Surf Fishing Surf City, Ship Bottom LBI...any tips?

[Mbailey33]

Hello all, new to the forums here, this is a gem of a find for sure.
Started Surf fishing a few years ago with the kids, figured if im gonna be surrounded by water, you can sure bet im going to have a fishing pole. Well to say the least, im hooked (bad pun i know lol, couldnt resist)....I was looking to see if anyone could throw some tips my way regarding surf fishing Surf City, or Ship Bottom, rigs, bait etc. I really dont target one specific species. Ive got my littleones hooked as well, they have a blast having anything tighten their line.
Oh, and the write up on "Reading the Sand" was brilliant!!

I look forward to chatting with you gents,
Have a great day

Matt


How can one not love Surf fishing when this is what greets you in the morning while your sipping your coffee.

My Son, and a heck of a great sunrise
 

[FishOn]

Welcome to the site!  I don't fish down there and I don't often bait fish but others on here will give you plenty of tips and advice. I will say this. That's a beautiful pic but why are the rods spiked do far apart? If you get a cautious nibble on the far rod, by the time you get to it you will have missed your chance. Couldn't you spike them closer together and angle the lines out? Or closer together with one set long and one set short? Anyway advice is on the way....

[Mbailey33]

Howdy Fishon,

Thanks for saying hello sir!

The empty pole was where i was fishing from, but i had to take this picture, the whole time running past my son, i was thinking "Im gonna turn around and get an action shot of my pole sliding down the beach  " I set the drag really loose, just in case that actually happened.

This site is amazing, ive learned more reading this morning, than in the 2 years ive been surf fishing. Im a freshwater guy by trade, but my heart is now on the beach.

[BigAl13]

  You have already completed a big help and that is reading the sand, Secondly bait fishing is a productive way but sometimes can get boring, however the best way to figure it out is hang out at a local B&T and make some friends with the guys. There the ones who know what how and where, going with that there are some who always say the fishing is great here here and here and on this but be wary for they have to say so if they said, " fishings been crap the last few days around here." you wouldnt spend any money in there, so make friends on the beach especially with the old timers. If you have any specific questions on anything rigs weights methods etc. feel free to ask.

[captainbailey]

I would target fluke during the day with a bucktail or strip bait slowly dragged across the bottom. There are still bass to be had at night so soak some chunks.

Also, blues never pass up a free meal.

[ChrisL]

Welcome to the group  . Make youself right at home.
Awesome pic there.   Sunrise is definitely one of my favorite parts of surf fishing.

[Moosegate]

Get some hi/lo rigs with smaller hooks...about size 2/0. Bait with small clam pieces and cast out. This time of year you can catch a lot of different fish in the wash, everything from fluke to bass to weakies to blues to kings to blowfish to drum.