How to Fish From Rocks

Visit the area at low tide, when the water is low enough to expose gullies, weed beds, sand patches and other areas between the rocks where fish food collects. Make a note of these spots, as fish will flood them once the tide floods. Target these spots when fishing.

Visit the area at high tide to assess the area's safety. Identify rocks or rocky areas elevated above the waves, so that you and your equipment are protected from sneak waves. Also, map an escape route during high tide, as the flooding tide may interfere with your retreat if you do not plan for the worst.

Use hand lines or cane poles and medium-weight tackle. To catch fish that weigh less than 5 pounds, use small baits such as pile, mud worms, live shrimp or saltwater minnows. For fish greater than 5 pounds, use anchovies, mussels, bulletheads and cutbait. Use a sinker to catch bottom-feeding fish like flounder or halibut; use a bobber to catch fish at the surface. Regardless of your bait, use plastic lures, as you will likely lose them in the rocks.

Find a flat spot on the rocks, atop which you'll place a chopping board. Place a bucket on the chopping board for storing your catches.

Cast the line into the water at a close distance. Depending on the rock, you may catch species right under your feet. Avoid pulling on the line to see if it is snagged, as you are likely to snag it while pulling. When you feel a catch, depending on the fishing rod, reel in the line quickly -- or lift the cane pole in the air immediately -- before the struggling fish snags the line under a rock.