What you need:
- Fishing license
- 9 – 12″ moderate fast action salmon/steelhead spinning rod
- 2000 – 3000 size spinning reel
- 10 – 20 lb braid mainline
- 0.5 – 2.0 oz egg sinker
- Fishing rig bead
- 30lb saltwater barrel swivel
- 2 – 4 ft of clear 10 – 15 lb test fluorocarbon leader line
- Size 1 – 6 J, bait, or octopus hook depending on the size and shape of your lure.
- Perch lures – https://surfperchtackle.com/shop/
- Knife or small scissors to cut fishing lines.
Swirly
Made by Surfperchtackle.com
This is becoming our favorite lure from the Surfperchtackle.com line. The mesmerizing tail action imitates a blood worm and attracts surfperch of all sizes. With its unique design and unbeatable action, it’s no wonder this is the go-to lure for so many anglers.
1.75″ version tail extends out to 2.25″ – 2.50″
2.50″ version tail extends out to 3.0″ – 3.25″
How to Setup:
The most popular setup for surf perch fishing is a Carolina rig. Set up your rod the day before your trip so you don’t have to work in windy conditions at the beach and you’ll be able to spend more time fishing on the water.
Picture from https://surffishingsocalsd.com/6-best-surf-fishing-rigs-when-to-use-which/
- First thread egg sinker then fishing bead onto braided mainline. (Tip: It helps to have a lot of slack line out to have room to work while rigging).
- Tie on one end of the barrel swivel to the braided mainline using a Palomar knot.
- On the other end of the barrel swivel tie on your chosen length of fluorocarbon leader line using a Clinch knot.
- Next tie on your hook with a Clinch knot.
- Finally, thread the lure onto the hook all the way up the shank making sure to cover the hook knot. This allows for a clean presentation.
- Cut off all loose fishing line ends about a 1/8 inch from the knots. (There should be 3 loose ends to cut off).
When to go fishing:
Many anglers have their own preferred fishing conditions. In my opinion, a combination of dusk or dawn timing, peak high or low tide, overcast weather, and moderate to calm surf and wind, creates a recipe for favorable fishing conditions. This doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish during sunny, strong wind and surf, in the middle of the day. I have certainly caught fish in these conditions, I just prefer the former.
Where to Cast:
Learning how to read the surf and how to locate “fishing holes” to maximize your odds of getting a bite takes time and experience. It is very much an art and a science. You will need to understand breaks, sandbars, troughs, cuts, and holes. Typically you should cast your line in between the first shore break and second wave break. If you happen to see a section of water that seems calm and has wave breaks to the left and right of it, this may be a “cut”. This is a channel perpendicular to the beach that holds deep water. Fish flow through this channel to get past sand bars and into the trough. A trough is a deep channel of water parallel to the beach. A trough is usually located in between the first and second wave break. In these troughs are schools of fish. I like to cast my line into troughs and cuts.
How to Fish:
Cast your lure out behind the first shore break (10 – 15 yards) and slowly reel in. Once you feel a fish bite, pause for a slight moment to allow the fish to grab the lure then quickly set the hook (surf perch have soft lips so it is not needed to yank hard). Cast out in different spots to locate fish. If the fish are not biting after 10 minutes, walk down and fish the next section of the beach. Do this until you have found a school of fish. This may take 5 minutes, or an hour, it might even take a few trips but your perseverance will be rewarded.
