Surf fishing is one of the most popular types of saltwater fishing around the world. It differs from pier fishing in that the fisherman may relocate to find fishing hot spots or the right tide and surf conditions. Fishing from a pier is stationary. Surf fishing is basically fishing from the beach, although it may just as well include pier, rock and jetty fishing. Regardless, take time to know your fishing spot when fishing the surf to avoid drop offs and rip tides.
      Surf fishing equipment is chosen depending upon time of year and water temperature. Waders are preferred in cold water surf. Gloves are a must since most saltwater fish have teeth. The fishing rod should be chosen for salt water fishing with sufficient stoutness and length for surf casting. The line weight is generally heavier than boat or pier fishing. Double armed casting is a technique adopted by surf fisherman to advance the terminal tackle well into or just past the breaking surf.
      Bait is chosen depending upon the type of fish being sought. Cut bait, such as smaller fish and crustaceans, is normally available at the bait shop. Salt water fish are mostly predatory fish, or larger fish looking for smaller fish. Many surf fishing sportsmen will fish initially for bait fish, knowing that the larger prey fish will not be far behind. Artificial lures are sometimes used for the faster fish.
      A general rule for surf fishing is that saltwater fish generally travel north along the shore in the spring and south in the fall. The types of fish vary from geographic location, but the more common types of fish angled for are stripped bass, sea bass, spots, shark, flounder, red drum, black drum, sea trout, bonito, pompano, Spanish mackerel, snook, bluefish and tarpon.