I'm a father of four young kids on a budget who likes to surf fish, with no boat, no 4WD, and about a 1:15 hour drive to the closest New Jersey seacoast. Jersey is sandy, with dunes, barrier islands,inlets, bridges and bays. I'm constantly thinking of ways to sneak in some fishing, and do so more effectively. Aside from conventional fishing techniques, here are some nonconventional ideas I have thought over:
- Using a "fat tire bike" rigged for fishing to access 4WD only beach areas
- Balloon fishing or kite fishing from the beach. Haven't tried it yet. Requires a west wind, which seems to be more common in the late summer and fall.
- Using a "drop shot" rig to fish plastics or gulp in snaggy, deep, fast-moving inlet currents. , or on beaches for fluke
- Using a chum bag in the surf to attract fish
- Using a drone/camera to scope the beach a for rips, or any other sign of feeding fish
- Recently I've seen these castable sonar units that let you see structure (and fish) in an inlet. Looks cool but expensive, and a little too techy for recreational fishing ;D Drones are probably too techy too.
Anyone have experience with any of these methods? Are any of them nuts? ::) Regarding species -- absolutely anything: stripers, sandsharks, tog, fluke, blues, whiting, etc.
"in snaggy, deep, fast-moving inlet currents"
I've been meaning to try those small, on-the-rod planer boards for a 2nd in-holder rod... certainly a cheaper experiment than drones or on-the-rod electronics
Quote from: philaroman on July 19, 2017, 05:59:53 PM
"in snaggy, deep, fast-moving inlet currents"
I've been meaning to try those small, on-the-rod planer boards for a 2nd in-holder rod... certainly a cheaper experiment than drones or on-the-rod electronics
Can you explain more?
Kite sounds like a great idea.
that's perfect if you have tuna near shore like down under and some of pacific islands... ::) :)
Quote from: Decker on July 19, 2017, 06:08:21 PM
Quote from: philaroman on July 19, 2017, 05:59:53 PM
"in snaggy, deep, fast-moving inlet currents"
I've been meaning to try those small, on-the-rod planer boards for a 2nd in-holder rod... certainly a cheaper experiment than drones or on-the-rod electronics
Can you explain more?
same as planer boards spreading baits on a moving boat, strong-enough inlet/river current should take a planer board diagonally downstream & away from the bank... there are small ones that get attached directly to your line, rather than requiring a mast w/ separate rigging; obviously, you need a reversible board, or port/starboard depending on which bank of the inlet/river you want to fish
http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/community/post/fishing-line-planer-board-shore (http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/community/post/fishing-line-planer-board-shore)
http://www.rapala.com/luhr-jensen/trolling-accessories/hot-shot-side-planer/hot-shotandreg-side-planer/5640-000-0625.html?brandname=luhrjensen (http://www.rapala.com/luhr-jensen/trolling-accessories/hot-shot-side-planer/hot-shotandreg-side-planer/5640-000-0625.html?brandname=luhrjensen)
https://www.bigjon.com/product/mini-otter-in-line-planer (https://www.bigjon.com/product/mini-otter-in-line-planer)
Guys near me who fish the Cape Cod canal rig bikes for fishing. I'm in the process of rigging a couple of rod holders for mine. Never seen it done on a fat bike but I'm sure it's possible provided it's not too much work to ride on the sand.
I used to kite fish from my boat when fishing the rocks for bass. It allowed me to send a live bait close to the shore without having to risk hitting a rock. Also, it kept the mackerel from getting snagged in the rocks. I've never seen another person do it before but it works well. You could easily kite fish from the beach but you have to get lucky with an offshore wind.
Balloons will only work if you have a ripping current that will carry them out. For example Sebastian inlet. In general, balloons don't work well surf fishing.
I think a chum bag wouldn't work as well as in a boat. Main reason is that the surf is constantly being churned up.
In my experience, the best way to catch fish is to put in the time. You have to experiment with different spots, different baits, different lures, etc. Learn how to read the beach. Figure out what they are feeding on.
When fishing lures, it best to keep moving. You take a few casts and keep marching down the beach.
You can hedge you bet by fishing when the fish are migrating. Where I live, the fall is the best time of year for bass. Small bunker will flood the beaches and the bass will chase them close to shore. Summertime is the opposite, the bass hunker down and become lethargic.
Look up breakaway tackle online. EBay is one source. Lead lifters are great, too. Allows you to cast MUCH further and on impact the bait is released for a natural presentation. The fish lifts the lead out of snag zones. Good stuff for surf anglers. Watch youtube Brit's surf fishing..they have it down.
A lot of planers come in 'Shark friendly' colours so buy wisely.....
Quote from: Steve-O on July 20, 2017, 01:59:34 AM
Look up breakaway tackle online. EBay is one source. Lead lifters are great, too. Allows you to cast MUCH further and on impact the bait is released for a natural presentation. The fish lifts the lead out of snag zones. Good stuff for surf anglers. Watch youtube Brit's surf fishing..they have it down.
You can also just use a little sinker clip you bend from a bicycle spoke and clip your bait to that, works like a charm for cheap. Some breakaway sinkers come with the clip built in, I make mine with a hook clip built in
Quote from: Decker on July 19, 2017, 02:49:51 PM
I'm a father of four young kids on a budget who likes to surf fish, with no boat, no 4WD, and about a 1:15 hour drive to the closest New Jersey seacoast. Jersey is sandy, with dunes, barrier islands,inlets, bridges and bays. I'm constantly thinking of ways to sneak in some fishing, and do so more effectively. Aside from conventional fishing techniques, here are some nonconventional ideas I have thought over:
- Using a "fat tire bike" rigged for fishing to access 4WD only beach areas
- Balloon fishing or kite fishing from the beach. Haven't tried it yet. Requires a west wind, which seems to be more common in the late summer and fall.
- Using a "drop shot" rig to fish plastics or gulp in snaggy, deep, fast-moving inlet currents. , or on beaches for fluke
- Using a chum bag in the surf to attract fish
- Using a drone/camera to scope the beach a for rips, or any other sign of feeding fish
- Recently I've seen these castable sonar units that let you see structure (and fish) in an inlet. Looks cool but expensive, and a little too techy for recreational fishing ;D Drones are probably too techy too.
Anyone have experience with any of these methods? Are any of them nuts? ::) Regarding species -- absolutely anything: stripers, sandsharks, tog, fluke, blues, whiting, etc.
Sounds like you are trying to 're-invent the wheel'. |Basically, as has been said, decide on a style - lures or bait, then check out what everyone else is doing with that style, then put in the hours at the right locations. With 4 young kids, a couple of cheapy rods to keep them interested as well, and you will have lifelong buddies to go fishing with.
Seen all the 'new tech' toys being used on our coast, drones, kites, air bait cannons, etc!!! Save your money, buy a decent set up for the style you choose, and enjoy - there are no real short cuts in fishing - just the pleasure of being near the water and enjoying life.
Cheers from sunny Africa
Jeri
Quote from: Jeri on July 20, 2017, 07:46:38 AM
Sounds like you are trying to 're-invent the wheel'. |Basically, as has been said, decide on a style - lures or bait, then check out what everyone else is doing with that style, then put in the hours at the right locations. With 4 young kids, a couple of cheapy rods to keep them interested as well, and you will have lifelong buddies to go fishing with.
Seen all the 'new tech' toys being used on our coast, drones, kites, air bait cannons, etc!!! Save your money, buy a decent set up for the style you choose, and enjoy - there are no real short cuts in fishing - just the pleasure of being near the water and enjoying life.
Cheers from sunny Africa
Jeri
Jeri, thanks... I like reinventing the wheel, and have rarely done what everyone else is doing.;D What everyone else does is drive their 4WD on the beach, or use their boat or yak with sonar to find structure and fish. A fat tire bike would allow me to access stretches of beach that are (practically) inaccessible on foot.
And I agree... no short cuts, and the pleasure of being there. I get skunked and come home with a smile on my face, but my wife thinks I'm nuts ::) I need to show some major productivity to win her over ;)
Quote from: CapeFish on July 20, 2017, 07:28:09 AM
Quote from: Steve-O on July 20, 2017, 01:59:34 AM
Look up breakaway tackle online. EBay is one source. Lead lifters are great, too. Allows you to cast MUCH further and on impact the bait is released for a natural presentation. The fish lifts the lead out of snag zones. Good stuff for surf anglers. Watch youtube Brit's surf fishing..they have it down.
You can also just use a little sinker clip you bend from a bicycle spoke and clip your bait to that, works like a charm for cheap. Some breakaway sinkers come with the clip built in, I make mine with a hook clip built in
The Breakaway stuff is interesting, but little pricey. I do like the "sputnik" type sinkers because they have more holding power per weight, letting you use a lighter set up.
I've seen videos of guys in the U.K. casting with the bait clips and pulley rigs. Definitely would help casting distance; nothing cuts down distance like a bunker head and a sinker "helicoptering" on the cast. The way most get around that is to keep the hook leader very short.
I'd like to see this bicycle spoke bait clip... there's a broken spoke ready in my garage ;D
A technique I use for shark fishing is to swim the live bait out into deeper water. A tail hooked bait will naturally swim away from the pressure you put on it.you can use this to your advantage to steer the bait where you want to go. If you send a live bait out at a angle into the current by the time it dies from stress it will be straight out in front of you.this works great with blue runners and jacks.no kayak needed . Joe
Quote from: Jeri on July 20, 2017, 07:46:38 AM
.........Save your money, buy a decent set up for the style you choose, and enjoy - there are no real short cuts in fishing - just the pleasure of being near the water and enjoying life.
Cheers from sunny Africa
Jeri
my local beaches are really not good for shore fishing or surf fishing, I really like that style of fishing but my best fishi I can hope to catch is a 2lb curvina and that might happen after 5 hrs of fishing, dont get me wrong I love surf fishing I actually have some nice surf fishing gear and can cast 90-110 yds in average, but even with 200yds casts the result will be the same, but once on a boat the chances to catch fish are really higher, I was looking to get me a Kayak to get my bait on 300yds mark at least but I dont have the car to carry a Kayak.
I also like to go fishing with my kids and wife so, I was on the same train that you are right now, looking for better ways to make the fishing day more productive after searching for many options I ended up changing my game plan for a fishing day.
since few years surf fishing is more like a picnic day to enjoy with the family on the beach with some nice food and cool drinks than focusing on catching fish, if there is a fish on a rod its just the cherry on the cake.
if I really wanted to catch fish then I need to drive 1:30hrs to where the mountains meet the sea and then the sandy beach change to a rocky shore and then you dont have to cast that far
this would be a normal setup for a surf fishing day
a rod holder for 2-rods, kids running on the beach and I call them if any of the rod tips move on a bait, sometimes I use a lighter rod to cast lures but between taking care of the rods, checking baits, etc, that casting rod is used 5 minutes only on the whole day
but really interested on your findings so I encourage you to keep searching, what you might find could be apply it here too.
In freshwater a remote control boat is great to get your bait out and planers work great at the lake trolling why not at the river ;D
Quote from: Benni3 on July 21, 2017, 03:12:51 AM
In freshwater a remote control boat is great to get your bait out and planers work great at the lake trolling why not at the river ;D
Are you talking about trolling from the RC boat??? That I have to see...
I don`t think so , i believe you just place the bait on the boat and motor out than a quick yank to pull the bait off the boat.
Me personally would do the kite and get 3 bangs for the buck . one you build the kite with the kids , 2 you drop the fishing line were needed ,3 the kids get to fly the kite .
perfect day on the beach.. joe
Quote from: oldmanjoe on July 21, 2017, 02:07:05 PM
I don`t think so , i believe you just place the bait on the boat and motor out than a quick yank to pull the bait off the boat.
Me personally would do the kite and get 3 bangs for the buck . one you build the kite with the kids , 2 you drop the fishing line were needed ,3 the kids get to fly the kite .
perfect day on the beach.. joe
SOLD!
Quote from: steelfish on July 20, 2017, 08:29:47 PM
my local beaches are really not good for shore fishing or surf fishing, I really like that style of fishing but my best fishi I can hope to catch is a 2lb curvina and that might happen after 5 hrs of fishing, dont get me wrong I love surf fishing I actually have some nice surf fishing gear and can cast 90-110 yds in average, but even with 200yds casts the result will be the same, but once on a boat the chances to catch fish are really higher, I was looking to get me a Kayak to get my bait on 300yds mark at least but I dont have the car to carry a Kayak.
I also like to go fishing with my kids and wife so, I was on the same train that you are right now, looking for better ways to make the fishing day more productive after searching for many options I ended up changing my game plan for a fishing day.
since few years surf fishing is more like a picnic day to enjoy with the family on the beach with some nice food and cool drinks than focusing on catching fish, if there is a fish on a rod its just the cherry on the cake.
if I really wanted to catch fish then I need to drive 1:30hrs to where the mountains meet the sea and then the sandy beach change to a rocky shore and then you dont have to cast that far
this would be a normal setup for a surf fishing day
a rod holder for 2-rods, kids running on the beach and I call them if any of the rod tips move on a bait, sometimes I use a lighter rod to cast lures but between taking care of the rods, checking baits, etc, that casting rod is used 5 minutes only on the whole day
but really interested on your findings so I encourage you to keep searching, what you might find could be apply it here too.
Sounds like we are in the same boat (or lack thereof), compadre. Bendiciones a la familia, y buena suerte en la pesca!
How about trolling a line behind this thing? Kayak fishing on a whole new level.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uimEMplkf34
I sure wouldn't want to be in there when Jaws comes visiting for lunch in the kelp beds. It also makes jigging and casting difficult.
Quote from: RowdyW on July 22, 2017, 03:29:53 AM
I sure wouldn't want to be in there when Jaws comes visiting for lunch in the kelp beds. It also makes jigging and casting difficult.
How about a pneumatic harpoon gun. You could shoot your fish and drag it back to shore with a winch.
Mount this on the bow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbjljsqlOkg
ha,ha,ha
I am cousin of Arnold, girly man. :D
There is only one way to make sure you can get your bait out.
A kayak.
I'm thinking you could go with an inflatable and still fit on the bike.
Inflatables are making lots of progress.
My wife has an inflatable paddle board and it works quite well.
I had an inflatable AirHead two person 12'. It was ok for paddling around the river but not nearly as easy to paddle long distance as a rigid kayak. Also heavy, not as light as you would think although the rigid is 50% heavier.....somewhere around 50 lbs for the inflatable. Bill
I occasionally swim laps and will run a short hand line off ankle, when you feel a nimble; reach back and set hook. On some of the beaches with strong offshore winds, balloon fishing can produce results.
OK, the submarine is cool.
-steve
Quote from: wailua boy on July 23, 2017, 09:58:27 PM
I occasionally swim laps and will run a short hand line off ankle, when you feel a nimble; reach back and set hook. On some of the beaches with strong offshore winds, balloon fishing can produce results.
ILMAO :D ;D Sounds like a new twist on a "teaser rig" or is more like human-powered trolling? :o :o :o
I know this is an old thread, but, I used to use a chum pot when bridge fishing, it worked as it should. I see know reason why it wouldn't work in the surf. The fish will follow the slick and feed in it, just where your bait should be.
A fat bike in the right area with a matching trailer would allow for easy packing. I can pack enough on my bike & trailer to stay out a week easy. A kayak or canoe can be set up to use as the trailer. Just strap it to a two wheel arrangement of some sort.... But lets back up a sec.
Using a bike to fish from takes some level of being devoted to the bike. I see people all the time spend ridiculous sums of money on bikes while having some good ideas & intentions... Then they meet the first incline... they begin to breath harder than they have in years, the strength in the legs melts away.
You have to be devoted to it or it may not work well. Meaning its best if you make regular use of the bike to stay in shape. The benefit a person receives doing this is measurable. You will noticeably feel better at the end of any given day & other tasks will not take the wind out of you. You may live a longer more productive life. Just remember the physical benefits do come quickly.
You will be sore & stiff from your first outings that you apply your self. This wont last past a couple of weeks. The first month is key... Few stick with it... But Its Worth It !
A tire bigger than 4" is needed. For most sand a 5" tire rules. Tires for Fat Bikes range from $50 - over $200. It's good to Slime the tires.
Also going tubeless gets rid of a tremendous amount of rotational weight. A person can shed up to 2 lbs. per wheel by going tubeless. This is one of the best upgrades for a Fat Bike. However if your not traveling far or just doing a few miles on flat road or path to stay in shape I might not worry about it.
If your serious feel free to ask any questions. I recommend that you start on any bike available to see if its something you'd like to make work. The Fat Bike does have some unique handling characteristics. It does feel different when turning but not bad. There is not a 4 wheel drive or any motorized passenger vehicle not riding on tracks that will go where my fat bike will out side of a deep mud pit or deep snow. With steel studded fat tires I rule most anything our Kansas winters may bring
To sum it up if I had only one bike it would not be a Fat bike. However I would not ever be with out one because of their ability to easily do what no other bike will... Jeff
A few of my friends have bikes with electric assist motors, They're not fully motorized, you still have to pedal. They cost $ and not the same level of exercise but something to consider for long distances.
I use clear plastic floats for fishing in rocky areas. Cast well when half filled with water and keeps from getting hung up
A beach outrigger pole will get your line up out of the waves.
Here guys like to fish from cliffs, first casting out the weight and then sliding their baits down on the line.
From the beach you are starting to see a lot of drones rigged to carry the bait farther than you can cast and then dropping it in place.
Chum bags staked out in two to three feet of water do work; especially if there is a longshore current and not too much surf.
If there's offshore wind they use the plastic trash bag trick.
Never heard of or seen a fat bike but they look interesting. Kayak fish is not shore-bound fishing, but here's something fairly new:
https://bixpy.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_di19Nvj6AIVmB6tBh0G7gb2EAAYASAAEgJgsvD_BwE (https://bixpy.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_di19Nvj6AIVmB6tBh0G7gb2EAAYASAAEgJgsvD_BwE)
-steve
Quote from: Swami805 on April 12, 2020, 04:02:21 PM
A few of my friends have bikes with electric assist motors, They're not fully motorized, you still have to pedal. They cost $ and not the same level of exercise but something to consider for long distances.
I use clear plastic floats for fishing in rocky areas. Cast well when half filled with water and keeps from getting hung up
Could you post some pics of your clear floats ?
The electric motors are getting better all the time. Cruising speeds of 30 mph with a 50 mile or better range is now easily possible. The price does go up.
Quote from: Rivverrat on April 12, 2020, 08:56:13 PM
Quote from: Swami805 on April 12, 2020, 04:02:21 PM
I use clear plastic floats for fishing in rocky areas. Cast well when half filled with water and keeps from getting hung up
Could you post some pics of your clear floats ?
X2, please
never saw any that were very clear AND very durable, at least not among the very affordable :(
Jeff,
browse "casting bubble" like for float-n-fly... you may not see all, but search results won't be so cluttered w/ indicator floats
These things, they're clear plastic and pretty cheap They come in different sizes I run my main line thru it with a bead and swivel at the end that acts like a stopper. Then a leader on the other end of the swivel. The main line slides thru the tube in the middle The tube slides out so you can fill it with some water
Works well around rocks, if you leave slack in the line the bait will sink deeper
I've used them quite a bit surf fishing around humbolt in really rocky areas for greenling and rockfish. They last ok as long as you don't smack them on the rocks
oh, I'm an expert w/ those -- expert at cracking them
(rocks, logs, forehead, mystery cracks in storage, etc.)
plus, braid grooves the tube pretty quickly & hangs up,
even if I do manage a few hours use before crack-up
the durable ones w/ surgical tubing & brass rims for line entry/exit,
are less stealthy & more pricey
was hoping you had found a good middle ground
Here, bubble floats with a small grub are probably the most frequently seen set-up for "whipping" (repetitive casting) from shore. It difficult to argue with a combination adjustable casting weight and float to keep the grub off the bottom.
-steve
I've done the kite from shore thing a couple times. You can get your line a ways out there in a hurry for sure. It is a bunch of gear for traveling, however.
I LOVE bike fishing. It lets you be way more mobile and carry more gear comfortably. Rad bikes are made up here and they have a cargo version that is all over the place up here. Costs the same as a motorcycle but no registration and, most importantly for a place like this, you can ride it anywhere a bike can go. I really want one for the Olympic Pacific coast. Black rock fish for days!
The Man
I just cast a 9/0 or 12/0 off the beach in the past and done quite well only recently got a kayak
Kim