Surf Fishing Guide: Tips, Fishing Gear & Spots

What Is Surf Fishing? 

Surf fishing involves wading into the surf zone or standing on the coastline to catch wildlife on land. The term is generic and can apply to shore fishing, including rocky and sandy beaches, fishing piers, and rock jetties. 

It may or may not involve throwing a lure or bait. More precisely, surf fishing from the beach by throwing into the waves at or near the coastline is called "surfcasting" or "beachcasting." Most surf fishing is done in saltwater, albeit not consistently.

The most prevalent misperception regarding surf fishing is that you must cast as far as possible to catch fish. You need to get your bait into knee-deep water at most beaches worldwide. Surf fishing, the "skinny" (the skinny water), is the term used for this.

Surf Fishing VS Beach Fishing 

Surf fishing is a way to enjoy the outdoors and catch fish simultaneously. It involves standing on the shoreline or wading into the surf zone with fishing rods and lures. Beach fishing uses a rod and reel from dry land, usually in shallow water, but it can also be done from a boat.

The main difference between surf and other types of fishing is that surf fishing takes place in the surf zone, which is the area between the high water line and the breaking waves. The type of gear used for surf fishing can vary widely depending on what fish you're trying to catch, but a few everyday items are wetsuits, boots, gloves, a pole (with the reel), and line, sinkers, swivels, and hooks.

Surf anglers often use artificial lures or bait (though some people prefer not to use bait), so the gear they use may be more similar to that of saltwater sport fishers than freshwater sport fishers. 

Do You Need a License for Surf Fishing in Australia? 

A fishing licence may be required for surf fishing in Australia, contingent upon the territory: 

New South Wales (NSW) 

Individuals over 18 must possess a licence to fish in NSW waters, both saltwater and freshwater. Licences can be purchased online or at bait and tackle shops. While fishing, the receipt must be carried as proof of payment.   

Western Australia

A licence is generally unnecessary for shore fishing; however, it is required for powered boat fishing, targeting specific species, and freshwater fishing in the southwest.  

Victoria

A licence is obligatory for recreational fishing in Victorian waters for individuals aged 18 to 70. A junior fisher card is available for those under 18, and a senior fisher card is available for those aged 70 or older.  

Northern Territories and the Capital Territory 

A licence is required for fishing in these territories. In addition to the licensing requirement, there are bag and size limits and closed seasons for certain fish species in Australia.  

When to Surf Fish in Australia?

Saltwater tides and meteorological conditions significantly influence optimal surf fishing periods. Although fish may bite at any time during the day, the most advantageous periods for surf fishing occur with rising or falling tides. 

In the peak summer months, schedule fishing excursions for early or late afternoon when the tide is in motion (rising or dropping). When planning to surf fish in winter, remember that the days preceding a cold front will provide optimal conditions for catching numerous fish.

This question has no simple answer, but some ideas might help. If you want to go wave fishing, the best times are usually when the tide comes in at low light (sunrise and sunset), but there are no hard and fast rules. Look at your area's tidal charts if you are unsure when the high and low tides are. Then, get to the beach at least two hours before high tide. That's when the fish are most likely to bite.     

The following are the popular fish species for surf fishing in Australia.

Australia Salmon: Regrettably, this Australian variety is not associated with the globally favoured edible fish and necessitates considerable care to prepare for consumption. However, this does not preclude enjoyment in pursuing them. 

Flathead: More than 50 species exist in this family, and the word "inshore fishing" in Australia is also linked to them. All over the country, they're at their best in the summer, but you can find them all year. You can float fish or bottom fish with various baits to get them to bite. Very light gear will work.

Queenfish: The Queenfish is one of the best game fish around, even though it's a little lighter than the other fish mentioned. The average catch is between 2 and 6 kilogrammes, and these silvery beauties will jump out of the water to get off your line, which makes for great action.  

Trevallies: The Trevally, particularly the Giant Trevally, is an iconic fish that commands attention wherever it appears. The average weight of these specimens is fifteen kilogrammes, while individuals over forty kilogrammes are not rare. 

Where to Go Surfing Fishing in Australia?

Don't worry if you don't know where the best places are to fish. Along the beach or shore, you can surf fish just about anywhere. However, you should take more time to pick out where you want to fish.

Suppose you go to a nearby beach or coast when the tide is low and look for shallow spots and deeper holes. Seeing these things on the bottom will be much easier when the water level drops at low tide. Where you put your baits on your first cast should depend on how deep the holes are.

Aside from holes, look out for the beach's structure or spots that look rocky or not quite right. A lot of the time, rock jetties are good places to fish because rocks hold a lot of small crabs and baitfish that bigger, more dangerous game fish like to eat. Make a few casts at different levels once you find the structure to determine where the fish feed in the water column.

Here we recommend some of the best surf fishing spots in Australia

Fingal Head (NSW)

Buffalo Creek (NT)

Port Douglas (QLD)

Waitpinga Beach (SA)

Strahan (TAS)

Surf Fishing Gear

The best thing about surf fishing is that it doesn't have to be complicated. Many fish like it because they don't have to buy expensive gear or spend much time preparing. Let's discuss what you should bring to the beach: rods, lines, hardware, and bait.

Before we discuss the best gear and tools for your surf fishing trip, take a quick look at this list of things you'll need. 

The things you need on the beach are straightforward. If you're bait fishing, you'll also need a place to store your bait, a rod and reel, and extra terminals or lures. To keep your reel out of the sand and free your hands for other chores, a rod tube or spike might also come in helpful. 

On a windy day, longer rods swiftly pick up the slack and keep your line clear of the waves. Beach fishing reels are either spin or side-cast models, and a spin rod may be used to rig any of these reel types easily.  

As for bait, live bait is the best option for your surf casting endeavours. What you'll use hinges on where you'll be fishing. As a rule of thumb, live shrimp and squid always work. You can also use finger mullet, minnows, and herring successfully.

We've also prepared a quick checklist of surf fishing essentials for you:

Sand spikes (rod holders) and a rubber mallet (to get them into the sand more easily)

Fishing rods and reels (it is good to have at least two with different setups)

Live bait, cut bait, frozen bait, and a selection of lures

Spare line, hooks, leaders, and terminal tackle

A bait bucket with an aerator

Surf fishing rigs (pre-made or bought)

A sharp knife for cutting bait and filleting your catch

A good set of pliers

A wet towel (to wipe the slime away and avoid getting your gear dirty)

First aid kit

Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses

A wind/rain jacket and rain gear (just in case)

Waders, neoprene socks, and a warm waterproof jacket (on cold days)

A valid saltwater fishing license (if required)

A portable power supply to charge cooler, phone, and more

Surf Fishing Rods

The length of a surf fishing rod is longer than a sea rod, which may be the first thing you notice. This is because to get to the fish, you must go deeper into the valleys, past the waves.

Rods will be anywhere from 7 to 15 feet long, which is a big range. If you're not fishing in a place with big waves, an 8–12' medium-heavy rod with medium action will work well. Fish that aren't very big should be caught with shorter lines.

We already said that you should have at least two different setups when you go surf fishing. For smaller fish, a 10-foot rod can hold smaller weights and food. For bigger fish, a 12- to 13-foot rod can reach farther, hold more weight, and attract them.

Surf Fishing Reels

Now for the clips. An easy-to-handle spinning reel can be paired with shorter lines, which most people choose. But regular reels also work well, especially when you need more strength and power to catch bigger fish. 

Your reels should be the same size as your rods. You can catch more types of fish if you use rods and reels of different sizes when you use two or more sticks. Regarding smaller fish, shorter rods work well with reels that are 1000 to 3000 sizes. A bigger reel (up to 6000) can hold more lines, so you can throw farther and catch bigger fish.

In general, reels in the 6000–8000 range are the ones that are used the most. Bigger fish like Bull Redfish, Snook, Sharks, and Bluefish can be caught with these. They will run away if you hook them, and you'll need many lines to keep up with them. If you want to catch big fish, your reel should have at least 500 yards of line. Big reels are made for that.

Surf Fishing Tackle

To keep your fishing rod in place, use PVC sand spikes that can be driven into the sand. A fishfinder rig, a two-hook bottom rig, or the popping cork rig are good ways to fish in the surf. Fish are most likely to bite when your food is in the part of the water column where the fish are.

Keep extra pyramid, egg, and teardrop sinkers weighing up to 6 ounces in your gearbox. This is one of the most critical surf fishing tips you can remember. When you fish in places with strong, fast currents, these sinkers will help keep your baits in place.

Bring extra 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-pound test leader material with you. Fish for big fish in places with structure, like along rocky shorelines or on dock pilings, with a heavier leader line.

Circle hooks in sizes 7/0 or 8/0 should be used with bigger baits for fish like striped bass. For smaller fish, like spotted seatrout, you can use a 2/0 to a 4/0 circle hook, depending on the size of the bait. For bigger baits, you should use bigger hooks.  

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Surf Fishing

Surf fishing combines the excitement of throwing into the waves with the hope of catching a large catch. In addition to surf fishing gear, you can take a portable power station.  

Portable power sources are small and light, making them simple to move around. Some types have wheels or handles that make them easier to use outside.

The sun can charge Portable power stations, making them a good choice for travelling when you're not connected to the power grid. Generators are often louder and less safe than portable power units. Generators must be used outside because they give off fumes, but many are loud enough to be heard inside. 

Jackery Portable Power Stations provide an efficient and portable energy source for powering bait aerators, lights, or even a small cooler to keep refreshments chilled. You can also quickly recharge this power station with Jackery Solar Panels, wall outlets, or carports.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station redefines portability and charging performance. Weighing just 3.75kg, this ultra-lightweight power station is designed for maximum convenience, allowing you to easily carry it in your backpack for beach fishing or other outdoor activities. Its compact size doesn't compromise its power, offering a 288Wh capacity and 300W output to keep your essential devices running smoothly.

Equipped with cutting-edge features, the 300 Plus ensures versatility for various scenarios. Its dual USB-C ports with up to 100W output support fast and simultaneous charging, making it ideal for laptops, tablets, and smartphones. With four charging options—solar, AC wall outlet, car port, and USB-C—you'll always have a way to recharge. Plus, it's whisper-quiet and completely emission-free, ensuring it is both eco-friendly and convenient.

The Explorer 300 Plus is built to last, featuring an LFP battery with an impressive 10-year lifespan and over 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity. Safety is at the core of its design, with advanced ChargeShield Technology offering 52 layers of protection against overvoltage, short circuits, and more. Whether fishing or preparing for emergencies, this portable power station provides reliable and safe energy solutions that adapt to your lifestyle.  

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus redefines portable power by combining state-of-the-art technology with unmatched security. Its 632Wh capacity and 800W power output allow it to seamlessly sustain a wide range of devices, including electric fishing gear, communication tools, emergency kits, and electronics in your fishing. Easy portability is guaranteed by the design's low weight of 7.3 kg.

It supports three charging modes for outdoor and emergency use, including a rapid one-hour Emergency Super Charging Mode. Its quiet operation (≤22dB) and durable, shockproof build make it a reliable companion for surf fishing.

Using cutting-edge ChargeShield Technology, the Explorer 600 Plus provides 52 types of protection against possible hazards like short circuits and overvoltage. Thanks to its UPS capabilities, it protects vital equipment and devices by providing a seamless changeover time of less than 20 ms.  

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Reliable gear is essential for surf fishing due to its unpredictable conditions, and Jackery provides it. No matter how much time you spend at the beach, you'll always be prepared for action if you pair it with solar panels to capture renewable energy throughout the day. Surf fishing becomes a smooth and satisfying experience with Jackery.

How to Surf Fish: Surf Fishing Tips for Beginners

Learn how to surf fish easily. Your techniques will change depending on where you are, the time of year, the tides, the weather, and the type of fish you want to catch. But some simple rules will help you get started if you're starting.  

Tip 1: How to Surf Cast

The first thing you need to know about surf fishing is how to surf cast. Sur casting is the same as regular casting, but you must focus on distance and accuracy to get your bait to land in the waves.  

Most of the time, a simple overhand cast straight out will work well. You hold the rod in your hand, bend your arm up to a 90-degree angle, and quickly flick the pole out. Straighten your arm to throw the bait into the water. To improve surf casting, you must learn the exact speed and power to throw the line far and accurately.

Tip 2: Read the Beach

Surf fishermen with a lot of experience know how to read the beach and find the right spots to fish, but for newcomers, the ocean is a huge, scary place. Here are some things you can look for to improve your chances of finding fish:

The sand bar is essential for determining where the fish might be because it shows whether the fish are behind it chasing bait fish or closer to the shore. People sometimes call breaks in the sand bar "rip currents." This is where fish often come to feed in the surf.  

There are more likely to be deeper holes with fish near beach areas with rough sand and shells. Look up and down the beach for these areas to improve your chances of getting a strike.  

Tip 3: Basic Surf Fishing Skills

Before you go fishing for the first time, make sure you review the state's fishing rules. When fishing from a pier or the shore, several states mandate that you obtain a fishing licence. Put on a pair of polarised sunglasses to see fish in the water that will cut through any glare.

When using chest waders, utilize an elastic wading belt for safety. In the unlikely event that you fall, a wading belt will stop water from getting inside. Start with natural baits such as mullet, shrimp, or squid. These kinds of baits are usually the most successful and suit a variety of fish species. Place your baits inside a cooler or bait bucket to keep them out of the sun.

Surf Fishing FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about surf fishing in Australia.

1. What size weight do you need for surf fishing?

The size of the weight you need for surf fishing depends on the conditions you're facing. In calm conditions or when fishing close to shore, a 2-4 ounce weight is usually sufficient. A 5-8 ounce weight is ideal for moderate surf and stronger currents. When dealing with heavy surf, strong currents, or casting long distances, opt for an 8-10+ ounce weight, with pyramid sinkers particularly effective in holding the bottom.

2. What is the best length for a surf fishing rod?

The best length for a surf fishing rod typically falls within the 9-12 foot range. A rod of this length provides a good balance between casting distance and control. Shorter rods (around 9-10 feet) are easier to handle and ideal for less intense conditions, while longer rods (11-12 feet) offer the extra casting distance and leverage needed for reaching deeper waters and battling larger fish.

3. What is the best bait for surf fishing?

The best bait for surf fishing often includes live options like sand fleas, shrimp, and small fish such as mullet or menhaden. Cut bait, such as strips of mullet, squid, or clams, is also highly effective for attracting various species. Artificial lures like soft plastics, jigs, and topwater plugs can work well, especially for striped bass or bluefish species. Using the freshest bait possible is crucial, as it increases the chances of a successful catch by appealing to the fish's instincts.

Final Thoughts

Surfing fishing is a very satisfying and soothing activity. It's a great kid-friendly activity because it is easy to set up and execute, and you can eat fish raised in pure ocean water! It's up to you how far you take your surf fishing adventure, but remember that even seasoned anglers still get a kick out of soaking bait in a shallow gutter. I hope you have fun surf fishing, and remember to properly clean your rods, reels, and other equipment at the end of the day!