What is the difference between wade fishing and surf fishing? Also Im planning on going wade fishing next week. I don't know how to swim so with that in mind how dangerous is it for me to go wade fishing. I will be going with a buddy but looking for some more advice. I guess what im looking for is what to expect for a non swimmer. Thanks

Wade: Bay
Surf...well it's the surf in the Gulf.

Wading in the bays is rarely more than waist deep. Surf wading has a lot more current, lot bigger nasties to deal with.

Ok so wade is better

So wading would be better since the currents won't be as strong as the surf. So you don't go father than deeo waist not bad. Is there holes or just walk slowly to see where u going

shuffle your feet in either situation, sometimes those sting rays can be thick in the bays. I prefer surf fishing, but it really depends on where your going, and how good the access is to the bays if your completely on foot. With surf fishing, your can still catch fish in the first gut, and you dont even have to get wet, however the further out you can get will usually land you some better fish. you can actually normally wade out onto the first sand bar and cast from there.
One more bit of advice, try not to walk backwards in the same lane you created when walking forward. Sometimes those rays will move in behind you as you stir up that mud and sand, looking for some food. Its rare to step on one, but it does happen.

Also according to some reports down in padre, the man of war are fairly thick right now, so keep your eye out for floating light purple blobs. Those tentacles can be very long under that water. If you see them on washed up on the beach stick a stick in them and pin them to the sand, the little crabs will eat the hell out of em, cheap entertainment lol

Didn't say "better" it's just different.

Thanks guys. I appreciate your information. I will definitely be careful when walking. I'll also make sure I stab some jelly fish n see the entertainment. Thanks guys any more advice would continue to be helpful. Type of bait?

Depends where you are wading. You can wade in the surf. A lot of people wade in the bays.

People that "surf fish" usually use long rods to cast baits very far into the surf. Surf fishermen also wade fish the surf and kayak fish the surf.

If you can't swim I would stay out of the water. get you a long rod and cast from shore. Saltwater is very different than fresh. There is always something nasty lurking on the bottom that wants to hurt you (oyster beds, rays, crabs, old pilings, etc.), and there are currents and rip tides that can come out of no where. Experienced swimmers drown every year in the salt.

If I were you i'd try casting just off the beach, or heading to one of the jetties or rock groins and fishing off of them.

Let me know if you want any more info.

Huntinfortrail....what about the bay area. My friend goes by mustang island and wades the bay side not the surf side or ocean side. Whatever its called would that be safer cause the waters are calmer and wouldn't go deeper than waist deep. Please advice
Thanks

It would be safer. If I were you I'd wear a life jacket if you want to give it a try. There are still drop offs in the bay, oyster beds, stingrays and other hazards. You don't be dealing with the rip currents like you would in the surf. As long as you wear flotation and go with a buddy I'd say you should be relatively safe. Just go slow and like you said don't go deeper than waiste deep.

Thanks man I appreciate your information. I really want to try it, but like you said you just have to be careful. I used to boogie board in the coasts of california and was never scared of drowning. Now I am nervous and think more than I need to I guess. I still go to the coast and get in, but always very careful. Can you see the drop offs? Thanks

I've been on the coast my whole life and never thought anything of it. Since i've become a surf fishing addict, I've heard more and more horror stories and it has made me be fore cautious. I also do safety for a living, so I have a natural tendency to think of the worst case scenario.

Sometimes you can see the drop off some times you can't. Depends on the water clarity where you fish. Just go slow and feel your way with your feet.

I just talked to my buddy, but please correct me if I am wrong. Drop offs are only in the surf side not the bay side? He says where he goes its pretty flat and gradually goes in deeper and he doesn't go in deeper than his waist. Are the bay waters safer? that's what we are doing not surf fishing. I saw your website its awesome
Thanks

Bays are definitely safer. They are more like a pond than the surf. Sometimes you will find a hole with a drop off, but not like what you find in the surf. Your buddy sounds like he is experienced which is good. If he is familiar with the area he should be a good partner to go with.

And thanks for checkin out the website.