One activity that makes me feel great during the wintertime is stopping by the beach, casting a line out, wiggling an artificial lure, and maybe even catching a perch or leopard shark or any variety of surf zone fish. Even just a quick stop makes the rest of the day happier.
We’ve got a mostly delightful winter going here. Sure, we badly need lots more water, and I sincerely hope we get plenty. Meanwhile, during our balmy winter days, it is good to get outdoors and since we are a beach community … it makes sense to put your feet in sand.
It is fairly easy take advantage of our great winter bite on barred surf perch, for example. Here’s what you need to go catch and release (maybe take few home for supper if you wish) barred surf perch and other surf zone fish.
For myself, I’ve got my surf fishing kit in my vehicle because I want to take advantage of those little breaks in the day when I can walk out on the beach, make some casts and get back to work before I’m missed. I just need my feet in the sand even for a little while.
A surf kit does not take up much room, and it doesn’t necessarily require a great financial commitment, unless you prefer high-performance gear.
You need a two-piece rod with reel, a small tackle kit — and that’s about it. Toss it in the trunk, back seat, or wherever you’ve got a little space.
At the low end, a prepackaged combo (rod and reel with fishing line) and a small tackle pack stocked with basics doesn’t hit the pocketbook too hard and gives you a nice starter kit. It is a good way to begin.
After you get your feet wet (pun intended), you can decide whether you want to move up to mid- or high-end gear. You have some good choices.
Mid-range gear would be a Berkley Air rod and a Penn Battle spin reel. A creel goes over the shoulder and holds a plastic box with your hooks, weights, beads, baits, lures, and a small tool or two.
High-end gear, chosen to provide the most sensitive feel and the greatest cast, would be a Vague surf rod, Shimano spin reel, and perhaps a fanny pack to hold the same tackle. The high-end gear gives the best performance.
The rewards are some time on the beach with something interesting to do. That part makes you feel like a kid again.
Another reward, if you choose to, is taking home fresh fish for dinner. Or if you prefer, just let the fish go.
Either way, you’ll enjoy the day, live a healthy lifestyle and probably meet some very interesting people out there from all walks of life.
