There are several ways to catch salmon from the beach or pier.  When casting from the shore you must use a lure that is 1/2 to 2 oz. in weight. I prefer the 1 oz size to give the lure time to flutter without a frantic retrieve.

Casting buzz bombs

Rig the buzz bomb as the package suggests. Use a light enough buzz bomb so you can retrieve it at a reasonable speed before it hangs bottom. Remember to let buzz bomb flutter down  on slack line between jigs and retrieve.

Casting spoons

My favorite casting spoon for beach fishing is the crocodile style spoon in silver. Cast masters are another very good beach casting spoon. I prefer the larger sizes in these up to the 2 oz sizes.

Casting spinners

Use a large  heavy spinner for beach casting because distance is very important so much of the time. Use sizes 4,5,6,7 

Casting lead minnows

Use a minnow from 1/2 oz. to 2 oz. . If lure hits bottom frequently use a smaller minnow. Put a slight bend in minnow so it will flutter on slack line.

Bobber fishing

This is similar to fishing the river with a float or bobber fishing for trout. The biggest difference is the use of live bait below the float. Use a sliding float setup with a stopper for depth control. Weight the  line with split shot or rubber core sinkers so the bait won't swim on the surface. This will also take up the slack line to the bobber. The bobber should be large enough to keep your bait from taking it under.

 For a triple hook setup place the hook in the center of baits back letting it swim freely. If you use a double hook set up place the bottom hook near the tail and the other hook behind the gill in the back so the bait can swim freely. 

Four hook set up to maximize the hook exposure. Place two small hooks to embed directly in to the bait and leave two larger hooks   completely exposed. The hook size should match the size of the bait your using. Be sure the hooks are large enough and sharp so the points exposed to hook can hook those quick strikes. In barbless areas use a rubber band to keep the bait in place.

If fish are feeding near the surface you can use a fixed float setup and slowly reel it in so it imparts action on the bait. Can be used with fresh or frozen bait.

Live bait rig

Another live bait hookup uses the hook though the nostrils of the live bait. This will allow the bait to swim more freely. With this technique you want to make sure the fish has swallowed the bait for a good   solid hookup. Another easier setup for live bait is to place a single treble hook in the back just behind the dorsal of the bait fish.

Fresh Herring Rigging

This technique is similar to bobber fishing for trout or Tidewater Kings with a float. Thread the herring though the lower jaw so hook comes all the way though. Then thread the hook along the herring along the blue line from side to side like you are sewing it up. Then bury the hook near the tail so the Point is exposed and the herring hangs tail down.

Pictured above is yet another way to rig a float and herring for beach fishing.