New to Surf Fishing

[paddyo]

Folks,  Just started fishing from the surf for the first time.  Went to Long Beach island the week of Thanksgiving and had a blast.  Was able to purchase all the right equipment from listening to all on these forums and was able to catch a sand shark and nice bluefish utilizing Bunker.  I live in Bucks county PA and it may be easier for me to drive to belmat NJ instead of LBI.  I here a lot of talk from all that Stripers may be moving south and was wondering if it still make sense for me to hed to Belmar for the next few weeks or is the season over.

belmar is a straight shot from my home on interstate 195 and was wondering waht may be a good tackle store in Belmar to purchase Bunker.

Any input or help would be most appreciated.

warm regards

pat

[paddyo]

Folks, if I may I had another question.  When I caught my first bluefish last week there was agentlement watching me reel the fish in and new that I was a newbie.  was about the grab the fish by the mouth and he stopped me warning that the fish has sharp teeth.  I thought that was cool that he was looking out for me.  I would assume that most fish caught with the exception of the blue fish can be grabbed by either the mouth or gills?  Are there any fish that i need to be cautious about handling once landed?


many thanks

pat

[Hotrod]

Welcome Paddyo.  Ouch on the Mouth Hold 

The only fish I would ever think about holding by the lower mouth are Bass. 

"Sand Sharks" aka Dog Fish.  Watch them also.  some are spiny Dog fish that have 2 nasty spines that stick out of there fins..

[paddyo]

many Thanks HOtrod......I think maybe I should buy some gloves for fish release!!!

[ped579]

Welcome Aboard Pat,

Glad to see our little community of anglers has lead you to a successful first outing.  Do not hesitate to ask questions as we are not afraid to answer them.  I am not to sure what is available out of the Belmar area.  I fish mostly Ocean County in the area of Lavallette to the Barnegat Inlet.

There are tons of anglers from Pa. that call IBSP their home away from home and have enjoyed the almost endless beach accessibility.  With plenty of parking lots up and down this area fishing beaches are very easy to access from just about anywhere.

You can get a map of IBSP and just pick a parking area and it is a n easy walk to the beach.

Good luck and have fun on whatever beach you choose.  The guys that fish that area will probably jump in soon so be patient.

Happy Catching

Paul

[paddyo]

many thanks Paul

[Hotrod]

Most fish..( Someone correct me if I'm wrong)
You can grab from the underside below the gills with thumb and finger. 

[paddyo]

Thanks...the more I research the various fish that can be pulled from the surf...the more I learn that many of these species may either have teeth or some type of spine on there fins which may create problems for newbies like me.  it may make sense for me to just purchase gloves.

[ped579]

I use a Berkley Grip and it helps a lot.  No worries about slipping up and getting bitten.  Its only about 30 bucks or so and saves on the digits...