The Surfcast Podcast

You ask, we answer. Our 2026 installment of listener questions starts now with this two part episode. Look for the next edition next week! Subscribe to our blog:  https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! Tsunami & SaltX: https://tsunamifishing.com/ The Surfcaster:  https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Yo-Zuri:  http://www.yo-zuri.com/ Check out Jerry's book:  https://...

Rocky ledges are some of the most productive—and intimidating—pieces of structure in the surf. In this episode of The Surfcast Podcast, Tyler Harper joins Jerry and Toby to explain what makes ledges so attractive to striped bass, when they fish best, and how to approach them effectively. Tyler shares hard-earned lessons on reading water, dissecting structure, avoiding common mistakes, and building...

Many anglers fish a lure exactly the way it was designed to be fished or blindly follow instructions and protocol as set forth by legions of internet heroes. This episode is about taking ownership of your presentation through rigging, and understanding how a few simple changes to hooks, weights, and hardware can make any lure do exactly what you need it to do, where you need it to do it. Subscribe...

You might think casting right at where the fish are is "the move," but the guys would argue you're wrong. Think it's bizarre that they'd suggest you shouldn't cast right to where you "know" the fish are? Then you DEFINITELY need to pay attention to this episode... Subscribe to our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels:  https://seviinreels....

Whether you call them breachways, outflows, inlets, or drains, the channels connecting the open ocean to the backwaters are some of the most reliable and predictable spots on the Striper Coast. This week, the guys break down the role of bait when fishing these locations — and take a stance that might surprise you, especially compared to how they usually think about bait in the surf. Whether you're...

This week, the guys dive into the mental side of surf fishing — how a bad mood or headspace can make or break a night on the beach. Can it be turned around, or is the night already lost? And what do they do to get their head back in the game? We want to hear your tips too — let us know! Subscribe to our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels...

On this special interview episode of the podcast, we have long-time author Al Albano on to talk about fishing the back bays of both the North- and South Shore back bays of Long Island. One take away? You have to do what you love! Subscribe to our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels: https://seviinreels.com/ : St. Croix Rods: https://stcro...

It's not always what it seems. Sometimes the fishing seems like it will be a disaster- and it's incredible. Sometimes, everything screams "best tide ever" and it ends up being a dud. The guys discuss a few examples of this, and some tips for dealing with both. Subscribe to our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels: https://seviinreels.com/...

In this weeks episode we respond to a listener question we received recently. It may sound simple on first take, but it's actually a bit more complicated than you might think... Subscribe to our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels: https://seviinreels.com/ : St. Croix Rods: https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster: https://www.thesurfcaste...

In this week's episode, the guys break down plastic-lipped swimmers—one of the most reliable lure categories for striped bass surf fishing. From when and where to fish them to which models excel in specific conditions, they explain why these plugs aren't "set it and forget it" baits. Learn how to match the swimmer to the situation and build a more effective surf bag this season. Read our blog: htt...

In this episode, we sit down with surfcaster Pete Lajoie for a wide-ranging conversation built on years of chasing striped bass across diverse fisheries. Pete shares the lessons that have stayed with him—insights on adapting to new water, staying consistent, and making the most of every opportunity. But this one goes beyond tactics. Woven throughout are stories that capture the unpredictability—an...

It's that time of year again: Toby and Jerry open up and give you a glimpse of their plans for the 2026 fishing season. They also revisit their goals from 2025, and talk about how they failed or succeeded. A longer episode, there's a lot in this one that goes beyond just hitting some marks for the season! Read our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! S...

Our annual tradition continues, as we welcome back the MAN himself, John Skinner on "opening day" of the New York state striper season (which is no longer a thing, but if you don't know what we're talking about, you can Google it). We discuss a variety of topics, but focus on what he calls "variable windows" which are critical to his success in the surf. PLEASE support John! Online course--> https...

When striped bass are around but just won't commit, it can feel like you're doing everything right—and still coming up empty. In this episode, we break down the frustrating reality of "noncommittal" stripers in the surf and how we work to change their mood. If you've ever said, "they're here, but they won't eat," this one's for you. Read our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/...

This week the guys dive into a surfcasting topic you rarely hear discussed: transient vs. resident baitfish on open sand beaches. While this concept is often applied to boulder fields, it's a frequently overlooked factor for sand beach anglers. They define transient and resident baitfish and how it can help you pack your surf bag smarter, approach the water more effectively, and time your sessions...

You've only got so much dough. Everyone listening to this realizes how expensive surfcasting can be. But when it comes to the rod and reel - two of your very most important tools - where is your money best spent? Well, it turns out, Jerry and Toby disagree on this, and you're going to want to hear why. Read our blog: https://surfcastpodcast.com/category/in-the-wash/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVI...

This week the guys kick things off by officially announcing a new feature of The Surfcast Podcast—a weekly blog called In The Wash. You can check out existing posts (link below) and sign up to be notified whenever new entries go live. From there, they dive into a question they hear all the time: How can I become a better, more consistent surfcaster if I can only fish two nights a week? While they...

The guys are back with another edition of Surf Association, a regular segment and a fan favorite. If you've never heard it before, get ready for one of the most entertaining segments of the show! Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book https://geni.us/HookedBook...

On this special bonus episode of The Surfcast Podcast, the guys sit down with returning guest Steve McKenna to talk about the lost art of fishing the eel bob. Steve recently penned a how-to article on building an eel bob for The Surfcaster's Journal, and it quickly became one of the magazine's most popular pieces in quite some time. In this conversation, Steve breaks down how he got started, how t...

In this edition of the podcast, the guys return to the "four plug" format and challenge each other to pick their top-lures for fishing around spearing/silversides. What do they think is their best bet at landing the largest striper when they're feeding on this relatively small - but very common - bait? Tune in to find out. Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix...

After a spirited conversation about spring largemouth bass diversions, the guys pivot to one of the most debated topics in surf fishing: Is deep water truly essential for catching striped bass—especially trophy-class fish? In this episode, they work to define (and perhaps debunk) the long-standing belief that proximity to deep water is universally critical when targeting striped bass from the beac...

On this week's episode, the guys sit down with Richard Troxler to break down the art of fishing bridges for giant striped bass in the Northeast. Known throughout the striper coast for his dedication to nighttime trophy hunting, Troxler shares hard-earned insights on targeting big bass around bridge structure, current seams, and shadow lines. The conversation also dives into his newly released book...

So you think "striped bass surf fishing conditions" must include rough waves, strong winds, and heavy currents? What if we told you that WASN'T true, and instead most nights are the absolute opposite - and that they can be just as, if not even more, productive? That's what the guys break down this week. Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroix...

On this special bonus episode, the guys tackle a timely topic for Northeast striped bass anglers, as winter holdovers are targeted from the surf, back bays, and tidal rivers—from southern New England through the Mid-Atlantic. With some anglers even taking advantage of deep cold by fishing through the ice, the conversation focuses on best practices when air temperatures drop below freezing. From ke...

In response to our previous episodes on the pipe dream lure - Season 2, Episodes 52 & 53 - we asked renowned surfcaster and talented plug builder Dave Anderson what he is really missing in his plug bag. What is his pipe dream lure? Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's...