Here you will learn the basics of successful fishing. Going to the beach and casting out a pole may be relaxing or even fun, it rarely will lead to success. You can google all day on where the top fishing spots are, and when you get there you walk away empty handed. The beaches are always changing, the fish are always moving and their appetite is ever changing.
Take a day and learn the basics of fishing especially in NJ where you really have to hunt exact locations to bring home that next great fishing story.
Take a day and learn the basics of fishing especially in NJ where you really have to hunt exact locations to bring home that next great fishing story.
Step 1: Get your permit
A salt water fishing permit is the law in NJ. It is free and only takes 5 minutes to fill out and renew every year. A copy of it must be kept on you at all times while fishing. So make sure you have a printer handy
Step 2: Reading the Beach
Pound per pound, reading the beach is the most valuable skill to have. You will rarely have success if you do not know this basic skill. Take a hour out of your day and soak in all this knowledge. Your fishing stories are riding on it!
Step 3: Understanding Bait
Knowing the basic types of baits and how to use them will greatly improve your chances of catching the types of fish you want. Catching dogfish and skates all day in NJ is very easy to do, while fun fights at first especially the larger ones, you will greatly grow bored of the same old same old. Learning Bait is very simple and does not take long.
Step 4: Rigs
Choosing the right rig for the right fish is very important. Stripers for example will usually drop the bait if they feel the sinker, so a fish finding rig is critical to catching stripers. Take a minute and get a general idea of basic rigs and when to use them.
Step 5: Location
Choosing a fishing location is less important than the above subjects, yet it is the main focus of most fisherman. Fish will be at each location, the key is finding and targeting them. Still we like to provide our viewers with some of our favorite locations both in NJ and outside NJ. Take some time to view each area to help you plan that next great fishing location.
Step 6: Improving your cast
The further you can cast the better you can reach all areas you are fishing. There has been times where to get past the bar to reach a trough I had to cast at least 200 yards which is no easy task. Distance and accuracy comes with time and practice. Accuracy comes into place to hit your target and is life saving on a crowded beach. Beginners should allow plenty of room to cast so you do not tangle or cross lines with someone else. The video below will give you some good pointers on how to improve both aspects of your casting.
Step 7: Gear
Fishing gear is a important step to successful fishing. You can bring a rod, a rig and some bait and just have a relaxing day fishing. If you want to really catch fish and enjoy the sport you want to bring a good amount of gear with you. We actually fill a Jeep with gear. Follow the link to see a list of our most common gear we bring with us fishing. Feel free to modify the list to fit your style of fishing.
Looking to buy a new or first fishing rod? Check out our article for some tips. The combo below is a great beginners setup that is cheap, tough and durable.
Okuma Tundra Baitfeeder Combo 10' Medium/Heavy 2 Piece
$74.95
$69.99
Some fishing locations and techniques require finesse, while others need more brute strength and force. Tundra rod and reel combos are for the latter, where pulling on big fish is the rule, rather than the exception. You'll often find Tundra combos on a pier, jetty or beach, where heavy casting weights and a tough fishing location is the norm. Catfish anglers also love the Tundra combos for their no-nonsense approach to landing fish. Glass fiber blanks feature reinforced double foot guides on all models. With lengths from 7- to a full 12-feet in length, casting distance an power is the name of the game. Features: - 1BB drive system for smoothness - Corrosion resistant graphite spool - Multi-disc oiled felt drag system - Durable glass fiber rod blank construction - Reinforced double footed guides on all models - Ceramic guide inserts - Stainless steel hooded reel seats - Comfortable EVA foam fore and rear grips - Durable rubber butt cap - Tundra combos are pre-spooled with line Specifications: - Action: MH - Length: 10' - Sections: 2 Piece - Reel Model: TU-65 - Bearings: 1BB - Rod Reel Style: Spinning - Guide Type: Aluminum Oxide - Line Capacity (In/mm): 540/12 (0.32), 390/15 (0.37), 320/20 (0.42) - Spooled With Line: No
Looking to buy a fishing reel? Check out this article for some tips!
