New to Surf Fishing and NJ Saltwater Fisherman Community

[njppb]

Hello, I have been saltwater fishing for years now, mostly off fishing boats and have had a blast in the process.  My girlfriend and I have recently started to become interested in Surf Fishing.  I have some gear(my fathers older surf fishing poles, some hooks I got from a local fishing store and usually use fresh bait) and I have a Surf Fishing permit for Island Beach State Park. I'm not really sure what I'm doing lol or evan if I have the right gear and was hoping to get some guidance from more seasoned Surf Fisherman!!!

[fluke - u]

 ..I am not a surf fisherman but there are some great people here who I am sure will help. 

[ped579]

Welcome Aboard,

Surf fishing should be heating up soon as the Fall run is about to start soon.  Let us know the type of equipment you have now and we will get you up to speed.

By surf fishing permit do you mean a beach buggie permit to ride on the beach?  If so you are ahead of the game as you can get out to where the action is.

If the Fall run is a good one the equipment needed should be easy to aquire as mostly it will consist of AVA's and teasers or a couple surface plugs to throw into the schools of bunker or what ever bait is migrating south.

I live in Toms River and many other guys live close to IBSP and call it home as well. 

Looking forward to your input.

Happy Catching

Paul

[njppb]

Thank you for the warm welcomes. I have a 9' surf pole and a 6'6" salt water pole. I have a 12' surf pole avaiable to me also.  I'm not sure what test line is on them or what should even be on them for surf fishing.  If you guys could get me up to speed that would be fantastic. And yes I have the beach buggy pass for Island Beach State Park. Any information will be helpful, Thanks

[BigAl13]

The 9' will be your best choice out of your options the 12 would be good for bait fishing in strong tides when you need big weight. What reel is on the 9, its really preference on line I usually go with braid in the 40-50lb class, top that with 10yds of 40-50 lb mono. What do you want try bait or artificial 

[njppb]

Ok sounds perfect, I'm not sure the make but its a spinning reel I would have to take a look at it. Um up for anything, I haven't used any artificial bait yet and wouldn't have any idea what to use lol but I am more than willing to give it a shot.

[fellinger]

Ok sounds perfect, I'm not sure the make but its a spinning reel I would have to take a look at it. Um up for anything, I haven't used any artificial bait yet and wouldn't have any idea what to use lol but I am more than willing to give it a shot.

Just ask. You've come to the right place. These guys will help you out for sure!

[BigAl13]

stay patient your not always gonna catch, read the posts on the from the surf section, theres alot of great info there.

[Twins n Fins]

you picked the right spot for info. i believe this is the best site for info/reports. you already got some good input Island beach fall fishing is second to none. dont get intimidated out there. ava's deadly dicks croc spoons all sizes are a must in this area running a teaser ahead on a dropper loop does the trick, very simple knot to ty look it up you'll have it perfected in a day! as far as gear sounds like that 9' is the ticket, I like to fish light 20# braid with a leader to match whats going on. take a stop at one of the local island shops i like grumpy in the park but they're all good guys down there. oh yea make sure you carry some pencil poppers and surface cruisers with you yellow and black are usally go to colors. GOOD LUCK BRO! see ya on the sand

[njppb]

Thank you so much for your input, everyone is right this is a great site and everyone is so helpfull. Thanks guys 

[Scott G.]