By definition, the surf is the area where waves break upon the shore. Given that prevailing winds blow offshore during thewinter, some ground swell will arrive at the beachfront each day under any condition, quickly topping over within the shallow waters of the shoal. Angling in this zone can be quite dangerous, with currents and the possibility of a set of rogue waves arriving without much notice. Even under calm conditions and light seas, the surf zone comes with its dangers.
Capt. Ricky Kellum of Speckled Specialist Fishing Charters recommends paying close attention to incoming waves, even when acre-sized schools of over-the-slot red drum are swimming just a few yards from boatside.
“A set of rouge waves will hit by surprise. The first one knocks you in floor, and second one fills the boat with water,” he said.
Fishermen will more often than not be fishing in front of uninhabited barrier islands, where there won’t be help readily availble. Cell phones and marine radios may short-circuit from saltwater inundation, so it’s not a time to play with nature.
Anglers must pay close attention to where they are and of all incoming waves. When seeing schools of a thousand drum and frantically reaching for a rod, a set of rouge waves could hit by surprise causing complete devastation to a highly anticipated fishing trip.
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