Top 10 Surfcasting Fish in the US
Surfcasting Fish in the US
The best targets from the surf.
FISHYAF
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Top 10 Species
Meet the ten species that earned their spot on this list. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Striped Bass (Striper)
Verified
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
2
Redfish
Verified
World Record
94 lb 2 oz
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
Males literally drum-low booms you can feel through the hull on calm spawning nights.
3
Bluefish
Verified
World Record
31 lb 12 oz
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
They practice brutal "surplus killing": slashing dozens of baitfish even with bellies bulging to the gills.
4
Pompano
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
8 lb 4 oz
Tommy A. Thompson / 1999
Port St. Joe, Florida
Tommy A. Thompson / 1999
Port St. Joe, Florida
Signature Fact
Surf rockets that ride breaking waves, using backwash like a conveyor belt to vacuum exposed sand fleas.
5
Snook
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
53 lb 10 oz
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Signature Fact
Born male, many later switch sex-so that 40-incher tugging back is almost certainly a she.
6
Jack Crevalle
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
66 lb 2 oz
Brett S. Upton / 2010
Punta Gorda, Florida
Brett S. Upton / 2010
Punta Gorda, Florida
Signature Fact
Their eyes wear transparent adipose eyelids-built-in sunglasses that cut glare and streamline the eyeball at speed.
7
Blacktip Shark
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
270 lb 0 oz
Robert W. McCue / 1984
Bahamas
Robert W. McCue / 1984
Bahamas
Signature Fact
A captive female produced a pup without mating-documented parthenogenesis, nature's ultimate solo act.
8
Tarpon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
286 lb 9 oz
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Signature Fact
They breathe air using a lung-like swim bladder, so those surface "rolls" are actual gulps of oxygen.
9
Fluke
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
22 lb 7 oz
Thomas R. Koerner / 1975
Montauk, New York
Thomas R. Koerner / 1975
Montauk, New York
Signature Fact
Unlike most flatfish, this one regularly rockets off bottom to chase lures mid-water like a bass.
10
California Corbina
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
8 lb 7 oz
Robert R. Boudreau / 2001
California, USA
Robert R. Boudreau / 2001
California, USA
Signature Fact
This croaker ditched a swim bladder, so it can't croak-just bulldogs the bottom like a sinking torpedo.
FAQs
What fish are popular for surfcasting in the US?
Striped bass, redfish, bluefish, and pompano are top targets.
Is surfcasting difficult?
It can be, but it’s accessible with practice.
What gear is used for surfcasting?
Long rods and heavy tackle are common.
What bait works best?
Cut bait, live bait, and artificial lures.
Where is surfcasting best in the US?
Atlantic coast, Gulf coast, and parts of California.
