Markwc Loc: Upper topsail island North Carolina

Just in vacationing for a week and thought I would like to try to fish the beach any tips or suggestions for upper topsail would be appreciated

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Markwc: Fellow, I wish I was going with you. I am not familair with Florida beach fishing. The only Florida fishing I've done is with my son offshore, or with a guide in the Keys.

I would try to get some bait, like live shrimp, or crokers. If that isn't possible, you might go with fresh dead shrimp. If you catch something small, you might cut it is half and use that for bait. Just Sayin...RJS

Markwc Loc: Upper topsail island North Carolina

Thanks RJS, I’ve never fished the beach before so I’m a true novice. Even about the gear. I’ve fished the mountains of Tn. And CO. But that’s about it.

Pixiedog456005 Loc: Maryland

Shrimps are the most preferred along with sand fleas. These are good for those fish that eat off the bottom.
For faster athletic fish, full size fish baits are good along with plastics and stick lures. The Wonder Popper for busting those on top.

Brownsville Tony Loc: Brownsville - Laguna Madre

A good general rule for beach fishing is to rig for whiting, pompano and trout. It might be a little tough for you to cast out far enough to get in good water using regular spinning rod and reel, but look for people fishing and see where they are casting to. Keep it simple and trouble free. Use a single drop set with a number 1 circle hook, definitely not bigger than a 1/0 about 8-10" off the bottom and a big sinker. (2 or 3 ounce). If you are going to hold your rod and you're not familiar with circle hooks, let the fish hook himself, don't yank. You'll get pretty arm weary holding your rod because the surf is always pulling on your line. If you get a sand spike of some kind and let it hold the rod, don't jump at every little twitch on the rod. You'll soon learn what a bite looks like compared to a rhythmic tide pull. Keep your line tight. The surf will take the line in or out depending on the tide. Get your bait at a bait shop. They will tell you what's working.

DWeber

I'm jealous! Grew up there but I've been in Ohio for 35 years so don't know how much advice I can give. If your fishing the surf on the beach make sure you have a nice long heavy rod and a holder for the sand. Simple bottom rig with about a 4 ounce pyramid sinker on the bottom. Shrimp or cut bait. Plenty of piers around to. Should be good this time of year for spot or trout. Bait shops right in the pier.

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

I Always talk to the folks at local bait and tackle shops For what’s biting on what bait and where. You can always google search
“Fishing reports (your location) date”

Pixiedog456005 Loc: Maryland

Fish the throughs between the waves.
Fish the cuts between the wave on the left and the wave on the right.

Don't discount spinning reels. Technique is more important.
The record long distance is made with the spinning / side cast reels. I get 80+ yards cast with partial energy from the rod. That is a long cast to reel back in just to change your bait.
For more long distance casting check out the Alvey Reel on the internet.

Use 3 rods if possible.
1 far, 1 medium, 1 close.
Find the fish and target that distance.
Medium & close throughts can be fished with lures as well.