Choosing Surf Fishing Gear: DON'T WASTE MONEY & TIME!

Learn the essentials of surf fishing gear. This guide explains what every surf fishing angler should have in their bag in order to be prepared for any fishing situation on the beach. We cover the most popular kinds of fishing rods, reels, hooks, sinkers, lures and other gear for surf fishing.
When going out surf fishing, I like to be prepared for anything and everything that could happen on the beach. If I see fish busting, I want to have the correct thing to throw to catch one, but it is a real hassle to haul your entire garage of lures, sinkers, and other gear on a beach cart or on your back. Packing minimally and thinking ahead becomes key when preparing for your trip! This is a guide explaining what I pack so that I can keep light on my feet out on the field and still not miss out on any action. I fish this same set up pretty much EVERY trip we take to any beach around the world, so hopefully these tips will apply to any surf caster and help you get the correct gear out there!
Here is everything you need to know about surf fishing gear in one concise 11-page e-book. Included at the end of this guide is a printable list of exactly what gear I pack every time I go fishing.
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SURF FISHING ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
ROD/REEL
10-11’ Rod
5000-8000 Size Reel ~ Spooled w/ #20 - #40 braided fishing line
LURES
1-2 oz Topwater Lure
1-2 oz Bucktail Jigs
1 oz Spoon
HOOKS
2/0 Circle Hooks
5/0 Circle Hooks
1/0 Baitholder Hooks
3/0 Live Bait Hooks
4/0 Long Shank Hooks
Sabiki Rig
SINKERS
2oz sinker
3oz sinker
5oz sinker
BAIT
Squidy Bits
Frozen Squid
Sand Fleas
Mullet/Bunker
Clams
LEADER LINE
#25 fluorocarbon
#40 fluorocarbon
ACCESSORIES
Tactical Clips
Sand Tube
Scissors

[@kevinmcfadden7744]

Here are few things I would also add to your surf fishing bag: a knife, pliers (that will cut mono, fluorocarbon, and braided line), a fishing ruler (that includes bag and size limit regulations), a few first aid items, fishing towels, hand sanitizer, unscented wipes, and fingernail clippers.

[@marcoausich2118]

LOL... Right! Nice 8k Saragossa. Fun for whiting! lol

[@adamthomas4462]

I normally bring a fat bag of weed too

[@Space.Ghost.]

@@adamthomas4462 mandatory

[@quintintapia8742]

thanks!

[@whome8845]

Love that message(s) 1. Keep only what your going to eat. 2. Clean up after yourself. Keep up the great job

[@kenfizzo1]

The perfect guide and how to video. Just perfect for a rookie surf fisher like me and many others out there. Great stuff buddy. Keep them coming along. Thanks 👍🏻

[@JuanHernandez-sj9cy]

Very helpful video. It broke down everything for a beginner fisherman who’s planning to go surf fishing. Thanks for the tips.

[@johanvaneeckhout5837]

Hi there, I have to thank you guys for doing the work you do. The video's are always instructive and motivating, but they're especially fun to look at! I love the challenges and bucket lists, but I also love posts like these: they really help me to find out and learn despite my lack of real fishing practice. Keep up the good work!

[@johanvaneeckhout5837]

btw. I guess my challenge would be for you guys to come and fish the overfished North Sea... I wonder what you guys would use there. My experience is that squid eg. does not really work very well there.

[@soberfisher]

I"m glad to hear you talk about conservation as well as great tips for fishing.

[@safetyfirst9140]

New to fishing... But it got me hooked... Loving it.

[@reedsutter8485]

Good all-around advice here. I love ending on the advice to only keep what you're about to eat. I personally prefer using a shorter rod and maximizing casting distance by pairing it thoughtfully with the right line and baits. If bottom fishing the surf the long rod can give an edge, but when you're chucking less than 3oz I can usually out-distance a surf rod with a well-chosen 7-footer. I mostly target troughs which aren't usually all that far off shore. My must-have list: 1/2oz-1oz spoon (Krocodile, Little Cleo, Kastmaster or similar) Yo-Zuri 3DS Minnow 100 (for 7 feet of water or more) and 70 (less than 7 feet of water) Sea Striker Gotcha Plug Mirrolure Mirrodine Suspending Bottom rig

[@TheRemyPierceChannel]

The best informative,humble,funny fishing youtuber ever.clear explanations,great videos too.the only fishing channel i subcribe to.thank you skippers and hello from singapore!

[@Makaio08]

🇸🇬

[@joseordaz6698]

excellent video, thanks for the fishing tips, and congratulations on having so many subscribers.

[@billygarfield5520]

I am soooo happy. My squidy bits tentacles just arrived in the mail. My kids and me are going fishing this Sunday! I look forward to using your product!!!!

[@drewgroff8387]

Yes this was incredibly helpful especially because I’m new to surf fishing!!!

[@jamesburke638]

Mike Burke here. I've been following hey skipper for a few months now and I must say this guy is great. I am an accomplished inshore fisherman 10,000 islands,Indian river, ft Meyers and Tampa all in Florida. Been looking to branch out and do some surf fishing. Hey skipper has given me some very good tips. Thanks for your channel

[@shadowliving6858]

Great information. Just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.

[@ssnowden5]

Every time I listen I learn something new. He's great!!!!

[@ghostwriter1869]

Just a comment on selecting pole size. You have to take into account your physical size, not always the beach. I'm 5'8-5'9 and like an 8ft pole in the surf with braid. I can cast with the best of them with this setup!! I even use it on the jetty sometimes but increase my mono shock leader length. Low tide jetty, maybe a 10 footer but not always if the wind is right. My wife is 5'1-5'2 and she fishes a 7ft-8ft pole at most. She can't handle anything bigger and feel comfortable with it. Give her an 8ft pole some braided line and a beach, she will outcast most guys reaching the sand bar!! Note, release points are also important when casting not just pole size! Just for comment, my wife bought me a 12ft surf pole to fish seawalls. I'm back to using my 10ft'er for that task! LOL

[@hentiebeukes5319]

Thank you for your helpful tips and at the end your educational advice about releasing fish and taking your rubbish with you. Some young new fishermen need to hear this. Good job.

[@mr.goodbass9445]

I am a freshwater guy, but am getting into saltwater. I enjoy your channel, find it helpful and have learned a lot from watching you. Also entertaining. Good job dude! Your HEY HEY HEY intro is much better too!!

[@mwambasol9556]

Great info! Headed to myrtle beach this week to do surf fishing for the first time

[@lesshrubb203]

Hi Skip, thanks from England for a very helpful video. A truly great fisherman is one who can catch fish whilst protecting fish stocks and the environment, and that, my friend, is you!

[@toddhalliwell8634]

Thanks so much, Im just starting fishing with my wife in RI.. Your advice has helped.. thanks again

[@bradcar29]

This was very informative, I only get a chance to surf fish a couple times a year and there is always to many options in the bait shops

[@alexanderfkovach2659]

Thanks for the great tips! I really like all you videos.

[@Scoutmayhem]

This video was awesome and super helpful I appreciate you fam! 🎣🍻🤙🏻

[@akim2007p]

Really good insight for surf fishing. Thank you!

[@stevebilderback2381]

Love your videos! Looking forward to a trip to Kiawah Island this summer. First time surf fishing.

[@lanz2659]

This was the exact video I needed to see

[@aaronarlington9328]

Another great video, I learned something,from the information you gave on the video. I enjoy videos like this, I always find them informative. I am continuing to pray for you and your family and friends. Keep up the good work.

[@giveitaswingoutdoorswithsm2901]

Good Advice My friend! Growing up on the North East Coast of England A 12 foot rod was the norm because of waves and weed in the edge also break away grip leads that I see Are becoming popular "over the pond " Back in the late seventies break away leads were a God send 😅👍🎣

[@adammorse6372]

Thanks a lot need to go pack a bag for the next fishing trip

[@Wnemo]

Perfect timing - I’m getting ready for a family vacation in Cape May, NJ and I wanted to try surf fishing with my 9 yr old son and I want to be prepared but not haul a tackle shop worth of gear down to the beach. The only thing I think is missing for the list is a pair of pliers to remove hooks from the fishes mouth (especially the ones with pointy teeth) and a camera.

[@HeySkipper]

Yesss you are right. Forgot the pliers!

[@researcherfloppa6771]

Thank you I needed this!

[@HeySkipper]

Woohoo! Happy to hear I could be of service!

[@GasqueFishing]

Gotcha plug is a must have when anywhere near saltwater. You can catch your limit of blue fish and Spanish

[@stevenjanicelli6593]

Thank you, very helpful. I do a lot of fishing in the California Delta region and craving to fish the coast, here in California and North Carolina. My Brother lives in Raleigh, NC and boost how good fishing is on his coast. Your channel is the very informative and your filming style is outstanding.

[@mmalloy414]

Appreciate your passion for the sport and teaching it!

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you!

[@JoseMartinez-fk9cm]

thank you for all the info you give.

[@johnandrewservice8598]

I absolutely love your videos Skipper Onelove ❤️💛💚

[@nancygardner6288]

i love the lifters hyping him up like he's going for a lift lol. COME ON JOSH!!!

[@eastonplayz472]

Thanks. This helped me a lot

[@QuestionableContent411]

I basically have the exact middle setup for my surf rig. St. Croix Mojo Surf 11'. Penn Spinfisher VI 6500 with 30lb braid. Hair jig (bucktail or similar) with a bit of bait is probably my most thrown, but cut bait never fails to bring in the big boys! I bring smaller jigs and a smaller rod / reel for bait fish, but I LOVE catching bait on the fly. Just picked up fly fishing this year and its so good!

[@allanpinedo8059]

Great video great tips I usually always pack Berkeley sandworms and they never fail me you should try them I’ve used them in Mexico Baja California and I’ve caught over five different species of fish. Also I would recommend a rod runner it carries my 8 10 and 12 foot rods.👍🏻

[@nj4x4fever2]

Been a subscriber for a while. I just really got into surf fishing. Last week I caught my very first fluke ever from the surf using gulp mullet in green. I was a kayak fisherman until health reasons took me out of the game for a while. I still don’t think I’m in any hurry to fish from my kayak. I am switching gear out for surf fishing, thanks for making your videos I’m picking up on things pretty good. Tight lines.

[@crterr431]

Thank you skipper for this because I beach fish more then half the time and this was really helpful and your the best

[@HeySkipper]

YOURE THE BEST CARTER!!!

[@HeySkipper]

You are the best fan we could ever ask for

[@crterr431]

@@HeySkipper well your the best teacher a kid for asking for

[@TheHungryFisherman00]

I love to use soft plastic grubs for fishing in Hawaii. using a typical whipping set up you can catch a multitude of fish.

[@Moe572]

Savage gear surf walkers are my go to lures for anything really...

[@hahacomments1]

Appreciate the tips !!

[@joncena168]

Love the videos bro!!!

[@ronaldwhite1840]

Thanks my man good job 👏

[@aminesp4400]

hey guys !!blessings to you !!! appreciate what you doing for fishing world !!! here in morocco we use black minnow,swat shad swim baits

[@Static_MK3Focus]

Phoenix is a very popular brand here in Southern California, and I use it for surface iron and I have an ultra light

[@ninadmirajkar9173]

really nice and informative.. thank you

[@stefanhajer7791]

Thanks for the tips

[@dzer3]

I seen a video of your T knot instead of buying pre rigged ones from the store that I usually do and I caught more fish and saved way more money lol thanks.

[@notic0al899]

I LOOOOVE THE GULP SWIMMING MULLET

[@lendog725]

Next time you come to Florida I would love to fish with you guys!

[@vinnyrivera]

This was super helpful

[@winstontan1242]

Thanks it really helps alot!

[@rhinoadventuresplus6317]

fish bits are working great peace

[@HenryDarr]

We use the coconut rig off the rocks for pelagic species like Bonito and kingies. 10ft Penn allegiance, 14000 Shimano Stella SW XBG, 50 pound braid, 80 pound swivel lumo bead cut in half flasher float on 500mm 80 pound leader, the other half lumo bead, 8/0 gang hook and a Salted pilchard.

[@aleenabeel8232]

Thnx thats helps a lot for the biggeners like me.🖒❤

[@dkat1108]

I am big on bringing a net especially for trout.

[@1996xela]

Favorite thing to throw for me is a dropped loop with a white gulp mullet, crushes fluke all day!

[@schauman1]

I fish sebastion lnlet area where i live. My favorite lure is a chug a bug and spoons. Bait- shrimp, sand fleas, fishbites. I fly fish and my favorite fly is the clouser and bait fish patterns. Enjoying your videos. Thanks

[@ILLxVISION]

Bucktails and SP minows. my go to

[@trieunguyen5897]

Well thank to you, just order the Shimano Stradic FL 5000, can't wait to go to beach.

[@6atlantis]

Trieu Nguyen great reel

[@aldeureaux5184]

Thanks great video!

[@bluegrassbassing3790]

Excellent vid

[@malikdesisles7294]

Thanks alot guys j needed some of that help

[@HeySkipper]

Happy to help playa!

[@6atlantis]

Circle hooks only for live or cut bait here in New England(most of it), no more snag n’ drop, no more trebles or bait holders on bait! It’s a good thing.

[@tonyshoeball7759]

I usually keep 1/4-3oz bucktails and spoons/spinners. It is easy to just pack them when you are traveling and don't need to take up much space.

[@BigMike52986]

Gulp shrimp any color on 1/4 jig head, deadly flounder,Reds and trout love it!!

[@HeySkipper]

That’s great too!

[@peterminutti7637]

Great.. You are my teacher... Thank you

[@jinsu0504]

always thankful for your quality videos! i do have a question tho. how do you maintain your reels? do you just rinse with each use and judiciously apply oil and grease...or do you send them in for service every season or annually? i bought a shimano stella after watching your videos...and with light fishing on the pier with every little contact with saltwater and sand, i'm not entirely sure i should be sending it in for service annually, and risking it being scratched during maintenance. what do you think? i want to know from someone who knows this.

[@ronmb81]

0:49 you say you throw a 10-11' surf rod but show us a 9' st croix

[@bradleyconner6793]

got em

[@bruhoccasion8034]

He says 10-11 and then corrects himself by including 9'

[@toddervin7735]

great vid!

[@retiredretired8496]

I am heading down to the NJ shore in jun for two weeks and picked up a Penn Battle II Spinning Reel BTLII8000 + 12" Daiwa Beefstick Surf Rod . I think I am going to pick up a PENN Spinfisher 6000 and a t. Croix Mojo Surf 10' 6" That way i have a back up and or if my daughter feels like surf fishing .

[@mohammadsyafiqwilson6672]

Thanks man. 👍👍👍

[@ajtaylor560]

Great ending, powerful message that has to get out. It's the ride not the destination. Been doing catch and release for years and we all find it really satisfying! My province has banned barbs give that a try.

[@hardtarget2359]

What the hell does banning barbs on hooks do? Besides make you land less fish. That's like asking a racecar driver to race without an engine. You sound like a real genius!

[@jjsage8903]

If you ain’t eating.. what are you doing. I hunt and fish. Just have to ask.. so if you went hunting would you bring a BB gun so you don’t kill the animal? You’ll just sting it right? But it’ll live.. so just don’t understand the point of catch and release besides when you get one that’s not the right size, endangered, etc..

[@lcfawkes447]

thanks i follow you foer years.I was in the canal again this weekend and nothing just fishermen.Im going to find different places,lol

[@cliffart7398]

I am going on my first ever surf fishing trip (actually it is a trip to visit friends who own a beach house at nags head) and I found your video quite educational. I see you are also in Maryland. Here I tend to Kayak fish off Chesapeake beach or on the Patuxent river. I am excited to be learning a new type of fishing. and its right out the back door so I will be able to have more stuff available.

[@marcellusnickles1816]

Great help knowledge is power 👍

[@longrider42]

I use a 10 foot long Salmon/Steelhead rod from Cabela's. 10 to 20 pound test. Reel, the Daiwa Regal 5000 BRI, and throw a two ounce weight, for bait fishing. But that's in light surf/currant. Oh, I use 20 test Ande fishing line. In Wyoming its two poles, two hooks maximum per pole.

[@m0byy]

For me its the Rapala X-Rap magnum. Such a great hardbait.

[@johnbates8964]

I hear you on keeping it clean and picking up trash you find, but the place I fished last nite would have required a 10 yard dumpster, lot of slobs in my city.

[@kevinharrigan2727]

Replace your treble hooks on your spoons with circle hooks or larger j hooks, you’ll be glad you did. I use the circles cuz you don’t have to set them and they work amazing

[@bigalcervantes5118]

Great video skipper, my wife got me a seigler surf reel. I guess I'm out of the dog house lol

[@jakepet3137]

My favorite lure to throw is a diamond jig

[@touchofclasspaintingandhan8009]

Hello Mr. Hey. I really enjoy your video. Thank you for all the tips. I am new in this game and I promise only to take one fish. Thank you

[@armandorjusino]

Great advise on everything, not many do that anymore, I have seen videos of people fishing with all kinds of garbage around and do nothing about it, not like your fiancee who I have seen picking up trash on piers while you fish, 10Q 4 making videos like this.

[@johndelorenzo602]

I always try and keep Fishbites bloodworms or Gulp bloodworms on hand when I go out too. Almost anything will hit them and they work better than real bloodworms IMO

[@derekhambleton4746]

My fav is pompano floating 2 hooks with 1 ounce pyramid. Actually caught 2 fish at same time with j hooks here in east Florida ocean

[@jayeshpathak1973]

Kindly make a video on river fishing. I am a beginner of fishing. I always watch ur videos & try to learn your suggestions. Thanks for your motivational video. God bless you Bro.

[@josephWEBdream]

Greetings from New Zealand! 🇳🇿 I'm just new to fishing this is a very helpful video. What would you recommend for Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 14000XTC braided fishing line? 30lbs line or 50lbs line? and how long?

[@bluetongueislanda]

Ten seconds in and i already liked what I was hearing 😀

[@nikiolastiitinen8789]

One of my favirote go to baits is freskot bonita strips

[@tripeee58]

Three questions: #1 - The "Popper" "Top Water" lure. Is that the same as what I hear guys calling a "Plug?" Or is that something different. I see a lot of White & Silver colored ones used. #2 - Pliers, you didn't mention them but again I see a ton of people using them to extract the hooks from fish they can't get out with their fingers alone. I'm guessing it also keeps you from getting bit. #3 - Gloves, do you need them? One glove two gloves? what's up? Thanks in advance for your help. Your channel has now got me hooked (pun intended) I've always seen people surf casting out on Long Island at Jones beach and wanted to do it. I'm gonna get the Saragossa 8000 SW reel & a Lamiglas LCS10MHS Carbon Sruf Rod 10ft. What's your take on that set up?

[@yettekovjrwilson4216]

Great tips!!! I always pack way to much stuff when we go fishing. Going to lean it out... a bit. ;^)

[@carlosvarela5934]

Amigo soy de Peru, cada video que Ud. Hace lo ADMIRO MUCHO, con esa pèsca y es sorprendente sus acciones y que no le entiendo sus Idioma pero de lo que Ud. se mueve y sus acciones yo le entiendo, le felicito. soy Carlos Varela Solorzano, Perdon por el idioma, pero me gustaria darle mis saludos de mi familia VARELA ASENCION DESDE Departamento de LIMA Provincia de HUAURA, HUACHO HUAURA

[@airmags9646]

Just a suggestion, but you guys should try fishing on the Big Jamaica for bluefish, bonito, and false albacore in New Jersey. Tight lines!

[@HeySkipper]

Good idea!

[@mrreal-io9uv]

Hello there love watching your show. I have a question will you and your fan. Help me. I'm for Miami Florida and I want to start fishing. I bought a kastking Blackhawk 2 telescopic fishing rod 7 ft 4 in..., and a kastking Sharky 3 spinning 4000. My question is what is a great fishing line will not break when I fish for shark similar size?