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Essential Gear for Beginners
The Cane : To get started, choose a rod that is 2.20 to 2.40 m which will help you make good throws. A length of 2.40 to 3 m is ideal for long-distance casts, with a power of 10?40 g or 20?80 g depending on the lures used, and an action fast or extra-fast to really feel the keys.
The Reel : Choose a size 2,500 to 4,000 for good balance with the rod, with a powerful drag of at least 5 kg to handle beautiful fish.
The line and leader : Choose a braid of 12 to 20/100 for a better feel when typing, complemented by a fluorocarbon leader, 25 to 50/100 depending on the water clarity and the target fish.
Choosing Your First Lures Wisely
There's no point in having a box full of lures in every color. A few will suffice as long as they're well chosen.
For lures , select 2 natural colors and 1 neon color if necessary. Choose a jighead model that works with as many lures as possible, and offer it in different weights.
The main categories you should know:
- Surface Lures (poppers, stickbaits): ideal for sea bass, garfish, and bonito; use in calm waters.
- Sinking Lures (jerkbaits, casting jigs): perfect for deep waters and strong currents; effective for mackerel, bonito, and sea bass.
- Soft Lures (shads, slugs): ultra-realistic, super effective for sea bass, sea bream, and red seabream, especially in winter or cold water.
- Metal spoons and jigs : Perfect for fishing in the waves or surface fishing; excellent for mackerel, bonito, and garfish.
Fishing Techniques to Master
Topwater Fishing : Ideal at dawn or dusk, use stickbaits and poppers with a "walking the dog" or twitching retrieve to mimic a fleeing prey.
Fishing with a Minnow Jerkbait : Ideal for sea bass and this type of fishing; cast and retrieve with jerks (sharp twitches of the rod tip) in rocky areas, harbors, and estuaries.
Soft Lure Fishing : Perfect for fishing near the bottom, with a "sawtooth" action to mimic an injured fish; very effective in winter or cold water.
Light Jigging : Cast, let it run, then retrieve it in fast-motion?super effective for mackerel, bonito, and pelagic species in strong currents and deep waters.
The Best Spots for Beginners
- Dikes and Jetties : perfect for deep-water fishing and fishing near structures.
- Beaches and sandbars : areas where sea bass hunt during high tide.
- River mouths and estuaries : rich in food and frequented by predators.
- Rocky Areas (points, cliffs): often home to large sea bass and flounder.
Important Tip : Fishing with the wind at our backs allows you to cast farther and present the lure more effectively.
When is the best time to fish with lures by the sea?
Highlights : At dawn and dusk (peak activity times), during the rising tide and early ebb (stronger currents, active fish), and before and after a storm (oxygen-rich water attracts predators).
Ideal Conditions : Slightly murky water (best to be discreet), a light swell churning up the water and sending the fish on the hunt, seabirds hunting on the surface = a good chance of finding active fish.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using lures that are too big or too flashy in clear water.
- Don't stick to the same recovery pace: vary your drills to see what works.
- Always fishing in the same spot and at the same times: fish activity varies.
- Don't ignore the wind and currents: they affect the lure's drift and effectiveness.
Lure fishing by the sea is a sport accessible, fun, and full of thrills . With the right gear, a selection of suitable lures, and a good understanding of the conditions, it?s possible to land some fantastic catches without a boat. Whether you?re targeting surface-feeding sea bass, deep-water sea bream, or hunting bonito, this dynamic technique will provide you with unforgettable moments by the water?s edge.
To get off to a good start, begin by determining the depth of your fishing spot: this information is essential for deciding which type of lure to use. Choosing the right lure is crucial: you need to select it carefully, distinguishing between surface lures, mid-depth lures, and deep-diving lures.
