Cocoa Beach Fishing Charters

By Brittney NovalskyCocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Florida family fun charters experienced exceptional weather during the last couple of weeks. With this exceptional weather came great fishing for families and kids on the beaches of the Space Coast. Catching pompano, whiting, bluefish and sharks! Spring break means kids are out of school but the fish are definitely schooling with large migrations of fish and shark species feeding off the beaches in Central Florida. Take a look at the full report below to see what we’ve been catching and how to get in on the action!

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Report

Shore fishing the beaches of Cocoa Beach, Florida brought with it healthy competition from spring break beachgoers. Not to worry as the fish didn’t seem to mind. Pompano catches were enjoyed throughout the week with most fish being caught on the first and second trough near the shore. This is due in part to the concentration of bait including glass minnows and sand fleas being present in these waters. Whiting, black drum and bluefish also made their appearances regularly. Fishing a standard pompano rig tipped with Fishbites and fresh sand fleas or shrimp worked the best for targeting the above mentioned species.

Black drum in the Central Florida surf

Family Fun Fishing Excursions In Cocoa Beach

This is where surf fishing from the shore really shines the brightest! Kids love fishing from the shore of the beach. Firstly, there’s so much to do on the beach that kids are able to stay engaged throughout the fishing trip. Which means kids get to reel in lots of different species of fish and shark. Furthermore they get to learn the biology of each species and get pictures with the coolest species of fish they’ve ever caught in the ocean. But that’s not all. In between bites kids love to play on the beach and build sand castles, frolic in the water and collect shells. Family fishing excursions from the beach are the absolute best way to take kids fishing when visiting Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.

Shark Fishing Charters – Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Melbourne

Shark fishing charters remain red hot throughout the spring months on the Space Coast! Annual migrations of blacktip sharks along with sandbar sharks, sharpnose sharks, bonnet heads and lemon sharks continue to feast on the abundance of food in local waters. Shark fishing charters continue to produce big catches with blacktip sharks ranging from 4-7 feet in length. In addition, blacktip sharks display aerial acrobatics similar to tarpon and marlin. Leaping from the water effortlessly while contorting their bodies in a series of twists attempting to dislodge the hook. Shark hooks for shark fishing from the beach are regulated and maintain the requirements of meeting the necessary guidelines. Shark hooks must be non-offset steel circle hooks, and have the accompanying heavy tackle needed to land sharks fast in order to maintain a healthy survival rate. Book a shark fishing charter today!

Pompano Fishing Melbourne Beach, Florida

The word gets out fast when discussing pompano catches on the coastline of Florida. To be precise it’s lightning fast with the scores of Facebook forums and social media posts. In light of this, pompano can be relatively tricky to keep tabs on. For these reasons, Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters routinely stays on the pompano bite by fishing daily. Compound this with a network of talented fishermen and this helps keep the odds titled in one’s favor.

The last two weeks we experienced the greatest pompano fishing around the high tide mark. Furthermore, the pompano preferred less floats and beads than they typically require. This may have contributed to the calm water conditions and exceptional water clarity. Make sure to downsize rigs when these conditions persist. Also keep in mind these fish can be targeted 5 yards from the beach, and as far out as 100 yards from the shore. Knowing this it becomes imperative to fish the many different bottom contours to cross check and confirm you’re not overcasting these prime species.

Pompano Fishing in Florida

Recreational limit of Florida pompano

Surf Fishing Charters Port Canaveral

As for the Port Canaveral surf fishing report we experienced a blitz of pompano in the first week of March. Surf fishing for pompano with live sand fleas produced the highest number of catches. Additionally, whiting and black drum were caught intermittently between the pompano catches. Surf fishing at Port Canaveral means you need to have the proper equipment to access the outside sandbar. This simple fact alone is of the utmost importance. This is in part due to the shallow waters in the northern stretches of Brevard County. The beaches in Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach are shallow for a long way out as compared to the southern beaches. This factor alone highlights why it’s so important to get far casts on multiple rods.

March 18, 2024

Love0

Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Brittney NovalskyCocoa 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

Love0

Giants In July! Surf Fishing Space Coast

By Brittney NovalskyCocoa 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

Love0

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Excursions

By Brittney NovalskyCocoa 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

Love0

Pompano Fishing on the Space Coast

By cocoa-beachCocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

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

Pompano Fishing Cocoa Beach

Although pompano remains the highlight of our Space Coast surf fishery, there’s been plenty other species perusing the surf. Bluefish continue to feed furiously in waves of fish biting anything from cut bait to lures and anything in between. When bluefish are fired up in the first and second trough it seems you can’t keep them off the line. If bluefish are your intended species then be sure to use flashy pompano rigs or throw gotcha lures and spoons with a rapid retrieval for best results.

In spite of the bluefish flurries there’s also jack crevalle, black drum and ladyfish in the mix. Furthermore, these species are all being caught on similar rigs. Custom tied pompano rigs with floats and beads in various renditions prove the most successful. Adding small pieces of Fishbites in the chartreuse and electric chicken colors with flavors persisting of clam, crab and shrimp seem to be work the best. Knowing this we love to teach our clients how to tie these custom rigs. Store bough rigs are useful, but lack the capability to target specific patterns for detailed fisherman looking to catch exponentially more fish then others.

Pompano Fishing Charters

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

Surf Fishing Charters in Melbourne FL

With the holiday season coming up and the pompano season upon us, be sure to be up to speed on the fishery. For this reason, we are offering another surf fishing seminar this Saturday, December 10, 2022. Having such a good turnout for the previous seminar and so many happy clients we decided it’s time for another. We’ll be going over everything it takes from start to finish to successfully catch fish in the surf.

Specifically targeting techniques revolved around catching pompano, whiting, black drum and bluefish in the surf. We’ll also be covering how to read the beach, weather forecasting, tying pompano rigs, best equipment, one on one surf casting lessons and so much more. This once-a-month, four hour on the beach surf fishing seminar is available for individuals. There are 8 spots left available and the prices is $150 per individual. Be sure to book your spot so you don’t miss this chance to take your surf fishing game to the next level.

Surf Fishing Charters in Cocoa Beach, FL

November 15, 2022

Love0

Surf Fishing Report for Melbourne and Cocoa Beach Florida

By cocoa-beachCocoa 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

Love0

Cocoa Beach to Melbourne Beach Surf Fishing Report

By cocoa-beachCocoa 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.