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March Surf Fishing Report Melbourne Beach & Cocoa Beach

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Spring surf fishing on the Space Coast equates to big catches of  pompano, whiting, flounder and sharks. Melbourne beach surf fishing for  pompano continues to pickup as they infiltrate local area waters. Pompano will be making their way back north for the summer time. Cocoa  beach fishing tours produced whiting on the inside trough or second  trough as they peruse the surf for crustaceans. In addition, we’ll see  flounder fishing firing up as they ambush bait in the first trough near Patrick Air Force Base south to Sebastian Inlet. Furthermore the shark  fishing charters near Cocoa Beach is in full swing! For this interested in these catching strong acrobatic species from the beach, March and April  are great months.

Pompano Fishing Florida

Pompano on a parade, as we circle back to the spring run which can  provide great spurts of schooling fish. Melbourne beach surf fishing  reports are showing fish in this region along with Cape Canaveral. The key  to finding and staying on these schools of pompano will directly relate to  water temperature and clarity. With that being said pompano prefer water  temps ranging from 66-74 degrees. Not only do they prefer specific water  temps, but water clarity holds the key for getting on the bite. Shades of  green and blue, Caribean sea colors, make for the most probable scenario.

Surf Fishing for Pompano Cocoa Beach

Best Family Beach Fishing Trips

Catching pompano in the surf can be tricky for most anglers, regardless of  their experience. Pompano are simply one touch species because of their  patterns to move and cover so much ground. There one day and gone the

next! “Should of been here yesterday,” pompano stories are enough to drive one crazy. With that being said we are here to inform and guide you to pompano success. If you’re still not having the pompano fortune you desire, simply read these articles and/or contact us to book a trip or  lesson.

Space Coast Family Fun Fishing Charters

Best Beach Fishing Rigs For Pompano

Fishing for the much desired pompano will indirectly lead to decent bycatches of whiting, black drum and bluefish without the predetermined

effort. Pompano rigs with chartreuse floats and pearl colored beads make  a great combination in the spring! In addition, Fishbites electric chicken  crab scent is highly recommended in tipping your pompano rigs. The combination of Fishbites paired with live sand fleas, fresh shrimp and  clams will produce the knockout punch you’re looking for.

Catch Flounder In The Surf

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters is ramping up for the spring flounder  run. The flounder run kicks off in the spring months from March through  May. Using artificial lures such as swim baits, buck tails and diving plugs  produce ocean roaming flounder year after year. The excitement of casting  lures with light to medium action rods make for a fun and exciting surf fishing adventure. Consider working artificial lures or live baits close to the shore in the first and second trough in order to target these camouflage  ambush predators. With that being said, you can’t catch them at home, so  hit the surf during this pristine time of year!

Cocoa Beach Shark Fishing Trips

Guided Beach Fishing Charters in Melbourne Beach

March 9, 2024
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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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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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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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Space Coast Surf Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

June surf fishing typically holds trophy catches for those looking for large snook and tarpon. While summertime surf conditions create a perfect scenario for these predatory species to roam the beaches feeding on baitfish. June, July, and August are personally my favorite times of the year to target them with live bait and artificial lures. Included with snook and tarpon we’ll see great catches of whiting, croakers and pompano.

Summer Snook Fishing

With that being said the shark fishing will continue a great addition to anyone looking at hooking blacktip sharks as well. The name of the game during the summer months is to get out early or later when the temperatures aren’t scorching hot. These feeding periods will consist of snook and tarpon crashing baitfish in the first and second trough.

Shark Fishing Charters in Cocoa Beach

Live baitfish including mullet and croakers either freelined or rigged with a split shot generally see the most success. Although another great way of targeting snook or tarpon will be to enact the use of swim baits, bucktails or suspended plugs casting diagonally to the shore with a steady retrieve. It’s worth mentioning that large breeding snook along with tarpon should be handled with care and to emphasize a quick release with minimal exposure out of the water.

 

Pompano fishing this time of year usually doesn’t make the headlines but it’s worth noting that our resident pompano will be out in force. The key to having success will be those surf fishing anglers willing to seek out the clean water and runouts. Surf fishing near Melbourne Beach north to Cocoa Beach should have tight concentrations of fish throughout the Space Coast region.

Summer Space Coast Pompano Fishing

Pompano rigs with shrimp or clam flavored Fishbites combined with live sandfleas or fresh peeled shrimp will have the most fortune. By far the most active species during the summer months are whiting and croakers. At times the bite can make for nonstop action reeling one in after another, often with two on at once. A great way to repurpose the croakers are to rig them on a live bait rig with a fish finder setup on a one to two ounce sliding weight and recast in the first trough.

 

Beach fishing charters catching loads of whiting make for a great family fun experience and on top of that whiting make phenomenal table fare. Everyone that hits the shore looks like a fish taco to me. In conclusion look for the weeks and months ahead to consider heading to the beach for surf fishing fun. Diversified setups with pompano rigs and live bait rigs will have you covering all your bases for snook, tarpon, whiting, croakers and pompano.

Family Fun Surf Fishing Charters

If your feeling extra ambitious get a large chunked bait rigged up for the shark fishing scene that is sure to be a hit. Get out on the shore before work or after work to enjoy the height of this summer surf fishing season.

June 4, 2022
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Surf Fishing Report for Melbourne and Cocoa Beach Florida

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing anglers scattered across Space Coast beaches celebrated many catches during the month of March. Pompano fishing near Melbourne Beach and Cocoa Beach hit spurts of schooling fish with excellent catches followed up by a whiting bite that created nonstop action. Everything from bluefish to Jack crevalle, croakers and bonnethead sharks made it a scenario where one could only guess what was on the line. Rounding off this diversified fish species list were the blacktip sharks that continue their presence off local beaches.

Family Fun Surf Fishing Charters

For the most part, the surf fishing conditions were optimal many days in the previous weeks with ideal water clarity and correlated temperatures to match. This in turn fired up the pompano to charge back north from south Florida beaches. The largest of pompano ranged from 16” up to 19” and were the majority of catches for multiple weeks on end. Fresh peeled shrimp or sand fleas were the baits of choice, rigged with Fishbites in the crab or clam flavor on a standard pompano rig. While many of the fish roamed the outside sandbars, there was a decent percentage that came from the first and second trough.

Join us on a fun surf fishing adventure!

Family fishing charters couldn’t get enough of the action with the whiting infiltration that ensued with kids reeling in doubled-up whiting cast after cast. This kind of whiting bite always brings joy when it heightens anglers activity level scurrying from rod to rod. Certain days brought as much whiting as one could handle while selectively keeping the largest for a fine meal. First and second trough casts pulled them in by the twos with Fishbites alone being all one needed to catch.

Pompano Surf Fishing

With all the pompano, whiting and bluefish catches to keep one running, the trophy catches in the mix are worth a mention. Giant jack crevalle and sharks were by far the largest species caught in weeks prior. Jack crevalle exceeding 40 pounds have been blitzing up and down the coast from Sebastian Inlet to Port Canaveral. While many of the fish tend to be out of range of surf fishermen they occasionally skim in range of shore-casting anglers. This has resulted in some giants being landed on light tackle and a feat to be recognized.

Jack Crevalle put on a hard fight for anglers!

Shark fishing charters paved the way for big time catches of blacktip sharks using fresh chunked bait. Often seen jumping and crashing through the surf this time of year, they are extremely prevalent currently. You might lose a few of your fish catches to them as inundated as the Space Coast waters are with sharks at the moment. Regardless, when targeting sharks they make for one heck of a fight and a memory for all. Heavy tackle with a quick battle to the shores and an expeditious release ensures we’ll maintain this fishery for generations to come. Take advantage of the good weather windows and hit the shores for beach fishing fun.

Surf Fishing for Sharks in the Space Coast

Book a shark surf fishing charter!

April 12, 2022
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Cocoa Beach to Melbourne Beach Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Pompano resurgence hits the Space Coast! Pompano and whiting came back with a vengeance last week while surf fishing near Cocoa Beach south to Melbourne Beach. Bluefish continued their seasonal onslaught while catfish and bonnethead sharks filled in the blanks. Clean water graced the coast for the latter half of the week before the front that hit over the weekend. To sum it up, it looks like we’re in for a good run of surf fishing lining up for the next couple of weeks.

The signature strike of a surf-roaming pompano excited our beach fishing charter clients. Towering rods bent over with the telltale signs signified a pompano on the line. The rig of choice was a combination pompano rig with pink floats and clam Fishbites tipped with fresh shrimp and sand fleas. This same rig accounted for multiple other species as well including black drum, bluefish and whiting.

Leaving no exception for the glorification of pompano had the whiting fighting for their shot at fame. They came in numbers and size this last week while surf fishing near Patrick Air Force Base and Melbourne Beach. On specific days these fish only wanted the Fishbites with a smaller profile in lieu of traditional surf fishing baits like sand fleas, clam and shrimp. As recommended, always try a broad array of baits to help isolate the feeding patterns of intended species.

Dirty water and high winds culminated on certain days to create an ideal environment for catfish and bonnethead sharks to shine. While interested pompano and whiting struggled to find bait over the scent-feeding species, it became a challenge to fish through these unintended species for our prized fish. When in doubt, make it stand out! Bright floats and color change rip currents minimize certain catches on days where conditions are challenging. Make your rigs custom to the day to increase results.

No matter the conditions or winds it never put a damper on shark fishing charters. Blacktips are in full force and we had at least one if not multiple hookups on each shark fishing trip. Fresh chunked baits along with live bait had them chewing. Heavy tackle and tight drag helps in fighting these sporadic sharks to an expeditious catch and release. In conclusion, I would say get out and take part in the surf fishing over the next few weeks. Conditions look favorable for this week and beyond.

March 16, 2022
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