Beachcaster Beginner tip: Teach safe casting with no one behind, and keep juniors away from the waterline in rough conditions. IDEAL Rod: 12–13 ft beachcaster or surf rod (4–6 oz rating). Reel: 6000–8000 size fixed spool reel or medium multiplier. Line: 15–18 lb mono with 40–60 lb shockleader. Terminal tackle ["Two-hook flapper or clipped-down rig" "Size 1–2/0 hooks depending on target" "Grip leads in strong tide"] Extras ["Rod rest" "Headtorch" "Disgorger and long-nose pliers"] Standard beach / surf setup for flatfish, whiting and general shore fishing.
Surf Rod Beginner tip: Teach safe casting with no one behind, and keep juniors away from the waterline in rough conditions. IDEAL Rod: 12–13 ft beachcaster or surf rod (4–6 oz rating). Reel: 6000–8000 size fixed spool reel or medium multiplier. Line: 15–18 lb mono with 40–60 lb shockleader. Terminal tackle ["Two-hook flapper or clipped-down rig" "Size 1–2/0 hooks depending on target" "Grip leads in strong tide"] Extras ["Rod rest" "Headtorch" "Disgorger and long-nose pliers"] Standard beach / surf setup for flatfish, whiting and general shore fishing.
About the Starry Smoothhound Starry Smoothhounds are similar to common smoothhounds but have white starry spots along the back. They are superb sport fish on relatively light gear. Junior tip Use smooth, steady pressure and allow the fish to run. Keep them in shallow water only briefly for a quick photo before release. Logged a Starry Smoothhound recently? Add a catch report so juniors can see where they’re being caught, which baits work and how your tackle was set up. Submit a catch report Want to discover more species? Browse the full species guide. ← Back to all species