If you’ve recently been surf casting, chances are fairly good that you were using a large casting sinker, a spinning reel and a 10 foot or larger stout rod. You’re using this tackle because you want to use a variety of live baits and plugs, and your reel needs to handle a 20 or 30 pound monofilament line. However, you are dismayed by the fatigue that casting into rolling waves brings on with this heavy rig. Whether you know it or not, this type of a rig might just be overkill. You could be exerting far more energy than you need to get your bait placed properly in high surf with waves rolling and crashing to the beach. Technology can be your friend in this case, and as a surf angler you have the opportunity to assemble a new rig that will be lighter, shorter and save your stamina for fighting the fish instead of casting. There are options that are far easier to use than these traditional surf sticks that are so large and unwieldy.

The northeast is known for great surf fishing opportunities. There are plenty of areas that are perfect that don’t have excessive currents and have relatively tame waves. These areas are good spots for landing smaller sized striped bass and bluefish and if you’re lucky, you’ll get the occasional bruiser. These areas are ideal for scaled down versions of surf casting gear. If you’re unsure of what to use, don’t worry. Graphite rods in the 7 or 8 foot length and a spinning reel with a 4000 size range will work out quite well for you. Both are suitable for use with lures that are in the one to three ounce range.

Braided fishing lines have been an added bonus for this type of angling, especially for those who are just starting out. Instead of dealing with yards and yards of monofilament, you can now use a mono backing around 200 yards and finish off with 30lb braided line. The braided line is generally a smaller diameter making this easier for many anglers. One thing that is important to remember that while the smaller diameter line is easier on your rod guides and also provides longer casting distances, it doesn’t offer the same abrasion resistance that many non-braided lines offer. In fact, it’s not unusual to see the remnants of braided lines all over rocks and boulders when you are surf-casting. You can avoid this problem by ensuring you are utilizing a very long fluorocarbon leader. Use this to attach to your braided line and tie your lure to that which will provide you some protection if your catch heads off to the nearest rock bed.

For younger anglers, the ability to use smaller gear is perfect. Let’s face it – it can be pretty discouraging to a young person to be saddled with a 12 foot pole for his or her first time. Younger anglers are more than happy with a smaller catch, and the smaller rod and tackle offers them opportunities that they might not otherwise have with stouter fishing equipment. There are few things more rewarding than sharing your love of sport fishing with new anglers.

While there is little doubt that large surf rigs will maintain their place for some time, anglers who like to use smaller rigs can certainly do so. Heavy rigs are perfect if you are looking for the largest fish available and using a 5 or 6 ounce sinker but not everyone is. If you’re ready to scale down to a fish upwards of 20 lbs then it’s time to scale down your rig and sport up.

When you are preparing to undergo a saltwater fishing experience, it is important that you have the proper fishing gear. Some of the most popular gear include Shimino Spinning Reel, Penn Fishing Reels and Daiwa Reel.

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