How to Fish From the Shore for Salt Water Fish

The Atlantic and Pacific coasts have many onshore sites from which to fish.

Saltwater fishing from shore can be more relaxing than fishing from a boat, as it requires less preparation and equipment. You can take breaks to lie on a beach, cook a meal or replenish your supplies. Fishing without a boat also saves you gas money and the fees associated with launching and porting your boat. Ocean fishers may operate in the surf, from a beach, a natural jetty, a rocky shoreline or a man-made pier.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing rod
• 8 to 12 pound test line
• Hooks
• Needle-nose pliers
• Jigs
• Spinners
• Baits
• Cooler

Instructions

1. Pick a fishing destination. Warm and cold water fish swim off both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. If you want to shore fish for fluke, pick a spot on the coast of New Jersey; if you're looking for bonefish and pompano, try Florida; migratory steelhead and pacific salmon are on the coasts of Washington and Oregon, and California's coast offers striped bass, California halibut, surf perch and surf smelt.

2. Consider fishing options and select a site. Private piers often hold a fishing license that covers all its fishermen. Elevated piers, with reefs around its supports, are an effective place to spot and jig for fish. Fishing from large rocks often gets you close to rock bass, and other species that prefer rocky habitats. If the rocks are far enough out in the water you avoid the difficulties of casting over incoming surf. Beaches are convenient for the space they provide; you will have ample room for long casting movements and you can walk to different fishing spots at your leisure. Surf fishing gets you right into the fish's environment and wading off the shoreline will get you closer to shallow swimming fish like bonefish. Surf angling can be difficult as it often requires long casts to get your line over waves and away from the smell and sight of people.

3. Rig your line. Attach a leader to the bottom of your line if you are fishing close to rocks, or targeting species with a sharp bite. This will protect your catch and your lure. Many fish that patrol the shorelines are attracted to live and frozen squid, shrimp, menhaden, and herring. On the northern Atlantic coast (New Jersey, Massachusetts) try clams and bloodworms. Cut pieces of bait and secure them to your line, leaving the hook point exposed. If you are fishing from a pier or elevated rock, rig your rod with a lead-headed jig in addition to a piece of bait; spoons and spinners can be effective for cast-and-retrieve fishing along the shoreline.

4. Cast or release your line to present your lure where you think the fish are. In most cases you'll want to cast up current, letting the water take your line into the strike zone. If you are jigging, release your line until you feel your lure touch the bottom, then close your reel and slowly move the point of your rod up and down (about three to six feet).

5. Set your hook when you feel unnatural movement by swiftly jerking your rod upwards. Do this more with your wrists than your arms.

6. Reel the fish in. Let the fish run your line when it wants to but keep the tension in the line and slowly bring it in closer and closer to you. When it is close enough to do so, identify the fish and consider state size and species regulations before you decide to keep it.

7. Remove the hook with needle-nose pliers and place the fish in your cooler.

Tips & Warnings

• Polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare of the sun and help you identify fish movements below the water. The best time to shore fish for many species is early in the morning and about an hour before dusk, when they feed. Some fish will be easier to catch with an incoming tide.

• Salt water and sand can ruin your reel; never lay your rod down in the sand, and be sure to clean your rod and reel with fresh water after a day out. In warmer climates such as Florida and southern California, sharks can be of mild concern. Have a look around when you've snagged a fish to make sure you're not facing any competition in bringing it in. In most states you must purchase and carry a state fishing license to fish from the coast.

References

• California Department of Fish and Game; A Guide to Central California Beach Fishing