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Interesting thread and interesting opinions but there is so much more.
I think some try and simplify what we do which is a mistake. There is so much to learn and it’s not all about the “catching”. There are many out there that know how to catch - but just as many don’t know “why” they’re catching. I’ve been fishing the surf for about 40 years and in that time I’ve met maybe two hands worth of fishermen who IMO truly understand how to consistently take large bass from the surf – all of them had an intimate relationship with the areas they fished regularly and could easily adapt to a new location. They not only knew where and when – but they all took the time to try and uncover the reasons why.
I’ve had fishermen ask me for some guidance about where to fish in Newport or Block – I usually provide them with a baseline of locations and tides. But very few have ever asked me why this spot and why at this time? Those are the questions you need to try and answer and believe me it would take more than one page to list them. This is what I try and convey in some of my writing and seminars.
For example: Interested Surfcaster- “What is the one location I should cast when I go to Block?” DZ – “Fish the bar at SW.” Interested surfcaster – “Great, thanks!”
Follow up question that should be asked but wasn’t: Interested surfcaster – “Why the bar at SW?” DZ – “The bar at SW is a feeding station during the last three hours of the ebb. The current pulls hard right to left and as the water level drops it will allow you to fish all three sides of a cobble bar. Sand eels like to bury in the sandy areas between the cobble. There is a slight drop in the bowl to the north – many times the bass will be stationed on this lip so don’t end your retrieve too soon as the bass will hit just as your lifting your plug out of the water. Sometimes they station on the point of the outer edge of the bar and long casts are needed to reach them so get there early and try to position yourself with a shot at the point. Cast toward the light at Montauk on the left side of the bar – barely retrieve your Gibbs needle – don’t worry it won’t hang up because the pulling current will help keep it skimming the surface, just like a live Atlantic Needlefish. It’s very shallow on that side but the bass will all be pointed in your direction waiting for your needlefish. Strikes can be subtle – if you feel any weight – set! That is how to fish the bar with calm water and no sea. Now if you have a wind from the Northwest….”
You’ll never learn the entire “why question”. I know if I did I would have quit fishing long ago.
How's it going Rizzo!
DZ
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