Achtung: Surfers who Fish

It's addictive man. Wait for a sale at your local dive shop and you can get fully set up with some decent equipment for around $300. I hear there is some killer spearing around Ruggles--all the more reason to keep the area pristine. I'm bringing my gear the next time I go up there.

As far as surf fishing goes: most of the folks you see out randomly have no idea what they are doing--that's why they aren't catching anything. Most of the places I surf fish are NEAR places I surf but aren't exactly where I surf... or anyone else for that matter. But, in the rare instance the two meet it's a matter of who was there first--simple etiquette.

We have designated fishing piers that have a 100-200 yard zone around them for no swimming and/or surfing.


The dumbest thing I have ever witnessed was at the Pipe in CB. Surfers were out and some touron family decided it would be a great time to take their kayak and 80w (for those who don't know reels, this is the size primarily used for marlin and other big game) and try their hand at some shark fishing. They attempted to paddle their bait out in the kayak but luckily never made it and ended up tangled up in their own line and their expensive rod/reel combo getting dragged through the sand.

 

As someone who both surfs and fishes (25 + years for both), I understand both sides of the argument. However, surfing always takes first priority. I NEVER fish if there is even the smallest of surfable waves. However, I have had a few conflicts with guys fishing where I am surfing. I agree that fishermen can easily move up/down the beach if there are surfers in the water. Not too mention that fishermen are aloowed on the beach to fish without having to pay in NJ, which in its self is a whole other F**D up story.

 

Sounds quite fun actually, and nothing better than a fresh catch for dinner

 

Whaaat? There are some screwey rules up there.

 

You don't have to drop a ton of money on a spear gun. Just get a nice pole spear.

 

Hell yeah, give ya a good excuse to check out the bottom of different breaks too.

-Erock, I might have to pick your brain about this one of these days.

 

goosemagoo......if you only knew how screwed up some of the rules are here in NJ. Still enjoy surfing NJ as long as it is from september through May. or in the summer before / after guards get off and no fee. I REFUSE TO PAY TO GET ON THE BEACH