How to Locate Fish in the Surf

One of the toughest problems confronting thefact, even if a few fish are being caught at the
novice in surf fishing is the one of locating the fishtime you can still increase your chances by trying
that venture inshore to feed. As the beginnera different location where there is less
glances up and down the miles of beach, he iscompetition.
likely to scratch his head and wonder where heSurf fish such as striped bass, bluefish, channel
should cast his lure or bait. To him, one section ofbass, weak-fish and others often move fast.
breaking waves and water looks very much likeThey may be present and active in a certain area
any other, and he finds it difficult to choose theand then, in a matter of minutes, disappear. So
best spot for fishing.when these species are moving in large schools
Unfortunately for the newcomer, however, theand actively feeding on smaller bait fish, the best
ability to choose the best fishing spots in the surfway to locate them is to look for birds, especially
takes time to acquire. Through years of trial andgulls and terns, diving and wheeling over the
error the seasoned surf anglers have learnedwater. This usually indicates that larger game fish
which spots are the most productive and whichdown below are driving the bait fish to the
ones to ignore. But the beginner may spend hourssurface.
fishing a barren spot. What to do about it?When the birds are within casting distance, it's
You can obtain information on the hot surf-fishingalways a good idea to cast a metal squid or
spots from friends and fishing-tackle dealers. Ifsurface plug into the commotion. If there are big
you have a surf-fishing buddy make a mutualfish feeding, the chances are good that you will
agreement to keep each other informed whenget a strike. But even if the birds are outside of
and where you catch fish in the surf. Or dropcasting range or merely sitting on the water, it
around to the local fishing-tackle store and talk topays to keep an eye on them.
either the owner or surf anglers who have beenIf the bait fish move in to shore, the birds and
out fishing.game fish will follow and you'll often be able to
Many surf anglers come into the local store toreach them. On many occasions, I've spent many
weigh a big fish or buy a lure or line. The dealerhours during the day watching gulls and terns
gets a good idea of the spots that are producingwheeling and diving too far offshore to reach with
fish and is glad to pass this information on to hisa cast. However, toward dusk, the bait fish often
customers.headed inshore and then there would be fast
The beginning surf fisherman often has a favoriteaction as the bigger fish followed them right up to
way of locating the best fishing spots. He goesthe beach.
down to the beach and looks for other anglers. IfSometimes you don't see any birds working, but
he sees a line of surf anglers he joins them in theyou will either see small bait fish skipping or leaping
belief that they are fishing the best spot. Thisout of the water or you will see a big fish slap
may or may not be true.the water with its tail or swirl as it chases a
If the anglers are catching fish or have caughtsmaller fish. In either case it's an indication that
fish at that spot recently then it's a good idea tofish are present and feeding. Then it's up to you
join them. But if no fish are being caught youto find the lure that they want.
may be wasting your time fishing there. You canIt can be fun fishing in the surf, and following
often do better by finding a less crowded spot. Inthese guidelines, it can be rewarding too!