Beach fishing

Question
From Michigan, I spent lots of time baot fishing. I just moved to Puerto Rico and have no boat. I live close to the beach in San Juan and would like to know your recommendations for fishing right from the shore. Thank you very much...
Chris

Answer
I am not familiar with Puerto Rico fishing but the basic concpets of Beach Fishing should be the same. I am assuming you mean beach as in sandy bottom with breaking waves. If this is the case a typical rig would consist of a larger weight that is attached to the bottom of the line and a hook offset from the main line about 12-18 inches above the weight. A pole that is a little longer than normal should be used to help with casting distance. Depending on the type of fish present a strong reel should be used to help with the rare very large fish that will find your bait. Typically Squid, Shrimp or other cut bait will work on the bottom and even live bait caught right in the same area where you are fishing will work very well. For beach fishing using artificials or casting into the water. Look for areas where there is a distinct second shallow area just past the breaking waves. You can typically find this when you are out during the day. Another way to identify it is as the waves are crashing look out a little ways and you should see lighter colored water typically indicating a shallow area. This trough or deep area in between is a channel where larger fish will prowl and cruise along the oceanside deeper part. They are looking for bait that accidentally gets washed off the shallow into the deep. This is exactly how you want your casting or artificial to fall cast at a 45 degree angle from the shore to the shallow and retrieve. this should be done while walking to ensure that you are covering the largest distance. Another trick to finding fish is IF you can swim the area you plan to fish with mask and snorkle and look for fish that are either near rocks or just cruising the area this may help you locate a particular spot that is more attractive to fish than just picking one by looking at it out of the water.