surf fishing question

[thefairlaneman]

Seems like every time I find a spot to cast out and then anchor my rod from no where comes a beach walker that walks into my line. Its easy to see that Im fishing but they just walk into the line and look at me like Ive violated their rights......Who has the right of way? Do I stop fishing and bring in my line untill they cross by or do they walk around or under the line..?A public beach isnt there just to be a boardwalk is it?

 

[LadyFish]

Re: surf fishing question

Maybe tie a flag or bandana on it. You would think if people see a fishing rod pointed at the water they would know there is a line attached. (rolleyes)

 

[CATransplant]

Re: surf fishing question

If you're watching your rod and line, as I'm sure you are, you might want to warn the walkers about the line before they get to it. Lots of folks aren't paying attention when they're walking on the beach. They're watching the water or the birds or whatever.

"Please watch out for my line, there." That should work.

 

[gstanton]

Re: surf fishing question

Good question. They may never have been to a beach before? It's possible. Must be a jet ski rider.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: surf fishing question

To me fishing isnt having to direct walkers like some school patrol,gez man . I dont like to be bothered while Im fishing. Like the time it was just me on the beach except a couple walking a dog about 1/2 mile away. Everything quiet untill they get 6 feet behind me without me seeing them and then the big arse mutt makes a loud agressive bark. Lady smiled and said "sorry" They had the whole friggin beach but no, they had to walk within a few feet of me with the dog. That dog needed a severe punishment to be given to him and "sorry" didnt get it but I couldnt do anything but give them a dirty look.

 

[dingbat]

Re: surf fishing question

How far back off the edge of the water are you setup?

I'm an avid surf guy and rarely if ever do we have problems with people walking around our lines. Then again it's kind of hard to miss a bunch of multi-colored 12' long rods spooled up with florescent green line sticking out of aluminum holders stuck in the sand.

A lot of "public" beaches restrict fishing to off hours of the day. I know of several that your only allowed to fish between 5 pm and 7 am

 

[donnyb]

Re: surf fishing question

I try to keep tension on the line to keep it high. I also will grab some dried seaweed and hang little strips along the line so it's more obvious. The weed stops at the rod tip when you reel in.

 

[mtnislandlake]

Re: surf fishing question

Dude- Where are you surf fishing in Charlotte?

Do you use a surf cart? I usually put my cart just to the side of my line between my rods and the water. It seems to work as a reminder that I am fishing there. Of course I mostly fish Edisto where there are usually as many fishermen as people playing on the beach. I also keep my .45 handy just in case

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: surf fishing question

The surf is 3 1/2 hours away. I use a single rod and rod holder and dont drive down to the water.

 

[gtashie]

Re: surf fishing question

To me, the beach belongs to all of us as long as nobody's abusing it. When I surfcast on busy beaches I make sure the line is taut and its usually too high fo anyone to knock into it, even if their 2 feet inthe water. I tend to hang out near the pole anyway. No skin off my nose to nod a quick " hello and watch out you dont hurt yourself on the line".
I guess even though I'm an uptight angry guy most of the time I like to cut people slack once in a while.
I'm an experienced fisherman but there were times when I almost walked into someones line whern walking a beach. The atmsophere puts people in a realxed mood, no ones expecting trouble when they're half naked, barefoot and surrounded by a natural treasure (or scouting bikinis).

 

[fishmen111]

Re: surf fishing question

I always fish the high points on the beach so that between a 10' rod and the elevated position, I never have an issue if the line is tight. Remember that high points are created by less waves in deeper water (cut) which is usually what you want anyway. I use green Fireline which helps also. Surfers are my nemesis.