Watching silver tarpon rolling in the surf always grabs my attention, but I see a lot of anglers walk right by them, not even aware of the chance to hook one up. Tarpon come close to shore when the weather warms, chasing baitfish that hug the beach. These massive fish aren’t out where boats go. … Read more
Targeting striped bass from the surf has always drawn me in, both for the excitement and the challenge. If you’re new to the scene, you might see a crowded midday beach and assume that’s when the bite is hottest. QUICK LOOK: Tips for Targeting Striped Bass in the Surf The truth is, stripers behave differently … Read more
Every surf angler has heard this debate: live bait or artificial lures. Both sides have strong followers, and plenty of stories to back up their claims. I’ve tried both over the years and faced days when fish wanted nothing but the real thing, and other days when plastic out-fished anything alive. Understanding the difference, knowing … Read more
The idea that flounder can only be caught in deep water keeps a lot of beach anglers from trying for them in the surf. My own experience has shown me that not only can you catch flounder right from the beach, but you can also find some of the best fishing of the year just … Read more
Watching a big fish break off after a long fight in the surf can leave even experienced anglers shaking their heads. The first instinct for a lot of surf fishermen is to blame the hook. Maybe it was too small, maybe not sharp enough, or just the wrong style for the job. I’ve been there … Read more
Surf fishing is full of surprises for anyone who pays close attention to the beach. I’ve learned that the “gut”, that trough of deeper, moving water just off the sand, offers a wide open invitation to fish, but it’s overlooked more often than you might think. Understanding how to spot and fish the gut can … Read more
Sargassum, the floating brown seaweed, has become a daily sight on many beaches across the world, especially along the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the Atlantic. For those who love surf fishing, sargassum presents both exciting opportunities and real frustrations. In this article, I’ll help you make sense of this seaweed’s good and … Read more
The Daiwa Crosscast Surf Reel has become a go-to choice for anglers looking to cast far, manage tough surf conditions, and handle big fish without breaking the bank. I’ve put this reel through its paces on the Texas coast and at several demanding beaches, so I’ve seen how it holds up in real-life surf conditions. … Read more
Surf fishing attracts a huge following because it fits well with many lifestyles and interests. For me, the combination of ocean air, the sound of waves, and the excitement when a fish takes the bait makes this type of fishing hard to beat. I want to share why surf fishing has become such a favorite … Read more
Tides play a huge role when it comes to successful surf fishing. The rise and fall of the ocean can change everything, from where fish are located to how active they are and even how safe it is to be on the beach. When I started surf fishing, I quickly learned that paying attention to … Read more
