Do This ONE Thing To Catch MORE Fish In The Surf! (Are You Casting Too Far?)

Lots of people cast OVER the best fish in the surf. Fish light and fish close, that's my tip. In this video I put a brand new rod through its paces and share a load of tips and advice...
By the way, if you love this video and my channel, please consider shouting me a beer (or a coffee!) to help me produce lots more great KZbin content for your viewing pleasure! Simply go to: www.buymeacoffee.com/starlo
Thanks... and cheers!

[@StarloGetsReel]

If you enjoy this video and my channel, please consider shouting me a beer (or buying me a coffee) so I can continue producing worthwhile content like this for YOU! To do so, simply go to: www.buymeacoffee.com/starlo

[@samiamnot8906]

Have you ever tried eating salmon as ceviche? It's a great way to have it when you get tired of it. Remove all the red flesh, fillet without bones, cut into cubes (no skin) and use lime juice, salt, pepper, finely diced red onion, avocado and coriander if you like and let it sit after stirring for 20 minutes. My first fishing book many years back was Hook Line and Sinker :)

[@johnlighton7025]

Those are the sessions of dreams. Can't wait for the holidays. Thanks I felt right there for 20 mins. Good times.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kennethgordon7885]

Great video, again! I am rediscovering surf fishing, I love the simplicity of it. Thanks Starlo.

[@StarloGetsReel]

No worries! 👍

[@Inlay76667]

What a fantastic session Starlo. I really enjoyed that

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! 👍

[@TheTomcat1979]

Great video again! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I am def going to take a look at that rod

[@StarloGetsReel]

No worries! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@seancreek8728]

Another quality video Starlo, really enjoy the longer style content. Also appreciate the simplicity of the setup. Must make a trip down to Tuross when the weather warms up a bit!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for that!

[@martingray8350]

Love your videos mate very educational thanks

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks martin! I really appreciate the feedback.

[@bleakersfishing3749]

Nice Steve! Starting to nail the solo producing gig by the looks of it 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Getting there, mate. 👍 Just gotta learn to fly the drone with my toes now. 🤣

[@patricksobb5762]

Great stuff Starlo!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you kindly!

[@No_Love_Gaming74fe]

In the US we call tailers bluefish. I just bought the 9ft speedmaster and paired with my 5000 stradic FL. I wanted I lighter setup that I can throw plugs or bait.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff! Yes, they're a very widely distributed fish. In South Africa they're called elf or shad. Also caught in parts of the Mediterranean and southern Europe, I beleve.

[@martinpaul6146]

Really great video very relaxing to watch, here in UK my favourite rig is also the running ledger. Always trying complicated rigs but best fish have always come on the RL… and often only a 1-2 oz lead.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Hi Martin! That's very cool... so good to get feedback from the UK! A sea bass is still on my personal "wish list". What areas do you mostly fish?

[@stevennaumovski8477]

Great video Starlo 👏👏

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks again, Steven! Your ongoing support is wonderful.

[@carlalonergan8001]

Couldn’t sleep and stumbled across a short of yours. 2hours in and I’m mad keen to do some shore fishing. It’s been a long time between casts since marrying a not so keen fisherman and all. Time to pull out the gear for a quick service while I wait for the wind from this cyclone to move along. Thanks for reviving a forgotten love of mine. Look forward to your next installment

[@StarloGetsReel]

That’s so cool! 👍👍👍

[@vinodrm]

Some fantastic catch from surf 🎣😍👌... Amazing location! ❤️.. enjoyed watching lovely video 😍👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@fishingsister]

Nice video :) Agree about eating the smaller salmon. They are delicious in my opinion!

[@SushiDragon73]

Hi Starlo, as a man who is learning the art of fishing particularly shore and kayak based on lures, your vids are an awesome learning tool. Thank you

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! Glad you like them!

[@goldentwilight1944]

It's great surf fishing, it's a very sensory experience. I've only been surf fishing a few times, but I want to do more of it. (it's a bit of a drive for me). That's a nice new rod you got there, I recently got a new one too, one of the new Shimano raiders the surf model.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for the feedback, Golden!

[@02bigkev]

Great episode, thx

[@StarloGetsReel]

No probs!

[@hangyu0211]

Just got myself the same rod yesterday. The minimal design on the reel seat and butt section is really nice, like you said in the video. Hopefully I will catch plenty like you did too. Thank you, Starlo!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good one! Enjoy...

[@OrlyUmali227]

This is enjoyable. Thanks. New friend here from the Philippines.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Welcome aboard!

[@adamgrassodesign]

Great content, Starlo.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you!

[@4WLEX]

Hi, big fun here and new subscriber. I’m learning many things from you! Thank you!!!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Welcome aboard!

[@OrlyUmali227]

I am making shore fishing my new hobby because of this video.

[@StarloGetsReel]

That’s very cool! 👍

[@franksaunders6534]

This was brilliant, Steve! Simple, local, uncomplicated fun, the way fishing is meant to be....though I know from the tackle shows where I met you the first time some 30 years ago, you love to get technical sometimes. Still, simple is what often catches the best fish from the surf and the rocks...for me around Bulli anyway.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks Frank! Yes, sometimes simple is best.

[@Tunnelrat6666]

Thanks. Looks like I just found my new setup it fits the bill perfect.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad you liked it.

[@rkangler]

Very nice fishing 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you!

[@justinadams5159]

I found watching this latest surf video utterly eye opening illuminating. So few would think fish would bite almost at yr feet on the beach. You are right most think they have to cast to N.Z. to get action, sometimes this can be the case, but thinking all the time and remaining flexible is key. Personally I’m having a lot of trouble getting into good sessions like your one. I catch occasional fish, sometimes good ones but not a whole lot. Look I recently bought a rod that I was going to use as a light Rockwall rod but thought it would be undergunned and so left unused. Your vid has shown me I can definitely use as a light beach rod. A Shimano Jewel 4-8kg I think approx 8ft and I can pair it up with my Daiwa T.D. Black 2500 love their new monocoque reels. My mission statement this Winter is to get into some GOOD Aussie Salmon and Tailor.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff, Justin. Yes, going light can definitely pay off.

[@timharriss7449]

Great video. Just watched it with my little 8 year old fella. He is getting better with his casting and this shows he doesn’t have to cast a long way. We will give it a go in the morning at our local salmon beach.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Great to hear, Tim! Hope you get amongst a few.

[@darnsmall]

great info, reminds me of my local where i've been doing a lot of spinning off the beach and after casting a mile, I always get hits within 10m from sure. Keen to give it a go with some bait too

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for that!

[@jimjim773]

Starlo mate love the surf so much. Can't wait to get back out, got some unfinished business with the after dark jewies, last time I released some monster tailor and bream on livies but had to leave. after seeing this my thirst has been renewed haha cheers 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good to hear, Jimjim!

[@reelmates18]

I finally got out this arvo and had a fish on the Goldie with mine, a few nice choppers and flathead, this is my favorite light shore rod too, its just perfection.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice!

[@arnelblancaflor2787]

Wow that's a nice place to fish👍👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

It sure is.

[@cookiebeariscool]

I love Kahawai....... even the dark meat which I find really tasty...... good wee fishing session...... think I might go for a fish next weekend....... cheers mate

[@StarloGetsReel]

No worries! Thank you for your feedback and Tight Lines.

[@TazzzieAdventures]

What a way to bring in the night and fishing in close sure can pay off you have a great feed there. I,m one who has a rod cast well out but i'm after a stingray as my family loves a feed of them but we also like salmon we do it rough here on the N.W of Tassie :-) ATB Brad

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff!

[@keithprinn720]

Peter Hayes what a great fly fishing experience. Him and Harro both great fun

[@StarloGetsReel]

Absolutely. 👍

[@markmay184]

That was a great little session 👍🏻 I fish the beach, a lot. To me, It stands to reason, the fish (if they were there) would be feeding in close on that beach. There’s no structure, gutters, holes banks or wash, other than the shore break, and what appeared to be deep water just behind it. The only cover and food source is in close. I have to admit that had I seen that beach and not knowing the set up/area, I wouldn’t have even bothered wetting a bait where you were fishing. But if I did, that’s where I’d have lobbed my first bait, in close. I like to think like a fish 😀 where will I get a feed, where’s my cover/protection from birds etc etc. Up my way (far northern rivers NSW) the beach fishing is from beach’s that have swell and waves, and catching fish is all about the presence of gutters, holes, banks, structure (headlands/coffee rocks etc) and wash. For sure any or all of these might be at your feet, or a lazy lob away, and if I’m going to fish into the night that’s a big bonus especially if I’m using pippi’s or live yabbies. Another example could be a gutter, one end might be nice and deep, the other could be a lot shallower, but with a nice wash of white water cascading over it to provide cover. At 4 o’clock in the arvo the shallow end would be the best bet for a throw, and when the light fades the deeper end might then come into play. I like to check my local (4) beaches at low tide and then plan accordingly as to which one I’ll fish that arvo, or next morning, if any. Anyway I could rattle on forever, but I think the art of being able to ‘read’ a beach is just as important, maybe more so, than having the best bait. Good vid Starlo 👍🏻

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for that great feedback, Mark!

[@danielmcdonald3380]

I grew up fishing nearly every weekend for tailor with mum and dad, Mostly caves beach and King Horne beach, and they are actually one of my favourite eating fish. Always bled immediately and eaten the same day. Maybe I enjoy the memories of them as much as the taste, but definitely not to be discarded as an eating fish

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep, if you look after them and eat them fresh, they're pretty good!

[@samiamnot8906]

How do you cook Tailor? I do the fillets with butter or EV olive oil, salt, pepper and some herbs in foil in the oven and love them next day cold with some vinegar. They are a bit like European herrings done that way.

[@barrytribe2097]

nice one yes i like salmon as well nothing wrong with them.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Agreed.

[@jaybarnett3550]

I like to look of the action on that rod. I really like my 10’6 Catana as well, looks like the speed master has a little more power. Wish they made a 13ft model with this action, the extra height would certainly help on our more Southern Beaches somedays.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Jay, there are 12 and 13 footers in the new SpeedMaster range, but they're pretty heavy: www.shimanofish.com.au/content/fish/oceania/au/en/homepage/productdetail.P-SPEEDMASTERSURF.html

[@thedon9670]

Would using circle hooks be an option?

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I just bought a 13ft Carp feeder rod from Oz Fin Chasers in Sydney. Great rod. Silstar.

[@keithprinn720]

great education, I did a flycasting lesson with Peter Hayes had me roll casting well into a target real quickly and double hauling. I have two same reels for this loaded with braid. no point for using heavy tackle as far as I am concerned.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I've got an 11ft Tiralejo that's line rating is 10-18 kg with 40 - 85 gram cast weights. It's more of a 90- 150 gram rod. Great rod. I love Shimano stuff.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Lovely rod!

[@gqwarrior6694]

Couldn't say if small salmon are better eating then big ones. Those little things don't even meet our minimum size requirements 😂 Nice work Starlo 🤙

[@StarloGetsReel]

I can assure you they are. Much tastier. Where are you? There’s no minimum length in NSW, just a bag limit of 5. 👍

[@redtobertshateshandles]

@@StarloGetsReel I caught a medium sized one last week and having no luck with them in the past, bled it really well this time. I cut it's head right off and kept it cool. My daughter made Asian style fish cakes. Coriander, spring onion, garlic, ginger. Awesome.

[@Telecaster-uz9pu]

Hey Starlo, another good informative video mate, looked a fun session. One question I wanted to ask is you say In a few videos on the "Tube" about fishing very light with light spinning gear and I totally agree, as it's such an enjoyable way to fish, not being weighed down by heavy cumbersome gear. My question is though, what about when the conditions are less than favourable and you need a heavier sinker to hold bottom, say something 100g roughly. Would you then have to go to a "heavier" set up? Also, I've yet to see these Speedmasters In store anywhere?? I have a feeling they're a bit hard to come by at the moment, at least where I am. Thanks 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Hi Telecaster. Thanks for that feedback. To be honest with you, if conditions are bad enough to need a 100 gram sinker, I don’t go! I live close to some pretty good beaches so I can pick and choose my times. But yes, if you had to fish in conditions like that, you’d definitely need heavier gear. I believe the SpeedMaster rods are only just going out to most retailers now. Hopefully you’ll be seeing them in shops in the next few weeks. Cheers, Starlo

[@eddiechin4773]

Good session Starlo with very useful tips. Is the double snell hook sliding or fixed?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks Eddie! That one's fixed, but sliding would be handy at times.

[@wazza_fishing]

Great video as always. When do you salt your pilchards? Thanks 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! I just throw on a handful of coarse salt as they are thawing, usually an hour or so before I hit the beach.

[@MattsFishingEscapes]

Nice one Starlo. I found it interesting as I have just paired a T Curve Surf 3-6kg 11' with a 4000XG FL Stradic with 12lb braid and 12lb Ocea F leader. Keen to get out and give it a go on the weekend. I agree that I've been fishing way too heavy on my surf rods for the target species here in SA being whiting, bream salmon, flathead, mullet etc. Obviously you might get the stray Mulloway but in the main it's the smaller bread and butter species. Thanks for this... The T Curve/Stradic combo feels so light and well balanced... Be interested in what you think of it as a combo?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! That's a great combo. I reckon you'll love it.

[@timstimes9607]

I was the guy you talked about. ALWAYS lugging heaps of gear down to the beach when fishing! I've learned a lot from this video, and am keen to try the lighter approach next time, although a freind warned me about using braid when there's seaweed in the water. Apparently it sticks to braid like glue?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff! I think you'll enjoy the lightweight approach. There are so many "old wives' tales" about braid: it grooves bail rollers and rod guides; you'll miss strikes and constantly pull hooks; etc, etc. Some have a degree of truth, but most are nonsense. I haven't noticed that I pick up weed or floating kelp strands any more often with braid than I do with mono, although maybe some of that fine, slimy "red weed" they get up north at times would be different? I'm not sure. But I'd suggest you give it a go and make your own decisions. For me, the massively increased "feel', reduced water drag and more positive hook-sets offered by fine braid far outweigh any slight negatives... But each to their own.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Weed sticks like glue to all fishing lines doesn't it ??

[@samiamnot8906]

I always travel very light but with more and more big gummy's around I'm wondering how to maintain travelling light and at the same time being able to transport bigger fish back to the car. It's a 12 minute walk from the beach and carrying a big fish over my shoulder isn't easy but taking a cart every time is daunting also....

[@benredford1627]

Great video Starlo! I’m looking at the speedmaster range but cannot decide between the 9’ 5 - 10 kg or the 10’ 3 -6 kg. I would mainly be fishing for Salmon and Tailor of the rocks and beach and the occasional Jew of the headlands with a variety of metals and soft plastics. Which one would you opt for? Cheers

[@StarloGetsReel]

I'd go the longer rod. Tight Lines!

[@feartheduck6664]

👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@user-ul5js3bs6z]

Enjoy watching the video. I am just wondering which beach you were fishing?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Coila Beach at Tuross Head, NSW.

[@1969cmp]

I like pan fried Oz salmon. No dramas.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Agreed!

[@zacherykaur7393]

Just started fishing. What time do you fish at the beach in relation to tide? Also does tide height, wind speed and wind direction matter? TIA

[@StarloGetsReel]

Varies a lot depending on location and what you're chasing, although I tend to prefer a rising tide in most situations. Wind can be a major factor, too. Not much fun casting straight into the wind.

[@timrosenthal46]

Nice session Starlo ... Im in the market for a light surf set up, I have a 4000 Sedona with 10lb braid and was thinking either this rod, the Catana or a Maikuro 2 all in the 10-10'6 length ? What would you suggest mate ..?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Tim, depends how light you want to go. I love my Catana, but it is very light and much "softer". As an all-rounder, the Speedmaster I reviewed here might be a better bet, especially if you hope to cross paths with some bigger fish.

[@timrosenthal46]

@@StarloGetsReel Thanks mate ..

[@thedon9670]

Would using circle hooks be an option?

[@redtobertshateshandles]

No good for sand whiting coz you can't strike. I use them all the time for other fish though.

[@StarloGetsReel]

For sure!

[@truthsower4560]

Is that rod a 30/70 split or 50/50 split? How come when I looked online at the specs I don't see any of the "Surf Spin Light" model that you have on the video? The lightest one that I see is the 10' medium power and moderately fast action that casts 3/4 - 4oz lures and holds 30-50 pound braided lines. I want something lighter like yours so that I could cast regular bass lures from half ounce all the way up to 3 ounces. Can you give me a link where I can buy the model that you have? I live in the USA.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Truth Sower, the two pieces of this rod are equal length, with the ferrule (join) in the middle. I'm not sure what rods from the Speedmaster range are being offered on the US market. I've attached a link to the relevant page from the Australian Shimano catalogue below. It's worth noting that these rods have only JUST hit our market. I guess you could possibly order one from an Australian mail order outlet like MO Tackle (www.motackle.com.au/) but that might be a fairly expensive exercise, especially with freight, etc. Much better to see if you can get a State-side retailer or wholesaler to get one in for you, I'd imagine? Anyway, good luck and thanks for watching my video. www.shimanofish.com.au/content/fish/oceania/au/en/homepage/productdetail.P-SPEEDMASTERSURF.html

[@prof.puggle1631]

Starlo, the speedmaster vs. aerowave?

[@StarloGetsReel]

I don't have any experience with the Aerowave. Sorry.

[@alleycat8483]

Hi Steve, is that reel winch too far up the rod?.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Personally, alleycat, I reckon it IS, but common rod-building wisdom sees them set up like that (for optimum casting performance with hands widely spaced). I may well take take to it with the hacksaw and knock 4 or 5 inches off. 😉

[@raj1634]

Hi starlo I am tryna pair my sustain 5000 with grappler pe 2 which is 38lb line any suggestions on what rod on the speedmaster beach rods should I pair it with should I go with the 9 ft 5-10 kg? Or the 10 ft 8 to 12kg?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Either would be fine, but I'd probably lean towards the 10 footer.

[@raj1634]

@@StarloGetsReel thanks mate appreciate it.

[@kyfisher3662]

would be great to see a video on how you kill and bleed them

[@StarloGetsReel]

Not sure how well that’d go down on KZbin. People have had accounts closed down for less, apparently.

[@kyfisher3662]

@@StarloGetsReel true haha, where would be a good place to learn from? Any book recommendations?

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@kyfisher3662 check out this clip I made a while back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYHCmKaKbbuUiKM

[@maxfish4770]

That's a nice rod Starlo, will adding one to the arsenal.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes, it's a ripper.

[@tristanstephens3322]

You could of had the fly rod on them, they would of taken a surf candy, deceiver or clouser no problem.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep, Tristan, they were definitely close enough in. You'd need a stripping basket with the surge and would likely get very wet, but it's certainly do-able!

[@MaxIQ77]

Why do you skip over the killing and bleeding part of fishing? Beginners need to know how to do that correctly.

[@StarloGetsReel]

It's funny John... I filmed it, then cut it out in the editing process because it was so "bloody"... I agonised over doing that, and can certainly see the plus and minus arguments, but with fishing under increasing pressure from the "anti" brigade, I ultimately decided to avoid giving them any additional ammo.

[@StarloGetsReel]

... I do demonstrate it here with a dead fish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYHCmKaKbbuUiKM

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Whingers. Guys who grew up without fathers. You name it.

[@discopantsandhaircuts1135]

How do you kill? Brain spike or another way?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes, usually. Brain spike then immediately cut through throat latch and gills.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

.44 magnum.

[@3ds647]

Spot?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep.

[@3ds647]

Location?

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@3ds647 this is the far south coast of NSW, but the techniques apply anywhere.

[@MrDberrill]

Those small salmon make great sushimi as well. Thank you for the up close tip, I find I usually cast out to far.

[@StarloGetsReel]

You’re welcome.

[@davouchi1]

New sub. Glad I found your channel. Always happy to find an aussie fisho.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for the sub!

[@rimshotdc]

Excellent advice ❗..u put your line shallow...and...WHAM 👍..SEVERAL TIMES

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! Yep... it works.