In The Wash
Angler
Probably one of the most important factors in fishing from the surf.
Fishing conditions is something that needs to be learned out on the water. Because conditions can be spot specific. You'll need to get out there and see how different wind direction can affect the way rips set up over structure. This takes time, and trips on the water. This is also why knowing where someone was catching fish yesterday does you no good today, If conditions are not the same, chances are you will not have the same results. I've seen wind direction change only a few degrees from N/E to straight north and the fishing shut down like someone flipped a switch. From epic to nothing at all. Also important to know how winds will effect things like weed and water clarity in the areas you choose to fish. You should be able to determine by wing direction if you are going to be dealing with weedy water. You need to pay attention to these details in the spots you are fishing to determine this. And then you need to log this in either your memory or in a book. During certain winds (usually prolonged) some beaches become unfishable with weed. Long island has a natural east to west sweep. Throw in some heavy east winds and the sweep in going to increase. These conditions also affect bait. With heavy north winds pushing most small bait off of the beach on the south shore, yet bunker feed into the wind, so effectively putting them on the beach. South wind opposite. And vice versa on the North shore. Of course depending on which way you are facing, because there is always someplace to fish on this island to make the conditions favorable. Its important to know the general bait present during the time of year you are fishing at the location you are fishing. And how wind will affect this bait.
These are the keys to unlocking the secrets of surfcasting. These are things that cannot be told to you for every spot on Long Island (or wherever). You may be able to find an old salt willing to give up these secrets for each individual location, but there isn't many of them left.
Fishing conditions is something that needs to be learned out on the water. Because conditions can be spot specific. You'll need to get out there and see how different wind direction can affect the way rips set up over structure. This takes time, and trips on the water. This is also why knowing where someone was catching fish yesterday does you no good today, If conditions are not the same, chances are you will not have the same results. I've seen wind direction change only a few degrees from N/E to straight north and the fishing shut down like someone flipped a switch. From epic to nothing at all. Also important to know how winds will effect things like weed and water clarity in the areas you choose to fish. You should be able to determine by wing direction if you are going to be dealing with weedy water. You need to pay attention to these details in the spots you are fishing to determine this. And then you need to log this in either your memory or in a book. During certain winds (usually prolonged) some beaches become unfishable with weed. Long island has a natural east to west sweep. Throw in some heavy east winds and the sweep in going to increase. These conditions also affect bait. With heavy north winds pushing most small bait off of the beach on the south shore, yet bunker feed into the wind, so effectively putting them on the beach. South wind opposite. And vice versa on the North shore. Of course depending on which way you are facing, because there is always someplace to fish on this island to make the conditions favorable. Its important to know the general bait present during the time of year you are fishing at the location you are fishing. And how wind will affect this bait.
These are the keys to unlocking the secrets of surfcasting. These are things that cannot be told to you for every spot on Long Island (or wherever). You may be able to find an old salt willing to give up these secrets for each individual location, but there isn't many of them left.
