Kite Fishing in the Surf

Saltwater Surf / Pier Fishing
1

I’ve been watching some cool videos on kite fishing. Have anyone try? Is it legal to try it on SC surf?

2

Are you talking about the way they do it in New Zealand where they use something like a big trotline? If so, you would have to call dnr for specifics. I remember seeing somewhere in the regs where you can use a trotline in salt but the state is pretty specific with rules and to do that you would need a line much longer than the state limit. Also, I’ve tried kite fishing like they do for sailfish before didn’t work on the beaches here because the winds blow parallel to the shore and not out to sea. It worked great on my yak a mile out but no fish.

3

I’ve watched those too and think it would be awesome to do. As the other reply said I do wonder if our wind would even allow it to work. Let me know if you try it!

4

Don’t you need a winch and all for that?

It seems like a lot of trouble.

I would be worried about surfers, swimmers, and paddleboarders getting in the way. I can just imagine winching in some tourist on one of the hooks. :angry:

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

5

I don’t think there is a regulation if you are simply using the kite to get a single baited line out far… but I’m skeptical that this will be useful for anything but perhaps sharking. The only places you’ll be able to do this will be non-swimming areas like Ft. Moultrie or North Folly, because a really long line out is a guarantee for tangling a swimmer/surfer (they tangle up in your line even when casting in the breakers around here).

In the end, by the time you spend the cash on a decent kite and associated riprap, you might find it simpler just to get a used kayak and yak the baits out.

“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza

6

Thank you guys for the input. It’s all about fun!

  1. Wind direction, I think this is our biggest challenge.
  2. Regulation would limit us on our tactic
  3. Location and time. I guest we just go out there and fish at night

I will try it out whenever the wind permit and let you know how it turn out