Reading the Beach - Identifying Sandbars, Troughs, & Cuts

[@michaelrk9351]

Mr. Troxler, you leave me somewhat speechless. You are by far one of the most informative instructors on Reading the Beach. Thank you so very much for these videos. You just made me a better fisherman...

[@brucebruc3]

Does he reply though?

[@richtroxler]

This comment just popped up in my feed under "not responded". Apparently it's from 8 years ago. I'm not sure what happened but please accept my most sincere apologies for not responding to your post. I try to respond to everybody who posts on my channel, so a belated thank you for watching my video.

[@Mightiflier]

Yours is one of the view I’ve ever seen that discuss the subject in detail. It’s eight years old and one of the most valuable for beach fishing. Apparently, You write the script out and keep the info moving, unlike some videos that might put someone to sleep. Thanks for taking the extra effort, very excellent job.

[@lengray7804]

Awesome instruction! Thanks.

[@crazycomments8038]

Dam, 9 years later we are still utilizing the video. This could be history!! Thank you

[@seadriftcharters0624]

I have been surf fishing on and off for 30 years. I now live at the beach and you sir just explained in 16 minutes what I've been trying to do for all those years! You just added a valuable tool to my tackle box. So, when my wife and I go walking on the beach she'll be looking at the water, sunrise or sunset and I'll be identifying cuts, troughs, and sandbars in preparation for my next fishing trip! Thank you!

[@richtroxler]

Glad you found the video useful. Just remember that structure is only 1/3 of the equation. You need bait and fish in the area also. Thanks for watching.

[@TheSjh196]

Any luck ? Report back lols .

[@treehuggernz]

Yuss!

[@MMgoforth]

Great video. No meandering artsy fluff like some of these videos, just vital information clearly delivered. For a surf fishing neophyte, this is pure gold. Thanks a million, Rich!

[@richtroxler]

+Mike Goforth You're very welcome Mike.

[@richtroxler]

Thank you Seymour. What keeps fishing interesting is that there is always something more to learn, for me, for you, for everybody. It never grows old.

[@Dadlife911]

This seems to be incredible information. I’ve been watching a lot of surf fishing videos. They all seem to be people just trying to show you the rig they are using. This guy is actually showing you where to fish rather then just tossing your bait out and hoping for the best

[@richtroxler]

I apologize for the late reply, I had some personal business to attend to. Fish don't do random, so I'll pick knowledge over luck any day. Thanks for watching and I hope it helps you.

[@farzana6676]

@@richtroxler Hi Rich, are you saying we should cast in the trough, or on the far side of the sandbar.

[@richardkimgreene2749]

Excellent presentation! You teach at a masters & doctorate level with well chosen content, words and visual images. Your detailed planning is apparent, making this an extraordinary learning module worthy of a subscription. Thank you, sir!

[@richtroxler]

Wow, thank you! Unfortunately, was out of commission again for a while, so for now I'm just trying to get caught up on responding to everyone and trying to finish up on some new content and other stuff. Thanks for hanging in there with me and I'll get this thing going again.

[@artemasleslie]

I am new to surf fishing and almost gave up trying to understand how to read the beach, but this was the best exanation I have ever watched. Cannot wait to go out again!

[@richtroxler]

Hi art. Sorry for the late reply. I've been working on some music projects and getting some of it out on streaming platforms. I wish I could clone myself LOL. Winter is a good time to practice. Just look at the beach at low tide and then again at high and see the difference in the way the waves break over whatever structure was there at low tide. Thanks for watching.

[@haydenpierce7141]

This may be one of the most informative videos I've seen in a long time

[@richtroxler]

Thank you Hayden. More coming.

[@nathanielduong9982]

i'm a surfer and am super grateful for this video. also involved in education lol and this is an excellent use of examples.

[@richtroxler]

Thank you for watching!

[@harrywong8250]

rain2

[@cpsintake7161]

Hello, Mr. Troxler I don't surf fish very much but i love it. In the past i have not had much luck maybe catching one or two fish when my wife and i visit the beach. This year I decided to do all the research possible and get the necessary tackle. Well I had most of the tackle i needed and while researching surf fishing i ran across your video specifically this video. After watching this video i decided not to watch another video because i felt that the information seemed to be sound and good; in addition i did not want to confuse myself. I visited Destin Florida and walked right out on the beach and stuck my rod in the sand but i didn't put any bait in the water. I took 10 minutes to watch the water and implement everything that i could remember about this video( I watched this video for about a week prior to going) I was able to identify what i felt would be the best fishing spot it was about 60 yards to my left. Oddly there were people all around me fishing but there was no one in that spot. After i convinced my wife to move we set up. I had three rods with me and two rod holders. I baited one threw out into the trough about 20-25 yards out. I believed the trough was fairly deep because of how the wave were breaking plus there was a guy walking out casting and it was nearly to his neck lol. While everyone was casting 50 yards or more out. I started catching fish two at a time. twenty minutes in i had about 15-18 fish (whiting) before i knew it my wife was reeling in and i was left baiting and taking fish off of the hook. After about 25 whiting we stared catching pompano then red fish. In all we caught about 40+ fish when people around me were catching nothing. I am so grateful that you sheared this information my wife now understands my passion for fishing. Thank you Thank you Thank you. PS. people started walking up to me asking me what i was doing what bait i was using and you know the usual questions I don't know who was more proud my wife or me. Again thank you.

[@richtroxler]

Cps Intake Great story Cps and thanks for taking the time to share it! I'm glad this info helped you get on fish. Bottom contour is key. It won't produce fish, but if fish are around, it'll let you know where they are most likely holding.

[@RonaldTugublimas1]

This is the most informative video about the beach and movement of the fish. I love fishing and I would use this knowledge not just for myself, but to pass through my future kids. Thanks a lot, Mister...

[@richtroxler]

Thanks for the kind words Ronald and I hope it helps you out.

[@JesseG085]

I almost drowned in a rip current when I was a kid. I didn't know any better and tried to fight it but luckily a nearby surfer saved the day. Anyways, since then I've always looked for rip currents even when I wasn't swimming. It never clicked that those cuts would make for good fishing but I have never surf fished before. Thank you for giving me a better chance at success when I do get to surf fish this summer. Cheers

[@richtroxler]

And Cheers to you Jesse. Sorry for the late reply, these are crazy times. Rips and cuts are very good places to catch fish in addition to hitching a ride out when surfing lol. Thanks for watching. Be well and stay safe.

[@paulataybron]

I was that person just sitting at the beach waiting today! And I knew something was off and I found this video. Thank you! -Paula T.

[@richtroxler]

You are very welcome Paula. Don't forget to check out the other videos. They will help refine your searches on the beach. Thanks for watching

[@Sky_Hustle]

Another surfer here. This is pure gold, thanks for putting this together.

[@richtroxler]

Hi Dmitry. You are very welcome and thanks for watching. Stay safe and be well.

[@claytonadams7436]

Very informative. Been coastal fishing for years in Port Aransas, Corpus, and surrounding areas. Never understood how to tell the sandbars without walking out into them. lol. Thank you for you time in making these videos. You are appreciated!

[@richtroxler]

Thank you Clayton. The game changes when you learn to read water. It's the fish's world, so the more you learn about what the fish species prefers and the more you learn to read water, the easier it becomes to dial in and catch consistently, and sometimes, just know when to go home.

[@treehuggernz]

“Fishing is a lifelong process that never ends ..” Indeed! Same could be said for Catching! This was a really good Succinct and seaworthy tutorial. I definitely learnt something from this video, cheers bro! New Zealand here.

[@richtroxler]

Hello New Zealand and cheers to you! New Zealand is one of countries I've considered moving myself and my wife to recently. May wind up doing it, not sure yet. It would certainly be interesting for me to learn all your native species and how to catch them. That never gets boring to me. Be well.

[@richtroxler]

Thank you for your kind words. I hope it helps you get on the fish. I'll have another one out on holes and points in the near future. Holes are the hardest to spot, but they really produce.

[@BigSlimThic]

+richtroxler, You Sir....Are my new uncle! Thanks Uncle Rich!

[@richtroxler]

You're welcome nephew lol.

[@jgdroptop1]

Excellent video on how to read the beach. This is how I have been doing it for many years and when you can find these cuts, you will find fish.

[@richtroxler]

Thanks for watching Joe. Fishing would be a lot easier if the fish were spread uniformly down the beach, but it just ain't so ;-)

[@Syler1979]

Thank you so much!!! Ive been doing it all wrong! now that i think back at the beaches i fish on hear in Australia i see the exact same structures you have pointed out and ive had NO idea how important those sand bars are. In one video you have clearly explained every thing the surf fisherman should know.

[@richtroxler]

+Syler1979 You're very welcome Syler. If you know what kind of water a species prefers, then reading the water will help you dial in their most likely location.

[@Syler1979]

I went to one of the local surf beaches and this time i was able to watch the waves, pick the sand banks, troughs and holes. in 3 months the salmon start their migration and i cant wait. Thanks again

[@richtroxler]

Good luck to you!

[@TheMandalore04]

Rich, this video series has been great. I really appreciate the time you've put into this.

[@richtroxler]

I appreciate you watching them :-)

[@davidguette7202]

Thanks very much for sharing an excellently organized lecture on fundamentals of fish behavior and beach structure. The video very nicely compliment the clear explanations. Very generous of you Rich thank you, I have never fished on the beach and was browsing for tips as I am going to siesta key in a week. This is priceless!

[@richtroxler]

You are welcome David and thanks for the kind words. Have a good time on your vaca.

[@AccountingTutor]

No audio problem for me. Your lessons are succinct and logical, and the videos are well produced. Thanks for taking the time to think through the topics and present them so well in this excellent series of tutorials. I'm about to leave for 3 weeks in Florida and I'll be flyfishing the beaches a lot. I'm a midwestern fresh water fisher who knew nothing about beach structure. Your videos will help me get off to a great start.

[@richtroxler]

Thanks Craig.

[@greggorygannon351]

I'm getting a very low audio signal on this video, anyone else having this problem?

[@preferredstock9338]

Ever heard of turning up the volume?

[@Ryzler13]

Same here, he needs record at higher volume.

[@richtroxler]

Problem is Window Movie Maker. It attenuates the volume when compiling. I have to record the audio on Protools with the meter pinned, which is why there is minor distortion.

[@petrolambert8655]

Very low audio sound in the video

[@cgarin]

i just download the video, and amplify the volume using a video player called VLC Media Player..

[@showerhead9608]

Thank you for putting together such a well made video along with informative as well as enjoyable narration!

[@richtroxler]

+Glenn Arnold You're very welcome. Gald you enjoyed it.

[@MaryBoychuk]

You're detailed descriptions and analylses are outstanding. You effectively breakdown a complicated topic into easily understood concepts. Yours is the best presentaion on KZbin! BTW, I'm on my wife's computor so it's not her commenting but me.

[@richtroxler]

I'm glad you found my video helpful. If you had a problem with the volume, there is a volume corrected version, it just has a different thumbnail. I think it's the featured video. Thanks for watching.

[@glendavies5681]

I watched your series and went to my local beach..I understand everything you teach. I see though very different eyes now. And have decided to buy my self some fishing gear. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge

[@richtroxler]

You're welcome Glen. Enjoy the process.

[@AndradeLearns]

I'm a kitesurfer and I just wanted to say I found this video super informative. It really explains why certain waves break the way they do, especially after bigger storms

[@richtroxler]

Hi Andrew. Kite surfing sounds like fun. Big storms tend to change the bottom structure and contour a lot, so what you thought you knew before the storm will usually be different after the storm. And yes, it is the bottom contour and wind direction and speed that determine how waves break. Thanks for watching.

[@nathanjones3323]

Fantastic video. Thanks so much for taking the time to help others.

[@richtroxler]

This comment just popped up in my feed under "not responded". Apparently it's from 7 years ago. I'm not sure what happened but please accept my most sincere apologies for not responding to your post. I try to respond to everybody who posts on my channel, so a belated thank you for watching my video.

[@rouge3031ify]

Thank you very much for this video. Now I'm so excited to go to the beach and apply what I have learned. I usually fish on the jetties but more options on where to fish is gold.

[@richtroxler]

+rouge3031ify "but more options on where to fish is gold" Truer words were never spoken. The more spots and techniques you have, the easier it is to make adjustments and find fish. It's very satisfying and always exciting.

[@DrDSays]

great presentation, you should have just taken a decade off most new surf fishermen and women and helped clarify a lot for us "old-timers" who thought we figured it all out! Thanks.

[@richtroxler]

Hey, us old timers never stop learning. That's the game. I'm just trying to pay a little something forward to a sport that has given me so much pleasure.

[@insanegaming9410]

I'm on my way to a beach and usually when I fish from the surf I adopt the "they'll come by" strategy. I can't wait to try this stuff out, thanks so much for the video!

[@richtroxler]

Good luck, although luck usually doesn't play into catching ;-) Fish definitely don't do random, so I hope my videos can get you started on a more productive path. Thanks for watching.

[@marktully9128]

Great video, spent hours on the beach after the storm hit northeast U.K. Spotting the places where the cod would gather other than the already known marks which must move after a bit storm or spring tide. It makes you feel a lot more confident when fishing..

[@richtroxler]

It's always good to know what you are looking for when you hit the beach. Thanks for watching.

[@rickeybobby1974]

This makes so much sense.....I'm thinking of all the wasted hours on the beach doing exactly what he said......sticking a rod in the sand and hoping for the best. I'm ready to get back to the beach and learn how to read those bars.

[@richtroxler]

90% of the fish are in 10% of the area. That's the old rule and still holds true. Find fish, don't let fish find you.

[@sec1720]

Great video! As an avid beach goer, I've seen this action thousands of times. Your video secured what I already thought and cleared up a few things for me. Thanks!

[@richtroxler]

Glad you found it useful and you are welcome.

[@amagamergva2756]

Extremely informative! Thank you! I learned soo much in less than 20 minutes!👍🏼👍🏼

[@richtroxler]

Sorry for my late reply. You're very welcome and thank you for watching. Stay safe.

[@diet330]

Excellent advise from a seasoned surf fisherman. Going to use it in two days. Thanks for sharing.

[@richtroxler]

+David Vanata You're welcome David. Sorry for the late reply. I hope it helps you find the fish.

[@jgdroptop1]

Thank You for sharing your fishing knowledge. I have been striper fishing for 40 years and was still able to gain some knowledge on this fabulous video. 👍🏻😎🎣🎣

[@richtroxler]

You are welcome. As I said to the previous poster, I learn some new every time I fish. We can always learn more lol. Thanks for watching and have a pleasant holiday season.

[@vinnybeedle1728]

Great video! Gonna try applying the tips from this video out here on the washington coast in the next few months for sand perch. i will let you know how it goes

[@richtroxler]

Please do. One of my FB friends has a a group on FB devoted to Washington Coast Sand Perch fishing. It's called Surf Fishing Washington / Oregon and I think this link will bring you there facebook.com/groups/1850042138549331 Check it out.

[@ZoofSkillzFishing]

I would like to thank you for sharing important information regarding surf/shore fishing. I reside on the east coast of South Africa and I am sure that the knowledge that you have provided will definitely improve my results. Once again thank you sir.

[@codyluke7728]

kkmkmmmkkkkjmkukmmmmko K ommk hmm ml 6km I o ok k9m mk mkiimk

[@richtroxler]

This comment just popped up in my feed under "not responded". Apparently it's from 8 years ago. I'm not sure what happened but please accept my most sincere apologies for not responding to your post. I try to respond to everybody who posts on my channel, so a belated thank you for watching my video.

[@1yankeefishing256]

I have been looking for a video like this all day. I googled the place I am going to fish next month. And I think I can see it what you were talking about. Thank for the video

[@richtroxler]

You are very welcome. I hope it helps you get on some fish.

[@jimquantic]

Do you ever walk through the near shore trough, and stand on the sandbar--and cast seaward? Where I live, that can reach deep holes that you can't get to any other way, and find the "croaker holes"

[@richtroxler]

+Jmichael Isbell Sure, I've crossed shallow troughs to fish cuts in the bars, or holes on the other side of the bar, particularly on the lower stages of the tide. Not every bar and every trough will produce fish, but you don't know until you fish them at high tide.

[@kompwizbasha]

Amazing explanation. So throughly and eloquently done!

[@richtroxler]

Thank you kindly!

[@GNRM123]

Great video detailing beach bottom contours and their actions. I failed to pick up where the ideal place to cast into is. From my take in the video is the best place to aim for in front of the sandbar edge and in a trough or otherwise near or in a cut?

[@richtroxler]

Hi William. You failed to pick up where the ideal place to cast to is because I didn't really focus on it. The reason is that different fish prefer different parts of structure. The general rule is that most fish prefer to have some water over their heads, a bottom contour to follow, and a quick way to deep water if needed. That's the general rule, but every fish has their own preference. For instance, bass like to run inside trough edges if the water is deep enough, but don't care for shallower sand points and breaking water. Again this is general and there are times when bass definitely move into breaks when the bait goes there. Bluefish, on the other hand, seem to like the shallower points and breaking water, so sometimes if you are catching bluefish when you want to catch bass, making a move to a deeper hole nearby can make a difference. But fish around the world have different likes and dislikes on how they relate to structure when they feed. The goal of these videos is to show people how to identify structures and read water, so they can apply their knowledge of local fish to the preferred structure they identify.

[@AbedElkassih]

thank you for diving directly into the subject and explaining very well all aspects of the surf fishing. your contents are amazing.

[@richtroxler]

Thank you for watching. Unfortunately, was out of commission again for a while, so for now I'm just trying to get caught up on responding to everyone and trying to finish up on some new content and other stuff. Thanks for hanging in there with me and I'll get this thing going again.

[@markday3986]

Great information ! Can you help with west coast? North of San Fran where the rocks an beach mix together.

[@richtroxler]

Depends on whether on not the new version of Bing Maps has actual airplane pictures of the area, or whether they use sat shots. The sat shots are green and not very good resolution but the shots from the airplanes are very clear and you can really zoom in. Apparently Microsoft didn't port over all airplane shots in Birds eye mode in the new version. Microsoft, like most companies nowadays, can always figure out a way to take a good product and "upgrade" it to complete uselessness.

[@richtroxler]

Give me a more specific area and I'll take a look.

[@glitter2glaze21]

Thank you for this. Not only for fishing but just going to the beach on a outing in general. I've alway known how dangerous the sea can be. With a better understanding I can make sure I respect it even more!

[@richtroxler]

"The sea has many faces, but no heart" -Terrance Littlefeather (from Last Man Standing / The Chronicles of Terrance Littlefeather). Thank you for watching.

[@brob-zy8zi]

I've not had much luck fishing the surf of the outer banks. your video is very insightful and helped me learn even more. I'm sure I'll be able to apply this on my next trip this summer. thank you!

[@richtroxler]

You're welcome Brian.

[@letsgotoys229]

Went surf fishing today for the first time. Used a few of your tips to scout the waves and landed a 12 inch barred sand bass. Wasnt too much going on but I tried to focus on the troughs and outflow areas which i believe led to not getting skunked. I appreciate the awesome tips. Thanks :) i would love to post a pic of what i got but i dont know how

[@richtroxler]

Glad you found the info in my videos useful. I don't think you can post pics, but I'll be putting up a Facebook page soon and you can post it there if you like.

[@cbftoan01]

This is great, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I'm going to finish watching the rest of your videos and probably watch them again. Hopefully the next time I go fishing I might finally start catching something.

[@richtroxler]

Qoul Wan Make sure to learn the habits and patterns of your local species. Reading a beach is only part of the whole package. It's an important part, but a part none the less. If fish are not around you'll still draw a blank, but if bait and predators have moved in, then being able to determine what areas on the beach they'll hold / feed in will make all the difference. Keep at it.

[@cbftoan01]

richtroxler Thanks very much for your advice.

[@fishingvin4112]

I have been trying to understand this stuff for so long. Finally a video that really makes sense and defines all the terms. Great Job! thank so much.

[@richtroxler]

This comment just popped up in my feed under "not responded". Apparently it's from 5 years ago. I'm not sure what happened but please accept my most sincere apologies for not responding to your post. I try to respond to everybody who posts on my channel, so a belated thank you for watching my video.

[@michaelbarnett2527]

Great video ! I’ve been surf fishing for over 55 years . I can only go a few times a year. I live about 45 minutes from the spots I fish, so I am picky about tides, wind, etc. I rarely have more than 6 hours to fish, so I tend to fish a higher tide, because it seems fish are closer to shore, and thus I catch more fish. With that being said, I think I’ll try a low tide next time and see if I can spot a cut. Where I fish in N.E Florida, there’s always a nearly continuous sand bar and slough near shore. Your video will help me sharpen my surf reading skills. Please do one on tides and how wind affects the fishing. Also, I mostly fish for whiting and reds. Wondering what you thoughts are in targeting them , such as how they relate to structure, etc. The best 2 days I ever had , I found a cut and caught 100 whiting.

[@richtroxler]

I do believe I have information on tides and wind up on my channel as part of my surf fishing series. I fish for big Reds up here in VB and in NC when I don't have the spins. The season is just getting started and I just took some video of one of the beaches I fish at night. The only thing I can tell you for sure about reds is that they will follow edges like a shadow. The outer edge of the bar, the inside of a bar, the edge of a cut, edges are almost always key. Tides and wind are complicated stories and very location / bait dependent. I know I have info in my surf fishing series that goes into detail about this.

[@JoseRodriguez-mx2hw]

Okay, now that I am able to spot the sand bars thanks to your vid. Where is it ideal to cast? Onto the sandbar, in front, or past it? Thanks.

[@richtroxler]

I apologize for the late reply, I had some personal business to attend to. That all depends on what your local species prefer. Many (meaning many but not all) fish like a little water over their heads and are attracted to bottom contour, so the trough behind (shore side) the sandbar is usually a good place to start. Where I live now, when targeting big Redfish in the fall, many times I'll want to clear the bar and cast past it, as Redfish will frequentlyfollow the outer bar close to waves breaking as they run down the beach. They may come into the trough, or they may not, so I work both. Rarely do I ever cast onto a bar. and focus more on the wash out points like troughs and cuts. Holes also. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.

[@kevinashley478]

I have to say, sir, I have learned a lot from your videos. Nearly as much as I learned from my dad. I have to say though, I went to CA for a few weeks, but ended up staying 9 months. I went to a pier north of Half Moon Bay (I forget the name) and I spent 3 days. THREE DAYS. Lol, I used every type of bait, I casted anywhere I could find any structure, and yet I didn't even get a nibble for 3 days. I feel confident in saying that there are no fish in the Pacific Ocean, lol. In reality, I am sure that I just had no clue on how to account for the differences between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Im back in NC and I plan to take my dad fishing as a reward for his recovery of a full knee replacement. Since I'll have a permit to drive on the beach, I plan to put your lessons into action, especially since I know how to catch fish in the Atlantic. Those 3 days shook me hard, as I have never been skunked that bad. I gotta get my confidence back, lol. Great video, keep up the great work.

[@richtroxler]

Hi Kevin, thanks for the chuckle lol. Nothing like a run of skunk to get you talking to yourself ;-) Glad to hear your Dad's on the mend. We have that storm coming up the coast this week. It's going to rough up the beach a little. It'll be interesting to see how it looks after it passes. The beaches up here in VB were really nice and I hope they stay that way. Drum are just getting started up here. Have a good season.

[@whiteeagle5076]

Thank's Rich Very nice of you to leave a set of foot prints in the sand, I've lived half my life on the Ocean. I'm moving to FL very soon and I intend to watch every posting you share. How about saltwater tackle,bait ,jigging etc. Again thanks just hearing the Ocean and gulls was Great!!

[@richtroxler]

Sorry for the late reply Michael, your post did not show up in my notifications for some reason. I'll be doing more videos over the winter.

[@timemachine7828]

Wow Thank You for sharing this info. After watching your video I can finally make a little more sense of what I'm looking at out there. Going fishing tomorrow!

[@richtroxler]

+tim lane Two things I've learned in over 40 years of fishing. One is that fish don't do random, meaning there are always reasons for why they are where they are. The second is that we can never have enough information. I hope you find the video useful.

[@albertferguson8175]

Most helpful video for fishing the surf I have seen. Thank you and great video!

[@richtroxler]

Hi Albert. Very sorry for the late reply. I had a health issue that dragged on for a while but I'm back now. Thanks for the kind words and thank you for watching AND the sub!

[@bushcraftlearningchannel6819]

Great video! I really appreciate the time you took to explain the details. Combined with the footage, it made the concept much easier to follow.

[@richtroxler]

+Bushcraft Learning Channel Thanks Bushcraft!

[@illumicaust6225]

Awesome video. So how do you tell holes from cuts? I guess you have to keep an eye out for evidence of the rip current?

[@richtroxler]

Illumicaust Wave action is very similar in that the waves coming in over the hole break closer to the beach on a consistent basis, just as they roll on through a cut. I tell the difference simply because there is no bar present. Many times there is a submerged point on one side of a hole, but not etched in stone. I'm still trying to finish my next video which is on holes, points and rips. Hopefully it'll be done soon.

[@richtroxler]

Illumicaust Hi Illum. They are very similar but the main difference is how they are created and how that relates to current. Both are depressions, or deeper areas. The difference is that a cut has a sandbar on either side of it. The sandbars will usually be readily identifyable, particularly at low tide. Cuts are also much more likely to be rips because of the way water flows from the bars. While "pure" waves (those not reacting with the bottom) don't move water (things bob up and down as the wave passes) breaking waves do move water. As the water from the waves breaking on the bar wash over the bar and into the trough, it has to go somewhere. Water seeks it's own level, so it can't just pile up in the trough, so it flows along the trough (current) in the direction of the cut. When it gets to the cut, which is like a deeper highway back out to the ocean, the water runs out the cut making a rip. A hole is commonly found (but not exclusively) on either side of a point and is usually formed by storms and subsequent tidal action. The waves break on the point and the water washes off to either side and tends to scour out the sand on the bottom while doing so. It may or may not produce a rip. Over time a hole develops, no sandbars, no troughs, just a deeper depression. These are harder to spot but are typically very productive areas. My next video will be covering these and some of the other "little ball" of beach structure.

[@2HimTru]

Great video and "Thanks"! Went on a beach fishing vacation this past May 11th on Pensacola Beach. Water was calm for the first two days, and I nor anyone else on the stretch caught anything. They were using live bait, while I was using T&A goofy jigs with teasers to catch Pompano. Ventured up a ways that week to Navarre and met one fisherman who had caught a few Spanish Mackerel from the Navarre Pier. Question: Using your video for an example, where and when would you target cast for Pompano if you were using T&A goofy jigs? Thanks!

[@richtroxler]

Hi Terrell. Sorry for the late reply. Been on a 7 day a week work binge. Although we do have Pompano in my area of Virginia I don't really fish for them, so I can't give you an answer to your question. This guy might be of help kzbin.info/www/bejne/f37NmXqGoMyYf9k Good luck and stay safe.

[@VKQLDHAM]

Thanks Rich, So do you think it's better to "beach fish" on a high tide rather than a low tide? I'm heading to Fraser Island (Queensland Australia) in a couple of weeks and have found your video most helpful. On the few days we are there sunrise and sunset coincide with the changing tide - although it is a low changing to a high each time.

[@richtroxler]

+VKQLDHAM My general rule of thumb is that most fish like as much water over there head as possible. So when they come in to shore to feed on bait that is hiding there, they will try to keep to the deepest cuts and holes and do their raids from there. Not all species, but most. Some actually do like to run the tops of bars but they most always want deep water near by if they need to bolt. Knowledge of the local species will help. Whether they like holes, bars, or troughs, the point of my videos is to teach you how to read water so that you can find any of the above structures. Which ever the local species prefers, you can dial it in by reading water. Good luck down under!

[@VKQLDHAM]

Awesome - thanks Rich. Will let you know how we go early next month......most of my fishing done from a boat so I only have to identify reefs or structures...ha ha ha

[@richtroxler]

Good luck!

[@ferngorgo4276]

wow amazing how well you explained. I cant wait to go to the beach tomorrow and try to read the water as you have explained it.

[@richtroxler]

It takes a while to learn what you are looking at, but anybody can do it. I have other videos on the topic that may help also. Thanks for watching.

[@csralumni]

Rich, thanks for taking the time to share this. The video is outstanding and full of great info.

[@richtroxler]

This comment just popped up in my feed under "not responded". Apparently it's from 8 years ago. I'm not sure what happened but please accept my most sincere apologies for not responding to your post. I try to respond to everybody who posts on my channel, so a belated thank you for watching my video.

[@redbirdsjunkie]

This video is some awesome sauce! Now I'm REALLY looking forward to our next family fishing trip to the South Texas coast (Port Aransas/Corpus Christi) so that I can be a hero for a change.

[@richtroxler]

Thanks for watching Redbirds.

[@greggarcia7737]

Thank you very much for your information. My son and I went surf fishing for the very first time. We did really well catching surf perch. Thank you again for your knowledge.

[@richtroxler]

Hi Greg. Sorry for the late reply, was away for a couple weeks. Glad to hear you and your son had a good outing. It's a great way to spend time with your family.

[@heindeswardt3968]

Thank you for the great video. Very informative and helpful, can see allot of effort went into it. Any advice on what conditions to look out for when targeting edibles? Wind direction etc and how that along with the correct beach reading will give the best results?

[@richtroxler]

Hein de Swardt Hi. Every area and species is going to have it's own feeding patterns. In my area, bluefish tend to like the shallower wave breaking water, while striped bass like the deeper waters of troughs and holes. So moving 50 yards to the right, out of a hole and up onto a point, might start producing bluefish, while a return to the far side of the hole 50 yards to the left might put you back on the bass. Redfish will travel and feed on edges and banks, other fish may like the deepest water available, it all depends on what and where. That's why boat guys (both fresh and saltwater) use chart recorders, to read the bottom contours and see if fish are on them. My point is that most fish you will catch from the beach will relate to structure in some way or other, if structure is present, and being able to interpret what wave action and current is telling you is important in finding structure. Knowing how your local species relate to structure and their condition preferences, will then allow you to zero in on the best areas to fish.

[@RealisticFishing]

I will try to remember these tips next time I go surf fishing 👍

[@richtroxler]

Hope they help you get on some fish. Thanks for watching.

[@rhodesiansneverdie5376]

Realistic Fishing I find you all over the fishing sections of the internet!😂

[@usolee]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on reading rocky beaches with lots of reef structures

[@richtroxler]

I apologize for the late reply. If I still lived on Long Island I would have been happy to do a video of that nature, but where I am nowthere aren'y any rocky beaches. Not sure where you live, but if you are referring to the northeast coast of the US and Montauk, then you might want to check Bill Wetzel's website www.longislandsurffishing.com. He fishes Montauk a lot and he has a section of his website called RIP IT UP, where he posts scenarios and the members discuss how they would fish it. It's a great website with a lot of excellent members. If I can find enough decent pictures of rocky beaches on the internet, maybe I'll do a short video in the future. Have a good spring and thanks for watching.

[@usolee]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll check out RIP IT UP on Bill's site. I'm located in Hawaii... very different from the NE coast, I assume lol 😆 Still, there's always something to learn from fellow fishermen.

[@patriot2864]

Thank you so much for the expert insight... I'm so tired of getting SKUNKED. Looking forward to fishing Morrow Bay and Pismo Beach with this newly gained knowledge.

[@richtroxler]

We all get skunked sometimes lol. It just happens less when you tilt the odds in your favor. Thanks for watching.

[@richtroxler]

Well I finally broke down and ponied up the dough for a GoPro camera, so my video quality should take a quantum leap. Got the headstrap so that I can fish and shoot at the same time, so I'll be mixing in some fish catching video with the informational stuff. Fish catching video footage is fun, but most of my videos are an attempt to stuff as much information as I can fit in them. When ever I finish a video, there's 20 more things I wanted to talk about and didn't get to lol.

[@lopez87101]

richtroxler

[@Shockyxo]

richtroxler whats pony up?

[@jimmyramos4789]

richtroxler haha if you don't what that means you might wanna get your fish at the store.

[@richtroxler]

It means spent the money.

[@W65B61S]

very helpful for swimmers too!

[@miguelcorleone6633]

Thanks....when I take a walk out at a beach, going to look for troughs...good visual practice.

[@richtroxler]

Hi Miquel. Very sorry for the late reply. I had a health issue that dragged on for a while but I'm back now. Whenever I'm at the beach I look at structure, I can't help it anymore lol. Thanks for watching

[@Angling101]

Thank you for producing such a comprehensive guide on this subject, really appreciate it!

[@richtroxler]

Sorry for the late reply, still having problems with my notifications. You're very welcome and I hope it helps you out.

[@mattseym]

Fantastic video, as a keen novice, I'm really appreciate you sharing the info!

[@richtroxler]

You are welcome and I hope my videos help you up your game.

[@amjadaldari7924]

Great explanation even my english is not well. I didnt get if it is good to fish near sandbar. Is it good or bad? If good, is it better to cast in front of it towards the beach or towards the sea? Is it correct to say that cuts are first option, and sandbars are the least option? Thx

[@richtroxler]

Hi Anjad. Here's the thing. The main purpose of this video is to teach people how to determine beach structure. But there is no one rule for where fish will be on it. Most fish like to use sandbars, troughs, etc to feed around and trap bait against, but every fish is different. So each person has to learn what their local species prefers. If the fish you want to catch likes to feed on top of sandbars in shallow water, then you will know what to look for. If the fish you want to catch likes to run the backside of troughs, then you will know what to look for. If the fish you want to catch can only be found in the seepest water available, then you will know what to look for. But if I'm not sure of a particular fish's habits or preferred feeding location, then I start with cuts, edges, and deeper water, because that is where most fish (but not all) will feed. I hope I explained it well enough for you. So it's best to learn what your local species of fish like, where they usually hang out, and then learn to read water and beach structure well enough to find those areas. Thanks for watching and good luck.

[@markh3097]

So its best to read the beach at low tide, is that right? Which tide is it best then to fish at? Thanks, these videos are huge eye openers for me. I will forever see the beach in a different way, thank you!

[@richtroxler]

Mark H Beach structures are typically WAY easier to spot at low tide. That's because there's usually not much water on them, which in turn means no fish on them either. When the tide goes high is when fish move in to feed on that structure. So low tide is about gathering information and high tide is about applying that information. I hope you find my videos helpful.

[@markh3097]

Very helpful, thank you!!

[@mickeyrat1297]

This is one of the best videos I have seen. very informative. Thanks a lot.

[@richtroxler]

You are welcome Miguel.

[@CHAOTICA69]

Cheers mate ive learnt a lot from just watching your video far the best out there not only on the fishing side but from a safety perspective for my kids

[@richtroxler]

Cheers to you also and I'm glad you found my videos useful. Thank you for watching.

[@Nuno46]

Many thanks from Portugal, sorry for me English, you cast INTO the troughs?

[@richtroxler]

Hi Nuno. If the troughs are deep enough, yes, at high tide. I hear Portugal has beautiful beaches.

[@Nuno46]

@richtroxler yes. Portugal has beautiful beaches.

[@UncleShaggy831]

Great video. Expertly explained and easy to understand. Thank you so much.

[@richtroxler]

Thank you UncleShaggy!

[@asllitsacjhun8520]

Wow amazing content and excellent video, tamsak done, new friend I love fishing 🎣 you catch a better big fish,after my duty when our vessel is on anchorage all the way fishing, thanks for sharing Sir Idol keep safe.

[@richtroxler]

Unfortunately, was out of commission again for a while, so for now I'm just trying to get caught up on responding to everyone and trying to finish up on some new content and other stuff. Thanks for hanging in there with me and I'll get this thing going again.

[@michaeljordon704]

so in summary fish in the sandbar/trough/cut interference and fish at high tide and low tide. Is there a way to tell high or low tide by looking at the water or sky at the beach?

[@richtroxler]

Not sure what you got out of the video, but it's on reading beach structure. Each species of fish will have it's own preference for structure, though most prefer the deepest water. I never fish low tide, nor did I say that was the time to fish. Low tide is when you look. High tide is when you fish as a rule of thumb. High tide leaves a high tide mark on the beach (weeds and such) and that's what you measure the tide against.

[@Rajivnewburgh]

great presentation,cannot be better ,very painstakingly done,extremely educative. Priceless.Thank you. where do I cast for pompano. and is it possible to get one rig ,just for my knowledge. Lonely fly fisher

[@richtroxler]

Rajiv Mahadkar Hi Rajiv. I'm north of pompano territory so I can't help you there. Best thing to do is find a local bait & tackle and buy your stuff there. After you've been there a few times, most b&t's will be happy to give you information on catching the local species. It's good for their business if you catch fish, which makes it good for you.

[@thisisme0214]

excellent explanation! was not boring. im headed to the texas coast soon and needed this info. thanks man

[@richtroxler]

Good luck in TX. Catch a big bull red!

[@elverchimbawe1427]

my friend your video is very encouraging i was seriously thinking about giving up Surf fishing but with this knowledge you've share i feel like i might have a chance i live in the Atlantic coast of Mexico (Veracruz) and although i'm aware that i will never get the same results that my neighbors in the pacific coast have i think i have a better idea of how can i actually fish some decent size fish, thanks

[@richtroxler]

elver chimbawe Never give up surf fishing. It's a life long process so enjoy the ride. Savor every success and learn from failure. Learn your local bait and predatory fish patterns and then try to figure where they'll be on the beach.

[@jshall1000]

I might have missed it. But when u say back of sand bar is that the edge facing beach or closer to beach and the edge of sand bar facing out to ocean the front?

[@richtroxler]

Hi John. Sorry for the late reply. It's the side of the sandbar facing the beach.

[@2bigrivers]

Great informative content, will help any surf fisherman find the Fish. Thanks for posting this type of video.

[@richtroxler]

Your very welcome. Unfortunately, was out of commission again for a while, so for now I'm just trying to get caught up on responding to everyone and trying to finish up on some new content and other stuff. Thanks for hanging in there with me and I'll get this thing going again.

[@mamesbick]

Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to make this series.

[@richtroxler]

You are welcome Sakal.

[@pedroferreira4134]

Very nice and informative. Beware... I will be watching you!

[@richtroxler]

Hi Pedro. I shall beware lol. Thanks for watching!

[@stevelee2384]

Why all the thumbs down? This is an excellent video for surf fishing newbies

[@richtroxler]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching Steve. Thumbs down don't bother me lol.

[@zachschult5054]

So do I cast into the trough if it is close to shore or at the sandbar? Very good video though.

[@richtroxler]

+Zach Schult If I can reach the bar, I throw up on it and pull it off into the trough. If the trough wall is steep, fish will generally cruise the wall. It's a generalization, but most fish species follow an edge, or bottom contour, like a shadow.

[@BriteTap]

Perfect. I'm new to surf fishing and was looking for a video like this. Thanks very much.

[@richtroxler]

Hope it helps you out. There is more on my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@BriteTap]

Actually, I am watching them. Rich, these are the best fishing videos I've seen on KZbin because they teach the "why" not just the how. I'm taking my son to Pacifica, CA tomorrow and the videos on reading the waves are exactly what a beginner needs. The tip on Bing Maps was also helpful in getting a birds eye view of the beach area around the pier where we are planning to do some surf casting. It's clear there is a sandbar and many cuts to fish. If you're looking for some potential content ideas, consider a video on various rigs. There are lots of videos that show how to tie a high-low, fish finder, Carolina and other rigs, but not one of these explains the advantages of using a particular rig over another one. Surely, these rigs were developed for specific applications, but it's not obvious to me what the applications are. Keep up the good work. You're the thinking man's fisherman!

[@justpeachy3583]

Awesome! I always said just holding a rod or spiking one in any old spot and waiting for a fish to hit is a waist of time! Fish just don't bite in any random spot. They swim where they choose and there is a reason for their choice, and we have to learn that reason in order to catch em! Knowing how to read the beach is the difference between catching fish or being skunked. I have learned from your videos, and my surf fishing has improved dramatically. You should teach a class!! 👍👍

[@abrahamherrera5282]

Exactly 👍

[@richtroxler]

Sorry I missed this comment and for the late reply. Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad you found my videos useful. Thank you for watching.

[@mannyvasquez3733]

best video on bottom structure and wave action!

[@richtroxler]

Thanks Guts. Thanks for watching and have a pleasant holiday season.

[@Gio-nl7eg]

So to be clear you would cast pretty close to shore in the trough on the edge of the sandbar RATHER THAN just behind the sandbar??

[@richtroxler]

Hi Geo. Both. If the trough is a steep drop behind the sandbar then I would definitely start there because fish love edges. But I would also work my bait / plug right up to the lip. Always cover as much area as possible. Thanks for watching and have a great 2020.

[@Gio-nl7eg]

@@richtroxler Thank you so much have a great 2020 as well!

[@jaybobigperm4433]

Awesome video. I'm sure you mentioned this somewhere, but I'm guessing this is the Atlantic. We used to go to Daytona a lot and it looked like that, but now I've been going to the gulf side more. Do you have any advice for reading wave action in the gulf where it tends to be more subdued? The clarity is definitely a bonus in the gulf, so maybe that combined with watching these videos will help me on my next trip. There are definitely days though where there's not a whole lot of wave action to speak of and bars seem fewer and farther between. Thanks again for sharing this useful information.

[@richtroxler]

Hi Jason. Yes, this is the Atlantic but far more north than Daytona (NJ, Long Island, Virginia. Sorry, I don't have any insight to the gulf. Only fished it once and that from a boat.

[@TheWorks95]

So where are the main areas to cast CUT, tought, and before sandbars? Do have that right?

[@richtroxler]

It depends on where the sandbar is located, how deep the trough to shore side is, and the species you're fishing for. For example, if the sandbar is at the end of a long cast, but has a nice, deep trough on it's backside (shore side) then that's where I would focus my efforts. If the sandbar is close in shore and I'm fishing Red Drum, then I'm looking to clear the outside of the bar past the first wave. If there is a cut or dip in the bar, I'll fish that. Same goes for a hole next to a point, which is one of my favorites.

[@rkamen1]

This is great. Thank you for sharing the knowledge and secrets! Cant wait to try it out on the beach soon.

[@richtroxler]

This comment just popped up in my feed under "not responded". Apparently it's from 8 years ago. I'm not sure what happened but please accept my most sincere apologies for not responding to your post. I try to respond to everybody who posts on my channel, so a belated thank you for watching my video.

[@nicholasestrada5535]

This is awesome I want to thank you for giving any of your time to give us this overload of knowledge. 👏 you are THE MAN!! WISH I COULD FISH A DAY WITH YOU.

[@richtroxler]

Hi Nicholas. I'm glad you enjoyed my video and I hope it helps you . Thank you for watching!

[@chrisadrien8179]

Am I right that the trough that leads in the cut is where you get rip currents?

[@richtroxler]

Hi Chris. Cuts are the breaks in sandbars where water returns to the ocean from the trough. Currents in a trough run sideways, left to right or right to left. These are often referred to as "sweep" Rips in a sandbar cut run out away from the shore. Not all cuts have strong rips.

[@Ryzler13]

Very detailed, I got a lot out of this video. Thanks Rich.

[@richtroxler]

You are welcome Ryad!

[@aliasdesignz]

Thank you so much for this video, I had to watch it a few times to fully understand but I feel like I know what I am looking for now!

[@richtroxler]

Glad you found it useful. It makes a difference when instead of seeing nothing but water, you see opportunity. Thanks for watching.