So you want to start surf fishing?
By Toby Lapinski , Special to the Register
(PART I OF 4 PARTS)
Much like other hobbies, surf fishing requires certain specialized tools to be successful. Many of these items not only increase one's success and make the sport more enjoyable, but also provide a level of safety for the angler. In the coming weeks I will discuss some of the most essential items for the beginning angler prowling the surf along the Connecticut shore.
First and foremost, you will need to select a rod that is designed for surf fishing. Walk into any local tackle shop and I am sure you will be met with a wall of fishing rods of all makes, models and sizes.
The selection of offerings on the market is mind-boggling. Don't be afraid to ask around for advice on a rod manufacturer or consult your local tackle shop employee for advice. They want to develop repeat anglers and will do their best not to steer you wrong.
Here in New England, a rod of 8 to 11 feet will serve the surf-bound angler well. If your main target water will be here in Connecticut, a rod of 8 to 9 feet will be sufficient. Slightly shorter rods are a great choice in our local water as they are not only lighter and allow for longer outings without fatiguing the angler, but they are usually less expensive than an equal but longer rod by the same manufacturer. These somewhat shorter rods are great for the angler looking to plug, or cast lures, in search of striped bass, bluefish or any of the many other species which frequent our water.
If you intend to bottom fish, a longer rod may be more suitable to your fishing style. A rod of 10 to 11 feet is often helpful in keeping the line off of the crashing waves which form close to shore. This small advantage can make an outing of bait fishing that much more productive in that you will be able to detect each and every little hit you will hopefully encounter as the line is not going to be fighting the crashing surf. These longer rods are generally heavier than their shorter counterparts, but have the backbone needed to hurl a bait and sinker combo into the surf.
Composition of the selected surf rod is often a matter of personal preference. For the most part, two types of material are used in the construction of fishing rods: fiberglass and graphite. As a general rule, graphite rods are physically lighter, slightly less durable, but more expensive than a comparable rod made of fiberglass.
Fiberglass rods, on the other hand, are usually much more durable, physically heavier, and less expensive than graphite rods. To make things not so cut and dry, many manufacturers make rods that are a combination of both of these materials. These composition rods offer the best of both worlds at an intermediate price.
So that's a brief overview of the rods on the market today. When selecting your first surf rod, take your time. Go to a local, reputable shop that specializes in fishing gear. Sure you can pick up a cheap rod at your local "everything" store, but you probably won't get the same kind of honest information or product recommendations you will receive from a local fishing tackle shop.
Don't be afraid to ask the shop employee for some advice, and be honest with them in what you are looking for and your experience level. I am sure they will point you in the right direction and help you make a good choice.
Next, we will discuss what to look for in a fishing reel to match up with your new rod.
South Windsor resident Toby Lapinski, vice president of the Connecticut Surfcasters Association, has been surf fishing for more than 20 years. Contact him at lapinski@hotmail.com.
By Toby Lapinski , Special to the Register
(PART I OF 4 PARTS)
Much like other hobbies, surf fishing requires certain specialized tools to be successful. Many of these items not only increase one's success and make the sport more enjoyable, but also provide a level of safety for the angler. In the coming weeks I will discuss some of the most essential items for the beginning angler prowling the surf along the Connecticut shore.
First and foremost, you will need to select a rod that is designed for surf fishing. Walk into any local tackle shop and I am sure you will be met with a wall of fishing rods of all makes, models and sizes.
The selection of offerings on the market is mind-boggling. Don't be afraid to ask around for advice on a rod manufacturer or consult your local tackle shop employee for advice. They want to develop repeat anglers and will do their best not to steer you wrong.
Here in New England, a rod of 8 to 11 feet will serve the surf-bound angler well. If your main target water will be here in Connecticut, a rod of 8 to 9 feet will be sufficient. Slightly shorter rods are a great choice in our local water as they are not only lighter and allow for longer outings without fatiguing the angler, but they are usually less expensive than an equal but longer rod by the same manufacturer. These somewhat shorter rods are great for the angler looking to plug, or cast lures, in search of striped bass, bluefish or any of the many other species which frequent our water.
If you intend to bottom fish, a longer rod may be more suitable to your fishing style. A rod of 10 to 11 feet is often helpful in keeping the line off of the crashing waves which form close to shore. This small advantage can make an outing of bait fishing that much more productive in that you will be able to detect each and every little hit you will hopefully encounter as the line is not going to be fighting the crashing surf. These longer rods are generally heavier than their shorter counterparts, but have the backbone needed to hurl a bait and sinker combo into the surf.
Composition of the selected surf rod is often a matter of personal preference. For the most part, two types of material are used in the construction of fishing rods: fiberglass and graphite. As a general rule, graphite rods are physically lighter, slightly less durable, but more expensive than a comparable rod made of fiberglass.
Fiberglass rods, on the other hand, are usually much more durable, physically heavier, and less expensive than graphite rods. To make things not so cut and dry, many manufacturers make rods that are a combination of both of these materials. These composition rods offer the best of both worlds at an intermediate price.
So that's a brief overview of the rods on the market today. When selecting your first surf rod, take your time. Go to a local, reputable shop that specializes in fishing gear. Sure you can pick up a cheap rod at your local "everything" store, but you probably won't get the same kind of honest information or product recommendations you will receive from a local fishing tackle shop.
Don't be afraid to ask the shop employee for some advice, and be honest with them in what you are looking for and your experience level. I am sure they will point you in the right direction and help you make a good choice.
Next, we will discuss what to look for in a fishing reel to match up with your new rod.
South Windsor resident Toby Lapinski, vice president of the Connecticut Surfcasters Association, has been surf fishing for more than 20 years. Contact him at lapinski@hotmail.com.