Traditionally, summer surf fishing has taken a back seat to the cooler months of spring and fall. Those are better seasons to fish from the beach, both in quantity and quality of fish. But there are fish to be caught during the dog days, but success in the summer surf requires a different strategy.

I rarely compare fish to people, but sometimes the two are amazingly alike, especially when it comes to feeding habits of both creatures. When the thermometer brushes the ninety-degree mark and the wind has been blowing warm and thick from the southwest for a few days I feel lethargic, lose my appetite and don’t care to spend much time out in the noonday sun. I think my slippery, scaly cousins are similar.

Fish may bite during all hours of the day, but many species prefer to feed more actively very early in the morning and again at then end of the day. This is especially true for bluefish and Spanish mackerel. On many a summer morning surf and pier anglers will enjoy some red-hot action for small blues and Spanish macks for about an hour, from first light until the sun is full in the sky. Then, as though a magic switch was thrown, the bite stops, and the fish move further offshore to the cool retreat of deeper water.

Probably the most important summer strategy you can adopt is to fish early in the morning, and I’m not talking about catching the first hour of the Today Show on TV while sipping coffee, then easing over to the beach. Grab that first cup on the run, and be standing in the surf before first light, rod at the ready.

As the sun starts to lighten the eastern sky, look for signs of feeding fish: swirls on top of the water, showering baitfish, and fish that are jumping completely out of the water. When the fish are feeding, a small artificial lure such as a 1/2 or 3/4-ounce Hopkins Shorty jig or small Stingsilver, on a light weight 7-foot rod and 10-pound test line will provide some thrills. Avoid heavy wire leaders; use a short piece of 20-pound monofilament, and you will get more bites. If the fish staged an early morning foray, I suggest returning to the same place at sunset to catch the encore.

Take advantage of the calm summer surf and lighten up on your tackle. Light winds and small waves provide a perfect opportunity to break out the small stuff, like the outfit I just described. If fishing with bait is your forte, scale down your bottom rigs with light wire hooks in the #4 to #6 size range. Even with small hooks, I prefer those with a long shank to make it easier to unhook the fish. Instead of using the typical pyramid surf weight, try a round or flat "pancake" weight, to allow your rig to move slightly with the current and cover more territory.

Small bits of bloodworm, shrimp, or squid are good summer baits. Use small hooks and fish those baits in the holes and sloughs that can be reached with a short cast.. Be sure to explore the "drop," right at the edge of the sand where waves break on the beach. Sea mullet, spot, pompano, and flounder frequently prowl this zone, looking for an easy meal.

During the summer, the night can be just right. The beach is a quieter place without swimmers and several species of fish may come in close to shore to feed, especially if the water is very clear. Bait is probably your best bet and the same selection of rigs and bait that work during the day will produce after the sun sets.

One final suggestion involves networking with your favorite local tackle shop. If you’re visiting for a short time, pay a visit to that shop when you arrive, and get the latest fishing scoop. These folks know what’s hot, and will point you in the right direction. Fish where they suggest, with the baits or lures they recommend, adopt a few of the above summer surf strategies and your chances for hot weather success will increase.