By: Manuel Z

MANUEL Z -on- FISHING, Terminal Tackle

Basic Tackle for the Surf

Terminal tackle is, I guess what you would call "Disposable" Tackle. Things such as Leaders, Hooks, Swivels, Weights...etc... Below I will show pictures of some of my basic Terminal Tackle.
Tripple Drop Leaders are your best bet for the Surf. You Tie your line on the Tripple Swivel at the top, place your Weight on the bottom snap, and two 4/0 Hooks on the two remaining Snaps. This way you get to fish with two baits, You can even find 4 drop leaders for placing 3 baits out. Please note the type of weight on the bottom snap, This weight is called a "SPIDER WEIGHT", I'll explain more on that subject later.
Redfish Leaders come in all different shapes and sizes, But this 3' Long "RAYS" Redfish Leader is my preferred single drop leader. This leader has a Swivel which you tie your line to, This swivel is connected to a plastic coated 3 Ft. Wire cable, Half way down, there is a stop which is used to stop the (sliding) Swivel which is holding a "Spider Weight". On the Bottom there is a 7/0 Wide gapped Hook. If this rig happens to get hit by a Shark, It can withstand the punishment. and allow you to land your Shark safely, This rig can be baited with Scaled/Cut Mullet, Whole Squid or a 5 to 7 Inch live Whiting, Mullet or Croaker. I wouldn't recommend trying to use this rig with Shrimp for bait. (Small fish and crabs will just steal your bait.) Note: It is a proven fact that Larger Fish Eat Larger Baits, Usually consisting of other fish. TIP: If you can find, buy or catch small crabs, around 4 to 5 inches in size, that's a great BULL REDFISH bait. (Check your State Regulations first!)
Spider Weights are the BEST Weights to use in the Surf. The way you set it is, After you cast it out, Reel back some line till you feel strong resistance, This means your weight is now at the bottom of the "GUT". Now you let off the pressure on your line for a minute or so, to let the Spider Weights arms sink into the sand. Set your rod into the rod holder and reel your line till the rod tip bends towards the surf. Now your set, See the TIPS -N- TRICKS section for the "Reading your Rod Tip" article.
Pyramid Weights are NOT recommended for the Surf, There is whats called a "RIP TIDE" in the Surf This tide goes from one side to the other and can be very strong at times, A Pyramid Weight will just roll along with the tide. Use a Spider Weight for Surf fishing
GUTS, BARS & CUTS, (how to find them) As you walk out in the surf, and you start to get into a little deeper water... That's is a GUT, Keep walking and it gets shallower where you go up a small hill, This is the BAR. Here's a TIP, Walk along the Bar (Parallel to the beach) till you feel it start to drop off and that's what is called a CUT. The cut is a great place for a bait since the CUT is where fish cross from GUT to GUT, The Third GUT is the deepest of the Accessible fishing spots from the surf, Unless of course you have a raft or Sea Kayak to Swim out your BIG baits.

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