Went to north end of folly early yesterday and saw about 5-6 people fishing. I didn’t catch much, one small whiting. Wondering if anyone caught anything out there yesterday.
Also, I’m starting to get serious about surf fishing but can’t seem to hook into any decent fish. I watched a ton of videos about reading the beach and found what I thought was a nice little trough beside a small rip where water from a tidal pool was flowing back out. I got several nice bites but came up empty every time except for the small whiting. Don’t know what I need to work on. I’ve fished several areas of Sullivans and Folly this year but striking out consistently. Looking for any advice. Thanks
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
What type of rig are you using? bait?
Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.
A typical two hook rig with a 4oz pyramid at the bottom. Not sure on the hook size but I actually used different size circle hook on my two rods. I switched to a smaller size bc I read they might be two big when you’re not getting hookups. I’ll try to get a pic later.
For bait I’ve tried shrimp, frozen mullet, and even tried some of that whiting cut up.
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
IMO it’s nearly impossible to go too small with hooks when surf fishing for whiting, reds, and pretty much anything else in the surf other than sharks over 3 ft. Just keep trying different spots, you will eventually find one that produces. If you’re having tangle ups with a double drop rig consider trying a regular Carolina rig, I’ve used both with equal success and the Carolina works better for me on rough days. We’re in the dog days of summer now so Rays, sharks and whiting have been the most caught species for me from the surf lately
2000 Aquasport Osprey 175 CC
Balloo, without seeing what you’re using I’m almost certain you’re using hooks that are too big. Try smaller hooks. Most of the gamefish in the surf don’t require big hooks. If you hook a monster in a small hook just back off your drag so you don’t straighten the hook out.
Capt. R. Killin
“Day Tripper”
Shamrock 20 cuddy
Ford 351W
Thanks btshipp. I haven’t really looked into a different rig other than the double drop. I’ll have to try the Carolina next time.
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
Here is the hookup I used yesterday.
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
For everyone saying use smaller hooks can you give some specifics. I typically only use circle hooks and the smallest i have are 3/0. Evidently they work great for baby sharks.
loose the snap swivel on the hook portion of the rig
Use a dropper loop instead of the swivel YouTube it and it will show you how to tie the loop its simple
Philip Snyder II
Thanks everyone! Got some new things to learn and try
baloo314
Native Ultimate 12
Try a sabiki rig, bait with fingernail size pieces of shrimp, 3 oz pyramid or 3 oz sputnik sinker
Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.
#2 j hook for hook size tie hook striaght to mono. If you want I’ll make some rigs for you.
Hook size comes up a lot. And all depends on the target…to a point. Obviously you probably would not land a 10’ shark on a Bream hook. And if you were fishing for 10’ Sharks with a Bream hook then…well you know 
. But I can say from experience, you can land a 30"-40" Red drum or 3’-4’ Shark or a 40lb Ray on a small hook. Personal I only carry 4 hooks, two of which I use rarely and one only when targeting Bull Reds (end of Sept.-Jan.). #4 jhook, #2 jhook, which I use 99% of the time. 3/0 circle for Specks using may secret fish strips. And a 6/0 3x strong circle which I tweek the gap open a bit. Most surf fish mouths are smaller than a quarter.
“There’s a fine line between fishing and standing in the surf like an idiot.”