Confused novice. :)

[Galsmiley]

Hi everyone! 

I'm a serious novice in the surfishing. As a young girl, I used to go out with my Pop to various points along the NJ shore as well as a few deep sea excusions for blues. I didn't pick up the habit much as a young adult, but now at middle age, I find myself lured (no pun intended) back to the beach.

I know very little, and while I've tried reading through many threads and visited countless websites, I'm overwhelmed. What I need is a site/book/thread that pretty much treats me like I'm in kindergarden, and can walk me through from step one.

Thoughts?

Thanks so much in advance for your comments

Denise

[ped579]

First of all welcome aboard Denise.  There is a ton of information on this site and just by doing some searching you should learn quite a bit.  If you have any specific questions, well, we are a very friendly bunch here.

First off where would you call your home waters in NJ?  Mine is from Ortley Beach, maybe a little bit north down to Island Beach State Park.  There are a few of us that are avid surf rats and know NJ pretty good. 

Surf casting is not all that bad and once you get the hang of it you will be teaching others.  Don't laugh we have some young adults that started while in  high school that are now giving some pretty good advice.  I have been fishing NJ for over 50 years and I am still learning new techniques. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to latch onto a good bait & tackle shop.  They are loaded with tons of info and once they realize you are a frequent customer that info will flow pretty freely.

Other than that, I would suggest getting a medium priced outfit and just jump in and get your feet wet.  Listed to others talk and just don't be afraid to go out.

This time of year is great to start as there is plenty if fish around and the best times to try your luck would be dusk or dawn as the fish are most active then.

So just get into a good conversation and lets see if we can get you into one of life's simple pleasures, Surf Fishing.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Hotrod]

Welcome Denise..  you came to the right place.

Use this topic to ask as you wish.. then it will be here for many

[Galsmiley]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.

I hope to get out to the fishing beach at Sandy Hook this weekend sometime. I have a basic set up that my Pop gave me, along with a tackle box, leaders, weights, etc.  I know how to cast (pretty much).

I have fond memories of fishing off jettys but I've forgotten where they all are. I also would like to find some piers. 

I'll probably stay on the northern parts of the Jersey Shore, being that my drive down from Sussex Cty takes some time.

I'll continue to pour through threads, though many are over my head at the moment.    Pop swears by Julians Bait and Tackle, so maybe I can get some pointers there.

Thanks again,

Denise

[Galsmiley]

Reading over my threads, it occurs to me that I should just have Pop meet me there and re-teach me. 

[Hotrod]

 

[blynch]

If i were you, I would'nt try to take it all in at once.  Pick just one kind of fish and learn about how to catch them, what kind of bait and gear you need, and once you've got a handle on it, start to branch off into other things. Fluke would probably be a good place to start.  You would do well to talk to someone at your local tackle shop to get you set up.

[FishOn]

Some good advice on this site. My bit of advice in regards to your post: don't go ouT on jetties until you are fully comfortable and confident in how to handle the worst case.  Make sure you have the right gear ie korkers and no waders in case you do slip. Also it would be wise to not be alone on a jetty especially at night. I see more people hurting themselves rock hopping and jetty fishing than in just about any other form of fishing.  
Just a quick for instance. A buddy and I were fishing a jetty this past Monday when a family decided they would try to come out and stand next to us....slick green rocks and crashing waves. We warned them that this spot is downright dangerous and they will have no good out of coming out here.  Well the father of the year (carrying his toddler son) slipped just as we finished our warning. His expensive looking camera around his next hit the rocks followed by his young sons face. On top of that he came crashing down on top of his son further injuring him. They scrambled to their feet and made their way to the sand. We follwed and asked if they were ok, which they were other than a nice scrap on the boys face and the fathers leg and elbow.  My buddy got some antiseptic wipes
from his truck for them and they learned a valuable lesson. Point is becareful. No fish is worth your life.  

[Scott G.]

 

[Galsmiley]

Thanks, as always, everyone!

Good advice about the jetties. I always wear water shoes, but still. I'll stick to the beach for now. Looking forward to pouring through posts later today!

Denise

[Galsmiley]

A quick question: If I'm going to Sandy Hook, would you all recommend starting at the Fishing Beach? What are your favorite spots at that location?

Denise

[FishOn]

A quick question: If I'm going to Sandy Hook, would you all recommend starting at the Fishing Beach? What are your favorite spots at that location?

Denise

refer to this thread. In surf fishing it's not always the same spot that is productive and if it is good luck getting someone to spill the beans especially over an Internet site. http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=21934.0

[Galsmiley]

Thank you! That's very helpful!

[Galsmiley]

Well, made it town to Sandy Hook yesterday. Spent the morning up at North Beach (after getting lost taking the wrong turn on the path!).  No fish. No bites. But the weather was glorious. Hope to get back there this weekend.

[NJ Guy]

try union beach on a incomming tide....and the locals there are more than helpful