Finding the best place to fish on the surf is sometimes one of the major challenges for both the new angler or  tournament participants.

New anglers just pick a spot and cast their lines. But when you are in a tournament, your spot is usually assigned. So how does the angler find a good spot to fish on the surf within their zone?

The successful key when surf fishing is to look for the signs. They are easily spotted if you know where and what to look for. It is important to keep in mind that obvious first look signs can and do change by the hour or tide phase. So a consistent review of conditions is imperative for success.

When hitting the beach for the first time, anglers should first focus on the entire picture. Look at everything but mainly focus on the surf zone. Specifically sand formations and waves are a good spot to start.

Flat sand beaches can indicate shallow water. On the beach where the sand tapers from a flat surface into the water will indicate a gradual slope. This area will be shallow for some distance. Typically don’t hold fish.

Some sand formations that include cusps or small hills could indicate a greater slope and deeper water. The deeper water close to shore is better at holding fish. This is where the angler should spend their efforts.

Wave action will also give out specific signs. Normally waves form offshore and travel a good distance without breaking and then break right on the surf. This is a sign that the bottom has a gradual slope for most of the wave set.

The best condition is when the waves start offshore, break on the bar, taper off with a foamy appearance and then re-form to again break near the shore. This is an indication of a slough where the deep water begins and after the foam begins to form again. Sloughs form before a sandbar and after at a steep sloping beach. These sloughs are where most of the fish will be found.

If the wave breaks and seas remain flat or foamy, move to the right or left until you find the right conditions.

Just a review, a slough is a channel of moving water that flows parallel along the beach and provides a highway for fish to find food and protection from other prey. This is the best place to focus your attention.

The final sign is a rip current. A rip current is a rapid outflow channel or river of water. This happens when the waves push too much water onto the beach and there needs to be a way for the excess of water to flow back out to sea. They are easy to spot, Just look for the rapid out flow current. These may be absent from surface foam.

So when looking for the best place to fish on the surf, focus on the far and near sloughs, deeper water channels and rip currents.

Remember most fish are within ten feet where you stand. So keep your eyes open, fish your bait close and never oversize your gear.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony