now the learning begins

[jayrbee]

Being totally NEW to saltwater fishing, I'm looking for a source to jumpstart my surf knowledge.
What I need to learn is :
* what species are available at certain times of
year.
* What bait to use
* methods of rigging.
* how to read surf

I can envision myself chugging out some bait and waiting for something that MAY be lurking around for something to eat. With my experience I will probably be in the wrong place at the wrong time using the wrong bait.

Envision someone throwing a Hula popper with a float above a 3oz weight trying to catch crappie.
That extreme senerio is how limited my saltwater experience is.

Please point me in the direction to accelerate my learning curve.
Thanks,
John

[Fireline20]

Just read the threads in both your Regional Forum and the general forums and you should learn alot and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Also make sure you visit "The Bible" forum at the bottom of forum lists. It has the best of the best threads saved for posterity

[ffemtreed]

rigging and what bait to use is easy. The most important part though is reading the sand. That is going to take some time to learn. The only way to learn is get out there and check it out. You can read posts on boards and other boards to get a general idea of what you are looking for, but this isn't something you can learn by reading or looking at pictures.

Trust me, I been trying to read the beach for 2 years now and I am still horrible at it.

[lil red jeep]

Another very valuable resource you have at your disposal are other P&S members who live and fish near you, like The Crew, and many others who know the species, times of year and baits and rigs better than us from the mid south and up. The Fla. members I've read on this board are a wealth of knowlege and very willing to share what they know. If I were in your place I'd pay special attention to posts from the guys from your area. JMO

[Hannibal]

A good start would be to read the bible - LOTS of good information in there.

Also utilize the search function to find specific things you are interested in.

A tool I use regarding what species and when is to search the regional forum of the location in questions and scroll down until the time frame you are interested in - read about what people are catching and on what bait/rigs. That alone has helped me a great deal.

[Fishman]

Here is some good readings on how to learn to read the beack

http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/showthread.php?t=537410
http://fishmojo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14