Overrated In The Surf

We’re heading into that part of the surfcasting season when the catch list starts getting a little weird. Species that spend most of the year well outside the spotlight suddenly begin mixing in with—or even replacing—the fish we typically expect to catch.

Over the past couple of weeks, reports and social media posts have highlighted catches of triggerfish, northern kingfish, triggerfish, false albacore, bonito, several species of rays, and even multiple tiger sharks landed by shore-bound anglers from Maine to New Jersey. Some of these are genuinely rare encounters, while others are seasonal visitors that have become fairly common. Regardless, they all attract attention, and the level of obsession they inspire varies wildly depending on the angler and the region.

That got me thinking: What is the most overrated fish to target from the surf?

For me, the answer is easy. It will probably earn me equal parts agreement, disbelief, and rage, but the most overrated fish in the Northeast surf is the entire collection we affectionately call “funny fish.”

Albies.
Bones.
Spanish.
Speedsters.

Whatever nickname you prefer for these little pelagics, I can’t think of another group of fish that demands more time, money, effort, and emotional investment while delivering so much frustration in return.

Do I cast at them when the opportunity presents itself? Absolutely.

Am I going to dedicate an entire day to chasing them? Not a chance.

Have I driven hours because of rumors of an epic albie bite? More than once. Even when those trips paid off, I rarely came home feeling like the experience justified the effort.

Have I questioned the sanity of a fish that will crush a 200-gram jig tied to 100-pound leader one moment, then refuse a perfectly presented 1-inch tin on 6-pound fluorocarbon the next? More times than I care to admit.

Maybe all of those experiences have shaped my opinion, but it’s one I stand behind. Around New England, admitting that you’re not enamored with albies and bonito usually earns you a few sideways glances. That’s fine. You don’t have to agree with me, and I certainly don’t expect to change anyone’s mind.

Now would be a great time to point you toward a podcast episode where I spend 30 minutes explaining why I think the albie obsession has gotten out of hand… but we haven’t recorded that one. Yet.

So rather than fuel the fire any further—or before you hammer out an angry comment—go back and listen to our Season 1 conversation with Dave Anderson. It’s a great interview on fishing through the “summer doldrums,” and it just might put you in a better frame of mind before you tell me how wrong I am.