Spring/Summer Surf Fishing

One of my most favorite things in fishing is to surf fish. Being on the beach, standing knee deep in the surf, and smelling the salt air just gets me going. There are fewer environments that are tougher to handle than the pounding surf, so you may ask why subject yourself to such a beating? Surf perch, croaker and halibut are but a few of the reasons. With spring and summer around the corner, the big female perch are cruising the beach ready to release their young. Surf perch on average run around five to eight inches, however the big girls can get up to three-plus pounds. On light tackle this can be great sport.

I was just up past Hearst Castle last week for some R&R and had the opportunity to fish one of Hearst’s private beaches, and all I can say is wow!

Picture this: Miles of empty beaches with breath taking views and perch up to two-and-a-half pounds. This may not sound like much but on a 9’6” rod rated for four to eight pounds, believe me, these fish can bend a rod! If you have ever caught big bluegills on light tackle you have some idea of how hard fighting these scrappy little fish can be.

Surf perch are like bluegills on steroids and pull like crazy. They don’t stop until you get them to hand.

I use specialty equipment for this type of fishing. However, if you have trout rods around six and a half to seven feet, they will do the job. This is light line fishing at its best. Years ago most people fished with big heavy rods, 20 to 30 pound test and three to four oz. sinkers. Now we use long steelhead rods rated for four to eight pound test. You can use six pound test mono or 10 pound Power Pro and 3/8-oz. weights, size six hooks and plastic grubs. For rigging instructions there are web sites that will show the basic set up. SC Surf Fishing is one I can recommend.

Now you may ask, “So all I have to do is rig up, walk into the surf and start casting?” Yes, that is it; however, there are ways to “read” water that will give clues to where the fish might to congregating. Reading water is something you learn over time. By paying attention you put pieces of the puzzle together to help eliminate unproductive water.

A few hints on what to look for are:

1) Nervous water. This is where the surface of water will reflect the bottom. Nervous water is caused by depressions in the sand, channels and holes that cause the water to swell toward the surface. What makes these great places to fish is because sand crabs will wash into these holes, and perch know this.

2) Seams are another great feature to look for. Seams are caused by two tides coming together when retreating from the beach. The water creates a narrow seam that will push crabs and small fish out quickly to where the large fish wait for their meal to come to them.

The Pacific Ocean in spring can be very cold and uncomfortable if you wear shorts.

My preference is to wear chest waders and booties that cover the feet/soles. I also use a fly fishing jacket for extra warmth. The best way to carry your tackle is to use a fanny pack with a plastic box that has several compartments to keep your weights, hooks, baits, swivels, beads and grubs organized. I like to use 2” grubs for most of my perch fishing as they resemble small bait fish and perch will readily take them.

This is great family fun and a great way to bring kids into fishing. You can keep them in shallow water as perch will often be an easy cast right off the beach. It is not unusual to catch 10-30 fish or more in a wide open bite which will definitely keep your kids interested.

If you have any questions please feel free to call or come in to the store and I will be happy to help you get started.