Lofty,
I think Wolverine should answer that question for you, as I am just a rookie at this fishery.

Last week I moved down the beach to cast to a Steelhead I saw finning on the surface just 15 feet or so off shore and a guy walked up, started fishing in the spot I just left and hooked up first cast. OUCH!

No fish for me yet, just mild frostbite. If I am so lucky to land one, it'll be my avatar for sure!