Is a long cast important when surf fishing?

[MAC]

To me it depends on where you are fishing.

[numbskull]

You can cover more water with long casts, but how you go about it is important. If you start with a long cast, your retrieve will spook any fish that is directly between you and the plug, since bait fish do not swim directly at predators. You are better off to start with shorter casts/retrieves and work your way out. I'm convinced the splash the plug makes when it lands attracts more fish than the rest of the retrieve. Also, make your first casts to one side of your spot and work across, rather than straight out then side to side. You will spook less fish this way......so when you get skunked you can blame the plug and not your technique. So says me who needs every excuse he can find these days.

[JHABS]

Fish are close And Fish are Far out also. Can't count how many times the Fish were at the end of my cast on the Cape Beaches.

[JFigliuolo]

Originally Posted by numbskull

... If you start with a long cast, your retrieve will spook any fish that is directly between you and the plug, since bait fish do not swim directly at predators. You are better off to start with shorter casts/retrieves and work your way out...

Now there's a little jewel to file away...

[Slingah]

Originally Posted by MAC

To me it depends on where you are fishing.

same here....one place I fish it's a short window at the end of your cast at dead low.....others it's at your feet...
so it depends....

[Pete F.]

Originally Posted by Slingah

same here....one place I fish it's a short window at the end of your cast at dead low.....others it's at your feet...
so it depends....

And sometimes you can turn around and cast behind you, of course that means you did'nt need to wade out to the bar