We will be in Charleston SC visiting our daughter over Thanksgiving and thought we might try “Surf Fishing”. I have a good deal of experience with a fly rod on in land streams but have never surf fished. Any suggestions on equipment, technique and possible fish would be greatly appreciated.
lots of tips from folks you’ll find out there on the beach-- many like to go early morning to avoid crowds, esp near the inlets on either north or south end of any beach.
look for any kind of “structure” at low tide-- rock groins and pier pilings are the only true forms, but troughs and sandbars are everywhere and concentrate fish in predictable fashion. imagine you’re in a stream, look for current breaks, edges of deep troughs on the back of sandbars, calm spots in surf, spots where current wraps around rocky groins, etc.
you can find nice redfish on the front beaches now, so you’ll want a 15-20lb rig for them- braid is great because wave action doesn’t mess with it as much as it does with mono, much better sensitivity. you can use any kind of weight you like, but if there’s heavy surf or lots of current, you may need a 1 or 2oz pyramid sinker and slider rig to counteract it. bring a lighter rod (8-10lb) for whiting and trout too. carolina rig chunks of fresh/frozen fish or shrimp, or bring a cast net and attempt to get yourself some small live fish for bait… in general, heave the big rod into the surf and put it in a holder, then fish the small one relatively close to shore with a 1/0 hook and 20lb mono leader.
again, ask at tackle shops and ask the guys with rod carts on the beach what the bite is like. don’t forget you’ll need a nonresident license to fish from shore, but a 2 week will only run you $11 http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/license.html
good luck
barbawang,
Thanks for taking the time to give such great help. If your ever in Western NY during Steelhead run give me holler. That is assuming you might need something.
John
funny you should mention it, John-- i did my undergrad in NW pennsylvania- 30 miles south of erie at Allegheny College. thesis project for my bio degree was examining gut contents of fall and spring run steelhead… after much failure at hook and line capture, my dad hired a guide for a morning and we’ve been on a roll with sucker spawn and glow balls ever since! i’ve heard that this year is one of the worst on record for numbers of fish up in the tribs-- is that the case where you are too?
the fluorocarbon used for the steelhead is popular down here for species with excellent eyesight, such as sheepshead and seatrout. a leader at least 18" long is plenty, go for the 14lb or 20lb if you wanna step up your game!
if i get up that way again i will be sure to look you up- i have wonderful memories of steelhead and deer in the snow with my dad!
PM me if i can help any more- hope you enjoy charleston while visiting your daughter… and let us know how you do!
-Brock