If you’re getting ready to set up a surf cart, you probably don’t want to forget a thing. Once you’re ready, start sea fishing, everything you need should be at your fingertips. Everyone’s list will vary a bit, but these are the essentials that should be on every list.

To start with one or two long surf casting rods 10′ to 12′ in length to fish with live bait. Most will want to have more than one fishing rod to surf. You could stop there, but why not bring a short pole too? Something you could throw into the breakers to catch bait or pick up some other fast action near shore. You’d be surprised at how many good-sized fish feed close to shore between the beach and the breakers. After all, that’s where there’s a lot of bait anyway.

Large rods will need sand tips to put in after you turn them off. A comfortable, lightweight chair and umbrella will keep you out of the sun. Sunscreen will prevent a serious sunburn. Then you’ll want coolers for drinks and walk-in coolers for your catch.

Whether you bring the bait with you or catch them from the waves, you must have a bait bucket with an aerator. Some surf anglers like to use sand fleas which can be obtained at the water’s edge and simply kept in a bucket of wet sand.

Don’t bring all the surf gear you have. Sort your tackle box down to the essentials needed for several hours of fishing. It’s better to have a few smaller tackle boxes set up for different types of fishing than one monster box that has more than you expect to use. Weight is a factor when you’re dragging that cart through the sand.

Go through your tackle box the day before and stuff anything that is running shorts. Inspect terminal rigging for rust and deterioration. The saltwater environment is quite harsh. A pivot or snap could be ready to snap at any moment. Check the used hooks and sharpen the tips. Make sure you have enough main material. Ideally, you should have all of your live bait rigs assembled ahead of time.

If you’re not up to date on the latest regulations, bring the species list for size and bag limits with you when you got your fishing license. These days regulations are constantly changing.

Here is the list:

  • Two surf rods checked and ready to use.
  • A smaller fishing rod to catch the breakers.
  • Sand tips for surf rods
  • Coolers for drinks and caught fish
  • Bait bucket and aerator
  • utility bucket
  • Optimized tackle box prepaid and restocked
  • surf fishing regulations
  • Light weight comfortable chair
  • sun umbrella
  • sunscreen
  • Fresh bait (one or two types)
  • Sand flea rake if you plan to use them as bait
  • clean rags or a towel

This list will help you. After a few surf fishing trips you will probably adjust it to your preferences. Take the time to use a checklist and save yourself the fuss of leaving something essential behind.