Surf Fishing Books

[adesai73]

I just picked up three from Amazon recently at a very good price.  They are:

Striper Surf - F. Daignault

As far as everything I've read about this book, it is considered a gold standard.  I'm looking forward to it.

I also got,

Fishing the New Jersey Coast - J. Freda

and

The Surfcaster's Guide to the Striper Coast - D.J. Muller

Has anyone read any of these?  Opinions?

[ped579]

Hi Ash,

You have some pretty heavy hitters there.  I haved met two out of the three and you can't go wrong with any of them.  All their info is streight forward and remember your best teacher is YOU.

You have to put in your time and try to remember their tips. 

Just a word of advice take it easy.  To much input can be dangerous to your learning process.  I am sure all three books will stress all the basics.  Once you master this move on to the next step.

This sport is suppose to be fun, take your time and the learning curve will be much shorter.

Enjoy your reading.  For me my best teacher was to get out and drown some lures.

I will be out early at Ortley tomorrow trying for schoolies (young stripers).  I will be using metal lures with teasers.  Because the water is cold this tactic must be fished slow.  I will let you know how I did.  Only going for a couple of hours.

Happy Catching

Paul

[CapBob]

I've read Freda's Fishing the Jersey Coast and it is pretty good

[rugman]

I have a boat , but i love hitting the surf

[Bucktail]

I just picked up three from Amazon recently at a very good price.  They are:

Striper Surf - F. Daignault

As far as everything I've read about this book, it is considered a gold standard.  I'm looking forward to it.

I also got,

Fishing the New Jersey Coast - J. Freda

and

The Surfcaster's Guide to the Striper Coast - D.J. Muller

Has anyone read any of these?  Opinions?

Looking forward to reading the Muller book. 

Freda's book is good as far as giving you some general starting locations throughout the state. 

Daignault's books are interesting.  Although, IMO his stuff is a little beyond the beginner.  His opinions on things like leader length are definitely different from the mainstream.

For someone who is just starting out I would suggest The Surfcaster's Guide to Baits, Rigs & Lures by Milt Rosko.  Others that are helpful, but not totally dedicated to the surf, are The Striped Bass Book and Fishing The Big Four.  For that matter anything written by him is good.  These are very informative and useful for the beginner.  Rosko doesn't seem to get bogged down in details that can distract you from learning the basics.

BTW, I would also suggest anything written by Paul Danielczyk.

[IrishAyes]

I would second the Paul suggestion.   

[ped579]

Thanks Guys...

I try to make things as simple as possible.

But I am not in the catagory of these guys yet.  I hope one day to be, when I grow up I mean.   

Paul

[basslover]

I have Striper Surf.  It is hands down, the most informative book I've ever read!! Just fair warning...do not try to remember all of the info he talks about after reading it.  You may want to take notes, and do like I did, read it multiple times.  It's loaded with really good info.  Almost too much at times.  Enjoy the reading!!

[ped579]

Thats true about not trying to retain all that info.  Use these books like a text book and try to mimic what they say but remember these guys have had plenty of time behind the reel and know the territory.  It is up to you to put in a lot of that time in as well.  You can't become proficient  at something until you have time using it and abusing it.

Read a little than go out and try it, sort of like homework.  Once you have mastered that technique move on to the next one.  A passing grade will be your first fish caught by using that technique.

Books are good but hands on is better.  Just like trying to tie your first nail knot, or bowline. 

All I can say is, practice, practice, practice.

Happy Catching

Paul

[adesai73]

Oh, believe me, I intend on putting in plenty of beach time this year!

I just happen to like reading and figured I might as well try and make my fishing trips more productive at the same time. 

I'm approaching the books more as guides, rather than instruction manuals.

How'd you do at Ortley, btw?

[ped579]

I wound up practicing with my new set up and having fun with some folks.

When I practice I just put on a bank sinker and cast, well a few people stopped to ask how the fishing was and I kept on telling them it would be good if only I could keep my hooks on... 

I get very strange looks some times till they figure it out.

Happy Catching

Paul

[adesai73]

Just finished reading The Surfcaster's Guide to the Striper Coast - D.J. Muller.  One of the best purchases I've ever made.  He really does a terrific job explaining everything for the beginner.  I see myself using this book as a reference for years to come. 

I happened to peek into the Daginault book and I would have to say that it may be a *bit* over my head right now.  I'll probably still read it, but I'm not going to let it get into my head too much.  Information overload...

[catfish hunter]

now take a walk on the beach and see for your self what he is talking about when it comes to reading the beach and water ,I read all the books above and they were all great .while it is still fresh in your head go for a long walk and learn what the wave are saying to you ,If you cant read the water you will be sitting on a bucket all day wondering why everyone else is dragging fish up the beach

[IrishAyes]

In due time you will only be using the books for a reference.  You will learn enough that you will be comfortable with your fishing.  Both in selecting where to go and when.  It does take time, but you will be there before you know it.

Learn your quarry and its habitats and you will be a catching machine.   

[ped579]

Every day from now it will get better off the surf.  If you can pick any time I would mark my calender around Mothers Day, that seems to be when everything really opens up down by the Barnagat Inlet. 

If you can wade the flats it is usually non stop blues on the incoming tide.  Great fun on top water plugs. 

The weakfish will be starting to show in the same flats as well only a lot earlier, grass shrimp is the key here.

Get out and start to read the beaches.  It is great just to walk and be amazed at what could be out there.  Just remember to pick low tide to do your reading.

Happy Catching

Paul

[OffTheHook13]

I read Striper Surf and The Surfcaster's Guide to the Striper Coast

Both very good reads.

I did not read the 2nd of the three you have listed.

[EdL]

I ordered "Season on the edge" by John Skinner - received it today - I was going to save it for my vacation in Apri, so I just paged through it after dinner tonite -well, needless to say, I need another book for vacation, I started reading a little and never put it down. Great reading - highly recommended