Top 5 Fish to Catch from the Surf: Your Guide to Surf Fishing Success!

There are so many kinds of fish species in the ocean, but here are the top five fish you can target from the surf, each offering a unique challenge and reward.

1. Redfish (Red Drum)

Why They’re Awesome: Known for their hard fight and delicious taste, redfish are a top target for surf anglers. This fish provides a lot of delicious white meat for the table.

Best Baits: Shrimp, mullet, crab or cut bait

Best Rigs: Sure Catch Rig/ Fish Finder rig (Sure Catch (Buy Now)

Where to Find Them: Look for them in the surf near sandbars, troughs, and inlets, especially during the spring and fall.

2. Pompano

Why They’re Awesome: Pompano are small but mighty fighters, and their delicate, buttery flavor makes them a favorite for the table.

Best Baits: Sand fleas (mole crabs), shrimp, crabs and clams

Best Rigs:  High Low Rig/ Premium Catch All

Essential Rig — Hi-Lo / Bottom

Catch All Fishing Rig (w/ Floats) — Hi-Lo / Bottom

Where to Find Them: Often found where the waves crash, especially where there are clear, clean waters and breaking waves. Cast close in near the bubbly wash, where the waves crash into the sandbars. They are often feeding at these sand bars because the waves stir up all the bait. ( East Coast Carolinas-Florida)

3. Flounder

Why They’re Awesome: Flounder are masters of camouflage and provide a fun challenge. Their sweet, flaky meat is highly prized.They are a challenge to catch because you have to search and hunt them down by fishing close to the bottom and covering lots of water. They make a thump feeling at the end of your line, once you feel that thump, wait 5 seconds before you set the hook.

Best Baits: Live minnows, shrimp, and artificial lures like soft plastics.

Best Rigs: Carolina Rig/ Sure catch Mini ( Sure Catch Mini (Buy Now)

Where to Find Them: Typically found near the bottom in sandy or muddy areas, around structures, and inlets. (East Coast- West Coast)

4. Striped Bass (Striper)

Why They’re Awesome: These powerful fish are known for their strong runs and impressive size, making them a favorite among surf anglers.

Best Baits: Live eels, clams, and cut bait.

Best Rigs: Fish Finder Rig/ Sure Catch (Sure Catch ( Buy Now)

Where to Find Them: Along the Atlantic coast, particularly during spring and fall migrations, often around inlets, jetties, and drop-offs. ( Maine-Carolina’s Coastline +West Coast)

5. Bluefish

Why They’re Awesome: Bluefish are aggressive and put up a fierce fight, providing thrilling action for anglers.

Best Baits: Cut bait, shrimp, clams, squid, mullet and lures like metal spoons and plugs.

Best Rigs: Fish Finder Rig/ Sure Catch

Sure-Catch Fishing Rig — Fish Finder / Carolina

Sure Catch Fishing Rig (Long Distance Cast) — Fish Finder / Carolina

Mini Sure Catch Fishing Rig (Small Hooks) — Live Baits / Freeline / Carolina / Float

Where to Find Them: In the surf, especially during their seasonal migrations, around schools of baitfish. (East Coast Maine-Florida)

These are just 5 of the fish that I love to catch! There are many more, do some research and figure out what fish you want to target, there’s an ocean full of opportunity, just get out there and get your lines wet! Try our Hey Skipper fishing rod, it is perfect to target all and any of these fish! We created custom bundles for you with everything you need to get on fish, skip the frustration and start catching fish!

Hey Skipper Surf Fishing Rod

FISHING FEVER BUNDLE

WEEKEND ESSENTIALS BUNDLE

Your Fishing Buddy,

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