One guy yesterday had 11 fish in an hour and a half. Hoagland prides himself on selling novices only the tackle and bait that they will need. Advice on how, when and where to use them is free. Most of the time the gal will catch more fish than the guy because she doesn't try to cast as far. He pointed out that the Long Beach Island surf this week offers opportunities to catch striped bass and bluefish and both species can be taken in the trough or slough along the beach.
Men usually try to cast over it, and end up on it.
Women don't reach it, and their bait winds up in the deep inner slough where the fish are. Hoagland recommends that the novice male angler buy a nine-foot spinning rod with a reel to match. It is a skill that is quickly learned, and an important part of the fishing experience. We recommend going with the Pompano or high-low rig with bait, whether you are fishing for bass or blues. The rig is a two-hook affair, and the only changes for one fish or another are in the hooks and the baits.