Surf fishing - back to basics by Mark Ward

This report is the first in a 12-part series which will take you through all aspects of beach fishing. I'll start by discussing the basics, and in later issues I'll show you some more advanced techniques and how to specialise in targeting different species.

When the editor of Queensland Fishing Monthly asked me to write this series, straight away I thought of crisp spring mornings with the sun rising over the Pacific, waves rolling, washing the sand from under my feet as big whiting attacked freshly pulled beachworms. Naturally, I told the editor, I would have to do extra research for these articles, take photos of fish being landed, bait being gathered and anglers working over a gutter. A tough gig, we agreed, but we're up for it...