I am a Freshwater Fisherman for the most part and have been all my life. I am coming down for a week vacation Mid July and plan on doing some surf fishing.
I’m not trying to take anyones spots or family tips or nothing…
I just want to get out get some fish with the family and not get shutout…
I have done some looking on my own… looks like everyone is using popping corks in line with mud minnows. Any tips on where to get the mud minnows down there or any other tips would be great.
What is running in Mid July? I see Reds, Drum and trout…
Ok… Additional info…
I have a Penn Fathom (25) on a 8’ rod with 30# mono, (2) Penn Defiance Combos (6’6") with 30# mono, and a Older Penn 209M 7’6" Tiger Rod with 30# mono. I plan on getting some surf rods. Can I use these rods and will the rods be Ok.
You don’t need much to catch fish from surf. Just use medium gear (7’ rod w/ medium spinning reel). I would switch to braid. Is much more sensitive, and can feel bite better. Tie your own bottom rigs, or use a fish finder rig. The ones in the store don’t work as well as the ones you tie yourself. Also use the proper gear for what you are targeting. If you want to catch a variety or fish, what I use is a fish finder rig (google it if you don’t know) and what ever size hook needed for the type of fish you want to catch. If you want to catch smaller species (whiting, spot, pomps, etc) I use a #4 eagle claw long shank hook on a fish finder rig w/ fresh shrimp. You can also use a carolina rig, which works well. Don’t get the shrimp from the bait store, it is crap. Use fresh shrimp from the fish market. If you want to target reds or bigger species I would use a #3 circle hook w/ fresh mullet or a larger piece of shrimp. Also scout the beach at low tide to look for cuts gullies in sand. You can fish them when they are covered w/ water either at incoming or outgoing tide. Thats where the fish feed at. Also remember that most of fish feed in the white water where waves are breaking, so don’t throw to far. You can catch fish at any of the beaches, but it is slow until the weather warms up, prob around April or May.
You don’t need much to catch fish from surf. Just use medium gear (7’ rod w/ medium spinning reel). I would switch to braid. Is much more sensitive, and can feel bite better. Tie your own bottom rigs, or use a fish finder rig. The ones in the store don’t work as well as the ones you tie yourself. Also use the proper gear for what you are targeting. If you want to catch a variety or fish, what I use is a fish finder rig (google it if you don’t know) and what ever size hook needed for the type of fish you want to catch. If you want to catch smaller species (whiting, spot, pomps, etc) I use a #4 eagle claw long shank hook on a fish finder rig w/ fresh shrimp. You can also use a carolina rig, which works well. Don’t get the shrimp from the bait store, it is crap. Use fresh shrimp from the fish market. If you want to target reds or bigger species I would use a #3 circle hook w/ fresh mullet or a larger piece of shrimp. Also scout the beach at low tide to look for cuts gullies in sand. You can fish them when they are covered w/ water either at incoming or outgoing tide. Thats where the fish feed at. Also remember that most of fish feed in the white water where waves are breaking, so don’t throw to far. You can catch fish at any of the beaches, but it is slow until the weather warms up, prob around April or May.
Thanks!! I have to get some 5oz sinkers. The smallest I have now is 8oz. I will also need to get smaller hooks. Thanks for the tips. I will be going in July.
Yeah sorry i use mainly a 2 or 3 oz pyramid sinker. If its really ripping I will use a 4. If a 4 will not hold I don’t bother with it. Also use flora carbon for your leaders on the fish finder rigs. It dose make a difference. Just practice and see what works for you. I moved down here 2 years ago from the up state and was clueless for the first several months. I have kind of picked up what I know here and there and now constantly catch fish. Is addictive once you figure it out. I love surf fishing and prefer it to fishing off my boat. Thats the main reason I hate this time of year.
Yeah sorry i use mainly a 2 or 3 oz pyramid sinker. If its really ripping I will use a 4. If a 4 will not hold I don’t bother with it. Also use flora carbon for your leaders on the fish finder rigs. It dose make a difference. Just practice and see what works for you. I moved down here 2 years ago from the up state and was clueless for the first several months. I have kind of picked up what I know here and there and now constantly catch fish. Is addictive once you figure it out. I love surf fishing and prefer it to fishing off my boat. Thats the main reason I hate this time of year.
Ok… The funny thing is I fish the Potomac River around Fort Washington, MD and the current rips through here. If you don’t have a min 8oz you can’t fish it.