A Basic Guide to Fishing from the Beach, Plus Tips for Shark Fishing and Fly Fishing

Fishing from the beach can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you're on the beautiful Anna Maria Island. With miles of pristine beaches and abundant fishing opportunities, it's no wonder why many anglers choose to fish from the shore. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips and tricks for how to fish from the beach and increase your chances of a successful catch. We'll also cover two additional types of beach fishing - shark fishing and fly fishing.

Choose the right gear.

Choosing the right gear is key to a successful fishing trip. When fishing from the beach, you'll want to use a 7-9 foot rod with a spinning reel. We recommend 15-30 lb. braided line with a leader section of monofilament or fluorocarbon line in the 15-35# range depending on the species you are targeting. Hook sizes 2-2/0 are ideal for the average beach fish.

Use the right bait

The type of bait you use will depend on what you're trying to catch. For example, if you're targeting snook or redfish, you'll want to use live pilchards, shrimp, or sand crabs. If you're targeting pompano, you'll want to use sand fleas or small pieces of shrimp. It's always a good idea to do some research on the species you're targeting and what they typically feed on. If you are using artificial lures, try to mimic the bait.

Pay attention to the tides

Tides play a significant role in beach fishing. When the tide is rising, fish will typically begin to move closer to the shore, making it easier to sight and target them. When the tide is low, fish will typically move further out, making it more difficult to reach them so you'll need to use some creativity. Regardless, you want to make sure your bait is behaving naturally with the currents and tides. You can use a tide chart to plan your fishing trip around the optimal tide conditions.

Look for structure

Fish are attracted to structure, such as grass, rocks, jetties, and sandbars. When fishing from the beach, look for areas with structure and cast your line near it and start by working your bait along the up-current edges. While it depends on the species, most fish will usually be facing into the current waiting to ambush.

Be patient

Fishing requires patience, especially when fishing from the beach. It may take some time to catch a fish, so be patient and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you. If you're not having any luck in one spot, try moving to a different location.

Shark fishing from the beach

Shark fishing from the beach can be an exhilarating experience, but it requires specialized gear and knowledge. When targeting sharks, you'll need a heavy-duty rod with a strong reel, and you'll want to use live or fresh dead bait. Ladyfish and mullet are ideal. It's important to also have a wire leader to prevent the shark from biting through your line. For hook sizes, we would recommend 4/0-10/0 circle hooks, depending on the size of shark you are targeting. Always practice catch and release when shark fishing and use caution and care when handling these powerful predators.

Fly fishing from the beach

Fly fishing from the beach is a unique and challenging experience. When fly fishing, you'll want to use a 9 foot rod with a weight-forward line and a 9 foot, 20 pound leader (with a 30 pound shock tippet). You can use a variety of flies depending on what species you're targeting, but we don't think you can go wrong with some chartreuse and white baitfish patterns or natural colored crab/sand flea patterns (again depending on the species you are targeting). Sight fishing for species such as snook and jack crevalle is popular when fly fishing from the beach, especially during the summer and early fall months.

In Conclusion

Fishing from the beach offers a wide range of experiences, from catching small baitfish to targeting larger species such as sharks. Whether you're using traditional gear or fly fishing, following these tips and tricks can increase your chances of a successful catch.

if you plan on keeping your catch, make sure to verify that it is of legal size and in season to keep. If you are unsure, practice catch and release to help maintain healthy fish populations for future generations. And if you're looking for a guided fishing experience, contact AMI Charters to book a trip and explore the waters around Anna Maria Island with an experienced captain.

Tight lines!