My conversation with Bob White:

Bob suggests having more than one rod and accompanying sand spikes. For bait: something like a small 5 to 6 ft spinning rod with a 1000 series reel can be rigged with two very small hooks in tandem and used to catch bait fish. Bob suggested live shrimp as the best bait with a 1 -oz sinker, but I am sure that other options would work too. Maybe even a small flashy spoon or spinner bait. Casts are made out 12 to 15-ft into the surf to catch the bait fish. This alone can be fun! An alternative is frozen bait.

Cut bait fish are then used on 9 to 12-ft surf rods with 4000 to 6000 series reels and 4 to 6-oz sinkers. Once the rod is placed into the spike, setting the drag is critical to avoid losing a rod and reel into the surf!

My two-cents worth: I am not a surf fishing expert but I read a lot and after looking at a book or two and, yes, several on-line articles, I noticed that almost all are in disagreement on one point or another. But in a nutshell, here is my own assessment.

Rods and Reels – These need to be a bit more robust than what I typically use for inshore fishing. How much depends on the fish species and size that prowls in the section of the ocean where you are fishing. Rods need to be longer and stronger, 8 to 10-ft seems to be a good average. They should have enough backbone to cast a heavy 3 to 5-lb sinker and a hook loaded with a chunk of bait. Reels need to be in the 4000 to 6000 range with a large line capacity in case you hook that big one – 300 to 500 yards seems to be a sweet spot.

Terminal Tackle – I have heard pros and cons for both braid and monofilament line in the 30 to 50-lb test range. You can get more line on the reel with braid, but it is more prone to wind knots and can result in a nasty cut if you grab the line at the wrong time. It is also more expensive. Fish finder or float rigs work well and although fresh bait is best, frozen shrimp, mullet, and squid will suffice.

Miscellaneous Gear – A sand spike is a necessity unless you want to stand up holding the rod for 3 hours. Add to that, various knives, pliers, and a towel. A bucket to carry everything in is useful and can be used as a convenient seat. Also, don’t forget plastic bags for various things including your cellphone and/or camera. A

Clothing – For this kind of weather, bare feet or sand shoes and shorts will suffice unless you want to wade out into the surf. A hat and sunscreen are also necessities.

For more details on Surf Fishing 101, check out Andrew Courtillet’s article:

Surf Fishing For Beginners: Ultimate Guide on How to Surf Fish