how to make surf casting rigs

Surf casting rigs now beware;


What type of rig you use depends heavily on what type of fish you are targeting. Also you can buy pre-made rigs from Wal-Mart, however; they will never be as good as the rigs that you craft with your own hands.

 Now, most first time fishermen will catch a whole lot of pin fish, dog fish (small sharks), whiting, and lady fish.   All of these fish can be caught on pretty simple tackle dropper rigs along with shrimp or squid strips.

 Remember though that other fish such as striped bass, flounder, sea trout and red drum usually will call for heavier rigs such as fish finders and carolina rigs. Now that you have a basic idea of the different species caught by baiting with a dropper or other types of rigs let’s talk about what materials you need.

The first thing you will need is leader material 30 to 50lb test monofilament is good but fluorocarbon is almost invisible in the water.  So if you’re using heavy leaders it may be a good idea to use fluorocarbon. Keep in mind you get what you pay for and mono works fine and floro is expensive!

The next thing you will need is hooks and weights.  I like to use Khale hooks for whiting and lady fish and size 2 to 3 for fish like blue fish. I use “J” hooks in the 4 to 5 range.

 Here is a useful tip: Eagle Claw Laser Sharps are great hooks, hard to rust and are very sharp.

 With blue fish I also use wire leaders, because blues have very sharp teeth, (watch your fingers).  For the bigger fish like red drum, blacks strippers, sharks and so on, I use only circle hooks, up to size 9 for the bigger fish.    The reason I prefer a circle hook is because it won’t gut hook and kill the fish giving the fish another chance, and me another chance to catch it another time.  

 Circle hooks will automatically hook the fish in the corner of the mouth. This is the safest way to catch a big fish.

Weights, like most other things in surf fishing the size weight you should use depends on what is going on in the ocean at the time. I will use anything from a 3oz pyramid sinker for bait and small fish like whiting. Then up to 6 to 8oz storm sinker for my 12ft rods in heavy current.   The heavier the swell is the bigger weight you will need.   Pyramids are good when you want holding power; the same goes double with storm sinkers.

              

 If you are fishing for ambush fish such as flounder you will want to use a Carolina rig with a soft plastic shrimp attached.  You will also want to use a bank sinker or heavy egg shot, because you want the rig to role in the swell, and these weights are round and don’t hold.   Since flounder lie in the water and wait you can let the bate drift.

 Beads:  yes, like your little sisters or daughters bead necklaces these beads will protect your knots from your weight slamming against them.   A color such as red can attract fish such as blue fish.  (Remember red beads blue fish).  Also, the sound of the beads bouncing off your sinkers can sound like a struggling fish under water. I try to always use glass beads they make a better sound.

Swivels:   let’s talk about swivels; these are little pieces of metal with circles in which to tie the line to. These are used to connect your leader to your main line.  They eliminate line twist and breakage. One rated for 100lb to 150lb work for all, with the exception of the heaviest surf beasts.

These are the rig making basics, next time I’ll be back to explain the actual tying of these rigs.

I will show you a few different and creative ways to do this as well as share some great instructional videos. 

Good hunting, fishing

and as always God Bless

Ryan