It's a place out on the ocean.....

Assateague Island

Just another day at the beach! No luck today..but these pics are from the the trip I took with my dad a week or so ago.  Sorry about the poor quality of the pics. These were uploaded using the Blogger app for my phone. The ones I email to my blog turn out much clearer. I will do that from now on! Thanks.

The Drum Rig

This is an example of the drum rig that I use and make myself. I use a 10/0 Mustad circle hook snelled with 5 inches of 125 lb test leader material, that is crimped to a swivel. The running line (of which I use a 50lb shock leader that is approx 10 -15 yards long) is run through the snap swivel and tied to the swivel. This is known as a fish finder rig. The sinker is allowed to slide freely up the running line, and some slack is left in the line so it allows the rig to "find" the fish. Being as how drum are bottom feeders, this is one of the best rigs that I've had the most success with. Unlike the store bought rigs that you have no idea of what type of leader material is used, or type of conditions the rig has been subjected to, this rig is made up of quality materials and is one that you can have confidence in. Also, there is a satisfaction you get when building, using and being successful with the fishing gear that you, yourself, have created.  

Tight lines!!

Intro to Equipment used while Surf Fishing

The basic idea of most surfcasting is to cast a bait or lure as far out into the water as is necessary to reach the target fish from the shore. This may or may not require long casting distances. Basic surf fishing can be done with a fishing rod between 9 feet and 18 feet long, with an extended butt section, equipped with a suitably sized spinning or conventional casting fishing reel. In addition to rod and reel, the surf fisherman needs terminal tackle and bait or lure. Terminal tackle is the equipment at the far end of the line: hooks, swivels, lines and leaders.

Dedicated surfcasters usually possess an array of terminal and other tackle, with fishing rods and reels of different lengths and actions, and lures and baits of different weights and capabilities. Depending on fishing conditions and the type of fish they are trying to catch, such surfcasters tailor bait and terminal tackle to rod and reel and the size and species of fish targeted. Reels and other equipment need to be constructed so they resist the corrosive and abrasive effects of salt and sand.

Surf fishermen who use artificial lures, cast and retrieve them to entice a bite from the target species. There are hundreds of different lures effective for surf fishing, such as spoons, plugs, soft plastics and jigs. Most can be purchased from local bait and tackle shops, online tackle retailers, at fishing tackle expositions or specialized surf fishing catalogs. Most surfcasters carry with them a “surf bag” which holds a selection of lures to facilitate fast changes of lures appropriate to current fishing conditions, saving trips back to the beach or vehicle to change equipment.

Several other items of equipment are commonly used by surf fisherman and surfcasters to improve comfort, convenience and effectiveness. Among these are waders, used to wade out into the surf to gain distance from shore when casting the bait. Full length, chest-high waders are most popular, in order to provide a measure of protection against a pounding surf that could easily swamp hip-length wading boots. In addition to the extra reach provided by wading out from shore, waders provide improved footing, protection for feet and legs from sharp bottom objects and stinging/biting fish and crustaceans, and protection from cold water temperatures. Most surf fishermen prefer integrated booted waders to stocking-foot models, which eliminates the tendency of sand and rock to find their way in between boot and wader. In areas where the bottom consists of slippery rocks or when fishing from mossy and slimy rock jetties, cleated boots or attachments are utilized to improve footing and enhance safety.

Surf fishing is done often at night to follow the nocturnal feeding habits of many target species. Many surf fishermen add items such as flashlights, headlamps, light sticks and other gear to facilitate night fishing.

The countdown has begun...

September 14, 2011

On the back side of the recent full moon on Sept 12, my dad and I decided to take off early one afternoon and head down the beach to try our luck at surf fishing for the Fall run of Red Drum!!  Or Sciaenops Ocellatus for you latin guru's. The weather conditions were favorable as was the tide. The wind was from the S - SW at 10-15 mph, the tide was dead low when we arrived and we fished most of the incoming.

Well I had no longer got my poles baited up and tossed out when I look..and my dad is playing around with something on this little 9 ft spinning pole that was thrown in close and meant to catch bait or anything trying to sneak by. After about a 20 min fight, it came to the surface...and what had our hopes up was nothing but a big ol'ray! Oh well...it was still early. About an hour or so goes by and one of my dads poles goes down hard. If you fish with a conventional style reel, you know the clicker will grab your attention and even make your heart skip a beat!! It was only a 10 minute fight or so when the fish revealed itself..as being a small frisky sand shark. That was it for the rest of the night...not another bite.

But with this trip...the countdown has begun. The hour meter has started until the time comes when a Red will creep by and take my offerings. This drum waiting meter, if you will, can end at the next trip, the 3rd trip, a trip next year, or a trip that will happen in a couple years! It may never end for that matter. These fish are elusive, and it is a privilege to catch one. Some folks spend their whole lives in search of these fish and are never graced with their presence. Hopefully....the meter for me is about to expire!