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Here’s what we got for you today:

• Literally everything you need to surf fish on a budget 🌊

• Footage of a GARGANTUAN 10 foot tuna being caught 🐟

• A clam chowder recipe for the books 🥄 

• Scroll To The Bottom - we have an unreal referral program and are giving away free Early Bird Fishing stickers, neck gaiters, and boonie hats 💸

Surf Fishing On A Budget: What You Really Need to Get Started

Surf fishing is an accessible and exciting way to go fishing, but many newcomers worry that expensive gear might be a barrier to entry. Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to get started in surf fishing. Here’s how to gear up for surf fishing on a budget:

1. The Rod and Reel

Your rod and reel are arguably the most important components of your setup. A decent surf fishing combo doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Look for a 9-12 foot medium-heavy action surf rod, paired with a spinning reel that has a smooth drag system and can hold a decent amount of line (300+ yards of 20-30 lb test). Many affordable surf fishing combos are available for under $200. Brands like Penn, Okuma, and Daiwa offer reliable options that won’t let you down.

2. Bait or Lures?

For surf fishing, anglers typically choose between using natural bait or artificial lures. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:

Bait:

Using natural bait, such as shrimp, sand crabs, or clams, is highly effective in surf fishing because it mimics the natural diet of the fish you’re targeting. Many surf anglers dig up their own bait right at the beach, making it an inexpensive option. Alternatively, frozen bait from a local shop is cheap and will still catch plenty of fish.

• Cost: If you collect your own, bait is essentially free. Frozen bait costs $5-10 depending on the bait type and quantity.

• Effectiveness: Natural bait is often the most effective, especially for species like striped bass, red drum, and flounder.

Lures:

Lures are a great option if you prefer a more active style of fishing, and they can be especially effective for targeting larger, more aggressive species. Popular lures for surf fishing include:

• Metal spoons: These mimic small baitfish and are excellent for catching bluefish or Spanish mackerel.

• Soft plastics: Jerkbaits or swimbaits that imitate sand eels, minnows, or other small fish are great for species like speckled trout and redfish.

• Topwater lures: These can create exciting surface strikes from predatory fish like bluefish or striped bass.

Using lures in surf fishing can reduce the need to buy bait, and they are reusable, making them cost-effective over time. A set of decent surf lures will cost around $10-20 but can last much longer than bait.

• Cost: Expect to spend $5-10 per lure. However, since lures are reusable, this can be more economical in the long run.

• Effectiveness: Lures can be highly effective, especially for targeting larger, more aggressive species. They also allow you to cover more water and actively search for fish.

3. Tackle for a Carolina Rig Setup

When it comes to surf fishing, a Carolina rig is a versatile and effective rigging method that works well with both natural bait and soft plastic lures. Here’s how to set it up for saltwater surf fishing:

Components You’ll Need:

• Egg sinker: Instead of pyramid sinkers, a Carolina rig uses an egg-shaped sinker that slides along the line. The weight helps cast your bait far into the surf while allowing the bait to move naturally in the water. Get a variety of weights (1-3 oz) depending on the surf conditions.

• Swivel: A small barrel swivel (size 3 or 4) is used to prevent line twists and keep your rig stable. These cost just a few dollars for a pack.

• Leader line: Use a 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader, about 18-24 inches long, to give your bait a stealthy presentation. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater and has strong abrasion resistance against the rough surf and fish with sharp teeth.

• Hooks: A 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook works well for surf fishing and is perfect for the Carolina rig. The circle hook ensures a better hookset, especially when fishing with live or cut bait.

Simply thread an egg sinker onto your main line, tie on a swivel, attach a fluorocarbon leader, and finish with a circle hook.

4. DIY Sand Spike

Instead of buying a rod holder, make your own sand spike. Grab a 4-foot section of PVC pipe (1 ½ inches in diameter), cut one end at an angle, and drive it into the sand. A single PVC pipe will only cost a few dollars and functions just as well as a store-bought holder.

5. Waders (Optional)

Waders can be helpful, especially in colder water, but they aren’t essential for every outing. If you want to wade out a bit farther without soaking your clothes, budget-friendly waders can be found for around $75. If you're just starting, you can get by without them, especially in warmer conditions.

Summary:

• Rod and reel: Invest in a 9-12 foot surf rod and a durable spinning reel for around $125.

• Bait or lure: Use natural bait for affordability or reusable lures for a more active fishing approach.

• Carolina rig setup: An effective and low-cost tackle option for targeting a variety of surf fish species.

🎣 IN THE FIELD

• We thought we’ve seen it all:

• If you want a visual on how to set up a Carolina rig - this is a great setup for many applications, especially surf fishing.

• An overnight charter out of Rhode Island broke a 30 year old Mahi Mahi record - the fish was an absolute unit.

AI CORNER

Every week we generate fishing related AI images. See the coolness/weirdness below:

CHEF’S KISS

🔥 A terrific catch and cook for perch that was caught surf fishing:

🐟 An absolutely fire (no pun intended) air fryer recipe for fish and chips.

🐚 As the weather starts to cool down, you can’t go wrong with this clam chowder recipe. No soups from a can here…

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