how far out for coalfish ?

Haven't been shore fishing for years and am looking for a basic rule of thumb , if there is such a thing . Looking to catch flatties and coalies in particular .
Assuming a beach with moderate surf , with the 3rd wave breaking about ?? 40 yards out , where would you aim to put your bait ?
I think I cast over the close in fish but never reach the further ones . Can't seem to get beyond 50 yds no matter how I try
Cheers

Howya blowin.
Ive had the best results just inside the third breaker normally, where the churning water is ie.... The suds Have you ever tried casting out to the third breaker, wait maybe 5 mins, reel in about ten turns and wait another 5....... repeat the process right in to near your feet, especially on the filling tide! This should cover the flattie end of things IMO. When you find them take note of what position within the breakers the bites are coming more so than distance out as this can vary due to the lie of the land. Hope this helps
Dave

Howya blowin.
Ive had the best results just inside the third breaker normally, where the churning water is ie.... The suds Have you ever tried casting out to the third breaker, wait maybe 5 mins, reel in about ten turns and wait another 5....... repeat the process right in to near your feet, especially on the filling tide! This should cover the flattie end of things IMO. When you find them take note of what position within the breakers the bites are coming more so than distance out as this can vary due to the lie of the land. Hope this helps
Dave

this man is right
you have to test your area, if i'm useing gripplead then im would start with just only 15-20 yards, hold it for 15mins pull out, rebait if needed and cast 5 yards further up untill find your fish it could be anywhere even very close specialy at night
casting to long distance you just could overcast a fish
good luck

coalies like to stay close to shore so even at only 50 yards you might be over casting

deep water in front.

Coalies can be in really close, I've had them in about 2 foot water or less when trying for flats. As the lads say above just keep varying the distance until you hit the fish!

Many thanks for all that info , lads
Going to dig out the rods and dig up a few worms , get out a bit more !!
Cheers

Many thanks for all that info , lads
Going to dig out the rods and dig up a few worms , get out a bit more !!
Cheers