At our recent My Fishing Cape Cod Season Kickoff event in Hyannis, we were fortunate to host two of Cape Cod's most accomplished surf casters, Calvin Toran-Sandlin and Ian Mcpartland. These gentlemen have spent countless hours perfecting their craft along our shores, and their insights on reading beaches, selecting spots, and catching trophy-sized stripers are invaluable for anglers of all skill levels.
In this post, you'll find multiple ways to absorb the wisdom shared by these diehard surfcasters. Below, I've included video footage of Calvin and Ian's presentation from our kickoff event, so you can see their tips and techniques first-hand. For those who prefer audio format, I've also embedded a podcast version which you can download and listen to during your commute or while rigging tackle for your next trip. And if you prefer to read, I've summarized their key insights in this article.
No matter how you choose to consume this content, you'll walk away with actionable strategies that could make all the difference in your next surf fishing adventure!
Seminar Video Footage
If you weren't able to attend our Season Kickoff event in person, you're in luck! Below is video footage of Calvin and Ian's presentation. Watch as they break down their approaches to surfcasting, demonstrate their techniques, and respond to questions from our audience.
The video captures all the nuances of their explanations that can sometimes be lost in text. You'll notice their passion for surf casting comes through in their body language and the detailed way they describe reading water movement and structure. I recommend watching the full video first, then using the written content below as a reference guide when you're planning your next surf fishing expedition.
Podcast Version
Prefer to learn while on the go? I've also created an audio podcast version of this presentation that you can stream below or download for listening during your commute, while rigging tackle, or even on your way to your favorite fishing spot.
This podcast was generated using a tool recommended to me by MFCC member George Vlahos at our Season Kickoff event. George suggested this might enhance our content creation, and I think he was right! The audio quality is excellent and preserves all the valuable information shared by Calvin and Ian.
Simply click the play button below to listen, or use the download link to save it to your device for offline listening. This format is perfect for absorbing these surf casting insights while your hands are busy with other tasks.
Reading the Beach: Two Different Approaches
Calvin and Ian approach surf casting from different perspectives, which provided extra value to those in attendance at the Kickoff. Calvin specializes in fishing boulder fields, while Ian focuses primarily on the sandy beaches of the National Seashore and Cape Cod Bay.
Boulder Fields: Reading the Environment
Calvin emphasized that fishing boulder fields requires "reading the environment, more so than just reading the beach." He looks for:
"A lot of people get caught up in surf casting with bunker, pogies inshore, or the herring runs in spring... With boulder fields, it's about dialing in what resident bait fish hold in those boulders throughout the entire season," Calvin explained.
He focuses on identifying what the fish are feeding on consistently throughout the season - juvenile tog, scup, fluke, certain crab and crustacean species, and lobster. As the season progresses, he adjusts his patterns based on other baits that filter in and out, such as squid in spring, mullet, and peanut bunker...[click here to continue reading]
About the author
Ryan Collins
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