But what is surfcasting ?
Surfcasting is a shore fishing, which means, fishing in the wave. It is practiced with natural baits, worms, shells, crustaceans or fish, and a line equipped with a lead.
There is nothing better than going upstream for a fishing trip, to look for bait. But you can also find everything you need in the local fishing stores.
Material, to have fun at a lower cost
To initiate yourself, or to share a simple moment, no need for a big investment. An old cane forgotten at the bottom of your garage, a treasure kept by your grandfather, or the first price set that you will find on the local market will do the trick.
There are "all purpose" rigs. Because like all the fishing, we can start in the very technical and very specific, but today the goal being to make its first catch easily and simply.
It is necessary to carry out an assembly with two stacks, that is to say two hooks and a lead. A lead of 120 grams is the good compromise, and of pyramid form, to thus palliate the current.
No need to take a multitude of baits, again, keep it simple. It's best to use local bait. Regardless of the region, the two baits you'll find everywhere will be arecaeolus, and half-hard/hard type worms .
How to approach surfcasting fishing ?
Prepare your equipment, set up in a non-bathing area. Take the time to walk a little farther, to have less people in the area. On the one hand, you will be more quiet, but especially for the safety of all.
1/ The steps to get into fishing action:
- Pass the wire through the rings of the rod, and attach a clip
- Attach the assembly, often a loop
- Fix the lead to the lowest point of the assembly
2/ Prepare and present your bait in different ways:
- By slipping it directly onto your hook
- By using a worm needle
- Using binding wire
This is the most important part! Having a well presented bait is essential. Mixing your baits, in other words offering two different baits on your hook is a formidable weapon.
For example, you can bait a areca with a small piece of hard worm. Or, a piece of knife with an arenicole will do the trick. Any combination is possible. There are no limits or prohibitions.
On the other hand, try not to offer too much bait. Just because you're going to send out a big bait doesn't mean you're going to get a big fish. Also, the size of the bait must be consistent with the size of the hook. Otherwise, you risk false bites or stalls.
Where to launch and how to proceed?
In surfcasting, there is no GPS sounder to tell you where the fish are. Either you cast where you feel it. Either a movement of water, a current calls you and you put your line there.
The fish can be 1 meter from the edge and especially in summer! Do not think that you are not casting far enough. The fish are moving with the tides. Believe in it and pay attention to your tip!
For the bite, the tip will shake, or bend. Each species of fish will give you a different bite. If you get a bite, pick up the rod and reel without stopping, taking your time. Don't risk losing your grip by reeling too quickly.
Use a disgorger if necessary, and carefully return the fish to the water. If you decide to keep your catch, you will have to respect the size regulations by species.
Leave your lines in the water for an average of 15 to 20 minutes. If you did not get any hits, then reel in your lines. Take care to put in fresh, clean bait, then cast to different points.
At what time of the year?
It's always a big question! There is no time limit to go fishing. Some periods are more favourable. We talk about the two hours before the high tide and the time of slack water. But it is often outside these periods that the most beautiful surprises happen.
Take advantage of this fishing trip to share this activity with your children and spouses. Around a snack or a picnic, there is nothing like enjoying these moments at the water's edge. A fishing technique that allows you to catch many species of fish. It will be possible to fish for bass or wolfish, sea bream, mullet or flatfish, the list not being exhaustive...
However, be careful about the weather. Also take note of the tide times. Pay attention to the speed at which the water rises and stay alert so as not to be surrounded by the rising tide.
