Surf Fishing Pescadero 7/13

The girlfriend is interested in learning how to fish, so I figured I'd take her surf fishing.  Even if she's not catching anything, at least we're at the beach watching the waves crash.  I think we're going to try Pescadero beach since it's a little more remote.  Any tips from you avid surf fishermen that you'd be willing to share?  Thanks in advance!

Pescadero was where I brought my friend to fish for the first time too. Lots of small mixed perch (silvers, walleyes, barred) in close when I was there last. We used half a gulp sandworm on a small baitholder or circle with a 1/2oz-1oz sinker. Slow retrieve while keeping tension on the line. Circles can be useful here for beginners. Light tackle will make the experience more enjoyable. Good luck!

Aforementioned friend, I now own like ~10 rods and reels and a bajillion jigs / lures. i would recommend pyramid sinkers.

I also introduced my lady to surf fishing there, one beach over at Pomponio. There are some nice redtail surf perch in that area during the winter months. Carolina rigged gulp sand worm worked best for me. There is also a chance of catching a striper there too. Maybe have one rod set up for casting and retrieving gulp, and another rod for soaking sand crabs or market shrimp on a hi-lo rig? Good luck!

I also introduced my lady to surf fishing there, one beach over at Pomponio. There are some nice redtail surf perch in that area during the winter months. Carolina rigged gulp sand worm worked best for me. There is also a chance of catching a striper there too. Maybe have one rod set up for casting and retrieving gulp, and another rod for soaking sand crabs or market shrimp on a hi-lo rig? Good luck!

I second the hedge bet rod , Pescadero is where I went for for my first surf perch.

It's easy to miss, but Alien has a great article listed in the "Articles" section found to the far left and down on the forum pages. It's underneath the payment options.

It's easy to miss, but Alien has a great article listed in the "Articles" section found to the far left and down on the forum pages. It's underneath the payment options.

Can't go wrong with Alien's tutorial.  Sliding sinker, baitholder hook.  3-4 ft leader.  I use a long fast rod, while he prefers a looooong slow rod.  Also, I think Pompano beach might be jist a bit more productive.... try to get it around high tide.

Tonight surfcasting for me?  A few small perch on worms, switched to the LC 110 forone big mamma perch, returned to the surf before she started spewing.  And, around sunset 3 stripers hooked, two landed. Both released Yay me.

And Yay You for taking your girl fishing!

Bushy

Yay YOU!

Makes up for a rather unproductive Tuesday

It's easy to miss, but Alien has a great article listed in the "Articles" section found to the far left and down on the forum pages. It's underneath the payment options.

Can't go wrong with Alien's tutorial.  Sliding sinker, baitholder hook.  3-4 ft leader.  I use a long fast rod, while he prefers a looooong slow rod.  Also, I think Pompano beach might be jist a bit more productive.... try to get it around high tide.

Tonight surfcasting for me?  A few small perch on worms, switched to the LC 110 forone big mamma perch, returned to the surf before she started spewing.  And, around sunset 3 stripers hooked, two landed. Both released Yay me.

And Yay You for taking your girl fishing!

Bushy

Thanks for all the info!  I'll try Pomponio instead, since we'll be coming from the Cupertino area.  Hope I can get her hooked on her first fish!

Thanks for all the info!  I'll try Pomponio instead, since we'll be coming from the Cupertino area.  Hope I can get her hooked on her first fish!

Curtis, check this out too https://fishwithjd.com/my-gear/light-tackle-surf-perch/

Thanks Naoaki, I'll pick up the guide and see if I can't learn a thing or two

Been looking at that Quantum Cabo PT already, this might just be the nudge I need to pick it up.  I have a Penn Battle 6000, but it's a beast of a rod and reel, so I'm looking to downsize.  Might just end up putting that set up on the classifieds if I decide to pull the trigger on the Cabo.

Thanks Naoaki, I'll pick up the guide and see if I can't learn a thing or two

Been looking at that Quantum Cabo PT already, this might just be the nudge I need to pick it up.  I have a Penn Battle 6000, but it's a beast of a rod and reel, so I'm looking to downsize.  Might just end up putting that set up on the classifieds if I decide to pull the trigger on the Cabo.

I have some surf set up too if you need borrow.

Sometimes all it takes is a 7 1/2 ft spinning rig - 1 1/2 Oz bottom weight and a couple #4 hooks with squid strips to do the trick.

Went out to Pomponio, headed north a bit and tried to work the light tackle with a sandworm/big hammer grub, and had 1 take down but that was pretty much it for the day.  No bites on the sand crabs, but at least she got the casting thing down with the light tackle.  Beautiful day at the beach either way, thanks for all the advice, definitely going to keep at it until I figure out how to read the water, as of now it all looks exactly the same to me...