Surf fishing yields the best results when you do it at the right time.
That’s why it’s recommended to smartly plan your trips to maximize your catch score.
This includes choosing the best seasons for the species you want to catch, doing monthly planning based on moon phases and tidal changes, and also picking the optimal time of day to go to the beach.
In this resources guide, we will discover all the factors to consider when planning your surfcasting sessions. The goal is to be at the beach at the right moment and cast your bait right when the fish are feeding the most.
So without further ado, let’s dive in.
The best season for surf fishing
Water temperature is the primary factor to consider when picking a season for surf fishing.
As a good rule of thumb, the 60-75°F interval is favorable for most species we encounter nearshore.
Yes, there are a few species that tolerate warmer or cooler waters, but most fish we catch from shore feel comfortable and are happy between 60 and 75°F.
In light of this, it’s clear that the best time of year for surf fishing depends on where you live and the water temperature in your area. Which means that it’s not necessarily the same in all parts of the country.
From North Carolina all the way down to Florida and the Gulf, spring, and fall are generally the best seasons to cast into the surf.
On the other hand, the west coast and the northern part of the east coast show the best temperatures in summer and early fall.
For a deeper dive into this topic, I encourage you to read our complete guide about the best season for surf fishing.
How to plan your month?
The position and shape of the moon are the main variables to consider when doing your monthly fishing planning.
This is because the different phases of the moon impact the movement of water, the surf action, the tidal forces, and consequently, the behavior and feeding of the fish.
In a nutshell, the moon phases that produce the highest tidal changes and strongest water movement are the best for surf fishing.
That’s why the new and full moon days are considered the best days of the month to be on the beach.
The tides during a full or new moon are called spring tides. They occur every two weeks and they cause the highest and strongest tidal changes. As a result, the high tides of the new and full moon are the highest in the month.
In consequence, the tidal flow is excellent in spring tides, making it the most propitious time for beach fishing.
We discussed in more detail the relationship between the moon phases and surf fishing in this article. Give it a look. It’s worth it.
The best time of the day for surf fishing
After selecting the days of the month for your fishing trip, it’s now time to determine the exact hour you should head to the beach.
In general, fish feel more comfortable nearshore when there is enough cover (security) and food supply in the surf zone.
Therefore, the best time of day for surf fishing is when the time, weather, and surf conditions provide fish with the cover and food they need to survive.
This includes a couple of hours around high tide, as well as dawn, dusk, nighttime, and during overcast conditions.
Read our post where we delved into more details about the best moment of the day for surf fishing.
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