Pics of Rip Currents

[fyremanjef]

I have asked a ton of questions on this board, so now I want to share a little information. I have done a lot of reading on how to read the surf. I only saw one real picture of a "rip" in the surf that I could study and understand what to look for.

Today, I found a web page on weather.com that discusses how to identify a rip.

Below is the link. It has 9or so pictures of real life rips currents.

Now If i can only find one :) when there is not a damn Nor'easter.

http://www.weather.com/activities/recreation/boatandbeach/ripcurrents_identify.html

[jay b]

Jeff you need to do your scouting trips, I think DD calls them "Tater rides". Hit the beach you plan to fish on an outgoing tide near the end of it (extreme low water) that's when it's easiest to spot the bars, sloughs and rips. After that come back and set up during the incoming and you're set for the tide change.

[catman]

Thanks for sharing Jef. Those are escellent pixs and worth saving. My daughter and me got caught in one of those when we lived in Puerto Rico and damn near bought the farm.

Catman.

[sand flea]

They're also called "outsucks (http://pierandsurf.com/faq/articles/readingthebeach.shtml)" and are excellent places to fish. Just don't swim around them.

[catman]

They're also called "outsucks (http://pierandsurf.com/faq/articles/readingthebeach.shtml)" and are excellent places to fish. Just don't swim around them.How do you fish it, inside, outside, or right in it?

Catman.

[Pauky]

Good info Jeff, thanks for sharing!! I still find the beach difficult to read.

[NTKG]

jeff good pics... come down south and we'll look for some of them

[Big Rad]

I try to hit the edges first and slowly move towards the "center". Most often I hold the rod tip high and control the drift through the suck by keeping my bail open and letting the line out between my fingers. As the bait slows the take can happen real quick hence the line in me fingers. I rarely let the bait "soak. Cast drift reel it in. Cast drift reel it in....Works for me!

[catman]

Thanks Rad, I can picture it in my mind. So the fish are waiting on the outside of the rip for bait to be sucked out..

One more question, how are you rigged for this? Do you just use an inline slip sinker with just enough weight to get your bait to the target area? Thanks for any help.

Catman.

[Big Rad]

The fish are oportunistic and waiting on the outer edges. You can speed up or slow your dift by holding the rod high (slow) or low (fast). The action can be fast and furious :p I love it. I miss the beaches of Jersey............. :rolleyes:

[catman]

Thanks Rad. I guess those torpedo weights are what we boat guys call trolling sinkers.

Catman.

[rattler]

good picks...well defined differences...sometimes it ain't that easy...

[Fishman]

good post :)

[HighCap56]

I got caught in a strong one on S. Padre back in the early 90's .. had to swim nearly 50 yards down the beach to get out of it.

Freaked me out!

Good post.