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Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing reports were mixed this week with the large swells and turbulent waters. Fortunately, as the swell subsided, the conditions improved tremendously for surf fishing anglers along the Space Coast from Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet. With the current swell and wind setting up for another good weekend of fishing conditions, make sure to take advantage of every optimal window. Water clarity has always been a major derivative when approaching a successful beach fishing adventure. As a result of the diminishing swell last weekend, the water clarity improved accordingly. With this being said, we began to see a consistent bite near the end of the week for pompano, whiting, mackerel, sharks, and snook.

Space Coast Surf Fishing

Shark fishing has been on fire with the food sources running along the beaches. This fishery doesn’t have to be the most detailed to find success. Unlike other species, which feed with sight, sharks’ keen sense of smell will bring their jaws to the nearest source of scent. Chunked baits of mullet, pogies, and ladyfish have resulted in consistent catches of varying size sharks. With the appropriate tackle, anglers should continue to see a high success of catches in the coming weeks.

Pompano fishing hasn’t disappointed either with the residing swell and seaweed mats. Towards the latter part of the week, heaps of short pompano were caught along with legal mixes in the bunch. Doubles of short pompano weren’t seldom as the school ones pushed through the surf zone collectively. Surf fishing anglers prepared to weed through the smaller fish will be rewarded with time and patience. Surf fishing charters near Cocoa Beach saw a strong run multiple days in a row. Bigger pompano seemed to run solo or in pairs and were being caught between the shorts.

Surf Fishing in Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing for Whiting

Fishing for whiting shouldn’t be downplayed for the obvious size and strength qualities. These delicious, crustacean-eating bottom feeders are hitting the beach consistently and with size to match. Whiting ranging from 17-20 inches have been steadily biting from south Cocoa Beach to the north end of Sebastian Inlet. As for the bait choices, Fish Bites shrimp and sand flea flavor bare or tipped has been key to steady catches. Don’t be surprised if you end up with half a whiting on the way in! The sharks are prevalent and ravenous during this time period.

Surf Fishing for Snook

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach

Lastly, big game anglers looking for snook or tarpon along with the occasional bycatch of sharks have been having great luck the last couple weeks. Tarpon fishing from the shore is a seasonal event that only occurs during heights of numerous baitfish runs. Free lining a larger mullet or croaker out will be a successful tactic to jump a silver king. Hook the baitfish in the back dorsal or anal fin so it can make way from shore and continue to cover water to the east.

Find diving birds and bait fish blowing up and start there. This same tactic is also highly effective for snook fishing with the similarity of the bait push along the coast. Once this weather subsides, it will be a prime window for fishing the beach and going after a mixed bag, big and small.

September 28, 2020
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Fall Mullet Run on the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing rigs like pompano rigs or knocker rigs have been on fire this last week. Fishing from the beach with these rigs has delivered a wide variety of species leaving fisherman to ponder what could be next. This event is a direct result of the fall mullet run appearing right on time. Predatory species such as snook, tarpon, jack crevalle and sharks can be caught fishing the tightly packed bait pods moving along the beaches from Port Canaveral to north of Sebastian Inlet.

Surf Fishing Tips

Targeting the above-mentioned gamefish can be accomplished with live bait worked on a jig head, knocker rig, fish finder rig or free lined. Catching mullet with a 5-7 foot cast right from the shore of the beach makes it possible for even a novice angler especially during the Fall mullet run. Bring a bait bucket with aeration to keep your live bait alive and well. Live bait fishing from the beach can be an extremely rewarding tactic. Jumping tarpon from the shore never disappoints. The distinct thump of a snook inhaling the restricted bait will send your heart rate through the roof. These exciting surf fishing opportunities are here today, and I strongly recommend preparing with the proper tools for the specific species on hand. If you’re curious about surf fishing equipment or surf fishing setups, please give us a call for recommendations, or visit your local tackle shop for professional advice.

Surf Fishing for Mutton Snapper

Pompano fishing still has provided the table fare for the patient and motivated anglers willing to find the best conditions. Sand fleas have been plentiful still with more positive results on a higher tide. Along with the pompano, fishing charters this last week were reeling in blue fish, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, whiting and even a mutton snapper. Yes, you heard that correct. Although it’s more of a seldom catch fishing the shore, it definitely wasn’t the first time it’s occurred.

Understanding Surf Fishing Conditions

The immense presence of baitfish, including glass minnows, pogies and mullet has predator fish from all depths getting in on the action. Finding the right rip currents, eddies and troughs between sandbars will define your success. Understand what the fish like in a certain area or condition and attempt to repeat the positive results by mimicking that approach. The sand along our Space Coast beaches is in constant influx, so do the proper reconnaissance to find the hidden gems at a location perhaps outside of your normal hunting ground!

September 12, 2020
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East Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

The latest Central East Coast Surf Fishing Report: This is the season for motivated anglers to pounce on the numerous opportunities our local waters have to offer. Currently we’re seeing a bit of deviation from traditional years past. The fall mullet run should be showing signs of a push. Unfortunately, we have yet to see any significant mullet migrations down the Central East Coast of Florida. With that being said, this could change at any moment. Continue to keep a pulse on when the mullet does arrive. It’s one of my favorite seasonal fisheries, ripping into a ton of fish on bait or artificial. A ton of fun!

Surf Fishing Tips

Last week saw a smattering of whiting, pompano, blue fish, spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle fishing the beach. Certain days this week during surf fishing charters we’ve had double digits whiting catches along with a handful of pompano, and Spanish mackerel and ladyfish topping off the day’s catch. Knowing this, it’s a good idea to strategize for the plethora of species to be hooked. Dead sticking using pompano rigs with Fishbites in combination with sand fleas, clams, or shrimp is a generally universal approach to cover the spectrum.

Central East Coast Surf FishingThe Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish can be caught using a variety of tactics. Along with dead sticking, a very effective tactic is to employ the use of artificial lures. Surf fishing equipment can be quite diversified when you gain the understanding of species targeting. For casting artificial lures such as gotcha lures or spoons, I recommend using a 2000-4000 series reel with 10-20lb braid and 30-40lb fluorocarbon with a trace of light wire for the mackerel. One can get away without the wire, but be warned, you’re going to lose a few lures to these toothy critters. For the cautious approach, the trace wire will protect your investment, while sacrificing a few extra bites due to the visibility.

East Coast Surf Fishing for Tarpon

Central East Coast surf fishing for Tarpon are in full swing currently from the north end all the way down to the south end of Brevard County. An effective method of finding a workable area is to drive to various accesses and look for diving birds. Once you locate the bait and bird piles, then make use of a kayak, canoe, or paddle board to access the frenzy. Lots of options exist for feeding fish, but a tried and true method of slow trolling a live mullet, menhaden or pogie will ensure best results. Recommended fishing tackle consist of larger spinning reels from 4000-6000 series. Match that with 20-60lb braid and a 3-6 foot fluorocarbon leader. Circle hooks are a must for this fishery as well. Being a catch-and-release sports fish makes it that much more important to safely catch, handle and release a strong fish. Whether it be by shore or small vessel, now is an amazing time to explore the various fisheries while good weather persists. Get out there and get tight!

September 7, 2020
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Surf Fishing for Pompano

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf Fishing for Pompano in Florida

Florida pompano fishing roared back with vengeance last week. Towards the latter half of the week, surf fishing conditions improved tremendously. Seaweed mats lay dormant on the shoreline drying under the summer sun. Light winds cleaned up the water clarity and hungry fish took notice. Eager fisherman who’ve laid in wait pounced on the opportunity for surf fishing greatness. Fishing near Sebastian Inlet north to Patrick Air Force Base saw the best water clarity.

Surf fishing rigs consisting of chartreuse floats with sand flea or pink shrimp flavored Fish Bites combined with live sand fleas made a recipe for success. Pompano rigs with two to three small Kahle hooks or circle hooks embolden one to try different bait and float combinations. Our beach fishing charters last week had a diversity of colors and flavors to match the conditions. Pompano floats for surf fishing rigs can be quite the topic of discussion. With that being said, chartreuse, white, and pink were on fire. Take advantage of the ability to focus on color schemes for distinct adaptation to fishing conditions. If one color is consistently outperforming the others, adjust tactics to dial in.

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Shark fishing has picked up exponentially with the warm waters. It’s all one can do at times to get a catch to shore safely. Predatory sharks scouring the waters love to take advantage of a handicapped fish. To overcome this, don’t be shy to tighten your drag and skip ’em in with heavier tackles. If you’re constantly losing fish to sharks, then ramp up the terminal tackle. Put the heat on table fare worthy fish and opt out of losing a meal to the sharks. If targeting sharks for sport, now is absolutely an opportunistic time period. Bull sharks, black tips, nurse sharks, and sand sharks can be accessed throughout the entire Brevard County region.

 

Surf Fishing Tips

Pompano and snook fishing has been extremely productive recently. Small schools of mullet are starting to appear in local waters. This preemptive push is a sure sign things are soon to fire up. Heavier concentrations of mullet have been spotted north in Saint Augustine. With the majority of baitfish headed our way, be ready and have a casting rod on standby.

When a school of mullet comes careening down the shore, have a swim bait or casting plug at arm’s distance. Take notice of pelicans diving nearshore for early signs of what’s coming. Snook, redfish, and jack crevalle will be sure to follow these baitfish under the surface. Walk with the school taking long cast diagonally from the shore and work the lure on the edges and through the middle of the frenzy. These bursting pockets of baitfish will hold immense opportunities for those prepared. Don’t be caught trying to rig up as the fish are being blown apart in a feeding frenzy. Prepare accordingly for this scenario. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the dead stick rods being fished in the pole spikes. Pompano, margate, sheepshead and whiting are still being caught with great proficiency.

Get the family outdoors for fun in the sun and enjoy this window of prime fishing conditions.

Family Fun Surf Fishing

August 14, 2020
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Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

The fishing report for Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet has taken a turn for the worse. Contradictory to the conditions that were celebrated through the first half of July, conditions have diminished dramatically due to compounding factors of wind, water clarity and seaweed. The seaweed issue makes it nearly impossible to get fish on the line efficiently. Surf fishing with wind, waves and other obstacles can be overcome with various rigging and persistence. Bottom line, the seaweed makes it difficult to keep a line wet, but not impossible.

Pompano fishing has fallen way off due to the conditions mentioned above. On a positive note, we are still catching them sporadically on a daily basis while running beach fishing charters. The welcoming sight of a symbolic pompano strike excites all parties, including beachwalkers! Lots of undersized pompano continue to be caught. Oversize keeper pompano will be mixed in the same areas, just keep fishing through the shorts.

Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing with Live Bait

Live sand fleas continue to be accessible on the entire Brevard County shorelines. Take your sand flea rake on a falling tide for best results. Look for the V-shaped ripples in the wash zone to depict a group. Approach cautiously, as they are sensitive to pressure. Dig into the sand on the oceanside end of the school and let the retreating waves wash them into your rake. Catching live bait increases your catch tremendously. Combine live sand fleas with Fishbites in the shrimp and crab flavor for best results.

Tips on Surf Fishing for Snook

Snook fishing has fallen off as well only because of the mats of seaweed and dirty water in the trough. Once again, they’re there but be prepared for unruly conditions dragging in mats of weeds on every cast. If you have the time and the patience, don’t be discouraged, but understand that’s what it’s going to take during these times. Deploy a live croaker where the edges of the beach fall off. Walk with your bait and the current direction to increase time of effective presentation. Dead sticking in the rod holders will diminish the bottom time on baits with the debris collecting more rapidly. Lures will be difficult to retrieve in the trough as well, recommend live bait tactics.

Tropical storms and hurricanes will dictate surf fishing conditions over the coming months. Take every opportunity to get out there regardless. When the conditions are prime, make sure to go earlier, often and fish longer. Inevitably, this time of year will consist of extended periods of sustained wind and waves. So make a plan to keep a pulse on the conditions for favorable opportunities. Snook, pompano, whiting and croaker will continue to be caught inconsistently until the water clarity and seaweed retreat. Look for a window of light winds and calm currents to settle the ocean and give us something better to work with. Challenging times, but so worth the thrill of the prize!

Check back every week for the latest surf fishing report for Cocoa Beach!

August 7, 2020
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East Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Florida Central East Coast Surf Fishing Report

Central East Coast surf fishing continues to thrill during the last few weeks with no end in sight! The entire Florida Central East Coast region has had reason to celebrate. The current conditions have held the opportunity for any number of species to grab a bait. Properly displayed baits have continued to be irresistible. Pompano fishing remains consistent from southern Cocoa Beach, Indiatlantic, and Melbourne Beach. Snook, sheepshead, whiting, and croakers are also frequent visitors to our beach fishing charters this week. With that being said, the end of this last week’s deteriorating water clarity conditions caused the catfish catches to increase. Areas were still holding fish, but the effort it took to shake through the catfish was only for a dedicated few. Tide changes and cleaner water are the key to success under the circumstances.

Surf Fishing for Sheepshead

Pompano fishing will always ebb and flow with the water clarity being a main ingredient to this fishery. Pompano feed with their sight due to their huge eyeballs, which gives them a distinct advantage in hunting out food. When the southerly winds blow hard enough over a sustained period of time, this increases the likelihood for dirty water. Combine this with any kind of swell and the ocean water can seem less attractive than the day or weeks before.

Family Fun Surf Fishing

Helpful Surf Fishing Tips

Pay close attention to color shades when observing the surf. Greens and blues for water color creates higher probability of success. Brown water equals catfish mania. In conjunction, I always recommend a network to obtain information. Call Black Dog Bait and Tackle for a recent report for the southern end of the county or Man OverBoard Bait and Tackle for the central county report. Shut Up and Fish can provide detailed surf fishing information for the Cocoa Beach area. Also recommended is to use the surf cams to get a real-time perspective of current conditions. Do your homework before loading your surf fishing equipment for success.

Surf Fishing for Snook

Surf fishing can be super rewarding under the challenges of dirty water, but it takes persistence for it to pay. Don’t hesitate to make a hard charge at it. Yes, some days you’re going to catch a lot of catfish. Each of our beach fishing charters near Cocoa Beach south to Sebastian produced nice big pompanos along with sheepshead, whiting, and snook. So don’t be discouraged when the ratio is not proportional. Lying in the midst of the catfish are the delicacies you desire! Fish on!

July 25, 2020
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Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

The latest Cocoa Beach surf fishing report.

Snook fishing Florida has gone wild these last couple of weeks! The Central East Coast of Florida has been having epic conditions for hooking a snook in the surf. Snook catches from Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet are red hot. Tactics for surf fishing rigs, including pompano rigs combined with Fish Bites and sand fleas, accounting for an incredible amount of trophy snook. Your chance of hooking a pompano or snook and other species, by using diversified bait setups, should remain successful through the next few weeks until the large bait fish runs start to infiltrate Florida beaches.

Surf Fishing for Snook

Targeting Snook While Surf Fishing

Traditionally, targeting snook in the surf requires live bait or artificial lures. With that being said,these line-siders haven’t shied away from the classic dropper loop rig with pompano floats and sand fleas. Analyzing the stereotypical surf fishing equipment to adjust for the opportunity at hand. Store bought surf fishing rigs lack the increased terminal tackle required. Inherently leading to many failed attempts at landing a big snook. Surf fishing equipment consisting of anything less than 30lb fluorocarbon leader will increase the probability of a missed opportunity.Make sure to confirm the terminal tackle of store-bought rigs or simply tie your own. YouTube has many great videos teaching a universal surf fishing setup. Customizing hook size and leader distance allows the individual angler to dial in the tackle.

 

Snook fishing Florida from the surf can be accomplished in various forms. As discussed in prior reports, live bait, artificial lures or dead chunk bait. With so many fish around at the moment, it’s more important now just to get out there and get bait in the water. Live croakers and mullet hooked in the back with a split shot or free lined have accounted for the majority of snook catches. Artificial swim baits and diving plugs allow the angler to cover more area and have also resulted in a hefty percentage of fish.

Family fun surf fishing excursions!

In regards to the first two traditional methods comes the standard pompano rig:

The dropper loop surf rig tipped with Fish Bites and sand flea has been knocking them down the last two weeks. As mentioned in the introduction, this pattern doesn’t seem to be slowing down until the bait runs begin. Until they start keying in on different food sources, this pattern will continue. Making this an incredible time for the surf fishing angler. Deploy any or all the methods listed above to make a memorable catch from the surf. There’s nothing fancy to consider, just take the initiative to get out there and get fishing! You may be surprised by what you bring in!

Surf fishing from Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet!

July 20, 2020
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Space Coast Surf Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Space Coast surf fishing in Florida over the last week has been impressive around the state. From the Gulf Coast to the East Coast surf fishing anglers are reaping the rewards. Pompano catches continue to impress for this seasonal time period. In addition to the pompano fishing, there’s been consistent catches of big snook, whiting and sharks. Pick a target species to have the proper surf fishing gear required for the task at hand.

Surf Fishing for Snook

Typically, this time of year, Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters runs a multi-rod setup to acquire the smattering of species available. Based on beach fishing charters this last week, we have half the rods dedicated to pompano, whiting, sheepshead and drum. The remainder of our surf fishing rigs are dedicated to predatory species like snook, redfish, flounder and sharks.

This approach can lead to the most effective way of targeting the diversity of fish available. Snook fishing the beach from Sebastian Inlet north to Patrick Air Force base has been red hot. If you’ve ever dreamed of hooking into a large snook, now is the time! Surf casting a live bait rig for these giants has yielded astonishing results. Mullet and croakers, which can be caught in the surf and hooked onto a live bait rig, has been the ticket to success. With extremely calm summer surf conditions, a variety of rods can be easily maintained due to the lack of wind and current. Cast live bait rigs into the deepest part nearest to the shoreline referred to as the trough. With the use of a 40-60lb Fluorocarbon leader with a 4/0 to 6/0 circle attached is a must.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Proper Snook Handling

With that being said, always match the size of the bait to the hook size to correlate. These giant Snook are out of season currently so make sure to have a healthy landing and clean release. Don’t take them out of the water too long and always support the belly with your other hand. Also be careful of the gill plate on the side of the head, which can act as a serrated blade causing deep lacerations if improperly handled.

There’s no telling how long this exceptional opportunity will exist. Visit your local bait shops like Black Dog Bait and Tackle or Man Overboard Bait and Tackle for the most recent trends in the bite. If there was anytime to attempt a grand slam of surf fishing, now is the time to go surf fishing in the Space Coast area!

Pompano Surf Fishing Charters

Prepare surf fishing equipment at home prior to the planned day so everything will be in order for success. Fish Bites, sand fleas, and shrimp for the pompano and whiting fishing have been the ticket. Dedicate the other rods with a fish finder rig with the live baits mentioned above. Then hang on and have fun!

Captain Lukas
To plan a fishing charter, please call: 321-205-4672

July 13, 2020
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Florida Beach Fishing

Florida Beach Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Florida beach fishing report along the Central East Coast has been touch and go this past week. While the rainy weather snubbed out a lot of days, when chance has presented itself, rewarding opportunities have been found. Rain and easterly wind created murky water for surf fishing from Cocoa Beach to the Sebastian Inlet, however, anglers have been doing well catching fish that don’t rely on optimal water clarity.

Beach fishing charters and individual anglers are catching sheepshead, margate, whiting and snook. The beauty of fishing from the shore is that you never know what’s going to grab hold and bend your rod. Be ready for anything and have a mixed bag of bait and presentations. The majority of “dead stick” fishermen with rods in pole holders have been consistently catching margate and sheepshead on the rocky beaches of Central Brevard County. Bait of choice are fiddler crabs, fish bites, sand fleas and peeled shrimp. Dedicate time to observe the structure off the beach before casting surf fishing equipment. The majority of concentrated catches will come from areas where large rock ledges drop off on the west side of the shelf. Casting accuracy plays a vital role in your rate of success for catching or snagging rocks and losing surf fishing rigs. Properly positioned pompano rigs with extra small hooks combined with the bait mentioned above will increase your probability of snagging one of these sought after species.

Snook fishing in Florida this time of year heats up at a feverish pace. If you’ve always wanted to land a beast snook in the surf, now is the time to gear up. Surf fishermen are reporting catches from the north end of the county near Cocoa Beach south to the Sebastian Inlet. While fishing near Melbourne Beach provided some hot snook reports, catching a snook this time of year will depend on how much time you dedicate, as well as the snook fishing rigs you utilize.

Highly successful anglers are employing snook fishing rigs that combine live bait with mobility. This approach allows you to present a live croaker, mullet or pin fish naturally while covering larger areas of shoreline. Recommended surf fishing equipment and snook fishing rigs for this task would be to combine a 7.5 – 8’ medium to medium heavy action rod, 4000-6000 thousand series reel, 20-40 pound braided line tied to a 2-3 foot, 30-50 pound fluorocarbon leader, followed with a 2/0-5/0 live bait hook or circle hook depending on bait size. Use this snook rig to walk up and down the beach deploying your live bait into the first few yards of the shoreline. Focus on fishing the trough and current run-outs for maximum effectiveness. These ambush predators use these areas to lay and wait for opportunity. Fishing Florida beaches with this snook fishing tackle will allow you the possibility of hooking a trophy fish. Good luck!

Florida Beach Fishing

Florida Beach Fishing

 

June 18, 2020
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