FIRST TIMER

I have never surf fished. What do I actually need?

Q: I have never surf fished. What do I actually need?

Rod (Ocean beach, general use): 9-10 ft medium spinning. Reel (Paired with the rod): 4000-5000 size spinning, 15 lb drag. Line (Same reel): 20 lb braid, 40 lb shock leader. Rig (Sand bottom): Fish finder with a 2/0 circle hook. Weight (Normal surf): 3-4 oz pyramid. Bait (Any day): Fresh shrimp, then cut mullet. License (Required): NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License. One rod, one rig, one bait, and a license. That is a real session on the Banks.

One rod, one rig, one bait, and a license. That is a real session on the Banks.

What to use today

A quiet stretch of Outer Banks surf, the first-timer's classroom

Right now

Reading the buoys and the tide station for first-timer setup…

The starter setup

This table is the guide. It does not change with the weather, which makes it the part worth printing and keeping in the truck.

The starter setup
Item	For	Get this
Rod	Ocean beach, general use	9-10 ft medium spinningOcean beach, general useLong enough to clear the wash, light enough to cast all afternoon.
Reel	Paired with the rod	4000-5000 size spinning, 15 lb dragPaired with the rodSmooth drag matters more than the badge on the side.
Line	Same reel	20 lb braid, 40 lb shock leaderSame reelThe leader takes the abrasion from sand and fish.
Rig	Sand bottom	Fish finder with a 2/0 circle hookSand bottomOne hook, one weight, few tangles for a beginner.
Weight	Normal surf	3-4 oz pyramidNormal surfEnough to hold, light enough to cast. Read the sinker guide for the rest.
Bait	Any day	Fresh shrimp, then cut mulletAny dayBuy from a local shop and ask what the fish have been eating this week.
License	Required	NC Coastal Recreational Fishing LicenseRequiredBuy it online before you go. It is cheap and the fines are not.

How the first session goes

How the first session goes
Step	What it is	Where you do it
Read the beach	Walk 100 yards and find the slough, the deeper water between the bar and the shore.Do this first, at low tide if you can. Fish where the water is deep, not where the beach is crowded.	Do this first, at low tide if you can. Fish where the water is deep, not where the beach is crowded.
Rig up on the sand	Tie the fish finder, bait the circle hook, and check the drag before the bait is wet.Dry sand, out of the wash, with your rod in a sand spike rather than leaning on a cooler.	Dry sand, out of the wash, with your rod in a sand spike rather than leaning on a cooler.
Fish the push	Cast into the slough and let the bait soak for 10 to 15 minutes.The incoming tide on the ocean beach is the best window you will get. Move if nothing happens in 20 minutes.	The incoming tide on the ocean beach is the best window you will get. Move if nothing happens in 20 minutes.

Before you cast

You do not need to cast far. Most beach fish are inside the first sandbar, which is often 30 to 50 yards out.
Do not swing on a bite with a circle hook. Come tight and reel, and the hook finds the corner of the jaw on its own.
Hold the rod or leave the drag loose in a spike. A rod that leaves the spike is a rod that is gone.
Fish the two hours either side of a tide change. It gives you a reason to be there at a specific hour instead of all day.

Buy this, not that

Buy this, not that
Need	Buy	Skip
Rod	9-10 ft medium spinning12 ft heavy, until you have fished a season	12 ft heavy, until you have fished a season
Rig	Premade fish finder, 2/0 circleA box of 20 rigs you do not understand yet	A box of 20 rigs you do not understand yet
Weight	3-4 oz pyramid, a few of eachA full set from 1 to 8 oz	A full set from 1 to 8 oz
Bait	Fresh shrimp and cut mulletFrozen bait bought the week before	Frozen bait bought the week before
Extras	Pliers, sand spike, headlamp, licenseA second rod on your first trip	A second rod on your first trip