Surfcasting is an effective and cheap method of fishing that the whole family can enjoy. The beauty is you don’t need a lot of gear to succeed.
Target species - Snapper, Gurnard, Trevally, Kahawai
Fish move in closer over the summer, making them easier to catch.
There’s many awesome beaches around New Zealand and you would be surprised at just how many fish you can catch from the shore. West coast beaches such as Ninety Mile and Dargaville’s Ripiro Beach are prime spots.
How it's done
Tie the swivel to the shock leader, run about half a metre to a break-out sinker tied on with a simple unit knot.
The hook is tied on to approximately 30cm of leader off the same eye on the swivel, leaving it sitting above the breakout sinker.
The cast
When you’re starting out, an overhead cast will suffice. Stand with your feet pointing in the direction that you’re casting, keep the rod up high, watch your bait and sinker, start your cast and release your line at about 70 degrees.
Stay in that position until the bait has hit the water to aid the flight of the sinker.
The number one rule is distance is vital in your cast. The best surfcasters catch the most fish by casting the furthest. You want to cast a minimum of around 70m. A cast of around 100m is ideal if you can manage it.
Surfcasting is a bit like golf. It’s not about how big or strong you are, it’s all about technique and timing.
Finding your spot
Look for dark patches in the water where’s there’s no waves breaking. This indicates deeper water where fish are more likely to be feeding on shellfish and crabs.
At low tide, look for exposed banks you can wade out on to. Reading the beach is important as it can all look the same to the untrained eye. Wade out a safe distance, about waist high, but stay on alert for rips and big breakers. Always keep your eye on the surf.
Top tip
Braid may be a more expensive option but it has less drag through the surf so your line won’t drift as much. With braid you can feel your bite more easily than with mono and you will get a much longer cast.
