Been trying my luck surf fishing on padre last few weeks and i cant seem to hold bottom. Rough surf, calm surf doesnt matter the lines seems to drift off to the left or right and i have to keep reeling in shortly after i get the line out. The biggest weight i have is a 5 1/2 oz spider lead, i thought these things were meant to hold bottom in surf but i guess im doing something wrong.

Hopeing to hear from some veterans of surf fishing on how you guys hold bottom in the surf?

Far as I know that`s the best, u`ll just have to add some more weight or quit fishing........Bill

How are you rigging up ... I rig up with a 5 oz spider weight on a steel leader with a wide gap VMC 4/0 hook about 18 inches above it ... with live mullet ... and it ALWAYS holds. of course I never fish in extreme conditions ... and of course you cant keep your line really really tight ... I keep enought line where I can still tell if something is playing on it .. but not "TIGHT LINED: per se .... gl hope you have better luck

Are you spreading out the legs?

I usually have no issue getting a 4oz spider weight to hold.

http://www.stripersurf.com/scast101_1.html

here is a good article for you.
If your line keeps getting pushed towards you or back to the shore...your probably in a feeder for a cut. Find the cut...

That's a nice article!

Thx for the link. This answers my question of location of first gut. Its the one on the beach.