this is just way too much and the only thing accomplished is that the angler winds up exhausted. Fortunately, technological advances in fishing now allow surf anglers to put together a much lighter combination of fishing rod and reel. These are now shorter, easier to cast and are far less unwieldy than the traditional surf stick.

The Northeast particularly lends itself to some excellent opportunities for surf fishing and lower tidal currents combined with tame waves can be ideal. One thing to remember is these areas are not necessarily known for their large fish but instead a larger number of small sized striped bass as well as bluefish and the occasional bruiser. For this type of environment, scaling down to a graphite surf rod that is between 7 and 8 feet and a spinning reel in the 4000 size range is ideal. Using a 1 ounce to 3 ounce lure, you can still get the extra length you need for distance casting.

Braided fishing lines have also made distance casting far easier for the beginner fishermen. This line has made it possible to spool up to 4000 size real with monofilament backing and add an additional 200 yards of 30 pound test braid line. This is mainly because these lines are much smaller in diameter than traditional monofilament. Another advantage is the lower friction against rod guides, which helps increase the distance that you can cast. There was a word of caution for surf casters and that is the braided lines and not as abrasion resistant is monofilament. Surf casters are often found fishing in areas that have rocks and boulder fields and these can cause serious problems when using braided lines. You can mitigate these issues by attaching a long fluorocarbon leader to the braided line. This does help provide some insurance against breakage should a fish head for the rocks.

Children who are fairly new to angling will enjoy this much more and be far less frustrated than if they were trying to learn to handle a 10 or 12 foot surf rod. Not only that, but tackle of this size makes fighting smaller sized fish much more fun and sporting. If a large fish is hooked, the angler will be put into a position of fighting very hard to land him. Few things are far more exciting for the sporting angler.

There is little doubt that large surf rings will always have their place. In fact, many anglers’ fish bait with 5 or 6 ounce sinker's and they are constantly on the lookout for the largest fish in the area. For these anglers, the oversized rigs will always be the best. However, for those who just do not want to lug heavy rigs across the beach, and who prefer fish in the 5 to 20 pound range they can easily scale down, scale back, and sport up.

When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Penn Reels, and Daiwa Reels.

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