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Surf Fishing Equipment: Gear, Rods, Tackle And Florida Fishing

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Published: August 23, 2007

Many people name fishing as one of their favorite outdoor pastimes. But most of these fishermen and women partake in only one specific fishing method or location when they go out to fish. For example, many who have become experts at fly fishing on a lake know little or nothing about fishing in the ocean. This is what surf fishing involves - shoreline fishing, without the benefit of a boat or a pier. This fishing method is extremely popular in Florida, although fishermen elsewhere also enjoy the sport. And as with any other kind of fishing, surf fishing necessitates its own type of equipment. Having the right surf fishing equipment is an absolute necessity when embarking on this exciting, but potentially dangerous, fishing technique.

Because of the particular demands of surf fishing, surf fishing equipment has to be hardy and durable. When surf fishing, the aim is to cast as far out into the water as possible, often as far away as 200 yards. Saltwater and sand can also be extremely corrosive and damaging to poorly made surf fishing equipment. The fisherman or woman also has to protect themselves from sharp rocks, currents, aggressive jellyfish and angry stingrays as well. For these reasons, there are many different types of surf fishing equipment needed.

Arguably the most important types of surf fishing equipment are the surf fishing rods and reels. Surf fishing rods are typically required to be from seven, 12 or 14 feet in length, with large spinning or spool reels. A good example is the St. Croix Premier rod, priced over $100, which can cast up to 100 yards away and hold up to six ounces of a leaded weight. The Quantum Boca PT Saltwater reel is common on these rods. Surf fishing rods can be the most expensive types of surf fishing equipment, at times close to $300.

Besides surf fishing rods and reels, surf fishing tackle also needs to be included in surf fishing equipment. Surf fishing tackle is generally heavier than the tackle required for freshwater fishing, although this can depend on the conditions of the surrounding waters. If surf fishing tackle is unavailable, ordinary tackle can usually be used in its place if the conditions are very calm.

Other important components to surf fishing equipment are the weights and sinkers. A "pyramid" sinker is usually attached to the end of the line, with the bait located farther up the line. This sinks to the bottom and increase the chances a fish will spot it and and come after the bait, which otherwise might be tossed around and lost in the surf. Weights and sinkers are two important pieces of surf fishing equipment for the most successful fishing experience.

There is also the self-protective surf fishing equipment a fisherman must wear upon his person. Surf fishing usually requires the fisherman or woman to wear a special kind of belt or harness, which helps to steady them when reeling in an especially heavy or stubborn catch. The Bombay belt line at JamesTackle offers nine varieties of fighting belts; the cheapest among them is $13.99. The 00030 Deluxe Fighting Harness, on the other hand, is $64.99. Whether choosing to buy expensive or more economically priced surf fishing equipment, harnesses are important for every fishing enthusiast's safety out on the water.

Self-protective surf fishing equipment must also include a particular type of shoe made for wading through the waves, to prevent painful incidents, such as stepping on a stingray's tail. Patagonia offers high-quality shoes for this purpose. Their Men's Marlwalker II Shoe is priced at around $115. As with the harness, protective footwear is required surf fishing gear to provide the safest shoreline fishing experience possible.

One of the most appealing aspects of surf fishing is that no boat is needed, even to hold surf fishing equipment. The beach vehicles for carrying surf fishing equipment can serve just as well. They are convenient for the surf fisherman's purposes, as he or she drives up and down the beach, trying to find the right spot to get out their surf fishing equipment and begin shoreline fishing. He or she then carries their surf fishing equipment out to the water in a cart. There are contraptions made especially for this purpose. AllTackle.com, a surf fishing gear retailer, sells the Angler's Fish-N-Mate, which holds up to six rods and 200 pounds of surf fishing equipment. This cart is available for nearly $170. Its smaller, more lightweight version, the Fish-N-Mate Senior, can be purchased for about $20 less. For carrying surf fishing gear without the convenience of a boat, other options for stowing and transporting surf fishing equipment are ideal.

Shoreline fishing, off the coast of Florida or anywhere else, can be fun and painless if all the right surf fishing equipment is available. The most important things to remember when looking for surf fishing gear are safety and durability. Rusted flakes on an expensive pole or being dragged out into the undertow by a furious swordfish would definitely spoil a fishing trip.


Sources:
Brooks, Ron. "Surf Fishing." About.com - Saltwater Fishing. 2007. About, Inc. - The New York Times Company. 13 Aug. 2007. http://saltfishing.about.com/od/surffishing/a/aa04 0520a.htm.

Surf Fishing Tackle. AllTackle. AllTackle.com, Inc. 13 Aug. 2007. http://www.alltackle.com/surf_fishing.htm.

"Surf Fishing - Surf Fishing Florida Shores." FishingTheSurf. 2006. FishingtheSurf.com. 13 Aug. 2007. http://www.fishingthesurf.com/.

Bombay Fighting Belts and Harnesses. JamesTackle.com. James Tackle. 13 Aug. 2007. http://jamestackle.com/bombaybelts.htm.

"Surf Fishing." Wikipedia. 8 June 2007. The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 13 Aug. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surf_fishing.

Patagonia Men's Marlwalker II Water Shoe. US-Parks. 2000-2007. US National Parks and Monuments Travel Guide - US-Parks.com, Inc. 14 Aug. 2007. http://www.usparks.com/gear_details/Patagonia_Mens _Marlwalker_II_Water_Shoe_21515.html.
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