Surf fishing with artificial bait
Using Artificial Bait when Surf Fishing
If live bait is not available, you can still go surf fishing using artificial bait. In some cases, artificial bait is used together with live bait to provide more options for the fish you are trying to catch. When you decide to use artificial bait, make sure you use surface running lures so that they do not get caught in the sand.
An example of artificial bait that you can use when surf fishing is swimming plugs. These artificial baits look like bait fish when they are retrieved and they can have floating or sinking designations. The floating ones can get to a depth of about 3 feet when retrieved. In this case, your choice will depend on the depth of the water that you are surf fishing in. In the Long Beach Island waters, the most suitable artificial bait is a floating plug because the water is shallow. When choosing swimming plugs to use for surf fishing, you should try and match the size and color to the real baitfish. Black and purple swimming plugs are the most popular when surf fishing at night because they elicit more strikes.
Poppers are also used as artificial bait for surf fishing. These lures float on the surface of the water and pop when the rod is jerked. They are useful during specific times in the year especially when there is a mullet run. They are the best option if you intend to go surf fishing at sundown or sun-up. Choose a natural color like white and blue when purchasing these artificial baits.
Metals can also be used as artificial baits and include things like spoons and diamond jigs. They are effective when you are trying to catch several types of fish. This is a good option for casting into long distances.
If you are trying to catch fluke or bass when surf fishing, the most effective artificial bait is bucktails. This type of bait is usually tipped with some pork-rind or a type of soft plastic lure to attract the fish. Bucktails have to be retrieved using a slow bounce.
Soft plastics are also popular artificial bait for surf fishing because they can be used to catch a variety of fish types. This type of bait can be used with bare hooks or lead head jigs. When using these types of baits, there is a diverse range to choose from. One of the types of soft plastics that you can choose is a 4 inch shad which is usually not branded. You can either get a flat white or pearl white one. With this bait, you have to make sure it remains straight when you are rigging it so that it is not swept away in strong currents. These soft plastics are also available as 4 inch tubebaits that have tentacle tails that are long. This type of soft plastic is available in a several colors and they all work effectively to catch the fish that you want when you are surf fishing.
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Tags: artificial pait, surf fishing artificial bait
Surf Fishing Tips | admin | 
May 5, 2010 1:04 pm