Fishing in one of the various surf tournaments is no time for trial and error. Especially when you are limited to time and space. My experience tells me that there are several important components to being successful during this type of a surf fishing event. And being competitive in these events, there are several skill sets needed.

Homework is the key to any fishing trip but imperative in this type of competition.  First, the fish or target species need to be in the area or zone. Can’t catch them, if they are not there.

Past reports should give you a good idea of what’s been caught recently and how. Success isn’t about luck; it’s about targeting. You must understand the precise habits, feeding behaviors, and structural preferences of your target fish. Gear types and sizes along with appropriate rigging and baits should match the species you target. Previous reports should indicate whether you need to target passive such as sea mullets, spot or croaker or aggressive bluefish, puppy drum or trout. Each species requires a different set of gear and technique. Study and remember it.

Once the participants determine what gear and bait works best, a smart team begins to use a range from either light medium rods for small species to the heavy gear rod sets for the seasonal huge migrating drum and blues.

Next is the local conditions such as air and water temperatures, tide phases, wind speed and direction. Remember the ocean can change by the hour. So fishing two sessions per day within two continuous days gives the angler the best opportunity to fish the best conditions. A skilled angler continuously monitors how external factors impact their immediate area and adjust accordingly.

Reading the surf and water is not an overnight lesson. It takes time to focus on the various parts of the sand and waves. The beach is not a flat desert; it is full of underwater topography. Finding the fish means actively scanning the water to evaluate sand formations and wave actions. You have to locate the deeper sloughs, look for the breaks in the sandbars, and identify the specific troughs where fish are using.

Before the angler casts the first time, they need to step back and take in the entire scene. Start at the surf. Is it flat or tapered, has cusps or is it sloped. This indicates a deeper slough. Next, monitor the waves. When and where do they break? This view can indicate the bars. Some surf zones have two. Placing the baits either stationary or shifting will give the angler the best chance to cover the correct zone.

Once all the boxes are checked, now the clock starts, don’t just throw straight out. Fan cast your lines at different angles and distances—one short in the trough, one medium on the edge of the bar, and one deep in the cut—to quickly locate where the schools are moving. Each member of your team should use a proven technique. And with a process of elimination, anglers should move to that technique. With one always remaining a little different.

While I’m past my days participating in these events, I find it fascinating that even though years pass, the old tried and true, back to basics, seems to be the trigger of the day. Enjoy this tournament season and the camaraderie that this friendly competition brings. Safety is always first as is conservation.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt Tony