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Shark Fishing Florida Beaches

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Shark fishing Florida beaches were on fire last week! Bait and predatory fish galore drove a consistent bite for shark fishing Florida’s Atlantic waters. Reports from New Smyrna to Vero Beach found similar results to our Space Coast region. The weather finally cooperated relieving the many days of waves and wind. With that being said, it opened the possibility to cast shark fishing rigs from shore. Shark fishing rigs and bait consisted of large circle hooks in the 10/0 range accompanied by cable leader and cut bait. Blacktip shark and Sandbar shark were the most frequent during the week.

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Cleaner water moved in later in the week providing an inconsistent bite for pompano. Pompano fishing has yet to set beaches on fire with the fever that comes with the seasonal run. Though the hardworking surf fishermen who enjoy the pursuit are still finding fish, picking through catfish, bluefish, ladyfish and whiting alike will have your hands busy for the duration of your day. With the majority of the pompano being caught reaching just below the legal limit, be sure to measure carefully to the fork of the tail for an accurate assessment of the legal size. In between the multiple species and short pompano, you’ll find a few stud fish pushing 15- to 17 inches, which is quite a thrill. Pompano rigs with shrimp, sand flea and clam Fishbites tipped with bait have been producing well.

Space Coast Surf Fishing

Space Coast Surf Fishing

Tarpon fishing the surf has also been a highlight of the week. Shark fishing charters have jumped multiple tarpon over 100lb casting live and cut bait from the shore. Unfortunately every tarpon that was hooked successfully unhooked itself during their acrobatic performances. Just goes to show you that any catch is a realistic possibility from our rich fishery. Surf fishing equipment targeting shark fishing from shore or tarpon should be adequately noted. Surf fishing rods from 11-13 feet with 6,000-10,000 series reels and heavier braided lines will lead to success. There’s no stopping some of these species when coming in undergunned and overpowered. So prepare specific rod and reel combinations dedicated to tackling these larger species.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Once again with the last string of complimentary conditions embarks a new week of unruly weather. The near term and extended forecast looks grim for our region and surf fishing local beaches. Take this opportunity to tie up new rigs for the next window of opportunities. Spool new lines on the surf fishing reels and prepare for the weather, fish and conditions to return. This won’t be a week you’ll find me out there, and that’s saying something!

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Surf Fishing for Sharks

If you’re interested in learning more about surf fishing and the upcoming pompano run, come out to Boaters Exchange in Rockledge this Saturday at 12 pm. The topic of discussion is titled “Pompano Fever” and will take place during the Be Lagoon Loyal Event where there will be several other keynote speakers throughout the day, including Blair Wiggins at 11am. Look forward to seeing you there!

November 2, 2020
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Surf Fishing Florida’s Central East Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Florida’s Central East Coast can be a tumultuous time for  unpredictable periods of time. Situated on the states coastline in a  particularly exposed region delivers a wide array of conditions. Bigger surf  and heavy currents comparative to north and south Florida leads to  windows of grand fishing or complete bust. Last week was a prime  example of what we have to understand as surf fisherman in this area.  High wind and big swells demolished the wide open fishery that was  enjoyed the week prior. Extensive mats of seaweed blanketed the beaches  causing water clarity to turn to chocolate milk. This state of affairs either  shut it down or left the brave to deal with high numbers of catfish,  frustrating moments of debris on the line, and a what-am-I doing-out-here  head space. Opportunities weren’t many to be had, but the determined  anglers could still produce a catch.

Surf Fishing for Black Drum

Surf Fishing for Black Drum

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach

Guided beach fishing trips had clients working through these difficult  conditions to find success in any form. Catfish were absolutely the number  one fish that pulled and twisted in their surf fishing rigs last week. Jack  crevalle, whiting, puppy black drum and pompano were also highlighting  the days catch. Large schools of ladyfish and spanish mackerel that  roamed just days before all but vanished under the unruly conditions. Surf  fishing equipment needed for the heavy waves and rips were 11-13ft rods,  Sputnik leads and plenty of Fishbites, not to mention patience and  determination. By no means was it a week to set aside for this sport.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing for Pompano

The Roy’s Surf Fishing Challenge had the best of the best in the surf  fishing game compete on Saturday. The conditions going in were  understood to be very difficult. Surf fishing anglers dispersed along the  east coast seaboard from Jacksonville to Sebastian Inlet. When the dust  settled, only a few pompano amongst the competitors were weighed in.  Fortunately we took home the number one prize in largest pompano  overall and junior angler. The win came on a custom pompano fishing rig  with Fishbites shrimp flavor and a live sand flea, caught in Brevard County.

Surf Fishing East Central Florida

Surf Fishing East Central Florida

This congregation of talented fisherman who struggled through the day is  a testament to the difficult conditions during the competition. With this  weeks forecast subsiding to more optimal surf fishing conditions, I  encourage everyone to hit the beach and find the fish.There’s no telling when the next round of wind and waves could collide with our coastline  and deteriorate the opportunity. Get out and get tight!

October 30, 2020
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Surf Fishing Brevard County

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Brevard County beaches delivered mixed results last week. The biggest factors affecting catches were contributed to water clarity and seaweed. The first half of the week seemed to provide more challenging conditions than the last few days with a favorable forecast continuing into next week. Multiple species ranging from sharks, snook, pompano, bluefish, catfish, whiting, ladyfish, mackerel, jack crevalle and tarpon. It really has been variable day to day with what species are available and roaming on our coasts.

Cocoa Beach Shark Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Shark fishing charters delivered stellar results the past few weeks with large concentrations of baitfish and predatory fish on the hunt. Beach fishing for sharks with live bait and dead chunk baits have been the key to success. Shark fishing Port Canaveral to the south of Sebastian Inlet has been red hot. Make sure to come prepared for battle with beefed up tackle that can hold up to the pressure of these predators of the sea. Surf fishing equipment for sharks include braided line in the 40-80 lb. range with large capacity spinning reels or conventional open-face tackle. Implementing wire leaders and strong circle hooks for hook set placement and survival rates upon release are a must. Ensure you handle sharks cautiously and safely for a healthy return to the sea.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Pompano fishing is soon to heat way up for our Central East Coast beaches. Keep an eye on that water temp for the big schools to show. This week our beach fishing charters caught tons of undersized pompano with 10-20% of those catches being over the legal limit in the 12-15 inch class fish. As difficult as it was to land keeper size fish, a percentage of those catches were attacked on the way in by bluefish and sharks. It’s absolutely a predatory world out there right now with an eat or be eaten mentality.

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing

While the main topics of discussion are shark fishing and pompano, there is plenty of rod-bending action to keep you busy in the surf. The whiting bite hasn’t disappointed with a consistency that keeps the white meat hitting the coolers. Along with the prominent table fare species, the frequency of bluefish, jack crevalle, ladyfish and mackerel have kept the action nonstop.

Snook fishing took a slight dip this week from previous weeks but that shouldn’t be a pattern that holds steadily as we continue with our fall mullet run. Pulses come and go and with these major migrations it’s up to the angler to keep a beat on when the waves of bait are rolling through. These mullet are easily attainable with a cast net and have resulted in the vast majority of snook, tarpon and flounder catches in the surf. Preferably fishing around a tide change at the end of high and beginning of low seems to provide the best results. Make a game plan to get out to go surf fishing in Brevard County and participate in this rich seasonal fishery!

October 12, 2020
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East Coast Fall Mullet Run

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

East Coast Fall Mullet Run

The fall mullet run along Florida’s east coast is in full effect. The anticipation of this annual migration has been fulfilled, with anglers in multiple fisheries rejoicing, particularly for surf fishing anglers with shoreline access to world class sport fishing. Beach fishing for tarpon, snook, redfish and sharks will reward those willing to invest the time. Surf fishing Port Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet at any beach access with diving birds and exploding mullet will result in your best luck.

surf fishing for tarpon east coast fall mullet run

Surf Fishing for Tarpon

Surf fishing reports in the southern region covering Indialantic to Sebastian Inlet have seen multiple species being caught in a day. Spanish mackerel, pompano, ladyfish and whiting catches have been phenomenal when the water clarity provides green and blue waters. Casting in the first or second trough along with the outer bar with Fishbites and sand fleas continue to see success. On certain days, I recommend having fresh dead shrimp as well as clams to diversify the scent combinations. Sheepshead, drum and croakers will be commonly caught near beaches with structure and water flow.

Utilizing the use of the dead stick rods rigged for smaller table fare will be a valuable tactic for current water conditions this week. With that being said, the name of the game these next couple weeks is the mullet run. Unlike any other period of the year, it’s absolutely electric where the vibrant waters meet our shoreline where you’ll commonly see snook, jack crevalle, sharks and tarpon crashing schools of bait at the edge of your feet. Fishing around a fuller tide will bring these species right along the beach within the casting range of any particular setup. From 7-foot rods rigged with a 2000-4000 series reel up to your 6000-8000 series reels on 8- to 12-foot rods. Depending on the target species, come prepared with enough breaking strength on your surf fishing equipment or be prepared to be spooled by a big shark or tarpon.

east coast fall mullet run pompano

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing Tips

Predatory species abound makes it an all-exciting moment to stalk the surf. Multiple gamefish including the prized snook and tarpon can be caught consistently with a free-lined mullet or croaker. Hook sizes and styles vary situationally, relying on a 4/0-6/0 circle hook will have you prepared for any sports fish besides a big shark. Work the inside deep water troughs before and after a high tide for optimal range with the surf fishing rigs mentioned. Casting swim baits, diving plugs or jigs will also be very successful during this bait run.

The last week has been red hot with near term conditions looking prime as well. The next couple weeks should be seized upon for any surf fishing anglers interested in big bites and big fish. Find the bait and you’ll find the fish! Get out there and good luck.

October 8, 2020
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Fall Mullet Run on the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

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

Surf Fishing Tips

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

Surf Fishing for Mutton Snapper

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

Understanding Surf Fishing Conditions

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

September 12, 2020
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East Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

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

Surf Fishing Tips

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

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

East Coast Surf Fishing for Tarpon

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

September 7, 2020
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Surf Fishing for Pompano

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf Fishing for Pompano in Florida

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

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

Surf Fishing for Sharks

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

 

Surf Fishing Tips

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

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

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

Family Fun Surf Fishing

August 14, 2020
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Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

The latest Cocoa Beach surf fishing report.

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

Surf Fishing for Snook

Targeting Snook While Surf Fishing

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

 

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

Family fun surf fishing excursions!

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

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

Surf fishing from Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet!

July 20, 2020
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Space Coast Surf Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

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

Surf Fishing for Snook

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

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

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Proper Snook Handling

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

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

Pompano Surf Fishing Charters

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

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

July 13, 2020
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Pompano Fishing Florida

Pompano Fishing Florida

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Pompano fishing Florida beaches came back with a fury last week along with multiple other target species. What more could one ask for during a beach fishing excursion in the middle of the summer? Surf fishing anglers rejoiced as the wind and seas finally subsided from the first half of June that brought with it unfavorable conditions. With that being said, water clarity improved and swells settled. This, in turn, created a phenomenal opportunity to get out there and do some pompano fishing or snook fishing. These headliner target species definitely are the main attraction for most. But let’s not forget about the supporting cast that was also firing off.

Pompano fishing Florida

Pompano fishing Florida

Surf fishing charters near Sebastian Inlet north to Satellite Beach produced great catches of pompano, whiting, margate, croakers and snook. Family fun for everyone when the bite gets this hot. If you have any impatient anglers that are difficult to wrestle into a day of beach fishing, now is the perfect time. Take a kid fishing to provide him nonstop reeling action with a blitzing croaker and whiting bite. Greatly benefiting from the lack of distance from shore, makes it an accessible and exciting fishery for families. Use Fish Bites, shrimp or sand flea for best results.

Pompano fishing Florida – inherently a fall through spring fishery with the occasional resident fish hanging around the Central East Coast. This year has more to offer for the shore fishing anglers willing to put in the work. Surf fishing reports from Indiatlantic to Sebastian Inlet produced pompano catches in the double digits last week. This uncommon event should be celebrated and seized upon. With that being said, get the surf fishing equipment together, round up the family, hit the the beach for fun in the sun!

 

Surf Fishing Pompano

Surf Fishing Pompano

Sebastian Inlet Pompano Fishing

Sebastian Inlet Pompano Fishing

July 5, 2020
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