mjm29287
03-18-2013, 02:37 PM
I am just getting into surf fishing and this is my first report. I ended up just south of the SAMO pier on Sunday hoping to fish the afternoon high tide. This was the first time I've actually been able to get out and a fish a high tide and it certainly seemed to make a difference based on less successful, past surf trips when I went out when it was convenient and not based on the tide. I was using a Carolina rig, 1/2oz egg weight, and 2" camo sand worms. The water seemed pretty clear to me (but I'm still a novice, so not really sure what is and isnt clear), there were a few larger clumps of kelp is the surf but they were easily avoidable and did cause me any problems.
I started around 1330 and got a few smaller, palm sized BSP, which is what I've always caught in my short, month long fishing career. Then wham, something bigger than I had ever had on my line (not saying much but still...) pulled in a 12.5" BSP. Finally got one like everyone else on these forums posts :Big Grin:
Started moving further North until, on one cast, it seemed almost the second it hit the water something hit it harder and moved differently than anything I was used to. And, when I finally brought in, a 14" bat ray (at least I thinks thats the correct species).
My buddy finally showed up around 1530, (he's the one that got me into surf fishing) so after telling him about the excitement he missed we got back to fishing. My first cast after he showed up and boom, another big hit. This fish actually took some time bring in, most of the smaller ones I've caught didn't put up too much of a fight. When I finally bring this one to the beach its the biggest BSP either of us had ever seen probably 14" and thick. Turns out it was a pregnant female, and as we were getting the hook out she started to give birth. We worked fast and got her and the three fry that popped out back into the water asap. (thanks to reading many of the post/threads on this site I knew what to do in this situation) Unfortunately I didn't have time for a pic of that one, my biggest fish so far, oh well...
We fished until about 1630 with nothing more than those little BSP but it was certainly my best day yet! I guess those tides really do have an affect. Good times, can't wait to get out again, I've been bit by the fishing bug.
This is the 12.5" BSP
39673
Here's the Bat Ray (species???)
39676
A decent size perch maybe 10"
39677
I started around 1330 and got a few smaller, palm sized BSP, which is what I've always caught in my short, month long fishing career. Then wham, something bigger than I had ever had on my line (not saying much but still...) pulled in a 12.5" BSP. Finally got one like everyone else on these forums posts :Big Grin:
Started moving further North until, on one cast, it seemed almost the second it hit the water something hit it harder and moved differently than anything I was used to. And, when I finally brought in, a 14" bat ray (at least I thinks thats the correct species).
My buddy finally showed up around 1530, (he's the one that got me into surf fishing) so after telling him about the excitement he missed we got back to fishing. My first cast after he showed up and boom, another big hit. This fish actually took some time bring in, most of the smaller ones I've caught didn't put up too much of a fight. When I finally bring this one to the beach its the biggest BSP either of us had ever seen probably 14" and thick. Turns out it was a pregnant female, and as we were getting the hook out she started to give birth. We worked fast and got her and the three fry that popped out back into the water asap. (thanks to reading many of the post/threads on this site I knew what to do in this situation) Unfortunately I didn't have time for a pic of that one, my biggest fish so far, oh well...
We fished until about 1630 with nothing more than those little BSP but it was certainly my best day yet! I guess those tides really do have an affect. Good times, can't wait to get out again, I've been bit by the fishing bug.
This is the 12.5" BSP
39673
Here's the Bat Ray (species???)
39676
A decent size perch maybe 10"
39677