If you live on the coast, there’s a good chance you’ve spent time fishing. Whether as a kid with your family or friends or as an adult trying to find some peace. Fishing as a surfer is also something that comes up often in conversations about coastal living. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you are also obsessed with the ocean and anything to do with it. So why not combine all of that into one activity? To begin with, fishing is one of the best ways to get close to marine life. It’s probably the most common way for people who aren’t professional biologists to have contact and interaction with different types of fish and sea creatures.
What is the best equipment for fishing as a surfer?
This is one of the most important parts of fishing and one of the first questions people have when they want to try it out. First, let's talk reels. When you choose a reel, you have to make sure it can handle whatever fish is in the water where you want to fish. The reel should be strong and sturdy to avoid breakage. The line you choose should be the right size for the type of fish you’re trying to catch, and it should be strong enough to hold the fish and have some flexibility to avoid breakage. When it comes to the rod, there are a few things to take into consideration. The material of the rod should be strong enough to handle any fish you might encounter, and it should be sensitive enough to feel any bites. The type of line you should use, and the length of your rod and reel will depend on where you’re fishing. Different bodies of water hold different fish, and they all prefer different equipment.
Why Surfers Should Fish
As we’ve talked about, fishing is a great way to connect with marine life. Spending some time out on the water and getting to know the fish that live there can be very rewarding. It’s also a very good exercise to do as a surfer. Spending time fishing can be very tiring, especially when you’re doing it for long periods. You’ll be pushing yourself to cast your line, reel in a fish, and pull it onto the shore. This will keep you healthy and fit, and it’s a great way to relax after a day of waves. If you want to sharpen your land-based skills, fishing is a great way to do it. It’s an activity that can be done by anyone, at any skill level. It’s something that you can practice and get better at and it can be done anywhere.
Where to fish as a surfer
As we’ve mentioned, you’ll want to choose a body of water based on the type of fish you want to catch.
- Inshore Waters: This includes rivers, bays, and estuaries. This is a great place to start when you’re new to fishing and want to learn more about marine life.
- Offshore Waters: This is where you’ll find the bigger fish. Outer banks, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean are all good examples of offshore waters.
- River Fishing: This is a great choice if you’re looking to fish closer to home. Rivers are a great place to fish, especially when the water is low and fish are moving upstream to spawn.
The Best Bodies of Water for Surfers Who Fish
The Pacific Ocean - The Pacific Ocean is a great place to fish, whether you’re in California or Oregon, or any of the other states that line the Pacific. The Pacific is a very diverse waterway and can offer up a variety of fish. The Pacific is also one of the largest bodies of water in the world and is home to many species of fish, including salmon, tuna, halibut, and many more.
The Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a great place to fish, especially in the summer when hurricanes push fish toward the shore. The Gulf is a very large body of water with many species of fish, including tuna, redfish, and many types of sharks.
The Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is a large body of water that runs along the East Coast. The Atlantic is a very diverse body of water, with many different species of fish, including tuna, redfish, salmon, and many types of sharks.
The Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is a large waterway along the East Coast of the United States. The bay is home to many species of fish, including blue crabs, striped bass, and oysters.
Lake Fishing
While lake fishing might not be as exciting as ocean fishing, there are some species of fish that live in lakes, like trout and bass. The Great Lakes on both sides of the border are also a great place to fish.
Advice for Beginners Who Want to Start Fishing
As we’ve discussed, fishing is a very beginner-friendly activity. However, it can be helpful to know a few things before you head out on the water.
- Keep your eyes peeled: Make sure you keep your eyes peeled while you’re on the water. Fish can be found in many different areas, and they like all kinds of water. You never know when you’ll spot a fish or where.
- Know your equipment: When you’re out on the water, you don’t want to have to worry about your equipment. Make sure you understand how your reel works, what the line is made of, and the type of rod you’re using.
- Be observant: This is something that all fishermen should do. Be observant of the birds, the water, and the clouds; all will help you figure out where fish might be.
Final Words
Fishing is a great activity for anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re just a beginner who wants to try it for the first time or an experienced pro who wants to take on a bigger fish. It’s something that can be done with friends or by yourself and is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re a surfer who lives near the water, there’s no reason not to fish. You can do it alone or with friends, and it’s a great way to relax after a hard day of waves.