Space Coast winter surf fishing this time of year should be lighting on fire. The the recent weather patterns have been sustained and unfavorable to say the least. With all this wind and weather there’s going to be plenty to be thankful for during this holiday week. Although fishing for sharks, catfish, sheepshead, and drum has been good for the windy weeks past, I’m definitely looking forward to a break in the weather and different species to target.
Surf Fishing for Sheepshead
Weather Conditions
Cooler weather patterns begin to take hold for a much needed catalyst in decreasing the water temperatures. This pattern will bring with it our infamous pompano run to Brevard County beaches. As the major pompano schools began their decent marching south to optimal water temperatures, surf fisherman on the Space Coast eagerly await. If you’ve never been a part of the seasonal beach fishing scene, it’s widely known to be a favorite time of year for local surf fisherman. Scouring the coast for the higher numbers of fish will be a common theme once the much anticipated pompano arrive.
Surf Fishing for Redfish
Bluefish and mackerel will also be a part of this upcoming theme for cooler waters. Surf casting rigs with heavier leader matched with a silver spoon, pompano jig or gotcha lure should do the trick. While working the dead stick rods for pompano, whiting, drum and more be sure to keep a casting rod handy for the too their specimens mentioned above. Cast from the shoreline into the first or second trough with a quick retrieval to initiate a bite. Mackerel, bluefish, jack crevalle and ladyfish add fun fighting power to a day of fishing local beaches.
Surf Fishing for Sharks
Surf Fishing Tips
Pompano rigs made with fluorocarbon leader, multicolored beads and floats should be the most widely used fishing rig for this time of year. Live or dead bait consisting of sand fleas, shrimp and clams bring the most success. While pompano maintain the hierarchy of the most sought after species these rigs will catch everything else from whiting, sheepshead, drum and more. By varying multiple rods with the casting distance from shore ensures best results, be sure to pay close attention to the tidal influence the water poses. Higher tides have fish pushed closer to the shoreline while a lower tide generally has fish scouring the outer troughs and sandbars. Pompano rigs fished correlating these tide and water depth variations find more production.
Contact us today to book your Space Coast Winter surf fishing charter!
