I’m heading to Florida for a few weeks and im definitely interested in fishing the surf. I picked up tons of gear that i’ve seen recommended, and im interested in what you guys think I still need or that i need to change. I’m targeting just about anything in the water, from Redfish, to Pompano, and Whiting. I picked up some double bottom rigs along with pyramids (1 Oz- 4 Oz). The main issue im worried about and what everyone mentions is having the incorrect tackle. I picked up circle hooks from size 10-1 and a few 2/0. Any recommendations or tips? Now im thinking i may need some smaller hooks, like shown in the first and second slide.
Posted by EmptyChemistry5631
2 Comments
Looks like a good start. Learn the
Carolina rig and the fish finder rig. The pre-made high-low rig or double dropper rig will work.
For the fish finder rig you will need sinker sliders to allow the pyramid sinker to work properly.
Not sure which part of Florida you’ll be visiting. See if there is a Half Hitch store nearby. Hit them up for local expertise, knowledge and gear.
Enjoy.
Tie some double drop rigs with some 15 or 20lb flouro and use the gamakatsu size 1 hooks. This will work great for pompano, reds and pretty much anything else that doesn’t have teeth. Throw those rigs in the third pic away. Less terminal on the rig the better. Snapping on circle hooks is less effective and you will get less bites with the swivels. Instead watch a YouTube video on tying a drum rig or Carolina rig. They’re super simple and the tackle you need is relatively cheap. Tying smaller versions makes a great fish finder rig and is sometimes more effective that the double drops.
Bait may be the most important aspect of surf fishing. If you’re looking to catch fish, fresh shrimp is king. Not frozen. If the bait at the tackle shop isn’t premium I’ll go to a seafood market and pick up a pound of shrimp. Cut mullet is what is often used for reds but can catch a wide variety of species as well. If the bite is slow, comb the beach for sand fleas. This free bait is the an ideal bait for pompano and is known as “pompano candy”.
I’ve heard fish bites/ fish gum works well in Florida. In NC I don’t have much luck with them but they work for keep bait on the hook longer.