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cocoa beach surf fishing

Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Big fish mayhem for the months of July and August. The highly anticipated summer snook fishery from the beach hasn’t disappointed. Giant snook continue to be caught with various rigs and styles from the shore of our Space Coast beaches. Furthermore the consistency of the pompano bite has been another pleasant surprise.

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters continues to catch mid to large keeper size pompano on each trip out. Due to the water clarity allowing for more opportunities has led to a flourishing surf fishery in these summer months. In addition we’re beginning to see more and more crustaceans and bait sources along the surf zone. This directly results in the prized predatory fish such as pompano, black drum and snook being caught with consistency.

Not to mention the whiting bite continues to contribute to overall catch bags for the day. All in all it’s been a great month to fish and looks encouraging moving forward. With the fall mullet run right around the corner the expectations for fish flurries persist. Soon enough we’ll have tarpon and snook going acrobatic in the surf zone.

The top baits for pompano and whiting have been live sand fleas. Additionally the chartreuse float pompano rigs with clam and crab flavored Fishbites are the top choices for synthetic baits. Fish pompano rigs in the first and second trough as well as outside the sandbar. Clear water, rip currents and cuts produce the best catches.

Looking forward to September and the presence of mullet will be topping the radar. There isn’t a more exciting time to fish then the transition to the fall mullet run. As these baitfish began to appear there will be a plethora of opportunities on tap. Free lining live mullet or croakers in the first trough is a sure fire way for fast action. Snook, jack crevalle and tarpon will be using these thorough fares to pounce on disoriented baitfish in the wash. Get out and have some fun these next few weeks!!

August 14, 2023
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Giants In July! Surf Fishing Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Space Coast surf fishing in the heat of the summer isn’t for everyone. But for those that do embrace the summer sunshine, what better place then surf fish at the beach. July holds the reputation for giants on the beach. Big fish in the way of snook, tarpon and sharks will be on hand for late June into July.

But that’s not all that will be available these next few weeks. Look for residential pompano to be found when conditions present themselves. As the seaweed settles and the water clarity improves. That will kickstart the pompano fishing in the areas with clean water, runouts and troughs. Chartreuse and orange float  pompano rigs with Fishbites and fresh tipped bait.

Family Fun Surf Fishing

Not to mention the croakers will be in full force as the typical summer ensues. Atlantic croakers make good table fare for those who like to pan sear fish. In addition making a good meal these croakers can be repurposed as live bait for predatory species. Big snook love croakers fished in the first and second trough. Furthermore tarpon are a willing candidate for these snack sized love baits. A simple split shot or free lining croakers can result in trophy fish during the summertime.

Surf Fishing Excursions Cocoa Beach

Knowing the weather heats up quick means you should prepare accordingly. Get out early and home early. First light and last light along with tide changes are the best windows of time to fish. Remember you can always throw lures with great results as well.

Surf Fishing for Snook Cocoa Beach

Head up for an hour or two with nothing more than a casting rod and a few lures. Light and mobile is the name of the game. Make sure to cover territory until you find pockets of life you’re searching for. Diving birds, crashing fish, and pogies will be the top clues depicting these areas. Keep moving and casting without hesitation until you position yourself in these lively pockets.

Baitfish mean predatory fish equals high shark activity as well. Be prepared to have some of your catches grabbed up by the taxman in the gray suit. Heavy drag and proper leaders will ensure your not wasting time and increasing the likelihood of losing your catch. Know this means if your in the game of targeting sharks June and July make a good opportunity. Croakers, mullet and cut bait are the recommended choices for shark fishing anglers.

Surf Fishing for Sharks

In summary, we’ll continue to fish through the seaweed plagued beaches. Dreaming of better conditions on the horizon. With the confidence and understanding that the fish will be there, but what kind of challenge will the conditions hold. A few weeks of calm waters should get the water cleaned up and ready for the top month of big snook beach fishing. Until then there are opportunities available, but it’s been challenging conditions to say the least. Good luck and enjoy the world class surf fishing on the Space Coast.

Shark Fishing Charters in Melbourne, FL

June 5, 2023
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Summertime Beach Fishing In Florida

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

First and foremost it looks like the dreaded seaweed masses have arrived on local beaches. Fishing the beach in areas from Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach and Sebastian Inlet are being affected. Based on the offshore waters and reports from recreational boat fisherman, there’s a whole lot more on the way. Don’t be too discourage by this daunting task though. Below we’ll give you some tips and ideas to make the best of what the current surf fishing conditions hold.

Beach Pompano Fishing In the Summer

As mentioned in previous reports and forecasts, there are residential pompano that stay in local waters year round. These pompano can be targeted year round, including summertime on Florida’s Space Coast. The key to finding these fish will be water clarity and depth changes. Use the calm days when the ocean has clarity to identify areas where there’s troughs and runouts. In addition, target these areas with pompano rigs, Fishbites and fresh bait. Shrimp, sandfleas and clam are ideal options when tipping your pompano rig.

Surf Fishing Conditions: Seaweed

The seaweed that was forecasted to arrive has finally made a big push. Meaning surf fishing conditions look to be extremely difficult for the foreseeable future. South of Sebastian Inlet will have opportunities at times when you really want to get a line wet. The seaweed conditions won’t be for the faint of heart. Despite that, relentless effort, cleaning lines and re-rigging will be what’s in store for those willing.

Snook fishing is another option that heats up in the summer months. Surf fishing in Brevard county has world class snook fishing from June through September. Albeit the challenges presented by the seaweed will be enough to deter most. High tide generally holds better opportunities for a break in the seaweed and snook fishing the first trough. Live bait including mullet, croakers, and pinfish fished with or without a weight are extremely productive.

Shark Fishing Space Coast

Depending on the presence of bait and predatory fish, one can expect the shark fishing to be outstanding these next couple months. Early mornings and evening time when the temperatures cool will have a large effect. Chunked bait and live bait make for a recipe for success. Use shark casting rigs with the ability to target the second trough and beyond. Furthermore don’t be surprised if your snook rod gets a bite from sharks patrolling the first trough.

May 30, 2023
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Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Excursions

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters
Surf fishing anglers along the central east coast are enjoying great fishing in May. Making for a pleasant surprise because the major concentrations of anticipated seaweed are having little effect. Furthermore, the water clarity provided optimal conditions certain days, resulting in excellent catches. Pompano, whiting, bluefish, black drum and Blacktip sharks made the highlight reel for species.

Surf Fishing Charters in Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach

May Surf Fishing Forecast – Space Coast

Moving through the month of May, surf fishing anglers can expect similar results if conditions persist. Summertime surf fishing depends on many factors, including seaweed, trade winds and water clarity. Contingent on the record size seaweed formation that’s moving through the Caribbean. The effects of wind and current will dictate the impact on local Space Coast Beaches. With that being said, at this point in time it’s looking encouraging for the summer surf fishing season.

Surf Fishing Melbourne Beach

Summer Pompano Fishing

Look for residential and migratory pompano to continue frequenting Space Coast beaches. These areas include Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach and Indiatlantic. Finding optimal water clarity will continue to be the key factor in finding pompano in the surf. Pompano rigs with chartreuse floats and Fishbites tipped with fresh shrimp, sandfleas or clams will be the go to combination. In addition be sure to fish runouts, troughs and outside the sandbar to maximize these opportunities.

Space Coast Family Fun Surf Fishing

Summer Beach Snook Fishing – Space Coast

Snook fishing looks to continue to heat up as we lead into the warmer months along the Central East Coast region. Live bait fishing and artificial lures worked in the first and second trough produce the best results. Fish the tide changes as well as first and last light for best results. In addition, be sure your live bait presentation is up to par. Meaning use less weight in calmer surf conditions and pitch baits just outside the first trough.
Work live mullet, croakers or pin fish through the trough all the way through to the shoreline. Oftentimes snook along with other predatory fish
use these depth changes to ambush bait. Countless times I’ve caught snook right at my feet just before resetting and casting back out. Knowing this will lead you to not pulling the bait out to early as there maybe a hungry snook chasing your bait in to the shore.

Space Coast Surf Fishing for Snook

Shark Fishing Space Coast Beaches

If your in pursuit of sharks then summertime will satisfy your appetite. Blacktip sharks along with lemon sharks and sandbar sharks become very active with warmer water. Fresh chunked baits as well as live surf caught fish are the key to success. Rig your baits on heavy duty leaders with 80lb braid mainline to ensure you get your catch in to the shore. There’s nothing like an acrobatic Blacktip peeling off drag and putting on a show. Be sure to have your shore fishing shark permit in hand for all shark fishing fisheries from the shore. The can be obtained free of charge through the FWC website. Have a great time pursuing your catches and tight lines!!

Cocoa Beach Shark Fishing Excursions

May 17, 2023
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Surf Fishing the Space Coast in April

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing the Space Coast will bring its share of challenges this month. Traditionally this time of year brings good fortune as a transitional month. Surf fishing anglers would expect to catch pompano, whiting, snook and flounder. But needless to say, this year will be all but pleasant.

The reasons I’m expecting it to be so challenging for surf fishing anglers in Brevard County are listed below. First off, we have the largest concentration of seaweed in history headed this way. Furthermore, the state continues to dump dirt from the interior of state causing the water quality to degrade. These two factors contributing to an already haphazard sand flea situation looks to culminate with difficult fishing conditions. With that being said, there are opportunities for those with persistence and patience, but things won’t be easy in April or for the foreseeable future.

To summarize and lead into May we can first go over April’s surf fishing report. The surf fishing for April continues to be very inconsistent for Brevard County anglers. Large whiting which are typical this time of year were few and far between, although they did show up in spurts. Pompano we’re being caught north and south of us with very few caught with any consistency on local beaches. Finally, bluefish, sharks, and catfish were just about the only fish one could rely on during April’s surf fishing so far.

It’s not all doom and gloom for those looking to hit the surf for fishing fortune. Flounder will be on the top of some shore-bound angler’s priority list. Fish the first and second trough with swim baits, jigs and diving plugs. Work the shoreline with long casts at forty-five degrees to maintain the lures presentation in the strike zone the longest. In addition to lures, live mullet or shrimp rigged on a jig head or fish finder rig will be an effective method of targeting flounder and snook.

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Lastly, shark fishing charters are red hot in April. Thankfully these apex predators held up to the challenging conditions and provided epic battles that had our anglers rejoicing. Shore-bound shark fishing charters should continue the hot bite into May and beyond. Fresh-cut bait rigged on a steel leader with a 12/0 circle hook is the rig of choice.

As mentioned prior, make sure to have your Florida shore fishing shark permit active for taking place in this fishery. There’s nothing quite like a giant Blacktip shark screaming across the surface of the ocean and throwing in massive jumps and twists. For this reason, we recommend booking the shark fishing combo when contacting us for a spring or summer surf fishing trip. All in all it should be a challenging yet rewarding tasks for this who chose to take on the surf fishing in May.

Feel free to contact us with any questions at www.cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com or at 321-205-4672.

April 16, 2023
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Surf Fishing Along the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing along the Space Coast looks to remain strong with pompano, whiting, bluefish and flounder available on local area beaches. The sand renourishment projects will absolutely deteriorate the beach and surf fishing conditions, so make sure to stay clear of those “projects”. Additionally, the blacktip shark migration will be in full effect! So if chasing trophy sharks is in your wheelhouse then spring months have a lot to deliver.

Shark fishing Melbourne Beach

Pompano fishing looks to remain consistent if you can stay with the pockets of fish. As these fish charge back to the north we should get another shot at higher-quality pompano fishing. Although finding cleaner water will continue to hold the keys to success. Be sure to look for shades of blue and green waters with a translucent look when the waves roll through. Consequently, fish the edges of deep troughs and sandbars for the highest probability of finding a concentration of fish feeding.

Family Fun Surf Fishing

In addition to the pompano coming back through, we can celebrate the whiting bite that’s typically very good this time of year. Traditionally March and April have a phenomenal whiting bite of large bull whiting. This year has been on the slower side when compared to years past. Certainly, I’m looking for that to change for the better as we approach this spring fever and really get an opportunity for insane whiting bites.

The go-to rigging for pompano, bluefish, whiting and drum will remain the standard pompano rig with circle hooks, beads and floats. Using multiple color beads and floats is a sure fire bet to find the optimal color combination fish prefer that day or tide. Rig your pompano rigs with live sand fleas, cut shrimp, or clams for the best opportunity to catch pompano and whiting. With that being said if it’s bluefish you’re after then make sure to use chunks of fresh cut bait on the same pompano rigs with a heavier leader.

Surf Fishing Charters on the Space Coast

In conclusion, it looks to be an outstanding month of surf fishing from Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach south to Sebastian Inlet. Spring marks one of my favorite times of year because of the diversity on tap. With everything from pompano to blacktip sharks to catching flounder on jigging rods it’s a fun time to fish the beach. Make sure to get out there and spend time on the beach and surf fishing with the family. If you want to book a beach fishing excursion, then please contact us online or directly at 321-205-4672.

Family Fun Fishing in Melbourne, FL

March 16, 2023
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Surf Fishing Florida in January

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Florida in January delivered big catches after a hit-and-miss December that had many wondering if the fishing, conditions and weather would ever align. The previous weeks we’ve been blessed along the Space Coast with ideal surf fishing conditions, cooperating fish and pleasant weather. You can’t beat Florida this time of year when one can hit the sand and enjoy the spoils of the surf fishing species on tap. Everything from pompano, black drum, bluefish, whiting and sharks were active and frequently caught during our surf fishing charters and seminars.

Surf fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing for Pompano on the Space Coast

Florida pompano are clearly the talk of the town when it comes to surf fishing Brevard county beaches in the winter months. Anglers flock in droves to the Space Coast to try and catch this prestigious species. Known not only for the delicious table fare they provide, but also as a hard fighting fun species that can bend the rod and send surf fishing anglers into euphoria. For those that have been in a hot pompano bite they understand the pursuit of replicating those amazing memories day in and day out.

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach Florida

The key to catching pompano consistently has been the mastering and understanding of reading the water. After the hurricane in November many of the sandbars and troughs have shifted about throughout our region spanning from Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet. The technique of reading the troughs, run-outs and sandbars as a course study has directly resulted in those having success and others not as much. Fishing the different troughs and run outs throughout the region using Fishbites Clam and Crab scent has proven to be the hot ticket item on the Pompano palate. Fresh shrimp, sand fleas and clams in combination with the Fishbites and rigged on pompano rigs proves to be irresistible as of late.

Pompano isn’t all that’s on offer though as we’ve experienced a red hot month for catching black drum and bluefish. The black drum have ranged in size from undersize puppy drum to behemoth sizes pushing over 40lbs. Although you are allowed to retain one larger than 24”, I recommend releasing the large ones to sustain the fishery in addition to the fact they don’t taste well and commonly have worms when they grow larger. We’ve been catching the black drum on the same setups as used for the pompano fishing.

Surf fishing for black drum

Bluefish, as persistent as they may be, have offered a lot of relief for those looking to bend a rod and head home with somewhat of a guaranteed catch. Fresh shrimp, clams and chunked baits have accounted for most bluefish catches and the artificial lures used for them haven’t been quite as hot. This month I’ve seen a run of some of the largest bluefish hitting our shores as far as I can remember. Bluefish make a great fish jerky and for that reason we’ve kept most for the smoker, but be sure to bleed and get your fish on ice immediately for best results for table fare.

Surf fishing for blue fish

Shark Fishing in Brevard County

Lastly, the shark fishing charters spike way up once again in the previous weeks. December hit a bit of a slow spot but that seems to be in the rearview mirror. Blacktips have been the main shark species while shark fishing near Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach. Oftentimes when you lose your whiting or pompano catch on the retrieve you can attest that to the mighty blacktip. We’ve caught multiple blacktips in the last two weeks with surf angler pompano rigs attached as the sharks most likely ate your pompano or whiting on the retrieve. We’re always sure to untangle any remnants of anglers’ rigs and line and get the shark in its way in a hurry. Looks like another good week of surf fishing in the forecast so be sure to get out there and give a go. As a reminder, we’ll be running our monthly surf fishing seminar on February 11, 2023. If you’re interested in learning to surf fish like a pro then give us a call to book your spot. Everything is included in this 4 hour hands on seminar and we’ll be fishing during the interactive lessons. Look forward to seeing you there.

Shark fishing charters Cocoa Beach, FL

 

January 30, 2023
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Winter Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Brevard County winter surf fishing persisted with challenging conditions over the prior week. Large swells and heavy rip currents made it tough to present and maintain surf rigs on local area beaches. This combined with debris from the hurricane made it quite the task to effectively fish the surf. With that being said there are fish available to catch for those who can fire out the right equipment for the job at hand. Pompano, jack crevalle, redfish, black drum, whiting and bluefish were the most commonly caught species.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

As mentioned prior it wasn’t an ideal week of surf fishing along our coast. But the best bites came with our custom-tied pompano rigs with electric chicken Fishbites and fresh shrimp. Black drum are thick right now and most of the puppy drum are smaller, but fun to catch and beautiful colorations when they’re this size. Along with the black drum the smaller-sized jack crevalle persisted at times with a relentless attack.

Surf Fishing Charters in Melbourne, FL

Knowing of the challenging conditions it remains key to know how to read the beach and water. Too often surf anglers setup without that knowledge and are destined for failure when there’s swell and current happening. You want to be able to distinguish the depth changes, troughs and runouts for the best opportunities. These areas continue to hold fish even in the most trying conditions. Being able to locate these areas of fish concentration will get you an entirely different result then those who don’t understand this concept.

The highlight of this weeks surf fishing catches were definitely the keeper sized pompano, bluefish, black drum and redfish. All of the above species were eating similar rig colors in the ebbing waters off the rip currents. Worth the mention is all redfish must be released on our local waters. The fish pictured in this article was quickly released to ensure a healthy survival.

Black Drum Surf Fishing

If you’re interested in learning the sport of surf fishing at a professional level, we have another seminar coming up this Saturday, December 17. There are 5 spots left available. The cost is $150 per individual and we provide all the equipment and expertise to get you surf fishing like a pro. Seminar includes equipment, rigging, bait options, knot tying, how to read the beach, surf casting lessons and fish targeting techniques. Call 321-205-4672. With the fishing forecast clearing up for the upcoming weeks, nows the time to get dialed in for the holiday season.

Winter Surf Fishing on the Space Coast

December 13, 2022
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Pompano Fishing on the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters
Pompano fishing reaches the Space Coast with a flurry. At last, the moment we’ve been waiting for, Florida surf fishing anglers anticipating the annual pompano migration rejoice. The recent reports have had mixed results but those in the know have been striking it big! Bait, rigs, location and tides hold the key to success or failure in targeting pompano. For this reason, we encourage all seasoned and new coming surf fishing anglers to brush up on their skills and put themselves in a position for success.

Pompano Fishing Cocoa Beach

Although pompano remains the highlight of our Space Coast surf fishery, there’s been plenty other species perusing the surf. Bluefish continue to feed furiously in waves of fish biting anything from cut bait to lures and anything in between. When bluefish are fired up in the first and second trough it seems you can’t keep them off the line. If bluefish are your intended species then be sure to use flashy pompano rigs or throw gotcha lures and spoons with a rapid retrieval for best results.
In spite of the bluefish flurries there’s also jack crevalle, black drum and ladyfish in the mix. Furthermore, these species are all being caught on similar rigs. Custom tied pompano rigs with floats and beads in various renditions prove the most successful. Adding small pieces of Fishbites in the chartreuse and electric chicken colors with flavors persisting of clam, crab and shrimp seem to be work the best. Knowing this we love to teach our clients how to tie these custom rigs. Store bough rigs are useful, but lack the capability to target specific patterns for detailed fisherman looking to catch exponentially more fish then others.

Pompano Fishing Charters

Certainly with all this life about the sharks are in no short supply. Blacktip sharks taking fresh cut bait in the first and second trough prove quite the battle for most shore-bound anglers. Heavy drag makes the battle quick work albeit some back breaking action when you really put the hammer down to get their heads turned. Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing shark fishing charters are a great way to experience the thrill of catching a shark near Cocoa Beach or Melbourne Beach. Especially if you want to learn the process of safely catching, landing and handling a safe release on these apex predators.

Surf Fishing Charters in Melbourne FL

With the holiday season coming up and the pompano season upon us, be sure to be up to speed on the fishery. For this reason, we are offering another surf fishing seminar this Saturday, December 10, 2022. Having such a good turnout for the previous seminar and so many happy clients we decided it’s time for another. We’ll be going over everything it takes from start to finish to successfully catch fish in the surf.
Specifically targeting techniques revolved around catching pompano, whiting, black drum and bluefish in the surf. We’ll also be covering how to read the beach, weather forecasting, tying pompano rigs, best equipment, one on one surf casting lessons and so much more. This once-a-month, four hour on the beach surf fishing seminar is available for individuals. There are 8 spots left available and the prices is $150 per individual. Be sure to book your spot so you don’t miss this chance to take your surf fishing game to the next level.

Surf Fishing Charters in Cocoa Beach, FL

November 15, 2022
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Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

pompano bag

Shore fishing charters didn’t disappoint while surf fishing the Space Coast last week. Pompano, whiting, bluefish, Jack crevalle and croakers galore kept the lines tight. The red slime that has infiltrated the coastline is much of a nuisance, as one could imagine, making it difficult at times to effectively fish a diversified setup of beach fishing equipment.

pompanos

Pompano fishing continues the spring run with catches coming in bunches of paired fish. Needless to say, most pompano were caught roaming the outer edges of the surf zone with the water color change. The outer surf zone on the sandbar or beyond also has less slime and seaweed. The size of the pompano caught diminished from the giants weeks prior, but still are healthily in the keeper range.

3 pomps

On certain days it seemed impossible to keep a line in the water long enough to catch the desired pompano or whiting. The croakers flooded every section of the water and could be caught two or three at once. It’s fun to catch something, but at times it absolutely becomes an annoying nuisance reeling them in and having to re-bait. The croakers also roamed in cohorts with bonnethead sharks and seemed to move in and then off the bite, relieving the flurries. Those were the times when the targeted species had an opportunity to find one’s bait.

flounder

Preferred baits for the prior weeks consisted of peeled shrimp, sand fleas and Fishbites. Although we’re still lacking the clusters of sand fleas our area is prone to, there are a few around. The mid-tide coming off high tide has worked best for finding live sand fleas. With that being said, our fishing charters are finding plenty of production with fresh shrimp and fishbites rigged solo by a pompano rig.

beach

Consistent with the season, shark fishing charters brought smiles all around last week. Blacktip sharks and lemon sharks made up the majority of catches. Fresh chunked bait deployed in the first and second trough made short work of the incredibly resilient sharks. Never ceasing to amaze one in the fierce battling capabilities with violent head shakes and blistering runs, these catch-and-release species truly do make for a catch of a lifetime. Be sure to get out and enjoy the surf fishing on hand as it’s a lively time of year to catch!

April 27, 2022
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