by Tim Delamatter

Created on: September 19, 2009

The Ocean is beautiful, mysterious, and captivating. It has lured many men and women to unimaginable heights of joy and pleasure, but has also made many a widow and widower.

The key to understand when your fishing on the shoreline of the ocean, is to be smart. Surf fishing can be the most exhilarating thing you have ever done. How many times can you bring in a forty pound reef shark, or a twenty pound stripe bass (depending where you are), or be stung so severely by a jelly-fish you become immobilized and get swept in by the currents, or my favorite become tumbled over and over by the waves while trying to bring in the big fish.

There are of course basic safety measures you should take when fishing on the shoreline of the ocean. If you take these basic precautions you will have fun and maybe catch dinner for the next couple nights.

Saltwater fish for me, is one of the best tasting fish. From the Alaskan shorelines, to Queen Charlotte Island, to Vancouver, Oregon Coast, and down to the Baja of California, and over to Hawaii, or Texas and the Gulf States, to the East Coast up to the far reaches of Newfoundland surf fishing has a huge following because of one simple fact; you catch amazing fish and can enjoy the beach.

When fishing on the ocean however, if you remember these simple rules you will be ok;

1. Know the Tides

There are many people who get stuck in the low water when the tides come in. This is true of rivers by the Ocean, runoffs to the ocean whatever, remember that huge stretch of land which appears to be the ocean probably is. Don't get caught being swept in.

2. Make sure you understand what type of fish you might get

I knew a guy who caught a small striped bass on the shore of a popular Hawaii beach, only to be amazed at how fast a reef shark closed in on him as he bent into the water to get the fish. The shark almost took off his hand, luckily he had good reflexes and pulled his hand out as the shark grabbed his fish. The best part of the story was he ended up getting the shark on the shore and we had it for a barbecue, delicious I might add.

Realize there are predators in the water after the fish your catching, and the best thing about a caught fish for these predators is they can easily catch them.

3. When driving on the beach make sure you have a 4x4

This may sound silly but I have heard stories about people getting stuck for days in rural areas because they used their car or 2 wheel drive to find that perfect out of the way shoreline for fishing. Make sure you have a proper vehicle when driving around in rural areas.

4. Know basic first aid

This is good for everyone, but when surf fishing is essential. If you get stung by a jellyfish, or a stingray, or just have a cut from a reef, you need to know how to treat it.

5. Never wade into the water to retrieve your fish.

When bringing a fish in, always, always, always, run it up on the shore because you never know what is following that fish through the surf. There are eels, sharks, stingrays etc. . Be careful as you get your prize.

6. Understand the waves and currents.

Sometimes the surf is small or it appears to be even flat, but there are always ocean currents to understand. This is another thing every fisherman/women need to watch. Never take the Ocean for granted, it is a vast and amazing place, one we know little about.

The main point of surf fishing is to have fun. Remember a bad day of fishing is always better than a good day at work!

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