Most people have a perception that surf fishing means casting large sinkers and a variety of live and dead baits using a spinning rod. These spinning rods often perceived to be stout and long exceeding 10 feet typically. The fact is a spinning reel spool with 20 to 30 pound test monofilament line has in fact, been the norm. One of the challenges with this is the fatigue that is associated with hours of casting this large raid into rolling waves. The problem is that this type of tackle is often required to get the bait into just the right spot when the surf is high. Surf conditions including rolling and crashing waves against the beach, often require this type of equipment. There are however, situations where this is really too much, and anglers wind up using far more energy than they need. Fortunately, technology comes to the rescue and allows you to assemble a fishing rod and reel combination that is not only lighter, but shorter and easier to cast.

Northeast fishing holes provide a number of opportunities for surf fishing. In most of these areas, the tidal currents are not as excessive and the ways tend to be relatively tame. Interestingly enough, while these areas might not hold very large fish, they often have a number of smaller sized striped bass, bluefish, and the occasional bruiser. These fishing areas are ideal for scale down set of tackle, including the graphite surf rod in a length not exceeding 8 feet. Spinning reels of these rods are typically in the 4000 size range. The best thing about these fishing rods is they provide anglers enough length for distance casting and allow them to use a 1 ounce to a 3 ounce lure.

For the novice, braided fishing lines which were a relatively new advancement have made distance casting much easier. With the 4000 size real, 200 pounds of 30 pound test braid line on top of monofilament backing is becoming more common. Remember, braided fishing lines are significantly smaller in diameter than traditional monofilament. One of the benefits is the increased casting distance that is allowed because of less friction against the fishing rod guides. Surf casters should always note that braided line tends to not be as abrasion resistant as monofilament. In fact, in areas that are full of rocks and boulders fields, surf casters often discover they have many problems when casting a braided line. This problem can be fairly easily alleviated by attaching a fluorocarbon leader to the braided line. This helps provide some protection of line breakage in the event a fish aims for the rocks.

Another side benefit of this smaller tackle is the young anglers also get to enjoy the sport far more. They typically find these smaller rods far easier to handle than the traditional 10 to 12 foot surf rod. Add that to the additional sport and fun that results with smaller catches. When the occasional oversize fish hooks onto this gear, the angler will definitely be in a position to test their skills and will against a fish. There are few things are more sporting than this.

There is little doubt that large surf rigs will always be with us, and they definitely do have a place. This is especially true for the angler who is interested in using 5 to 6 ounce sinkers and is hunting for the largest fish. However, lugging those heavy rigs around can be tiring, especially when you are interested in tackling fish in the 5 to 20 pound range. In this case, it is time to start thinking about scaling down, scaling back, and sporting up.

When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Penn Reels, and Daiwa Fishing Reels.