FS Digest

I’ve cast some lines off the surf about two times now. I haven’t caught anything but I’m trying to learn the troughs and waves to find good spots for fish. This may be a dumb question…

My question is, how do I tell when I have a fish. The rod in the holder always seems to bend (I’m guessing from the waves and current) making it look like a fish is on but when I set the hook obviously nothing is there. Should I turn the drag down to hear when it pulls or will the rod really bend significantly for any size fish.

I’m used to freshwater pond fishing and feeling bites in those scenarios. It’s very hard to tell when I’m casting bucktails or just bait out with the sand and current and such.

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by Pankobreadcrumbs10

FourchonLa. Loc: Fourchon Louisiana, South Louisiana

Don’t know if you can but I get out there in the water to fish. With the rod in hand, there’s no doubt about it when a fish hits.

JackM Loc: North East Florida

Good question. When you have a fish the rod will do one of three things. The tip will bounce like a kid is tugging on the line repeatedly with short jerks, much more intense and quicker than the waves will do. Or the rod will bend over much further than the waves make it and stay bent over, that is a larger fish heading to England or Japan depending on which coast you are fishing. The hardest to spot is when a fish takes the bait and heads back into the beach. The line will go slack. When you see this reel in the slack and hope there is a fish.
If you are using a rod holder always keep your drag set light. That way a large fish will not pull the rod out of the holder and into the water. You can adjust the drag after you know there is a fish on.
Here is an article I wrote on how to read the beach.

https://ameliafishbites.com/where-to-surf-fish/

There is a link at the bottom of the article to a great YouTuber "The Sinker Guy" here in the Jacksonville area on how to read the beach in case you prefer visual learning. Give him a Thumbs UP and subscribe.

hhager23 Loc: Hatteras NC

If your rod is bending a lot you may not have enough weight or the right sinker to keep you in one spot. Lots of times the waves and backwash may make your rod twitch especially if you are fishing close to the lip. With most saltwater fish you will know when you have a bite.

padrebino Loc: BROWNSVILLE, TX / SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX

A light action rod could give you some false readings, especially if the surf is choppy. Next, try a heavier sinker.
Set your drag accordingly and spike the rod holder firmly if you don't want to loose your rod and reel.
When you do get a significant bite, you'll know!

PFC

Fishing rod in a holder - you need to keep looking at the rod continuously to see the bending action, fsh on!.PFC

BruceI Loc: Canton ohio

JackM is right on target…I would add to use circle hooks as the fish tend to set the hook themselves…you’ll know when a fish is on..watch your line and the waves…also watch for erratic side movement of the line.

Teeway300 Loc: Florida

You do not have to adjust your drag you should get a bait runner real. Especially if you’re fishing for big fish that way they will not steal your pole

JackM Loc: North East Florida

Your right circle hooks are the only way to surf fish. When you are catching whiting and pompano use Eagle Claw L-197 in 1/O is a perfect size. I've caught bull redfish on this size hook so don't worry that it is too small.

Tom Poz Loc: Belmar NJ

I think you will have better luck if you do not just leave your fishing pole in a pole holder. I recommend you use baits that you can work and make them look like a real fish. If you do put a bait on you want to use a circle hook so the fish hooks itself, all you do is reel DO NOT TRY TO SET THE HOOK. Good luck!

JimRed Loc: Coastal New Jersey, Belmar area

If you pick up the rod from the holder, just bring the line tight; you can usually feel if there's something hanging on. If you're using a circle hook just take a few turns with the reel; no need to set the hook in most cases.

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

Circle hooks, make sure you have enough hook exposed to sink in when fish bite. Fish finder rig allows your line to slide through it without the sinker moving. When fish take the bait they don’t feel the weight. Use only enough weight to hold bottom without moving in current. Pyramid and Sputnik weights hold sand better and don’t need to be as heavy, easier to cast. Change bait frequently 15-20 minutes. You want fresh slimy bait. If you don’t have a bait runner reel, make sure drag is set loosely and keep an eye on it. Many expensive rigs have been lost to big fish. Use a big quality sand spike set it well.

Billycrap2 Loc: Mason county,W(BY GOD) Virginia, 🇺🇸🦅

Yep I have seen rod shoot like a rocket launcher 🚀 if catches off guard , yikes 😳🐋🐋🐋