There is fishing and then there is surf fishing. Some will say a bad day fishing beats a good day at the office. James Kendall wrote in the New York Times, "If the weather is bad, that's good. If the gear is cumbersome, you're dressed right. If the bass and blues aren't biting, and you're still happy, you're a surf caster." It is true on Long Island, New York that under good conditions surf fishing can be good no matter if you catch anything or not. It is just quite relaxing and refreshing to be around the sea spray.
      Surf fishing is relatively cheap to start up, seeing as you really just need a 10' to 12' pole capable of slinging a 6 ounce lead weight 100' over the surf breakers. A good heavy duty spinning reel is best for surf fishing. Anglers argue which is best for surf fishing, the length of the rod or the design of the reel, but some say it makes no difference. Avid surf fishermen will follow, on the beach in their 4WD vehicle, a flock of birds waiting for a school of bait fish, then wait for big fish to start feeding. Fish rarely bite on bare hooks, so the choice of bait can be varied.
      In South California, many use sand crabs, squid and mussels as bait, while a few use artificial soft baits, such as grubs, worms, swim baits, etc. Fishing the Outer Banks of North Carolina can be wonderful, but Florida also has great surf fishing opportunities. Get the bait out over the breakers and the rewards can be wonderful. A nice marlin may be lurking close by. Search the internet for surf fishing clubs and the information is endless. All you have to do now is get your gear and step into the surf for an unforgettable experience.