Jig Fishing For Bass

No lure is more versatile for bass fishing than the skirted jig. The jig-head with a rubber skirt combination has been around for years, and it continues to catch bass across all seasons and anywhere bass swim. Over the years, jigs have evolved and become more specialized, which has only added to their effectiveness. In this article, we will cover the major categories of jigs, the gear needed, how to fish them, and some modifications that enable you to get the most out of these lures.

Gear Required

Jig fishing works best on baitcasting equipment for several reasons: they are generally used with heavier line around thicker cover, and the weight of the lures makes them better on heavier baitcasting gear. A rod that is between 7’ and 7’6” in length with a medium-heavy action is an ideal jig rod. A baitcasting reel spooled with 12–17lb test fluorocarbon line rounds out the entire combination. The rod and reel should be sensitive enough to detect bites yet strong enough to get a good hookset when a bass bites your jig.

Jig Types

Standard Jig

The standard jig works great for short casts to submerged cover, but it works equally well in deeper water fished along the bottom after a long cast. These jigs are among the most versatile and common of all bass lures. The 3/8oz and 1/2oz sizes work well in nearly all situations, but sometimes heavier or lighter jigs are better. The lighter style works better in shallower water or when anglers want a slower fall from their jig, and the heavier models are better for deeper water.

Football Head Jigs

Like the name implies, the football head has a unique head design that resembles the shape of a football. This design allows great contact with the bottom, enabling you to stay in touch with your lure while not hanging up as much as with other jigs due to the head design. These jigs excel around rocks, and they work well from mid-range depths to much deeper water. Ideally, a football head works best in water between 10 and 50 feet deep. When it comes to sizes, the 1/2oz football head will cover most situations, but lighter jigs will allow an angler to get a slower fall. Heavier jigs, from 1/2oz to over 1oz, work well in heavy current or deep water.

Swim Jigs

Any jig could theoretically be used with a swimming retrieve, but the swim jig is specially designed with a pointed head to come through grass and cover while being retrieved. While most jigs are best when making contact with the bottom, the swim jig is best in motion in the middle of the water column. The swim jig is effective in shallow water less than ten feet deep and anywhere there is grass or wooden cover in the water. Since swim jigs are normally fished in shallow water, they are often much lighter than other popular jig types. Swim jigs sized 3/16 or 1/4oz are popular sizes, with 3/8oz being among the heaviest swim jigs bass anglers use.

Trailers

The trailer added to the end affects the action of the bait, the forage it is emulating, and the overall appearance of the jig. Soft plastic trailers are the most popular option for their convenience and array of styles and colors available. When rigging the trailer to your jig, it is important to make sure it is rigged straight on the hook of the jig so the action is not affected and it appears natural.

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Creatures

There are many creature baits on the market with multiple arms and appendages. While they may not look exactly like something in nature, the movement attracts bass. These work well when used as a trailer for all types of jigs, especially swim jigs.

Craws

The jig can look just like a crawfish moving along the bottom when paired with a soft plastic crawfish. They come in many colors to match all jig skirts, and the added appeal of the claws creates a total package. These work well for all styles of jigs.

Chunks

Soft plastic chunks also imitate a crawfish, with the two arms of the bait undulating with each movement of the jig. Chunks are a good option for standard jigs.

Grubs

The double-tail grub is another way to make your jig look like a crawfish or small fish swimming along. The tails look like a fleeing crawfish, and they create an enticing movement underwater. Grubs are an excellent choice for all types of jigs.

Selecting Colors

Jigs most often imitate crawfish, so colors that resemble them work well for most situations. Green pumpkin, watermelon, and other similar natural colors are good choices for most jig fishing. When fishing dirty or stained water, a black and blue jig and trailer work well to ensure that the fish can see the bait.
Jigs also imitate bluegill, sunfish, and shad if the colors match the forage. When imitating bluegill, a green pumpkin or jig with shades of blues will help “match the hatch” of what the bass are eating. When trying to imitate shad, white skirts with a white trailer work well.

Where to Use Them

The appeal of jigs when fishing for bass is that they can effectively be used in many situations. Their weedless design allows them to be fished in heavy cover. There is no wrong place to use them, but they are among the best choices for bass anglers around rocks, grass, wood, and docks.

Retrieves

The jig works great with short casts, pitches, and flips to visible cover. Often, the bass will grab the lure as it falls, so it is always important to watch your line as the jig is falling. Once the bait hits the bottom, short hops that keep the bait near the bottom during your retrieve are best.
One of the best ways to use a football head is also the simplest: drag the jig along the bottom. Cast it out, let it sink, and then use your rod to slowly move the bait along the bottom before you reel to pull in the slack. The football head can also be used with short hops along the bottom.
The swim jig can be fished with a steady retrieve back to you. Small movements with your rod and pumps with your rod will allow the bait to move up and down in the water column as you retrieve your bait.

Modifications

A jig right out of the package is ready to catch fish, but two simple modifications can increase hookups and change the action of the lure: trimming the weedguard and skirt.
Most jigs come equipped with weedguards to protect the hook from weeds, rocks, and debris. They work great for keeping you from snagging into cover, but they are often stiff and too long. To adjust the length of the weedguard, cut a small length of the weedguard off with scissors. An approximately ¼-inch section is usually best as long as the end of the weedguard is still longer than the point of the hook.

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Another modification many bass anglers use is to trim the length of the skirt. By cutting it just below the bottom of the hook while the jig is vertical, you can get a more compact appearance for your jig.
The three major types of jigs will allow you to fish nearly all depths and catch bass in all seasons. The jig is one of the most versatile bass lures, and it has a reputation as being one of the best ways to catch a big bass. By selecting the right style of jig, utilizing the correct retrieve, and matching the appropriate skirt color and trailer, you can maximize your success when fishing jigs.

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Tips for Fishing with Kids Share6 Pin170 Tweet Email

I’ve grown up with fishermen on both sides of my family, and now that we are near a pond I can’t wait to take my own kids fishing all the time. Here are some tips for fishing with kids (that I’ve gleaned from my own life, friends, and Google).
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Shakespeare® for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I come from a family of fishermen! We live very near the coast and directly near tons of ponds and lakes. My father and his brothers have fished their whole life. My maternal grandfather actually set up an area in his barn for his fishing equipment and boat. Oh and he actually built a special station just outside of the barn with a sink for scaling fish.

Fishing is serious business, folks.

Now we live on the family property and we’ve got a pond! I’ve been thinking about getting fishing poles for the kids for a few months now so was so excited to jump start the process when Shakespeare and Stren contacted me. Let’s just say the kids were so excited to open the boxes up and start fishing.

We’re on a mission to make fishing a regular part of our lives (hello, free food) because it’s just so good to have things to do that don’t involve technology. We’ve recently stopped watching TV during the week at all (because it stops the whining) and particularly in the summer it’s nice to have things to do outside.

Plus, I see fishing as an investment in your family. It’s time together to talk, make memories, and get some good ole Vitamin D. One thing I did learn while being together with the kids out there is that, if they are little, you might to consider taking one child at a time. This is good for both relationship building, and also so you can actually fish instead of just trying to get everyone from hooking each other.

Make it easy

If you don’t have any fishing equipment, start easy. We actually have a lot of fishing equipment in our barn since my grandfather was a lifelong fisherman, but it’s dusty and old and I don’t know what goes where. These fishing combos save you all that trouble and come with a small tackle box that has everything you need to get started and instructions! Oh and they come pre-spooled which is a total lifesaver for newbies. My husband was not excited about spooling the fishing line himself. Ha.

Change your expectations. 

If you’ve gone fishing previously it might have been a relaxing time for you. Maybe you put the pole in a PVC pipe in the ground and sit down and relax. If there are kids and hooks, however, it won’t start out relaxing. In fact, it might take years until you feel that a fishing trip feels like a calming family bonding time. Also, it might feel like a lot of work for a few fish. But that’s where we have to stop thinking things aren’t “worth it” on our end. I’m sure it’ll be “worth it” to them!

Avoid the baby poles. 

Lots of people (and blogs) say to avoid the very small child poles. They aren’t even that cheap money wise, but you get a cheap line and they won’t grow with your child. A youth pole is different than a child pole, and youth poles will grow with your small child until adolescence. The very small toddler pole is not generally recommended.

Practice casting.

I went trout fishing in Scotland with a lifelong best friend. It was completely awesome in every way except that I didn’t’ actually catch a fish. They told me I was a pro at casting! Ha. I remember growing up fishing occasionally and I was far more excited about casting well than catching a fish. Weird, but true. Anyway, if you have more than one child who’s going fishing let them practice casting away from the other siblings. Let each child practice casting in a short distance at first, then farther and farther. Before you put bait on the hook, let them practice.

Above is my daughter “practicing” before we’ve even threaded the fishing line and put hooks on. :)

Live bait. 

Obviously this isn’t a necessity, but I personally think live bait is the most fun and interesting for kids. Depending on their age, worms may be more exciting than the actual fishing :). That said, it’s important to pick the right bait for kids because you want your kids to experience big wins so they catch a love for fishing. According to Take Me Fishing, you want your bait to be approximately the same size as your hook. Worms or crickets are fine, but maybe cut the bait to fit the size of the hook.

Our neighbor and friend, Jason, said we could keep crickets and warms as well and that would add to the excitement. Actually he called the worm wigglers. We’re going to the local bait shop to get some soon. If we can’t get a dog we can get crickets, right?

Just bring them along. 

If you’re thinking of taking kids fishing, but aren’t sure where to start, just go to ponds, lakes, or fishing holes with your kids. Even toddlers will enjoy a walk in nature. Look at the pond for fish, talk about fishing, eat some fish! Just get them out there and exposed and build anticipation. Anticipation makes things so much more fun!

Fish where the fish are. 

Now there are fish in our pond, but there aren’t tons. Fishing in our own pond goes against this, but it’s easy. So convenience wins! That said, if you want to get your children into fishing go fish where the fish are. This will mean the kids actually get to experience the excitement of catching a fish regularly that first time. Whether you throw them back (fun in itself) or bring them home, your kids be more excited about fishing again when they’ve experienced some success.

Keep time limits short. 

If everyone’s having fun, by all means stay. But as children begin to fish, particularly if they aren’t catching anything, don’t plan an all day fishing expedition. A few hours may be enough, or even one hour if it’s one of the first few times you go. Bring snacks, blankets, or chairs for the kids to sit down if you’re fishing at a pond or lake.

Go barb-less.

You can actually get barb-less hooks (or wiggle the barb off with your thumbs, apparently) to help your kids practice casting without worrying about hooking someone else. I am definitely doing this because in order to actually go fishing with all my kids (ages 4, 3, and 2 years in August) I want it to be a safe environment. And my youngest will totally want to mill around and play, but will not understand not to walk in the path of a flying line!

Want to win a fishing trip?

 If you’d like to win a fishing trip visit this site, tell them of one of your favorite fishing memories and upload a picture of you fishing!
Have fun! 
Check out the fishing combo available from Shakespeare and Stren and after you do, use the fishing checklist to make sure you’re all set!
I’ve created a free email series just for you! I believe just because you have kids doesn’t mean your life turns to chaos. Sure, things can get crazy at times, but you can raise children who are confident, kind, fun-loving, and who… best of all… listen when you speak. After this free series:

• you’ll have a connection with your kids that fuels peace
• your days flow smoother and the kids make transitions without fuss
• consequences will no longer be a mystery or a struggle
• the kids will actually help out around the home
• you’ll have mastered the #1 way to take your home from chaos to peace

Surf Fishing Tips and Techniques

Top Tips For Surf Fishing

A compilation of some great surf-fishing tips to help you find and hook lots more fish.

• How to find the fish you are after
• Tips on rigs and bait for some popular surf fish
• Types of rigs
• Types of bait
• Tips on cost-effective fishing equipment

Definition of "Fishing"

fish*ing (fish`ing) n. The art of casting, trolling, jigging, or spinning while freezing, sweating, swatting, or swearing.

Surf Fishing Tips: Finding the Fish

One of the the best tips for locating fish is to go and check out your chosen beach at low tide before your expedition. Make a note of where the dips, hollows, and sandbanks are. This will give you a great indication of where the fish are likely to be feeding when the tide comes in. Look out for points of land that jut out into the ocean; you will generally find fish on either side of these features.
The best time to surf fish is always around high tide, especially if high tide falls at either dawn or dusk.

Check out the area at low tide, return at high tide.

Another great surf fishing tip is to go and talk to a local tackle shop that is close to the beach you are intending to fish. These places are fantastic for gathering information about the fish species currently being caught, where and when they are being caught, and what baits are being used.

How Far to Cast?

Don't overdo it!

Sometimes the fish are much closer than you think . . .

"All Americans believe that they are born fishermen. For a man to admit to a distaste for fishing would be like denouncing mother-love and hating moonlight."

John Steinbeck -1954

Rigs and Baits for Some Favorite Surf Fish

Monsters in the surf! A 55-pound striped bass.

Surf Fishing Tips for Striped Bass

If you are a surf angler, hooking a sizable striped bass in the surf is one of the most exciting experiences you can have. The secret is choosing the right rig and the right bait for the job. Here are my two favorite surf fishing rigs for this sought-after fish.

The Fish-Finder Rig for Striped Bass

The fish-finder rig (illustrated further down in this article) works well for bass because it allows the live bait to move naturally in the current. Use live bait; eels hooked through the the tail are always the top choice, followed by either menhaden or herring. Leader length between hook and swivel should be around 20 inches. Attaching a weight slide above the swivel will make the bait presentation much better than in a fixed version. Striped bass have excellent eyesight, so try to keep the rig as simple as possible.

The High-Low Rig for Striped Bass

There are also many versions of the high-low rig, but this is the one that seems to catch the most striped bass. This rig works well because smaller bass tend to sit higher in the water while the larger fish will stay closer to the bottom. For this surf fishing rig, tie two 5-inch dropper loops on a 5-foot length of leader, keeping the loops around 12 inches apart, and tie your hooks to the end of the loops. Fifteen inches below the bottom loop attach a weight snap, and 15 inches above the top loop tie on a swivel for the main line. This rig works by getting the fish to hook themselves, so circle hooks will work the best. Try using a larger bait like bunker chunks on the bottom loop, and a slightly smaller bait like blood worms for the top loop.

Surf Fishing Tips For Red Drum

Red drum

Red Drum Rig

If you are after red drum, you will have to beef up your end tackle. IIustrated below is a rig that should hold most large red drum.
For live baits try using live menhaden or shrimp. Chunks of crab also work well.

A rig for large red drum

Surf Fishing Tips For Bluefish

Bluefish

The bluefish has extremely sharp teeth, so regardless of which rig you choose, a wire leader is advisable. The best bait rig to use is the fish finder rig. The wire leader length should be around 18 inches between hook and swivel. Put a weight slide on the main line and then tie the main line to the swivel. Bluefish have very good vision, so a free-lining rig helps the bait look as natural as possible. Bluefish are ferocious feeders and travel in large schools hunting smaller bait fish, so for live baits try menhaden, mullet, eels, and shrimp. They will also take most cut fish baits, with mullet being a favorite.
Lures For Bluefish
The majority of surf fishermen prefer to use artificial lures to catch bluefish. There are many lures you can use; popular ones are surface plugs, swimming plugs, jigs, and spoons. A fast stop-and-go retrieval will work the best for these fish, especially when using surface plugs. My personal favorite is a heavy silver spoon, which will cast a good distance and retrieve at speed. A good tip is to lace the spoon with a cut strip of mullet or similar fish; this will leave a strong scent trail as you retrieve the spoon. Spraying your lure with menhaden bait spray will have the same effect.
The average size of a school fish is two to five pounds, so light spinning tackle will give you some great sport. The bluefish has very strong jaws and sharp teeth, so when you do land it, take great care when removing the hook; use long-nosed pliers at all times.

Pompano

Pompano

Rigs

Three Popular Rigs for Surf Fishing

Don't spend too much time on end rigs. A good principle for surf fishing rigs is to keep them simple. The less there is to get tangled, the better.
Below are three very popular and simple surf fishing rigs.

The Fish-Finder Rig

The object of the fish-finder rig is to pose as little resistance as possible as your target fish picks up the bait. It is entirely your preference how long to make the leader, but the average length is around 24 inches.
It is very simple to make the fish-finder rig yourself.

The Fireball Rig

The idea of the fireball rig is that the foam balls keep the bait slightly off the bottom. The bright colors and movement in this rig make it a great choice on days when the surf is rough and the water is cloudy.
The rig works well when fished with natural bait.
You can make up the fireball rig yourself but it is a little more involved, so it's much easier to buy them already made up.

The High-Low Rig

The high-low rig is one of the best natural bait rigs there is. The rig works extremely well for most large predatory fish, and gives you the advantage of having two baits in the water. The rig can be made up fairly easily, or can be bought ready made from your tackle shop.

Video: How to Tie Your Own Dropper Loop for Making Rigs

Video: How to Tie the Rapala Knot (Slightly More Difficult)

Natural Baits

Surf Fishing Bait Tips—Which Baits for Which Fish?

Pacific mole crab digging into wet sand | Source

Mole crabs (also called sand crabs) are one of the most popular baits used for surf fishing. Dig them yourself, and keep them in some damp sand. Will catch most species, but best for redfish, whiting, pompano, striped bass, blackfish, and black drum.

Squid | Source

Squid are great bait for surf fishing. Buy them fresh or frozen, and use whole or cut into strips. Good for bluefish, striped bass, and redfish.

Ragworm | Source

Sandworms or ragworms are another great bait for surf fishing. Dig your own or buy from your local tackle shop.
Good for: rockfish, striped bass, flounder, whiting, blackfish, porgy, sea trout, and surf perch.

Live shrimp sold for bait | Source

Shrimp are a good all round bait, will catch just about any kind of fish! Can be used dead or live.

Mullet | Source

Mullet are excellent bait and will catch a variety of fish. Use whole, dead or alive, for larger fish or cut strips for smaller species.
Good for: bluefish, striped bass, tarpon, redfish, and sea trout.

Fiddler crabs in a baggie | Source

Use crabs whole, or use pieces for smaller fish. Soft-shell crab tends to get more takers than hard-shell crab.
Good for: black drum, tarpon, redfish, and snook.

Glycera (bloodworm) | Source

Dig your own bloodworms, or buy them from your tackle shop.
Good for flounder, sea trout, striped bass, bluefish, porgy, and whiting.

Lures

Surf Fishing Lures: Surf-Fishing Tips For Artificial Bait

Always pack a good selection of plugs, spoons, and other forms of artificial baits.
Depending on what you are after, artificial bait can be just as good as, if not better than, the real thing. Find out from local anglers which lures are taking fish.

Three Lures Every Surf Angler Should Have

Surf fishing lures are a topic of much debate among surf anglers. The multitude of different sizes and colors make choosing the right one a little confusing. Here are three surf fishing lures that every surf angler should have in their bag.

Metal Spoons

Metal spoon fishing lure | Source

The large metal spoon is supposed to resemble a large bait fish such as menhaden or mullet. Most are chrome or bright silver in color. Most surf fishermen using a large metal spoon are after bluefish, but almost any fish will take them. These streamlined two- to four-ounce spoons will reach most outer bars with ease. Jigging the spoon on a medium fast retrieval tends to bring good results. If you are after bluefish remember to attach a 12-inch wire trace before the lure.

Lead-Head Soft Plastic Tail Jigs

Rubber fake fish of different colors threaded onto lead-weighted hooks

The great thing about this type of lure is the variety of combinations available. The action of the lure on retrieval will vary with your choice of tail, so always carry a few different colors and sizes in your bag for a quick change. Changing your choice of tail is a simple matter and can be done quickly and easily. You can use many types of retrieval when using the combination jig, but employing a slow and steady retrieve will see the most takes. Heavy monofilament line will affect the jig's performance, so try and use a short length of lightweight leader.

Small Metal Lures

Small metal lures don't have to be this colorful—any minnow-sized bit of metal, with or without a brushy tail, may work.

The smaller metal surf fishing lures are great for use with light spinning tackle. A seven- to nine- foot spinning rod and a reel loaded with 10- to 12-lb mono-filament main line will allow you to use this type of lure to its full effect. The lure itself is designed to resemble a minnow, and when used on a fast retrieve will attract small to medium-sized bluefish. A very slow retrieve keeping the lure close to the bottom will produce trout and smaller striped bass.
There are many more surf-fishing lures available, but these three lures will ensure you have a lure that will produce fish on almost every occasion.

Other Surf-Fishing Equipment

Surf Fishing Tips - Your Equipment - Less Is More...

The beauty of surf fishing (or any type of rod and line fishing for that matter) is that you do not need much equipment to get started. Everything you need for a day of surf fishing will fit into a small to medium-sized tackle box.
You can set yourself up with everything you need for about $120, and rod-and-reel combos start at around $60, but as with most things you get what you pay for. Spend as much as you can afford on a quality rod and reel; properly looked after, they will last you many years.

Three things I always take surf fishing:

• Torch (flashlight)
• Nail clippers
• Cell phone (in a sealable plastic bag!)

 

Saltwater Spinning Reel for Corrosion Resistant  Buy Now  Save 10% each on New Year Discount offered Enter code L2WVCG3C

The Surf Fisherman's Friend

I've tried many blades, pliers and pocket knives over the years, but this little tool has served me well.
A handy size, lightweight and very strong, an excellent addition to any fishermans kit.

Leatherman 81030003K Squirt S4 Inferno Multitool with Small Scissors

Top quality stainless steel and highly visible.

 Buy Now

A Quick Surf-Fishing Checklist

• Surf-fishing rod (ten- to twelve-foot medium action rod, with silicon carbide line guides and non corrosive reel seats)
• Reel (open-faced with a bail arm; choose the best you can afford)
• Live Bait Rigs (four or five, ready-made)
• Surf lures (a small selection)
• Artificial bait (a small selection)
• Spare hardware (sinkers, hooks, swivels, etc.)
• Tools (needle-nose pliers, knife)
• Miscellaneous (rod spike, rags, plastic bags, baitbox/bait bucket)

You really don't need tons of gear. The barest essentials will catch just as many fish as box loads of tackle!

Okuma's Solaris Surf Fishing Rods-SS-C-1102H-2

 Buy Now

Above all be safe and have fun!

The Ideal Light Tackle Surf Fishing Outfit

1. It has to be made for light line - You never know what you're going to catch when surf fishing in Southern California. I prefer to fish with light line because the average barred surf perch, which is the most common catch, range from 4 to about 12" in size. They might bite on 12# or 15# but it's just a lot more fun pulling them in on a 6# outfit. The corbina, arguably the most sought after species, will usually only bite when using light line. There is always a chance that you'll hook up into a big halibut or a shark but the light tackle makes that even more fun!

2. A longer rod with fast to medium action - I prefer my light tackle surf rods to range from 7 to 10' in length and rated anywhere from 4 to 10#. My current rod is 9' and I like the longer length because it adds distance to the cast and helps to keep the line above the waves. Some people prefer shorter rods for greater control.
Action wise, I want my grub rod to be really tippy (strong and stiff butt section with a softer tip). I want something that's super sensitive and allows me to set the hook fast.

I prefer a slightly softer rod when fishing with bait (like sand crabs). A medium action rod gives the fish some more give so it can really grab the bait. It also prevents you from ripping the bait out of its mouth on the hook set.

Be careful of lighter rods that are too parabolic (it bends throughout the whole rod). A rod that's too soft or parabolic is going to make casting very difficult and harder to control.

3. A medium ranged spinning reel - The first reel that I took out surf fishing was a small Zebco spinning reel that I got at Kmart. It only lasted 5 sessions before the insides rusted and it seized up. Make sure that your reel is salt water resistant! Avoid reels with cheap bearings, cheap gears, and non-coated magnesium frames. That said, you don't have to spend too much money to get a decent light tackle surf fishing reel. Just don't go too cheap or you'll learn about the following saying the hard way. "Buy cheap, buy twice." Ask some other surf anglers for recommendations in the forums if you want to know about specific models. Also, tackle maintenance will be discussed in greater detail in a future article, but always rinse your rod and reel with freshwater after every trip.

Consider the line capacity of the reel. As mentioned above, you have a chance of hooking up with some beasts, even when fishing for small perch. It helps to have some line on your reel in case that happens. For example, I fish a 2000 sized Shimano that holds about 180yds of 6lbs line. I have some 10lbs spectra (2lbs diameter) as backing on my reel. This way I have more line on my reel, and I can save some cash by only having to replace a top shot of line rather than the whole spool (it adds up because I use P-Line CXX).

Related to having enough line is to have a solid drag system. Make sure that your drag is smooth and continuous. If it feels jerky or the drag comes off in spurts, you may want an upgrade.

Finally, try to get a reel that balances well with your rod. The light tackle surf fishing that I'm talking about requires holding your rod for hours and making repeated casts. If your wrist is hurting, you should do something to balance your outfit (change the reel or add some weight to the rod butt).

Some surf anglers also prefer bait casting reels instead of spinning, even when using light line. I agree that there are advantages to using casting reels, like letting a corbina run with the bait before setting the hook, but I personally don't like throwing 1/4oz lead heads and 1/2oz carolina rigs with casting reels. Spinning reels are a lot easier to use so I stick with them. I've never had a problem catching corbina on them either.

The above are just some recommendations but I'm going to take it back to the first sentence of the article. That old bass rod is all that you need to get into the water. It's easy to get started with surf fishing in Southern California. Give it a shot and you can worry about customizing your tackle as you get more experience.