Surf Fishing On a Budget

[BeachBear]

How do you do it? How much does that cost? These are usually the first two questions when considering to start fishing from the surf. Some people consider traditional surf rods the way to go, some take a trout rod, some take steelhead rods, some bass rods to cast crankbaits, some take specific rods for specific applications (dropshot, carolina, low tide, high tide..). Either way the cost can add up and things get complicated when just starting. Both of which can be a major turn-off and a reason why some will never enter the surf.


I decided to make a challenge on cost. I decided to make an article/report that would make things easy and cost effective to start. Hopefully, some will read and say, "Alright, I can start to see if I like it, then buy more gear if I really like it."



The rod and reel combo was only $20. The rod is 6 ft. 6 inch medium action. The spool size is 2500. The anti-reverse isn't very good, but not such a factor since you'r almost always reeling in with the waves to keep line tension.

Because the reel isn't saltwater friendly I spray WD-40 on the spool before adding line to act as a corrosion inhibitor. I mainly use 10# Sufix Performance Braid. It's great on spinning reels, it's nice to have no stretch when you're setting the hook on fish in the distance, and you get a greater feel than mono. I especially like it since the rod isn't all that sensitive, so the braid helps in detecting bites. There's usually a mail-in coupon for it too, allowing for more money to be spent on supplies.

I really like to Carolina rig in the surf. I use a small barrel swivel and tiny bead, the smaller the better because they'll easier to hide. The sliding egg sinker is 1/2 oz.

Bang for the buck. Everyone wants bang for the buck and two very effective fish catchers have been Gulp Camo Sandworm and Big Hammer MORF (Motor Oil Red Flake) grubs. This site will show you how to Carolina rig and how to use the grubs http://www.#############/techniques/perch.htm
I got lucky and found some MORF grubs for 50 cents.

Believe ot or not, use it or not, but taco sauce is a fish attractant. Brand doesn't matter either. Keep it in a baggie and apply every few casts. You can stop by Taco Bell, get a bean burrito, and get the scent.

If using grubs and sandworm I can minimize my hooks down to 2 hook sizes. One for perch and the other for yellowfin croaker and corbina. The worm hook in the previous pictures can be for dropshotting, sandworm, or ghost shrimp. Also, the hooks in this picture can be used for dropshotting, giving you more flexability and bang for the buck.

I didn't add in the cost of the leader, but I prefer 4# fluorocarbon. However, Sufix Seige in green is another alternative I like to go to. Right now there's a rebate going on that if you buy 2 spools you get $6 back. Basicly, you'll spend $16 and get back $6 for a total cast of $10. If you do that, then you can mix the line ratings allowing for greater flexability.

COST
Rod and Reel $20
Sufix Performance Braid $17-$6 Rebate=$11
Hooks (worm, size 4, size 2) $9
Terminal Tackle (weights, swivels beads)$3
Gulp Sandworm $7
Grubs $3
Scent and bean burrito $1
Total
$54

COST EFFECTIVENESS
The rod's guides may not last a season or two due to the braid. That's OK, because you're only going to see if you like surf fishing. If you like surf fishing, then you can get a better set up the following year. The rod isn't the best quality, but that's OK because the braid will enhance the feel.

The reel also may not last a season. But, if you save the spool from the braid, then you can rewrap the line onto it when cleaning. The anti-reverse isn't very good, but you're always reeling in anyway because of the surf's surge. Be sure to loosen the drags after cleaning too. There's also no extra spool.

Sufix Performance braid is a good choice. I've had mine on for two seasons and still no problems yet. It lasts, detects structure well, and memory goes away wet.

The leader is your choice of material. You can spend a little here, because you're basicly only replacing 18 inches of line every time you fish. With 125 yards on a spool, that's a lot of times out to learn.

Where do I find the fish? V.I.P.E.R. http://www.hookupsportfishing.com/fo...read10442.html


Does It All Work?

I caught those two today. And as an added business a white seabag with a crab on the inside.

[cst]

nice article, i moved this to the article section though.

[Wahoo!]

I love that you brought this up. I've actually been running the math myself and have come up with some interesting findings. My position is that its actually cheaper to fish high end gear in the surf...

At the moment, I'm in the car on my way back from a customer site (coworker is driving ) so I can't really get too specific right now, but I will elaborate soon. Until then, here's the idea -

I like to take into consideration the ROI of my hobbies. I leverage my time, the cost of the gear I need, and the real benefit I get from the activity. Assuming you spend $200 on a upper mid level rod/reel combo and $100 on high end jerkbaits in different sizes, you're total initial cap X for entry to the activity is $300.

Assuming BeachBears numbers as the other option, his total initial cap X was $54. Out of that $54, these items are consumables and will need to be supplemented and replaced -

Hooks (worm, size 4, size 2) $9
Terminal Tackle (weights, swivels beads)$3
Gulp Sandworm $7
Grubs $3
Scent and bean burrito $1

Total cost of consumable items is $23. Now, I don't know about you, but I have a habit of going through lots and lots of gulp. Assuming i go through only 2 packs of gulp a month and I fish 3 days a month at 2 packs of gulp per month, 1 pack of each size hooks, swivels, and weights per month, and 3 burritos, my monthly ongoing cost is $29.

So, using these numbers for our example, it would take 9.48 months to have spent $300 (including the first month at $54). So, after month 10, you start to see a significant ROI with the higher end gear and realize a $29 savings over the entry level solution (as long as you're fishing spectra and not losing jerkbaits).

This also isn't taking into account the less tangible benefits like the enjoyment and trouble free use of higher end gear along with likely catching larger and more aggressive fish with the reaction type baits.

Anyway, that's my story. I realize my numbers are rough, but I will get more specific and map out the numbers better when I have more time. Also, this solution also allows for a complete change in fishing style. If you don't like surf fishing, take the exact same setup on a kayak or boat or go striper or largemouth fishing! What do you think?

[Homeslice]

Rich, I would expect more a practical budget than that. It's not about what you use but how you use it. These are cheaper and out perform any avid.


+

= fish

[DementedFish]

Nice write up Richard. In my opinion, the braid isnt necessary but I guess in the long run it could potentionally save money.

[orchardhills]

when considering to start fishing from the surf.

For the intended purpose going inexpensive is a great way to go. You screw up gear when you are first learning. I have dragged my reel in the sand and just really gummed up the works, bird-nested many a line, and lost countless hooks trying to cast into areas where I didn't have the skill to make accurate casts. I don't know if I'd go Suffix braid but definitely get some decent line. I wouldn't go bottom of the barrel cheap as that can actually be more inhibiting.

As Wahoo! mentioned...for the person that is going to fish more often, high end gear is definitely worth it. A more experienced angler will appreciate the gear a lot more. My stuff isn't high-end (unless Rich bought it for me) but it is better than a lot of the locals' stuff here and they are amazed at the distance on casts, accuracy, and amount of fish that we catch and don't lose (due to good line, hooks, etc.)

Nice synopsis by both of you.

Orchardhills

[Wahoo!]

Originally Posted by orchardhills

For the intended purpose going inexpensive is a great way to go. You screw up gear when you are first learning. I have dragged my reel in the sand and just really gummed up the works, bird-nested many a line, and lost countless hooks trying to cast into areas where I didn't have the skill to make accurate casts. I don't know if I'd go Suffix braid but definitely get some decent line. I wouldn't go bottom of the barrel cheap as that can actually be more inhibiting.

As Wahoo! mentioned...for the person that is going to fish more often, high end gear is definitely worth it. A more experienced angler will appreciate the gear a lot more. My stuff isn't high-end (unless Rich bought it for me) but it is better than a lot of the locals' stuff here and they are amazed at the distance on casts, accuracy, and amount of fish that we catch and don't lose (due to good line, hooks, etc.)

Nice synopsis by both of you.

Orchardhills

Thanks! This is a great topic. I'm glad Richard brought it up and put together that research. I hope this will help encourage people to get out there and try it out.

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by Wahoo!

Thanks! This is a great topic. I'm glad Richard brought it up and put together that research. I hope this will help encourage people to get out there and try it out.

This has actually discouraged me from fishing and I can care less if I ever see the ocean again. You all are consumer nazi's!!! I'm taking up yoga and frisbee.

[cst]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

This has actually discouraged me from fishing and I can care less if I ever see the ocean again. You all are consumer nazi's!!! I'm taking up yoga and frisbee.

what kind of yoga mat are you buying?

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by cst

what kind of yoga mat are you buying?

mats made in Tibetin sweat shops, is there any other kind?

[BeachBear]

nice article, i moved this to the article section though.

Thanks. I was keeping it in the report section for editing purposes. I've Pm'd u a lot about editing just trying to avoid it. Thanks though, your heart was in the right direction.

Thanks! This is a great topic. I'm glad Richard brought it up and put together that research. I hope this will help encourage people to get out there and try it out.

Thanks. This report/article was really geared toward getting people into the surf on a minimal cost, just to see if they like it. There's a lot to enjoy about it, but there'a also downfalls; crotch shots from cold waves, falling from a wave, skunks, kind of dangerous...

I once got caught by a rogue wave and it took me down. Took me 4 waves before I could make it back up. I've seen a kayaker about 5 ft from shore try to get dismount, but promptly sink straight to his chin. That first trough can get deep.

Hopefully someone likes the idea and gives it a try. Cost can also be minimized if they're already an angler so some terminal tackle can be used water (swivel, beads, hooks, line). There'll always be a cost from replacing things though. In the end, if they don't like it they always have a rod to fish the pier or jetty with.

For the intended purpose going inexpensive is a great way to go. You screw up gear when you are first learning.

Ditto. Great thing about the ocean, you almost always hit water

My stuff isn't high-end (unless Rich bought it for me) but it is better than a lot of the locals' stuff here and they are amazed at the distance on casts, accuracy, and amount of fish that we catch and don't lose (due to good line, hooks, etc.)

Once into it and you do like it I would buy higher end stuff. The stuff Sy builds for me is just awesome, truly a SYthe.

Nice write up Richard. In my opinion, the braid isnt necessary but I guess in the long run it could potentionally save money.

You're totally right about not necessary. But, cheaper in the long run and since the rod isn't all that sensitive the braid helps out. It's more to add to the feel of the bite.


I was also at low tide if it helps. Plus, Sy caught 3 halis (dinks) at the jetty.




Overall, I really just hope someone thinks it's possible to start cheap, likes it, and then continues with the sport. I know some read the reports and see the set-ups some use (TACKLE HO'S and proud of it) and maybe think I need all that just to start.

The first Beach Masters I think was won with a $20 telescopic rod.

[MOBassman]

Great article Rich!!

[dodoman]

THE Z has done it again, GREAT ARTICLE Z.

[BeachBear]

THE Z has done it again, GREAT ARTICLE Z.

Sorry, went back to BeachBear. Too many custom rods with BeachBear on it, kind of expensive to rename them all. Plus, HOMESLICE kept hitting me on the head with a sock full of quarters everytime he saw me. He said it was punishment for changing my name.

On the plus side a few quarters would fall out and I'd use them for parking at the beach

Great article Rich!!

Thanks. One day I want to see a write up on making one of your lures. That'd be cool.