I fish the coast a lot here in Texas, and I have found that the pyramid weights don’t hold to the sand as well as the spider weights. I use a spider weight (5 to 8 oz., depending on how rough the conditions are) fastened to a large snap swivel with the standing line (the line on the reel) run through the closed end of the snap swivel so that the swivel can run freely up and down the line. I use a barrel swivel on the end of the line to stop the snap swivel, and attach a 50-80# leader (2’ long or so) with a size 14/0 circle hook.
Using fresh cut bait (usually mullet or Atlantic croaker) in a fillet type cut with the skin on so that the bait flaps in the water, mimicking a fish, works best. Normally, we paddle the weight and bait out past the breaking waves in a kayak or surf board in order to get to a little bit deeper water. Then, on the shore, someone waits for the paddler to drop the bait and weight into the water, then reels in all of the slack quickly until the spider weight catches in the sand, creating tension on the line.
Once the weight has nestled in, you slowly let off the tension of the line, by either loosening the drag or opening the bail (of course with your thumb on the spool of line so that it doesn’t release too fast). Once the tension is gone, then leave the bail open and set the drag higher.
Most surf reels come equipped with a “clicker” so that when line is stripped from the spool, it makes a constant loud clicking noise. I turn on the clicker and wait for the “bbbzzzzzzzzzzzz”! Grab the rod and start reeling FAST. The circle hook is designed to set itself, therefore, there’s no need to try a hook-set (a common mistake amongst bass fishermen).
Fall is best for the larger fish such as Bull Reds (large red drum – 25 lbs. +) and sharks. I fish the surf year-round for smaller species such as speckled trout, Atlantic croaker, gaff-top catfish, smaller red drum, etc. on lighter tackle (I prefer a spinning reel because normally you can cast it a little farther and avoid “backlash” like in a bait-casting reel).
Your worst enemy in the surf is seaweed. If there is a lot of seaweed washing up in the surf, the fishing becomes very difficult. I hope this helps your readers.
