Wind, swell and water colour

A strong wind in your face shortens a cast; a wind from behind helps. Cross winds blow your line sideways and bow it, which moves your rig and makes bites harder to feel.

Heavier line and heavier sinkers help in wind, and a lighter, thinner braid can bring more bow in a crosswind. Pick the beach so the wind is at your back if you can.

Big surf churns the water, brings food out of the sand and lets predators feed close in. It also moves your sinker, so use a heavier or gripping sinker.

Flat, clear water often calls for lighter line and smaller baits.

A little colour after a swell is good: fish feel safe to feed in the shallows. Very muddy or weedy water makes fishing hard, so try another beach.