With temperatures running in the mid to upper eighties for most of the week and the mullet starting to make a spring run it is good time to get wet. Get wet? That’s right, stand in the surf and go head to head with some large reds on surf tackle.
For me surf fishing represents the ultimate in relaxation. Other than finding fresh bait with the cast net there is literally no work involved, rigging is simple, destinations are easy to get to, heck the most effort goes into to fighting fish and having you feet sink in the sand as the waves roll around your feet!
For me surf tackle consists of an 8 to 12-foot surf rod, and a bait caster or spinning reel that will hold at least 200 yards of 20lb. test. Over the years I have caught Redfish in the mid to upper 40-pound range in the surf and therefore I believe in some stout tackle. Studies also show that large Redfish have a better chance of survival when taken on heavier tackle due to the fight being shorter.
As stated before rigging for reds in the surf is simple. Many folks prefer to use a standard drop rig like those used for typical offshore bottom fishing. The drop rig generally consists of a heavier leader material with two to three short leaders with hooks extending off the side. The weight on this rig attaches to the bottom of the rig. The advantage to this rig is that it allows you to place several pieces of bait in an area. A disadvantage of this rig is the fish will feel the weight when they pick the bait up and will drop it. Personally I prefer to use a Carolina Rig. This rig consists of a 2 to 3-foot 60-pound seven strand wire leader with a circle hook and a sliding sinker attached just above the leader. Note: According to a recent DNR study published in South Carolina Wildlife Magazine, fish released with circle hooks had a lot higher rate of survival than those with J-hooks and since most of the fish taken in the surf are larger brood fish this is critical. With the Carolina Rig you are less likely to lose a fish if he turns and runs y