Any advice/tips/knowledge for fishing off the beach for sharks,rays,etc?

[Andreu]

Hi everyone,
I've been MIA for 3 years and am back on FNN and am planning on going to fish off the beach with the hopes of landing (and releasing) some rays, sharks, etc. I have the right rods, reels, line, a variety of weights and hooks but would really appreciate any tips or pointers.
I haven't decided where I'll go yet (I have my eye on the beach between the Alamitos Bay Landing and the Seal Beach Pier but it's not set in stone)
What bait should I use? Cut mackerel, squid, whole chovies?

Thanks everyone

[twin22s]

I like to fish cut mackerel near any kind of change in bottom, rocks to sand, sand to grass. I prefer the surf to be 1-2ft so ill fish more protected areas if there is a swell. Pieces of tuna last year were killing it just south of San Juan creek in Dana point... If you can't get fresh mackerel, squid is the only thing I'd buy frozen. If I can I like to catch a bunch of macs, fillet them skin on and then bag and freeze the precut pieces. This is way easier than trying to cut up a soggy frozen fish on the beach.

[murrieta angler]

Hey Andreu,
Most fresh dead will work for most all shark and ray fishing.
Low tide is good at some beaches but not so good at others.
In time you will learn that from experience.
I would say the number one thing to do is....Just get out and fish
Good luck and put up a report with all the fish you caught
Robert
<><