Rip currents are a constant presence in the news, causing fatalities at sea during the summer vacation season. However, the locations where these dangerous rip currents occur are also essential surf lure fishing spots .
Places where rip currents are likely to occur include places with a long shallow coastline, places with artificial structures such as breakwaters nearby, places with offshore breakwaters installed parallel to the coastline , and places where rocks, reefs, or artificial underwater structures are installed.
They also occur where rivers flow and along concave coastlines. These concave areas are where baitfish gather, and the spots described above also serve as good targets for other species.
First, to identify rip currents, you can look at the photo below, which shows dye sprinkled on the sea and the flow observed, to understand rip currents a little more easily.
In places where rip currents occur, the sand is eroded by the water flow, and as a result, the seabed becomes deeper than the surrounding area. This is where the topography changes, and flatfish gather, making it the first point considered in surf lures.
Here’s how to find where these rip currents occur:
Areas where rip currents occur are deeper than other areas, so white waves don’t form. However, for those with limited surf lure experience or fishing experience, it can be difficult to discern the difference. In such cases, looking down from a slightly elevated position can help you spot them.
The second step is to find white waves perpendicular to the shoreline. The shallow water on either side of the rip current creates white waves, but the center of the current doesn’t.
The third point is in front of the point where gravel, seaweed, and other debris collect, which is where rip currents are likely to occur.
The fourth is where headlands, which are natural or man-made structures that jut out from the shore, are formed, and even if rip currents do not occur, the area around the headlands is a good spot.
When trying to find and attack a point where a rip current occurs, the first thing to be careful of is that you should not just aim for the center of the rip current.
Baitfish instinctively gather in areas where the seabed changes, so while there are certainly flatfish in the central area, it is better to target the boundary areas where rip currents occur.
The next thing to remember is that even if you find a rip current, you shouldn’t just fish that spot. As you explore the coastline, you’ll find multiple rip currents, and even within the same rip current, the magnitude of the current varies. Therefore, if you haven’t seen results after 30 minutes of fishing, it could be a sign of a change in location, or a problem with your gear or fishing method (I’ll post more about spot selection once I’ve finalized it). Therefore, it’s a good idea to double-check.
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