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cocoa beach surf fishing

Spring Break Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters
sebastian inlet surf fishing charters

Surf Fishing Sebastian Inlet

Spring break surf fishing report! Party Central has descended upon surf fishing anglers along the Space Coast. Spring break, pent up travel demand and relaxed restrictions for Covid have made Florida and Brevard County beaches a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. While parking, litter and traffic has suffered for us locals, it’s absolutely a welcome sight for business owners. People are hitting the beaches in droves, and we’ve been delivering exceptional experiences for families looking for a fun day fishing the beach while soaking up the sun rays. Shark fishing trips captivated children and adults with their endless drag screaming runs, acrobatic jumps and ferocious head shakes. Shark fishing continues to be red hot with our guided trips producing multiple sharks per day, black tip sharks predominately with sandbar sharks and lemon sharks mixed in.

Pompano Surf Fishing Tips

In consideration of the current shark situation off our local area beaches, I’m keen to tighten the drag a bit in order to rescue any treasured pompano and whiting before being “sharked up”. Undersized pompano, croakers and bonnethead sharks round out the list of lesser desirable species prevalent at times especially towards the latter part of the week as the water clarity deteriorated. With that being said, we’ve been catching 1-to-5 lb keeper pompano per trip mixed in the bunch.

The inconsistency of this season makes it extra exciting pulling up beautiful chrome slabs of legal pompano. Chartreuse crab fish bites and white clam have worked especially well as of late. I also want to bring to attention the blanched sand fleas have outperformed live sand fleas on multiple bites this week. Be prepared to encounter this if you want to really dial in on feeding behavior to develop a pattern. Fresh dead shrimp continue to catch healthy-sized whiting that are slightly smaller than the giant bull whiting reported in weeks past. The whiting catches this week have ranged more in the half pound to one pound range with a few getting over the 1.5 lb mark.

Surf Fishing the Space Coast

Pompano and whiting ultimately hold the majority of my focus this time of year, but the opportunity for double digit species catches continue to persist. Spanish mackerel, bluefish and jack crevalle aren’t uncommon while targeting the above-mentioned species. Most of these species can be caught with pompano rigs and live fleas, shrimp or clams, but more importantly they like bright colored floats that bring attention and stand out in varying water clarity conditions. Oftentimes they will strike these vivid colored floats blazing their way in on the retrieval to shore. Summarizing the week’s catches and simultaneously looking forward to the week ahead, I see bright fortunes coming. Just in the last few days we’ve been catching large blue back pompanos measuring 16-18 inches tipping the scales well over 3 pounds and up to 5 pounds. Coinciding with this spring pompano run that’s currently under way, the shark fishing will continue to fire on all cylinders.

In conclusion, there’s no better time than now to hit the beach with family and friends. Diversify your setup to acquire your intended species as this report directs. Big or small, you can have it all, contemplating that knockout drag screaming action of big blacktip sharks or the other side of the coin catching a big pompano for a delicious seafood cookout! Book your spring break surf fishing charter today! Fish the beach and make it happen!

March 24, 2021
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March Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

March surf fishing report! Exciting opportunities await for surf fishing anglers during the month of March. Last week we saw a major uptick in keeper pompano being landed along with the bull whiting, Spanish mackerel and sharks. Traditionally the  spring pompano run has coincided during these warming months and this  year looks no different. Pompano fishing looks to continue its rein on the  top of the target species list, but don’t overlook the diversity of other fish  to target. Spanish mackerel, whiting, flounder, black drum and sharks will  be on tap for our Space Coast beaches. This transitional time represents a  smorgasbord of species for shore based anglers fishing the surf.

As mentioned above pompano fishing will hold steady as the fever for the  spring run won’t be diminished for surf fishing anglers. Finding optimal  water clarity remains the single most important factor for targeting  pompano in the surf. Southeast trade winds take hold this month and can  thwart any surf anglers hopes with multiple days of southeasterly blows.  This week in particular has an easterly flow making the waters more  difficult to fish but we’ve been having tremendous luck using heavier  tackle to offset the wind, waves and current. Look for shades of blue and  green water as you research the surf fishing conditions from Cocoa Beach  south to Sebastian Inlet.

Space Coast Pompano Fishing

Space Coast Pompano Fishing

The cleanest water should be sought out even if it means driving and  checking multiple locations. Once you find the clear blues or green  shades, setup on those waters where outflows, eddies, troughs and holes  are present. Pompano rigs with chartreuse, white, and orange floats will be  better for the greener water, while white, pink and purple will perform  better in blue water. Tip your pompano rigs with Fish Bites in white crab,  pink shrimp, chartreuse clam and sandfleas flavors, in combination with  live sand fleas or fresh dead shrimp. This combination will produce the  best results for pompano, whiting, and black drum.

For those wanting to pursue and target species on light tackle I  recommend throwing swim baits, diving plugs and spoons in the first and  second trough for spanish mackerel, flounder, bluefish and snook.  Depending on the food sources identified at your area beach match the  hatch with similar size lures. If you’re identifying lots of ladyfish, mackerel  and blues most likely they’re feeding on glass minnows and a spoon or  gotcha plug works best. For flounder, snook and redfish cast swim baits or  diving plugs forty-five degrees from the shoreline and retrieve steadily.

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach

Shore based shark fishing will continue to be red hot this time of year as  the waters warm. Black tip sharks will remain as the top species to target  and put on quite the acrobatic display. Family fun for the entire group  when shark fishing trips this time of year have a chance at multiple  catches per trip. Surf fishing equipment with 80lb braided line and short  cable leaders to a large 10/0 circle hooks prove the most reliable for the  task. While Blacktip sharks will be the most commonly caught species on  these shore based trips expect Lemon sharks, Sandbar sharks and Nurse  sharks to frequent the same waters. This month looks to provide all the  thrills any beach fishing angler could ask for, so get out there, have fun and catch them up!

Sebastian Inlet Shark Fishing

Sebastian Inlet Shark Fishing

March 11, 2021
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Brevard County Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Brevard County surf fishing report by Capt. Lukas Our surf fishing charters last week saw a great amount of big bull whiting, a few large pompano, bluefish and mackerel. Water clarity and conditions were inconsistent on a day-to-day basis, which made it hard to set up a pattern on the fish. Fishing around Sebastian Inlet provided catches of large pompano midway through the week that had surf fishing anglers fighting for position. There weren’t any extremely high numbers of pompano coming through, but the ones that were caught ranged from 15-18 inches and weighed over 3 lbs. This is a good sign the fish that are staged currently in Vero Beach south to Fort Pierce and Stuart are charging back for the spring run.

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing Charters

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing Charters

Indian Riverkeeper Surf Fishing Tournament

The Indian RiverKeeper surf fishing tournament that took place over the weekend near Hutchinson Island and Fort Pierce had great catches of pompano hitting the leaderboard. The winning pompano was over 5 lbs and plenty had weighed-in fish that were 2-3 lbs, but were reluctantly knocked from the placing category. Seeing these larger numbers of pompano and larger pompano south had me excited for the weeks to come. Surf fishing charters in Brevard County have recently provided mainly small undersized pompano with a few large ones to celebrate the day. Once the fish down in the southern beaches continue to push up into our waters, be ready to hit the beach, because this transition is already underway.

Space Coast Pompano Surf Fishing

Space Coast Pompano Surf Fishing

Pompano Surf Fishing Tips

Pompano always holds that namesake and reputation for intrigue, but if you’re missing out on the absolutely stellar whiting bite, you need to change the game plan. These bull whiting continue to average over 15 inches and 1.5 lbs, while ranging up to 18 inches were all caught this week in high numbers. Family fun trips had clients of all ages enjoying this red hot whiting bite. Pompano rigs with live sand fleas, Fish Bites and fresh dead shrimp were the key. The fresh dead shrimp out-fished live sand fleas multiple days this week so keep an assortment of bait to find success. With that being said, the big pompano were all caught on live fleas tipped with shrimp or crab Fish Bites. Be prepared to release heaps of undersized pompano in your surf fishing endeavors, and do so quickly to ensure a healthy survival rate. Pompano in the 7-9 inch range are abundant and don’t need to be measured as it wastes time and increases mortality rates. Become proficient with what a legal size fish looks like to save time.

With the reputable food fare species covered for the weekly catch, let’s discuss the reliable bluefish and Spanish mackerel that continue to persist in local waters. Oftentimes on charter, while not directly targeting these bluefish and mackerel, we have been catching them on the retrieve to the shore. These ferocious predators love movement and action to entice their bite. If specifically targeting these fish, use cut bait on a pompano rig or use the silver spoon or gotcha plug in chartreuse color. I have many clients who love eating fresh bluefish and mackerel, especially if you plan on smoking them or making jerky. It’s delicious. Target the second trough to the sandbar as the fish have pushed off the beach in most areas.

Brevard County Surf Fishing Charters

Brevard County Surf Fishing Charters

Surf Fishing Forecast

The forecast is calling for southern winds on multiple days which will decrease the water clarity. Make sure to hit the beaches after the northerly winds clean it back up for optimal success. Get out there and have fun!

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

March 2, 2021
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Guided Surf Fishing Charters

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Guided surf fishing charters caught big bull whiting, pompano, drum and sharks. Last week saw an upswing in not only the number of pompanos, but the larger pompano mixed in with higher numbers than previous weeks. This can be attributed to the increase in water temps from the lows we saw weeks prior. While we still weren’t catching recreational limits of pompano, the ones we did catch were averaging between 13-16” to the fork of the tail. Beautiful 2-3 lb pompanos on the sandy shores of our Space Coast had clients grinning with joy.

Space Coast Surf Fishing

Space Coast Surf Fishing

Surf fishing Brevard County still lacked the consistency one would prefer so it was optimal to fish multiple days to find a bountiful catch. Without a steady number of pompano hitting the shoreline, we continually counted on whiting to save the day. Thankfully that situation played out particularly well for the better part of the week. Large bull whiting over 1.5 lbs weren’t uncommon and that’s a welcomed sight for any surf fisherman.

Pompano Surf Fishing

Pompano Surf Fishing

Surf fishing Cocoa Beach provided good numbers of these whiting schools, while we saw single digit catches of keeper pompano as well. Target the whiting using a standard pompano rig with Pink Shrimp Flavored Fish Bites and live sand fleas or small pieces of shrimp. Generally these whiting can be caught closer to shore, but this week seemed to have them further out in the surf with longer casts producing better results. When fishing multiple rods, I have been dedicating more numerous casts to the outside zones while dropping one or two rods short to medium for a wide pattern, then dialing in as the bite dictates.

Space Coast Pompano Fishing

Space Coast Pompano Fishing

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Shark fishing has been phenomenal off the beach the last couple weeks and that pattern continued to hold true this week. Pictured in this report is Hugh from Ohio who booked a guided shark fishing trip and won the thrill of what it’s like to battle an acrobatic black tip on spinning tackle. This shark put on an absolute show jumping multiple times and screaming drag up and down the beach. As mentioned in previous reports, be sure to beef up the surf fishing equipment for these heavyweight contenders. Heavy braided line in the 80 lb class with a 200-300 lb monofilament shock leader with a foot of wire trace will do the trick. Fresh cut bait has been the ticket with the added scent and hands down outfished the frozen baits.

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Brevard County Shark Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing Forecast for the Space Coast

The week ahead looks like good conditions forecasted up until the weekend with a blow coming. Get out in front of the weather and storms this coming week to have an opportunity for success. There’s plenty of large whiting, roaming pompano and black drum to seek out. Not to mention the sand fleas have been plentiful at area beaches around the lower tide. There’s two large schools of black drum roaming off the coast between Patrick Air Force Base and Melbourne Beach. I spotted these fish three days ago milling around the Indian Harbour Beach area. The schooling black drum ranged between 20-60 lbs! Be sure to loosen your drag up when placing fishing poles in the rod holders. These fish won’t be stopped without a handful of screaming runs, and if the drag isn’t set properly you won’t stand a chance. Hit the beach and have fun!

 

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing for Pompano in Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing for Pompano in Cocoa Beach

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing Charters

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing Charters

February 18, 2021
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Cocoa Beach and Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing near Cocoa Beach was anything but spectacular last week. Shore-based fishing charters had much more success south beach fishing near Sebastian Inlet. The small pompano brigade was out in full force! Many days our clients were landing undersized pompano in the double digit numbers around 20-30 a day. The bigger fish just weren’t very prevalent at all, but with persistence we managed to bag a couple bigger legal-sized pompano a day. Whiting, bluefish, croakers and black drum rounded out the species list for the majority of catches per day. There’s no shortage of sharks at the moment with each of our shore-based shark fishing trips hooking up multiple sharks and landing numerous black tips per trip.

Pompano Surf Fishing Charters

Pompano Surf Fishing Charters

 

Brevard County Surf Fishing

Brevard County Surf Fishing

Surf fishing Brevard County proved especially trying the past week with water clarity and temps taking a dive. The “extreme” cold snap sent ocean temps plummeting below the ideal temperatures preferred for the prestigious pompano. Matching cold temps with murky water doesn’t bode well for our surf fishing trips. With that being said, the whiting, drum and blue fish kept for a steady bite in-between the elusive pompano catches. As the week wore on the water clarity improved and the weekend provided more consistent numbers.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Pompano rigs with chartreuse and bright orange floats seemed to be key. Rigged with white clam flavored Fish Bites or the chartreuse shrimp flavor, the best bites came from the sunrise or sunset bite and the first two hours of outgoing tide. These tidal swings can make all the difference in the world when out surf fishing. I constantly remind clients and fellow surf fishermen that specific tides will trigger fish which will commonly result in more fish being caught during a one to two hour span than will be produced over the course of the other hours cumulatively. Make sure to put in your efforts around the tide changes and identify which time the tide has been productive to focus your efforts and increase probabilities.

Sebastian Inlet Pompano Fishing

Sebastian Inlet Pompano Fishing

 

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing Charters

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing Charters

The week ahead looks encouraging for shore-based fishermen to hit the beach and find the fish. Water clarity steadily improved over the weekend and Monday and Tuesday produced better results with keeper pompano and large whiting. Warmer temperatures should raise the water temps, which could stimulate the surf fishing accordingly. The sand fleas have also been making appearances on local beaches around a low tide so be sure to bring the rake with you and keep your eyes peeled. If you are looking for one heck of a battle on spinning gear, target shark fishing from the beach for cheap thrills. Baits deployed during shore-based shark fishing trips didn’t soak 10-20 minutes before being terrorized by local sharks. Be sure to have your shore fishing shark permit and course complete, which can be done on the FWC website. Catch and release to ensure a healthy survival rate following the appropriate protocol listed in the course. Heavy action surf fishing equipment brings in the sharks quicker with a better opportunity for healthy release. Have de-hooking tools on hand to remove the circle hook and thrust these sharks back into the water quickly. Have fun out there and be safe! Book a trip easily online.

Surf Fishing in Sebastian Inlet

Surf Fishing in Sebastian Inlet

 

surf fishing for sharks

Surf Fishing for Sharks

 

 

February 15, 2021
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Central East Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Florida’s Central East Coast produced similar catches to last week in terms of species and consistency. Black drum catches provided thrills for those who could fish through the tougher conditions that were posed towards the end of the week and into the weekend. Higher surf conditions and northerly flowing current made it challenging to keep lead sinkers and pompano rigs held to the bottom. With that being said, those with proper surf fishing equipment were able to maintain bait presentation and find success in local waters.

surf fishing for black drum

Surf Fishing for Black Drum

Pompano Fishing

Pompano fishing didn’t produce near the numbers or regularity that’s traditional for this time of year. Southerly winds combined with westerly winds during the week made finding the best water quality a challenge. In combination with the winds that muddied area waters, certain tides were contributing to the clarity with local sand nourishment projects underway. The most optimal conditions for pompano fishing during the week came with the last of the incoming tide and the beginning of outgoing before the dredged sand had an opportunity to push back out into the surf zone. Surf fishing anglers who persisted through these tidal conditions found single digit pompano numbers with the week lacking a significant bite and few limits were found.

Pompano Surf Fishing

Pompano Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing near Melbourne Beach proved especially fruitful for guided beach fishing trips over the weekend. As the winds eased from the north and clocked easterly Saturday afternoon, it created an opportunity for the steady current to ease. This change in the wind allowed surf fishing anglers to have a go despite the high surf conditions. Surf casting leads as heavy as 5 and 6 ounces proved key to reach outer sandbar ranges with long casts over 100 yards. Pompano roaming this outer bar were eager to inhale a live sand flea rigged on a pompano rig tipped with white clam flavored Fish Bites. Brighter colored floats made live bait presentations irresistible for these visual sight feeders. Surf fishing guide Eric with Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters capitalized with his clients bringing in a gratifying haul of pompano, black drum, and whiting. Perfect way to end the day with these surf fishing rewards heading to the grill! Check out Fishbites!

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach

Surf Fishing Equipment Recommendations

While some anglers couldn’t reach the distances to withstand the conditions presented during the week, I want to reiterate the importance of having the proper surf fishing equipment. Surf fishing rods ranging from 11-13 ft. with medium/heavy to heavy action are a must for these kinds of days. Without the stiff backbone and longer rods, surf casting heavier leads just aren’t as efficient as needed for higher surf days. If one lacks this equipment, they’re simply making efforts while decreasing their probability for success. Monofilament line ranging from 12-15 lbs. spooled on 6000-8000 series reels give you optimal performance for surf fishing rigs. Braided line doesn’t stretch like monofilament and will therefore be jerky with the pulsing ocean tugging your pompano rig down the beach and towards shore with each unsettling wave. There’s a few tips and pointers of how to stay in the game with challenging surf fishing conditions. If you have any questions on what kind of surf fishing gear I recommend, then please comment below or call or text my business phone directly. Good luck and tight lines!

surf fishing tips

Surf Fishing Tips

February 2, 2021
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Pompano fishing Florida’s Central East Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Pompano fishing Florida’s Central East Coast remains the hot topic for this week’s surf fishing report. Substantially favorable weather patterns have taken hold providing surf fishing anglers with plenty of excuses to hit the beaches. With conditions like this, it behooves anybody who’s been waiting for the right opportunity to hit the surf now. Minimal swell and ideal winds have persisted throughout our Space Coast region creating clean water and light current. In response to the weather patterns and water temps, the fish have responded positively. Consistent catches of pompano and whiting are being reported throughout the entire region with southern Brevard County beaches having more consistency on a day-to-day basis.

cocoa beach surf fishing

Surf Fishing Charters in Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing for Pompano on the Space Coast

Depending on the day and location, it’s been common to find high numbers of short pompano coinciding with the keeper size fish. If you’re engaged in the above-mentioned scenario, you have two options to pursue. Option one is to change location and try to locate larger size fish, or, two, you can weed through the shorts as bigger fish will roam through at periods throughout the day. Whichever method suits you best depends on the duration of your surf fishing day, tides and ambition. It’s always encouraged to make a move if you’re seeing little to no activity. With that being said, if there’s enough activity to keep you hopeful, then it may pay off to stick it out. Tide changes have proved critical this week with the ability to turn on and off like a light switch. Be sure to fish through these tide changes to realize what opportunities await for those surf fishing anglers willing to stick it out.

surf fishing for pompano

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf fishing charters this week had clients reeling in pompano, large bull whiting, and Spanish mackerel. The highlight species being pompano reigned in attention while larger bull whiting exceeding 1.5 lbs didn’t go unnoticed. Commonly these multiple species are caught around a mass of fish feeding in schools. Once located, it’s very common to have pompano and whiting hitting the beach in rhythm one after another. These “hot” bites may diminish with a specific tide and then fire back up when the water reaches suitable depths. If you find these larger bull whiting and mackerel around be sure that you are in a good position to capitalize on the pompano that mix in together.

Surf Fishing Tips

Surf fishing tactics for the week would be to hit the beach early for that first light bite, which has proved particularly effective as of late. Second, have live or blanched sand fleas as it seems to be the most productive option for preferred species this week. As mentioned before in prior articles, be sure to fish multiple zones from the shore especially at a higher tide. Surf fishing equipment built to send pompano rigs past the breakers need to be reined in and and disciplined to cover the troughs closer to shore. I personally have a tendency to overcast fish before I have a strategy talk with myself. Proportionally larger numbers of pompano are running the outer zones of casting, but plenty of days have produced well in the short and medium range casts. Good luck and tight lines!

sebastian inlet surf fishing charters

Surf Fishing Charters in Sebastian

January 15, 2021
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Let the games begin for the pompano fishing enthusiasts!

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Let the games begin for the pompano fishing enthusiasts. Surf fishing charters near Cocoa Beach all the way to Sebastian Inlet produced phenomenal results this past week. Apparently, our guided beach fishing charters weren’t the only ones that either had luck or heard the word get out. Towards the end of the week, numerous beach accesses were packed with eager shorebound anglers seeking a bounty. With that being said, there’s no better time than the present to search for that hot bite.

Space Coast Pompano Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing Tips

Water temperature coinciding with water clarity is the name of the game when finding a favorable opportunity for pompano. A plethora of other species generally accompany these pompano feeding frenzies. Pompano rigs tipped with Fish Bites and shrimp or sand fleas caught the majority of these species this week. Everything from black drum, ladyfish, whiting, mackerel and jacks rounded out the assortment that was hauled to the beach shore. I encourage anglers to use a variety of baits exactly for this reason. Let the fish dictate their preference and dial in to those feeding patterns.

Pompano Surf Fishing Charters

While pompano have definitely been the headliner species, so to speak, the fantastic catches of large bull whiting and sheepshead shouldn’t be ignored. Whiting are one of the most reliable and delicious species we target in the surf. Anywhere along the Space Coast, surf anglers can depend on pulling in a few of these fish even on tough days. This week has been outstanding with whiting coming in well over 1.5 lbs and numbers to back. These larger bull whiting resemble a silvery redfish more than the typical whiting catches and have been concentrating with the larger pompano. Pompano exceeding 17 inches have been a frequent catch during surf fishing charters the past week.

Learn How to Surf Fish

Surf Fishing Lessons and Promo

There’s tons of information out there to learn how to catch pompano from the beach. Many people ask, is it hard to catch pompano? No, it’s not the most difficult species to target or catch, but where it becomes extremely scientific is catching way more than the guy next to you and being able to catch those numbers consistently day in and day out. If you want to become more productive and consistent fishing for pompano or any of the above mentioned species, be sure to give us a call to book your surf fishing lesson. Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters is offering a 50% off four-hour surf fishing lesson for locals of the community. Make sure when you call or email to mention where you heard about the promotion, whether it be Space Fish Report, Sebastian Inlet State Park, or Coastal Angler Magazine. This promotion is valid for one month until January 15, 2021. Be sure to take advantage to turn your luck into fortune for surf fishing expertise.

December 17, 2020
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Surf Fishing Brevard County

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Brevard county this past week brought with it a new variety of  species to lure. The cooling water temperatures brought in flounder,  redfish, bluefish, pompano and more. Finally the weather has diminished  for a sustained period of time bringing with it a cheerful holiday spirit to be  celebrated by all. After months of grueling easterly flows, dirty water and  seaweed galore the welcomed sight of calm seas and clean water is worth  cheering about. The winter surf fishing season has finally taken hold and  there’s no better time then now to get out and enjoy the offerings along  our coast.

Surf Fishing for Sheepshead

Surf Fishing for Sheepshead

This time of year is favored by many tried and true surf anglers for the  prestige of our famed pompano run. It’s finally underway and consistent  catches can be had by those who make the effort. Pompano fishing  tactics can be thorough or broad based on approach. Pompano  particularly require skill and patience, often times both simultaneously.  Fisherman will be seen littering the shores of the sun dotted Space Coast  waiting eagerly for the rods to bend. Persistence and study will be the key  to multiple banner days of surf fishing glory.

Surf Fishing Charters Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing Charters Cocoa Beach

Surf fishing anglers paying special attention to tides, water clarity and bait  concentration will find the most success. Pompano catches may fulfill your  inner fever for the species but don’t underestimate the other species that  accompany the season. Black drum, spanish mackerel, redfish and  flounder won’t be an uncommon beach catch. Pompano rigs remain the  go to choice for the above mentioned species, rigged with live or dead bait  tipped with Fish Bites. Look for sloughs, troughs and tidal rips to find  higher concentrations of predatory fish feeding. Work these zones with fresh clams, sand fleas, shrimp or lures to entice opportunistic fish.

Surf Fishing for Redfish

Surf Fishing for Redfish

December 14, 2020
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Space Coast Winter Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

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

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

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 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!

November 30, 2020
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