THE ART OF SURFCASTING
WITH LURES
ZENO HROMIN
Copyright 2012 SURFCASTING LLC
Smashwords Edition
Distributed by SURFCASTING
LLC
All Rights Reserved by Zeno Hromin
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.
Design and Layout: Stacey Kruk
Cover Design: Alberto
Knie
Illustrations and Artwork: Tommy Corrigan
SURFCASTING LLC
PO BOX 10665
WESTBURY, NY 11590
contact email - zhromin@verizon.net
Other publications by SURFCASTING LLC
The Hunt for Big Stripers, by Zeno Hromin
Surfcaster, by William Muller
Secrets of Surf Fishing at Night, by William Muller
Fishing the Bucktail, by John Skinner
— DEDICATION —
I would like to dedicate this book to my grandfather Vinko, who always had time to take me fishing. Although he is not with us any more I know he still is watching over me.
To my wife who puts up with my frequent excursions and yet still somehow finds time to sit and listen to me describe my trips in excruciating detail. I am humbled by your understanding and kindness. Your unconditional love and support is the main reason why this book project has become a reality.
To Steven, my son and my fishing partner, I offer thanks for your companionship and unbridled enthusiasm any time a rod is in your hands.
To my daughter Michelle, whose smile can light up a room, I offer thanks for your unwavering support. Seeing your smile after a long night in the surf makes my life even more beautiful.
— ACKNOWLEDGMENTS —
It is kind of ironic that the words that I might consider most important in this book might be the ones that will be read the least. Most readers will merely glance through the acknowledgments before moving to the rest of the book. However, I urge you to stick around for a moment because without these generous and incredibly talented people this book would only exist as a figment of my imagination.
To my dear friends, Edward J. Messina and Roger Martin, I offer eternal gratitude. They have labored mightily editing my writing, trying to remove all the “Zenoisms” out of each chapter. Without their editing skills, this book would never have seen the light of day.
A great deal of appreciation goes to my dear friend Tommy Corrigan who skillfully designed all the artwork in these pages. His youthful exuberance and his passion for surfcasting are infectious and have often inspired me to do things that I thought I was not capable of doing.
To all the members of High Hill Striper Club, past and present, I offer my gratitude for your guidance and support over the years. Without your advice and support I would have never written this book. Without your friendships I don’t want to imagine what my life would be.
Special thanks goes to Fred Golofaro, Senior editor of The Fisherman magazine and Gene Bourque, former editor of On the Water magazine for their support and encouragement over the years. Both of these fine gentlemen always found the time to answer my questions and guide me in the right direction in all matters including my writings. You truly are “two of a kind.”
Appreciation also goes to one of the most skillful and incredibly talented surfcasters on the east coast, “Crazy” Alberto Knie for his advice, honest critique and guidance.
To the people who helped with advice regarding this project I offer my sincerest thanks. My close friend Robert Maina, Joe Lyons from Surfcasting-rhodeisland.com and Peter Graeber from Saltwateredge.com, they have often served as sounding boards and offered honest and unbiased suggestions and advice during the process of writing this book.
Special thanks goes to Bill “Doc” Muller, one of the east coast’s most recognized surfcasters and a prolific outdoor writers. His articles in The Fisherman and his books have inspired thousands to join the ranks of the surf fishing community, including yours truly.
I also want to express my sincerest appreciation to all my friends who let me use their pictures in this book. Their generosity and support of this project means more to me than I can ever express in words. Thanks to Adam Flax, John Skinner, Mark DeAngelis, Manny Moreno, Peter Graeber, Gasper Lapiana, Mike Wright, Peter Jordan, Al Albano, Nick Colabro, Peter Hewlett, Peter Peresh, James Sylvester, Bill Wetzel, Toby Lipinski, Steve McKenna, Saltwater Edge in Newport,RI, “Iron”Mike Everin, Vito Orlando, Garry Moore, Scott Cunningham, Dominic Morandi, Lenny Ferro, Robert Maina, “Crazy” Alberto Knie, Freddie’s Bait and Tackle in Montauk, Chris Wahl, Terence Kirby, David Ryng, Tom Alterson, Dennis O’Connell, David Mangone, Carol Ann Tobias, Josh Clogston, Shark River Surf Anglers and Michael Ludlow.
— Zeno Hromin
— FOREWORD —
Having offered me the privilege of introducing the reader to this book, I find that the information contained in it has been long overdue. It sets a precedent with regard to fishing with lures providing instruction on Where, When, Why and most importantly HOW! Nuances usually overlooked by novices and seasoned anglers are covered such as selection for proper conditions, seasons and bait imitation. The book is loaded with key ideas which mark Zeno’s distinctive contribution to the world of saltwater plug fishing.
One of the remarkable things about Zeno Hromin is that he has used his imagination, pragmatic judgments, immense energy and humor to develop a book explaining all aspects of surf fishing with plugs. He wants to share his knowledge based on years of experience in the surf and he achieves his goal! Surf fishing is an art, hence the title of this book. If you absorb the lessons in this book you will master the art of using the many fine lures available to the fisherman today.
He shares his childhood days as a hand-lining gaff boy fishing with his grandfather in Croatia. He describes his first day of surf fishing when he ventured barefoot onto a slippery south shore jetty and discovered the dangers of tide and waves. Yet, in spite of these rude awakenings, he lives to tell the story. Through his passion and dedication to this sport, he prepares the reader to become a better fisherman by reaching into his own bag of tricks and coming up with the techniques best-suited to the conditions we encounter while fishing. He instills in us the confidence to develop our own angling strategies.
From the essential tools of the trade, smart strategies and worthy tips, Zeno shares it all cleverly and with great, humbling wit. The underlying theme of this book is the secret to becoming a better fisherman with lures… and I highly and strongly recommend it!
Tight Lines,
“Crazy” Alberto Knie
— TABLE OF CONTENTS —
CHAPTER
ONE
MEMORIES OF A FIRST LURE
CHAPTER
THREE
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
CHAPTER
FOUR
TIDE, WINDS AND CURRENTS
CHAPTER
SEVEN
BAITFISH PROFILES
CHAPTER
TWELVE
METAL LIP SWIMMERS
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
EEL SKIN PLUGS
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
PLASTIC SWIMMERS
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
BUCKTAILS & SOFT PLASTIC BAITS
CHAPTER
TWENTY
TAKE A KID FISHING
— INTRODUCTION —
Have you ever fished next to a surfcaster who was hooking up on every cast while you drew blanks? I certainly have on many occasions. Do you think that his success was a result of his gear being superior to yours? Probably not. Most likely the reason for his prowess was his ability to present his lure to the structure he was targeting in such a way that the gamefish found it too irresistible to pass up. Over the years I found out that my casting distance, brand of lure or even the color the lure, has very little to do with my success. I used to tear my shoulder apart trying to be the one who cast the furthest. I bought lures that were in such high demand I could have bought dozens of others instead of overpaying for the latest “hot” lure. Fortunately for my sanity and my wallet, I realized that there is no such thing as “a must have lure.” I also found out that my success was dependent on the careful placement and retrieval of my lure while taking into consideration the effects of wind, moon, current and tide on the structure I was targeting. My casts over the years have become shorter but more intense as I gained knowledge and the confidence that comes with that knowledge.
Today, I am as comfortable with placing a metal lip swimmer on the backside of a folding wave only twenty yards away as I am in launching a pencil popper over the distant sandbar. Figuring out which lure would give us the best chance of enticing a fish to strike is, in my opinion, the surfcaster’s ultimate challenge. Tossing a lure designed to work on the surface into deep water is about as effective as casting a darter into water without current. Today’s surfcaster has more lures to chose from then any other generation before and although they all might catch fish at some time or another, each lure is designed to be most effective under specific conditions. Some lures excel in fast moving water, wobbling tantalizingly side to side while in slow water they show almost no action at all. Some are known for their ability to cut through the strongest wind like a hot knife through butter while others are tossed around in these same conditions like a feather. I wrote this book hoping to demystify the process of choosing which lures to use and how to work them in order to get the most out of the action they are designed to produce.
Of course, knowing which lure to use is only the beginning of our quest. Having the right lure, in the right place but under the wrong conditions is almost like having a pen in which the ink has dried. Yeah, it worked great once but not today! This is why the first half of the book is dedicated to gear, structure, the effects of wind, tide, moons and currents, baitfish profiles and strategies. These are all things that must be taken into consideration before the lure is even selected. The chapter on confidence might not seem that important at first glance but I assure you that following the advice in that chapter will put more fish on the beach for you than any other chapter in this book. The second half of the book is dedicated to individual profiles of the most popular lures used in the surf today. This section contains an in-depth analysis of what, where and why to use each lure coupled with a discussion on colors and sizes that are most productive. This should go a long way toward answering any questions you might have about the most popular plugs on the market today. There is also a tip at the end of each lure chapter which should help you turn your ordinary lure into an extraordinary one under certain conditions.
What you won’t find in this book is a discussion on fishing with live or dead bait. The effectiveness of tossing live, rigged or dead bait is undeniable, particularly when it comes to targeting large fish. I am certainly not one who sticks his nose up in the air and looks down on those who do it regularly. There is an art to baitfishing too but fishing with lures remains my passion. While plugging, learn about structure, wave formation, weather patterns and tides and you can apply this knowledge quite successfully to fishing with bait as I’ve done on many occasions.
The thought of standing in the surf while getting rocked by waves, all while my drag is singing under the strain of a good fish is enough to send shivers down my spine. I am a Plug-a-holic, not a sharpie, celebrity or a great fisherman. I am just a surfcaster who often finds success through sheer perseverance and determination. Most of all I consider myself very fortunate to have friends who over the years selflessly shared their knowledge with me. This book is in part a result of their generosity because it would probably take me a few lifetimes to learn all the strategies and techniques on my own.
You might question just what is the “art” in surf fishing with lures? I assure you it’s there. Just like an artist uses his brush to create a masterpiece on a canvas, a surfcaster does the same thing except the vast ocean waters serve as his canvas. He paints his own picture with a metal lip that he is working at proper speed so it’s quivering in the white foam behind a rushing wave. He might also be using his rod like a magic wand, working a pencil popper or breathing life into a bucktail in the deep inlet rip with a slight flick of a wrist. Just like an artist who carefully lays out his color pallet before ever making a single stroke on canvas, a surfcaster carefully plans each trip, taking into consideration wind, tide, moon period, current, water conditions, availability of bait and structure he might be targeting. After all this preparation, the actual strike of a fish taking the lure serves only to validate our approach.
Toward the end of the book you will find chapters on conservation and fishing with kids, two things that are very dear to me. I think you’ll agree that we must do our part to protect this valuable resource so that our children can enjoy surf casting the beaches as much as we do.
CHAPTER ONE
— MEMORIES OF A FIRST LURE —
I‘ll never forget the first plugs I ever bought. I was just getting started in the sport of surfcasting and I turned for advice to a trusted friend. He had an affinity for plastic plugs; Bombers in particular were his favorites and that’s what he recommended. I remember sitting in an apartment in New York City and browsing through the Bass Pro magazine, excited like a kid on Christmas Eve yet totally confused by the array of lures, styles and colors. The fact that I had no clue what to do with these plugs or how to use them didn’t deter me from purchasing them.
This was in the 1980’s and I had just arrived in New York on a plane from Croatia without the benefit of knowing a single word of English or ever seeing a fishing rod or reel in my life. All my fishing to this point was done in Europe via hand lining. We used a piece of heavy Styrofoam to serve as a tool for winding a line and for a “drag” we used our fingers. When you had a big fish on you applied the “drag” by squeezing your line between your thumb and index finger. Needless to say this was a very painful exercise, as even the thick mono would cut the index finger to the bone under pressure of a large red snapper or a small tuna. I am afraid to think about what would have happened had we used braided line in those days. I might not even have a finger to type and write this book. It may seem strange but as I grew older my hands became so hard and leathery that by the time I reached my teenage years they resembled those of my beloved grandfather even though there was more than a fifty year difference in our ages.
It was my grandfather, along with my grandmother, who took care of me after my parents divorced while I was just a kid. I can remember as if it were yesterday the trips my Grandpa and I made in our 21-foot wooden boat powered by a 7 horsepower wind-on German car engine. It was a loud beast, slow on speed but dependable and easily maintained. My grandfather was a boat mechanic by trade and he worked on boats in my village on the Adriatic coast to supplement his meager pension. He did that and he fished any chance he got. He was considered a master fisherman in those days, finding shoals in the middle of nowhere and setting up on fish with the use of only land markings while others drifted around him without a clue. The only electronics we had were two running lights and even those were sparingly used so as not to drain the car battery stowed in the cabin.
We would get up at 3 A.M., head out to the sea and set the long lines by hand. Once the lines were set we would then go hand lining for a few hours until it was time to pick up the long lines we had laid out in the morning. The rest of the day was spent standing on the bow and hand lining for red snappers till dusk when it would be time to head back to the port closest to the fishing grounds. There was no winch so my grandfather pulled all the long lines over his shoulder while I served as the gaff man. Since this wasn’t a pleasure cruise and every fish counted as income I was often on the receiving end of stares or some piercing looks if I would miss a fish while gaffing. My grandfather preferred uninhabited islands to make a camp and we would throw an anchor in the small harbor while he would make a dinner. After we fished all day my hands reeked of the sardines and squid that we used for bait and this is something I accepted as a part of my every day life. But when he made dinner and I started getting a whiff of what was in the pot I had to hold my gag reflex in check. Now my grandfather was also considered one of the best cooks around and people came from miles away to our humble home and begged him to cater meals for their gatherings but on these trips, after staring at fish all day the last thing I wanted see in the pot was……fish! If it was quality stuff like a striper or sea bass but no, those were marked for sale. I had the pleasure of feasting on bergals, sand porgies and sand sharks. After dinner we would attach bait to the long lines for the morning drop and then he would have a bit of home made red wine and we would crawl into the cabin to sleep. This went on for three or four days or as long as it took to fill the homemade freezers we had on board.
The good thing was that upon the return we were spared going to the fish market. Since he had a great reputation as the top fisherman in the area his entire catch was pre-sold and restaurateurs came to our house to pick out the best fish. The smaller stuff went to our neighbors in the village while we got bergals and of course, sand sharks. Once in a while I’d be pleasantly surprised to smell, through out the house, the aroma of large skate wings in garlic stew. Even though we lacked many of the things I consider today to be necessities, the love that my grandparents gave me more than made up for them and I never really felt I was missing out on anything. My grandfather passed away a few years ago but the love of fishing he instilled in me will be with me forever.
Anyway, enough of my digression, let’s get back to those plastic Bombers from the Bass Pro catalog. One day they arrive along with my first rod and reel. It was a Penn reel and a 10-foot rod that had as much action as a long broomstick. Since I was a teenager and soaked up English like a sponge it didn’t take long for me to start browsing through the pages of the Long Island Fisherman magazine. For the most part I had no clue what they were talking about when they were describing “rips” or “sand bars” but I knew enough to decipher where good catches were taking place by reading the report section.
One day after reading of good action on a jetty at Jones Beach State Park, I packed my gear in my car and headed in that direction. After a two mile walk through the soft sand I finally reached the jetty but immediately understood just how unprepared I was for what was about to take place. In Croatia I fished barefoot and that’s how I reached the jetty but one look at the anglers on the jetty told me either I was out of my mind or the guys on it were overdressed. All the anglers were dressed in gear I had never seen as they had waders, creepers and jackets. All of them except a single guy at the tip who was in shorts and sneakers. I figured since he made it out there I could too. This jetty was rebuilt in recent years but in those days it had a few large holes and openings where you had to time the waves which were crashing through these holes and then quickly make a dash across before getting swept away. Needless to say, there I was in the middle of this gaping hole in the jetty, standing barefoot on a slimy rock and looking at this mountain of water coming in my direction, praying to God I get out alive. The wave slammed me into the rocks and my legs gave way from under me and my back slammed into a boulder. I held onto the last boulder with all my might as another few inches and I was going to be washed off into the inlet. Somehow I managed to crawl into the hole in between two rocks before the next wave rushed over me then I quickly stood up and made a dash out of the quagmire. By the time I reached the tip of the jetty my shins were bleeding, my back was bruised but I was undeterred. I was going to catch fish, come hell or high water. Well, it was high water that did me in. Only after I got onto the tip of the jetty and looked back did I realize that the water was coming up and filling the hole through which I had just climbed. Panicked and confused I was consoled by the friendly surfcaster, who told me that the tide would recede in a few hours but not before he justly scolded me for showing up on the jetty barefoot.
Sights like these are one of the reasons I fell in love with the surf.
Now I am standing at the tip of the jetty armed with all the information I had read with regard to which knots to tie, the length of the leader and even how to cast, or at least I thought so. I opened the bail, leaned into the rod that barely bent and made a cast. A loud pop filled the air like a shot from a rifle. Not knowing what happened, I reeled until all the line came back through the guides and started spinning on the spool. Realizing my lure was gone I looked around in embarrassment as I proceeded to re-tie a rig. As I opened my K-Mart special surf bag and pulled out another Bomber, I did not realize that its trebles would catch those of the other plugs and so they all came out of the bag at once. Trying to shake them off and to get them out of my bag I managed to drop three in the abyss between the jetty boulders, never to be seen again. Now I was down to two plugs. On the next cast, I immediately snapped off the next to last Bomber and watched in horror as it went sailing into the sea. Now I found myself paralyzed by fear, down to my last plug and not a single one back in my car. Even if I did have one, how was I going to get there? I was not going to walk two miles in each direction to get them on bleeding limbs. Besides, I had to wait for the tide to drop in order to get back. So I tied on my last Bomber and made as soft a cast as possible knowing full well I was moments away from having no plugs.
At this point I didn’t really care about catching fish but was more intent on working on my casting technique so that I would not lose plugs in the future. As I reeled the plug to the base of the jetty, it got “stuck” on the rocks, or so I thought. Imagine my surprise when the “rock” started to move and thrashed wildly at the base of the jetty. A decent striper was attached to the Bomber and was going absolutely berserk. Nobody told me about the need to adjust the drag and since I was unfamiliar with its purpose I tightened it to the max. The strength of the striper and the barnacle encrusted rocks did their thing and the line soon parted above the leader. Now you might think losing all your plugs, standing stranded on the jetty bruised and defeated would make a person reconsider his actions and the thought of fishing again, but that wasn’t the case. My desire to become proficient at surfcasting only increased as a result of that disastrous trip. After all, I just hooked my first fish and you know what? I think I was hooked more than the fish and remain so to this day!
Rocky beaches and jetties are favorite hunting grounds of striped bass.
CHAPTER TWO
— GEAR —
In the old days surfcasters have been looked upon as anglers who couldn’t afford a boat. Frankly, I don’t think this was true then any more than it is now. There is something special about watching those first rays of sun rise above the eastern sky while casting your lure in the crest of the wave, knowing that your next cast might be the one that produces that fish of a lifetime. Or standing perched on a rock in the stillness of the night with only your drag breaking the silence. I have yet to meet a surf fisherman who would rather go fishing on his boat than stand waist deep in the surf, getting buffeted by waves. As far as the notion that surfcasters can’t afford a boat, darned if I don’t know dozens of surf anglers who carry more gear in their trucks than many boats are worth. So much for surfcasters being cheapskates! Boat anglers have the luxury of fishing in a somewhat protected environment and have at their disposal every lure or tool they can possible carry with them on board. The surfcaster needs to have gear on him to keep him dry and comfortable. He needs a light to guide his way, a bag to carry his lures, a belt to keep the water out of his waders and a large scale to weigh in the monster he is about to catch.
Fortunately, today’s surfcaster has a bigger selection to choose from than any generation of anglers before him. Before the surfcaster can enjoy catching fish he must comfortable. If you are wet, cold or the wind is sending shivers down your spine, I can almost guarantee you are not going to enjoy yourself. Let’s take a look at some basic equipment every surfcaster should have and some not so basic items that in my view are indispensable.
WADERS
Waders might be the single most important part of a surfcaster’s gear, yet many anglers concentrate strictly on price instead of the quality of the item. When choosing a pair of waders, I would suggest that you forgo buying cheap rubber ones as they will make you sweat profusely during most of the season. On the other end of the spectrum, waders that cost hundreds of dollars have so far proven to be very disappointing for saltwater anglers. Most of these models were designed for freshwater anglers and little thought was given to the fact that we constantly hold our long rods between our legs resulting in worn out stitching and leaks at the crotch seams. Mid priced models, preferably from manufacturers that cater to saltwater anglers and made out of breathable material, should provide you with lasting comfort and consequently add to your surfcasting experience. Double taped seams and some reinforcement at the knees and behind are preferable, especially if you are planning to climb over barnacle covered rocks and boulders.
Even in calmer waters waders are necessary in order to stay warm and dry.
A few years ago I waded onto a rock at Montauk Point on the south side with my friend Peter. To get to this very large boulder, we had to wade through water about chest high, but it was worth it as the rock was large enough for both of us to fish on it comfortably. We caught nothing that day but we did have lots of laughs and after a few hours we decided to head back to town. I slid off the rock on my behind only to feel barnacles ripping through my waders and water gushing in through the hole. By the time I reached dry land my waders were filled with water and to add insult to the misery, I was facing an hour long walk back to my buggy. I laugh about it today, but it sure wasn’t funny at the time.
Although I wear size 12 shoes, I usually opt for a size 13 boot on the waders. This allows for extra room in the boot so that I can put on an extra pair of comfy wool socks in cold weather. In addition, the extra socks provide for additional comfort, by absorbing the impact of the hard surfaces during long walks on rocks or boulders. I prefer my waders to be made of the lightest material possible instead of heavily insulated fabric. Following this strategy allows you to wear the waders during warm weather and cold weather and just about all year long. This saves money as you will not require a second set for extreme conditions. During the colder weather you can always add layers of light thin thermal clothes underneath. Today’s lightweight waders weigh mere ounces without including the weight of the boots and have come a long ways in providing durability and comfort. Gone are the days when you took your waders off after a trip only to find your clothes drenched in sweat. Even better, some of the leading manufacturers today offer absolutely incredible warranties so you can buy their product without fear that it will not stand up to the harsh saltwater environment. If for some reason they do not, then all you have to do is send it back to the manufacturer and they will usually exchange them without any hassle.
Wader styles range from the hip boot length, to the chest high length with either a stocking or boot foot. In my opinion you should really only consider the boot foot models if you’re planning to make them your primary pair of waders. The stocking foot can be more comfortable on rocky terrain as the separate shoe worn with these waders usually provides for a better fit and more support around the ankle than the boot foot wader. However, once you step on sandy beaches the stocking foot waders have a tendency to fill the up with sand, making walking extremely uncomfortable. Hip boots really have no place in the surf as the constant pounding of the ocean waves will soak you in no time, especially at the most critical moment when you are attempting to beach a fish.
Even wading on marshes in the back bays can prove to be an unpleasant experience with hip boots. When I was just getting started in the sport, I got a pair of hip boots from an old-timer who used them while fresh water fishing in upstate New York. One afternoon, I decided to fish the drains on the backside of Gilgo Beach on Long Island. I will never be able to purge the memory of this escapade from my mind. Looking from the road, the green marshes that lay in front of me extended from the road to the State Channel and appeared as green and unbroken as a football field. Only when I started wading on them did I realize that there were many drains and ditches that run within the marshes itself. Armed with my K-Mart rod and a bunch of small plastic Creek Chub lures, I grudgingly waded for almost an hour to the water line. Finally, after a tough walk I reached the water but not exactly where I wanted to be. Some of the drains and dips were too deep to cross in the hip boots so I had to settle for another spot. Once I got settled at the mouth of a large drain I started casting a little Creek Chub darter into the channel. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending upon your point of view, I was soon to find out that this drain was loaded with schoolie stripers chasing spearing. I felt pretty good about myself at that moment. Concentrating intently on the presentation of my lure, I paid no attention to the rising water or the sunlight disappearing over the New York City skyline. Suddenly a black cloud engulfed me. It was thousands upon thousands of mosquitoes that must have risen from the swampy waters. I swear to you, they seemed so thick that you could cut through them with a knife. I had never experienced anything like that before so I started to panic. I had a long way to go, to get back to my truck, and I had no bug spray with me. Now I was starting to lose sight of the road in the gathering twilight and was getting disoriented. The little blood suckers were doing their best to zone in on any place where my skin was exposed. I could barely keep my eyes open and was sweating profusely when I decided to ditch the rod in the creek. I began to run alongside of the edge of the creek and make a break for the road. Now, you can probably imagine the extent of my panic at this point, as I was willing to give up my rod because it was slowing me down. Now I had another free hand to swat at the mosquitoes, as if that was going to help!
Running through the marshes at full speed, unencumbered by the rod, I had no idea there were other drainage channels that were not visible in the twilight until I stepped into one and sunk to my chest in soft mud. My hip boots were now filled with water and I was getting eaten alive by bugs. For a few seconds, I thought of ditching the boots too! However, the idea of running over the marshes barefoot was even worse than what I was experiencing at the time. Somehow I got myself back onto the marsh and realized I couldn’t run with hip boots full of water. I lay down on the grass and put my feet in the air draining the mud and water from my boots. I fell a few more times, more then I care to remember! I was tripping on unseen logs and debris, falling into ditches along the way, while all this time the mosquitoes were mercilessly pecking at my face. By the time I got into my truck, my face was swollen like a watermelon, welts on top of welts, some the size of tangerines! Talk about a painful experience. I swore right then and there that hip boots would never, ever be worn over my tired, muddy and wet feet.
WETSUIT
If you are planning to spend a lot of time on jetties or in rocky areas investing in a wetsuit might be a smart proposition. Safety is always a concern when fishing in these often inhospitable places. Wearing a wetsuit goes a long way to addressing some of the issues that can crop up. If you get washed off the rocks or even worse a jetty, the wetsuit will help you as it is naturally buoyant and you can literally float in it to safety. The buoyancy of the wet suit will also make it easier to wade out to the rocks that are off limits to the wader wearing angler. Since you are already wet in your wetsuit you don’t need to be concerned too much about getting knocked off a rock. As a result you can pay more attention to protecting yourself and your rod and reel. I personally find that wearing a wetsuit increases my comfort when fishing in rough water but I should mention that it also seems to increase the level of my stupidity as I often try to get on rocks that I would not even dream about if I was wearing waders. I find that the Farmer John style is much more versatile than a full body suit, as I can wear it in the summer with just a tee shirt under it. In the early fall I can wear a light jacket and later in the year a heavy neoprene jacket to keep warm. When it comes to the thickness of the neoprene, 3.5 mm is pretty good for the warmer months while a 5 mm suit is ideal for early spring and fall. Some anglers wear 7 mm suits and others even suit up in a dry suit. However, I find either of these two options to be best utilized for the coldest months of the year. If you end up spending a lot of time in a wet-suit you will soon find out pretty fast that as with anything else in this sport, there is no “one size fits all” answer. I suggest you start with a 5 mm suit rather than a 3.5 mm suit. The lighter versions are great while you are getting dressed and wading out to the rocks in the summer, but I often get cold when I spend a considerable amount of time in the water, even in the summer. Regardless of how good the fishing might be on any given night, you won’t enjoy the experience if you are shivering. If I had to choose one thickness and style it would be a 5mm Farmer John type wetsuit because of its versatility.
Wetsuit wearing anglers have an advantage when it comes to wading onto the far rocks or distant sandbars.
JACKETS
Those who are new to the sport generally forgo purchasing a jacket but they quickly find out that this seemingly unimportant item is indispensable when fishing in the suds. They figure the waders are keeping them dry and they already spent a good amount of money on a rod, reel and lures, the jacket is something they can live without. Besides, a new angler usually spends most of his time plugging in the daytime and most likely only under fair weather conditions. Then the fall run happens and they are pelted by freezing rain, buffeted by cold north winds and often greeted by angry, foaming seas. They quickly realize that a surf top is as indispensable as any other part of a surfcaster’s gear. Fortunately, today’s anglers have a myriad of styles and materials to choose from as well as a broad price range. Granted, on nice sunny days just about any jacket will keep you dry from splashes in the surf but you really did not get into this sport to fish under only these conditions. If you did, you will quickly find out that the best fishing from the beach usually takes place either under the cover of darkness or during the nastiest weather Mother Nature throws at us. I prefer a pullover style jacket instead of those with zippers as I haven’t found a zippered one that will keep me dry under rough water conditions. For years I have been wearing Helly Hansen pullover tops and they still are my favorite for year round use in moderate conditions. If there are no mosquitoes present, wishful thinking on my part, I often will fish without a top in the summer months. When I am presented with stormy conditions and I have to wade to the far rocks or a sand bar where rolling surf is usually a norm, I prefer a jacket that has sealed cuffs on both the wrists and neck. Aquaskinz and Simms are currently the two leading manufacturers which provide these features. Dri-Core, a wonderful jacket manufacturer, is no longer in business. Some anglers to this day consider the Dri-Core jacket to be the ultimate neoprene top. If you question whether you really need a jacket with a sealed neck and cuffs then you have to ask yourself do you really want to stay dry? No surfcaster that I know, young or old, has not taken a spill at some point even on a flat sandy beach and gotten home soaked. Can you live without it? Certainly if you plan mostly to fish sandy beaches during the day and you will hang up your gear as soon as the first cold front makes its way from Canada in the fall. Then you don’t need this type of gear. But if you are intent on standing toe to toe with an angry sea in the middle of the night and you put a premium on the ability of the jacket to keep you dry and warm, then you should invest in one. The jacket also acts as a barrier against a biting wind and it will keep your body heat within the jacket much better than if you opt for only layers of clothing. Regardless of how many layers you put on, if you get them wet it will short-circuit your trip in a hurry. Jackets should always be worn over the waders and never tucked into them. A wader belt should be worn over the jacket, preventing water from getting under it while you wade or even worse, while you are knocked off you feet by a wave.
WADER BELT
I might sound like a broken record by now, but again I must implore you to choose quality over price when picking your belt. Considering the gear you will carry on your belt and its replacement cost, you will see immediately why you should insist on quality construction. The most important feature is a good buckle that will keep the belt in place regardless of your body motion. Secondly, the buckle should be easily opened in case of an emergency. If you are swept into deep water and you must shed your waders in a hurry you will have no time to fiddle with your belt clip. One squeeze of the buckle or a pull on a clip should release your belt immediately. Stay away from Velcro fastened belts as with time they wear and they will open unexpectedly when you bend down to do something, like grabbing a fish to land it.
SURF BAGS
Every surfcaster, regardless of the type of fishing he does, back-bay or ocean front, needs to have some kind of contraption to carry his lures, pork rinds and extra leaders. Today there are many lure bags available in all shapes, configurations and sizes. A good surfcasting bag should be made out of water shedding material and built sturdy to withstand a harsh saltwater environment. The bag that might be a “bargain” in terms of cost can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are forced to lug a water logged piece of junk on your shoulder for a long period of time. When choosing a model or configuration, pick one that best suits your fishing style and needs. If you like to embark on your expeditions with only a few lures get yourself a single row bag. If you are like me and are always afraid of not having a particular lure when I need it, the two row model might be better suited for the way you fish. In either case I prefer bags that have side pockets in which I can carry an extra spool filled with line. There are few things worse than making an hour long trek over boulder strewn terrain only to run into problems and need to replace the spool on your reel. In addition, a pocket for pork rind is preferable although not a necessity. Aquaskinz makes a very useful pork rind holder that attaches to your surf belt. Another important feature that I personally crave is a lot of inserts for storing bucktails inside the bag. Whatever style or manufacturer ends up being your final choice, make sure that the flap that folds over the bag has a lot of Velcro and is not easily opened. Regardless of your skill level you will take an occasional tumble in the surf, it happens to the best amongst us. Having a strong Velcro closure will go a long way towards keeping your bag closed and your lures safe. Trust me, if you think that you will have the time to secure the bag during your tumbling in the surf, you won’t. You’ll most likely do what I do, fear for your life and just hope to regain the footing on terra firma before swallowing a gallon of seawater. Your lures will be the last thing on your mind while you are getting tossed by unforgiving waves like a sock in a dryer.
Some of today’s most popular surf bags from Hunter, Aquaskinz and Van Staal.
I personally like Van Staal bags and have been using the same two-row bag for many years. Aquaskinz has found many fans in recent years with their constantly evolving line of fine products. Their bags are very durable and well designed. Hunter Surfcasting Gear has a bag that could be considered the “ultimate” surf bag with hand stitched seams and made out of water shedding sail canvas. These three brands are considered the best of the breed in this category but since there are no patents on plug bag design, many competitors have cropped up in recent years with bags similar and in some cases almost an exact copy of the before mentioned models. As with anything else, use your friends as a sounding board and get their advice on which bag and configuration they prefer. Sometimes paying a few dollars more is well worth it because of the quality of the components that go into making a superior bag.
There has always been considerable debate amongst the ranks of surf-casters in regard to which inserts are better: square or round? I always preferred round ones but this might be more of a habitual thing than anything else. Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with either design providing that the tubes are made out of a quality material that will not react with soft plastic lures. In addition, the inserts should be able to withstand the harsh saltwater environment. If the inserts look and feel like they will not last, you will regret your purchase pretty fast as you will end up with another bag that will gather dust in your garage. I would suggest following the advice of your friends on specific brands and pay a little more to get a quality bag. After all, a good surf bag should last you for many years while a cheaper version might fall apart after a single season of fishing. In the end the more expensive bag just might end up being a bargain.
PLIERS
There are few items that are attached to a belt of a seasoned surfcaster, none more important than a good pair of pliers. Whether you treat yourself to the fanciest titanium model or you opt to go with something that won’t break the bank, you should make sure that the pliers you buy have a cutter, won’t rust and you can apply enough power to cut through a hook. Most of the manufacturers that cater to saltwater anglers include all of these features in their products. They must be rustproof for obvious reasons as saltwater will corrode cheap pliers after a single trip. You will need a cutter to cut your braided line, mono or a leader and in an emergency, even a hook that finds itself imbedded in your clothing or worse your hand. I also want my pliers to be able to grip the hook with authority and I do not want to be concerned that it may slip while I am unhooking a fish. I have been using the seven inch Van Staal pliers for many years and although they are pricey, I can honestly say they are one item in my arsenal that I never regretted buying. There is something to be said about having confidence in your pliers while standing waist deep in the water, in pitch darkness, trying to unhook a thrashing bluefish and doing this while getting knocked about by waves. There are many models on the market today from various manufacturers. Abel, Donmar, Accurate, Shimano, Van Staal and others make quality pliers that should last you a long time. Of course, Manley has a pair that has been one of the favorite tools of many generations of surfcasters. I would advise that you stay away from pliers that are designed for delicate tasks like tying flies as they generality do not generate enough force for cutting through a hook.
No surfcasting outfit is complete without a surf belt. It helps in keeping the water from entering your waders and it also serves as a tool carrier.
EXTRA STUFF
In addition to pliers you might want to carry a few tools to help you in landing, unhooking or weighing fish. Today’s angler is very much aware of the collapse of the striped bass fishery in the late 1980’s and the conservation ethic runs strong in the surfcasting community. Days of piling fish on the beach destined for the fish markets are a distant memory and today’s angler is well aware of the need to conserve the resource for the future generation of surfcasters. In recent years the lip gripper” tools have enabled us to unhook a fish without ever laying a hand on it and in the process preserving the protective layer of slime that covers the fish’s body. This slime actually protects fish against bacterial attacks and the less we handle them during the release process, the better are its chance of full recovery after being returned to the water. I have used a Boga Grip tool for a long time now and found it to be indispensable especially at night. It makes it easy to use one hand to grip the fish’s jaw with the Boga and the other to use the pliers to remove hooks. This is ideal as it keeps your hand away from the fish’s teeth and from the swinging trebles on a thrashing fish. You can also keep the fish in the water during the process.
Another tool that takes very little room on the belt is a hook disgorger. This ingenious tool is nothing more than a handle with a straight piece of heavy wire with a half turn in the shape of a hook on one end. Occasionally a fish will swallow a hook or a plug and you will have a hard time getting your pliers around the hook in order to remove it. With this tool all you generally need to do is put slight pressure on the hook downward and it will usually come free.
I also carry a few stainless steel “D-rings” attached to my belt. These are another ingenious invention that can be used to either fasten other tools to the belt such as the pliers, via a lanyard or as a resting place for your rod when you need both hands to deal with a bird’s nest or retying a knot. These are the only tools that I personally carry on my belt, but I have seen anglers who have so much gear attached to their belts one would think they were being parachuted into the Amazon wilderness to battle pythons. Kidding aside, there are good reasons these anglers carry extra items on their belt and this usually has to do with the way they fish.
Those who fish live eels will usually have an eel bag attached to their belt. Others like to carry an extra bucktail holder, while some might have loops for securing their surf bag to their belts and a few, like my friend Bobby, like to still lug a steel chain stringer just in case the fish that so far has only appeared in his dreams decides to make an appearance when he is far from his buggy. Whatever tools you decide to carry on your belt make sure you attach it via a lanyard to the belt. I can’t tell you how many times I have dropped my pliers or a Boga in the water or amongst jetty rocks over the years. Fortunately all my tools were attached via the lanyard, made out of coiled phone wire, and I was able to retrieve them with ease. Otherwise it would be a mighty expensive snafu.
Another item you should consider having attached to your belt is a sharp knife that will not rust when in contact with salt water. It has many uses but none more important than in emergency situations which might arise in the darkness. One of my friends, Edward, was wading at night at Montauk Point when he found himself entrapped in braided line that had been disposed of by an angler amid the rocks. Ed was unable to lift his feet from the entangled line and was being knocked about by the waves as he was unable to move his feet to establish a stable platform. While he steadied himself with the butt end of his rod, as if it were a cane, he managed to cut himself free with his knife and saved himself from a potential disaster.
JETTY TOOLS
Those who are fond of spending a lot of time fishing on jetties or other slippery rock piles have their own set of special tools that aid them in fishing, landing and releasing fish. First and foremost, they are concerned with their own safety. If you are planning to fish a jetty or any slippery rocks you have to invest in a pair of wading cleats to help you navigate this difficult terrain. I have to warn you, cleats will help you keep your balance to the extent that you will be able to get some traction on the slippery rocks but they won’t make you invincible. They are just another safety item that helps us to navigate slippery rocks. However, be assured that if you decide to be a mountain goat and try to impress your buddies with your skillful rock jumping pirouettes you might find yourself in agony wedged between two rocks. I am trying to stress that these cleats should be used as a tool, not as a solution.
Cleats embedded in a sandal like slip-on over wader boots are made by Korkers. They are by far the most popular brand in this category and you might want to rinse them after each use to prolong the lifespan of the carbide studs. Should the studs rust or break they can be replaced. Always buy wading cleats bigger than your wader shoe size as they have to fit over the boot itself. In addition, after you fasten the sandal to the boot via either laces or buckle, wrap a few turns of duct tape around the boot in the middle of the sandal. This will prevent the sandal from slipping off your boot foot while you are wading onto the rocks or even worse, when you take a tumble in the surf. This might be a low-tech way to protect your gear but let me tell you it saved many of my trips over the years. If I had a dollar for every time I came back to my buggy only to find out that the only thing holding the sandal to my boots was duct tape well, let’s just say I’d have enough money to buy a lifetime supply of duct tape.
Jetty anglers often wear carbide studded sandals to aid them in navigating slippery rocks.