Which Lure Would You Surf Fish With?

[smr_hga]

I'll be coming up on a somewhat difficult decision soon considering i have 0 knowledge on surf fishing. Yes, i know they're bass lures but i have no other options.

Here are my choices:

Rebel Pop-R

Johnson's Silver Minnow Weedless Spoon

Spinnerbait W/ Saltwater Jig

Square Bill Crank

[the reel ess]

Well, I went to BPS at Myrtle Beach and picked up all the shiny stuff I see on TV. Then I found an associate and asked his opinion and he told me to put it all away and gave me 2 lures: Gold Johnson Silver Minnow and White Gulp Mullet. He handed me a popping cork and jigheads. He said that would cover redfish, flounder and trout. I caught 2 flounder, keeper size, though I didn't keep them.

 

The popping cork with jig was for Trout/reds. The Johnson spoon was for reds. You can drag the Gulp Mullet on the jighead for flounder. If you get a bite from a flounder, let them take it for about 12-15 sec. It takes them a while to take the bait.

 

[Big C]

I think the spoon and the popper are the best choices you have.  If you use the popper make it really chug, remember it's not for bass the more obnoxious the splash the better. 

 

If you are going to buy an additional lure make it a 3-4" Berkely GULP! "New Penny" shrimp on a red or chart. jig head.  Those are absolutely killer.

[Senko lover]

You have no other options? At least get a non-weedless spoon, that should cover most species. 

[blckshirt98]

I'm not sure about Florida but out here in Calfornia the baits that do the best are -

 

1) 2" Gulp Camo Sandworms - affectionately nicknamed "crack".  Carolina Rig.

 

2) Soft shelled(molting) sandcrabs, dug up from the sand for free.  Carolina Rig.

 

3) Motor oil/red flake (and variant) 1.5-2" grubs.  Carolina Rig.

 

4) 3" Big Hammers  On a swimbait head.

 

5) Classic casting irons - Kastmasters and Krocodiles.

 

6) Luckycraft Flashminnow

 

 

From your list I'd use the Johnson' spoon first for sure.  The popper might work (any fish out there that hits topwater?) too.  The squarebill crank I'd avoid because the currents might make it swim really weird.

[smr_hga]

I think the spoon and the popper are the best choices you have.  If you use the popper make it really chug, remember it's not for bass the more obnoxious the splash the better. 

 

If you are going to buy an additional lure make it a 3-4" Berkely GULP! "New Penny" shrimp on a red or chart. jig head.  Those are absolutely killer.

Lol i actually do have a pack of gulp shrimp 3" in new penny XD I just don't want to risk them getting destroyed by a bluefish or jack.

[the reel ess]

That spinnerbait looks like a decent one for reds too. Although they might rip it to shreds if it's not sturdy.

[Weld's Largemouth]

None of those. They would hardly cast far at all. Get a 6-7" wood pencil  popper. It also depends on where you are fishing and for what.

[smr_hga]

None of those. They would hardly cast far at all. Get a 6-7" wood pencil  popper. It also depends on where you are fishing and for what.

I can cast about 50yds with these... I'll be fishing here on the east coast of florida (around Daytona Beach) If i catch anything it'll probably be bluefish, jacks, ladyfish etc. I think a 6-7in lure would be too big. Especially since i'll be using 15lb line.

[A-Jay]

The Bucktail Jig has been producing in the Surf for a Long, Long, Long Time.

 

A-Jay

 

[buzzed bait]

i'm no salt fisher, but the spoon and that pop-r would be my first options.  

and i know most folks suggested a bucktail jig as an all around surf lure.  you can find some for fairly cheap too.

[the reel ess]

If you can get into an inlet or river or creek, your odds get better with the reds, flounder and trout. And it's a lot easier to fish and cast in the skinnier water. I was using a kayak that day. You can rent them near most beach communities and they'll even bring them down to the launch or beach for you and come back and get it when you call or at a prearranged time

[bigbill]

The ATOM popper of course in blue and white. For blueish.

Rubber surgical tubing(eels) with a weighted head for stripers

Large Kastmaster silver with white Bucktail.

Silver

There's a spoon that turns in a circle it's hot for trolling for blues and weakfish.

[tomustang]

If you can't spend $10~20 on salt tackle, how can you afford to fish the surf?

[Chris at Tech]

You're begging for heartbreak...

Spend $5 and at least get a Krocodile spoon so you'll have something which can withstand more than one angry saltwater fish.

[fisherrw]

Panther matin for surf perch

[jbw252]

Wherever you're going, stop at the local tackle shop & ask.  They'll be happy to help you out.  Buy local & help them out.  If you can't afford stuff, ask around - somebody must have some saltwater gear to lend out.  A-Jay gave you a great tip on the bucktails, especially with a trailer (pork rind or plastic). 

[smr_hga]

If you can't spend $10~20 on salt tackle, how can you afford to fish the surf?

Alright Alright I'll get some lures lol

[BobP]

I'd start with a Carolina rig, 3/4-1 oz, with live bait or Gulp.  I'd also try a standard bottom rig, with 2 hooks and a pyramid sinker and live bait.  The right bait depends on what species are near shore when you go fishing.  Check some surf fishing and pier fishing sites to get an update on what's biting. Then stop at a local fishing gear store to get an update and maybe the exact lures you will need.  Some of the species that are fun to catch have very particular feeding habits and it's no use fishing for them unless you have the right gear and baits.  You may also want to upsize your gear and line diameter to accommodate critters like rays, sharks, and bluefish.  

[bigbill]

If you can't spend $10~20 on salt tackle, how can you afford to fish the surf?

I use a $15 hurricane rod with a better reel and linear fishnsave.com

[bigbill]

Don't forget the wire leader.

We used stainless wire line with Penn 49M reels trolling for blues in a boat in long Iland sound.

[bigfruits]

Lol i actually do have a pack of gulp shrimp 3" in new penny XD I just don't want to risk them getting destroyed by a bluefish or jack.

 

you wouldnt trade a gulp shrimp for a bluefish fight? all day!

 

stop by a tackle shop near the beach and get a a couple of white bucktail jigs and white soft plastic paddle tail swimbaits or other long white trailer. while youre in there, get some cut bait (ask someone whats working at the bait shop) and cast it out on your heaviest rod with a big weight and keep your eye on it while you cast your artficial lure.

 

the popper is probably a little small but if a school of bluefish swim by it will be a good time. id use the larger of the baits you posted above if you have to use bass lures.

[soflabasser]

The lures you posted will catch some saltwater fish, but will most likely be destroyed by them. Saltwater fish are on another level and you need to step up your lures and gear. Some lures that I recommend are

 

Rapala Skitter Walk's

Rapala  Xrap's

Gothca's

Bomber Magnum Long A's

Saltwater jigs of various sizes

[everythingthatswims]

Jerkbait and lipless crank are some bass baits that do REALLY well in the salt

 

 

Also, I have caught my fair share of flounder on medium diving crankbaits

 

 

If I had one choice, 4" gulp swimming mullet 3/8oz jighead

[bigbill]

Big sale at over stocked bait & tackle right now.