Surf fishing is a type of land-based saltwater fishing done while standing on the shoreline or wading into the surf zone. It generally involves casting a lure or bait from the beach, sandy or rocky shorelines, rock jetties, or fishing piers into the surf near the shore. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to cast very far—often just getting the bait into knee-deep water is enough. There are a few variations of surf fishing, including surfcasting, which uses longer rods and specialized two-handed casting techniques to reach fish further out. Extreme forms, like skishing, involve wearing a wetsuit and swimming into the ocean with a surfcasting pole to catch fish. Surf fishing targets a wide range of species depending on the location, including fish like striped bass, redfish, flounder, and various sharks, making it a versatile and accessible fishing method that brings anglers close to nature right from the shore. It requires observing water behavior and fish feeding patterns to be successful, and it is appreciated for its methodical and direct engagement with the fishing environment. It's often favored for its low barrier to entry since it requires less equipment than boat fishing, and it can be done at many shorelines where saltwater meets land.
