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Florida surf fishing

Space Coast Fall Mullet Run

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

The fall mullet run in Florida has hit full stride over the past week. Schools of baitfish with the majority being mullet are pouring down Space Coast beaches. This in turn has triggered exceptional surf fishing with snook, flounder, bluefish, and ladyfish taking full advantage of this opportunity. With the listed species having been caught up and down the Brevard coast, the majority of consistent catches are being reported from Patrick Air Force Base south to Sebastian Inlet.

Fall Mullet Run on the Space Coast

Taking part in this fishery can be multifaceted with many options available. My preferred method involves live bait or artificial lures with a minimal setup to keep things mobile. Casting rod, castnet and small tackle bag is all that’s needed. Check multiple locations for key signs of life including diving birds, fleeing baitfish and crashing fish. Once you find the increased activity, deploy a live mullet, croaker or threadfin in the first trough and hang on. If live bait isn’t an option, walk the shores in the same pattern with a bucktail jig, lipped diving plug, or swim bait.

Fall Snook Fishing on the Space Coast

Presentation holds the key to success so take note of the conditions on hand. The size of the surf, current, and wind dictates what size weight and how to hook the bait for the preferred action desired. I prefer the bait slightly restricted rolling in the trough being pulled in and out with the wave’s motion. Depending on conditions, use anywhere from a split shot to a two-ounce weight to maintain the ideal areas for ambush feeding. Light tackle makes a ton of fun for catching these fish in the shallower depths, rewarding the efforts of surf anglers with prized species of snook and flounder.

Surf Fishing for Flounder

Realizing the changing of the seasons is just on the horizon has many anglers efforts focused on the mullet run, but this doesn’t mean the traditional surf fishing method with pompano rigs isn’t an effective approach currently. Whiting continues to be consistent on a rising tide and also pompano with the majority being undersized. Fishbites and live sand fleas continue to perform best when fishing this rising tide targeting the outflows running off the beach. Don’t be surprised if a snook, bluefish or ladyfish engulf this setup as well. Additionally, the pompano rig with live or dead mullet has accounted for many snook catches as well.

In summary, I’m excited to keep working the bait schools and dabble with.

Cocoa Beach & Sebastian Inlet Snook Fishing

the pompano and whiting. Knowing just around the corner the snook and baitfish will abate leading into the full-blown pompano run. Changing out gear and tactics for chasing one of my favorite fish will return just as soon as the water temperature creeps down. So for now it’s taking advantage of the wild fishery that is the fall mullet run and prepping the tackle for the first schools of pompano that are soon to arrive. Enjoy the explosiveness that’s defining our fishery currently and what’s coming in the upcoming months. Book a trip now!

October 4, 2021
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Cocoa Beach to Vero Beach Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Cocoa Beach to Vero Beach Surf Fishing set ablaze over the past week. Pompano showed a stronger presence with anglers catching them consistently fishing from Cocoa Beach south to Vero Beach. That wasn’t the only highlight happening though, with catches of permit, snook, tarpon and sharks possibly stealing the show. Not to be forgotten was the increased activity in keeper-sized whiting, bluefish, mackerel and ladyfish that kept the mix busy.

The combination of clean water, calm seas and the fall mullet run established a lively scene on beaches stretching the entirety of Brevard County. This in turn led to an increased catch rate of the target species listed above. Flurries of bait fish swarming down the coast lit up southern beaches with aerialist predatory species launching from below. Frenzies of bluefish and mackerel infiltrated central area beaches while the larger concentrations of snook and tarpon ran supreme in southern beaches. No matter what species you had on the line, the sharks being so prevalent, many rigs were sharked off or discounted on the way to shore by the taxman.

Shark fishing trips near Cocoa Beach south to Sebastian Inlet had families reeling in multiple sharks a day. Tread lightly this time of year as the waters are literally teeming with life and the sharks especially are taking full advantage. Even when running live bait rigs for snook, tarpon, mackerel or blues, it’s been common to hook up with large blacktips and lemon sharks. Understanding the current conditions leaves surf fishing anglers no choice but to concede the prize and deal with the relentless circumstances of the shark-rich waters.

Table fare fish hit the upswing in multiples in the prior week with outstanding catches on double digit whiting, large pompano and mackerel abound. Always reliable and delicious to be in a good whiting bite as these crustacean eaters wet any veteran surf anglers palate. Then the surf rod does the triple bounce and bends with such might that only the prized pompano accentuates. Blanched or live sand fleas combined with a chartreuse crab or electric chicken Fishbites pulled in the majority of the keeper pompano. Plenty of small pompano are in the surf as well, but the larger fish over 14-15” are being seen with consistency from Cocoa Beach to Vero Beach. Don’t be surprised if you hook into a trophy permit with the rig mentioned above. Surf fishing guide Eric landed this beautiful permit with clients who booked a guided beach fishing excursion this past week.

Looking forward, I’m excited to continue the transition from summer to fall and watch the migratory species really take hold when the temperatures begin to drop. Until then our surf fishing charters will take full advantage of the species on tap and adjust accordingly as the conditions shift. The last few days brought wind and dirtier waters on the northern beaches of Brevard, but this hasn’t halted the catches coming onto the beach. No matter where your location is along our Space Coast I would strongly encourage getting out there and hitting the surf fishing. It’s not every day you can catch everything from a permit to pompano or snook, tarpon or shark on the very same rig… let that one soak in!

 

September 29, 2021
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Summer Surf Fishing on the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Summer surf fishing in full swing on the beaches of the Space Coast.  Warmer waters have led to a full-blown changing of the guards on local area beaches with catches of pompano, bluefish and mackerel retreating to cooler water temperatures to the north. While residential pompano will still be cruising the shorelines it’s time to accept you will rarely reach a  daily limit on these species. The pompano that are around are larger size and will inhale the surf fishing rigs tipped with Fishbites and sandfleas but understand you’re going to have to weed through heaps of croakers, catfish,  and whiting.

The past week brought in dirtier water which has continued to persist while blue waters are just out of surf casting reach. With that being said at certain area beaches it’s relentless onslaughts of croakers, catfish, and whiting. Mainly croakers would be the species to single out in terms of soaking time on each pompano rig. As soon as it hits the water no quicker will you have a double croaker bite leaving little time for other species to discover the baits. If that isn’t enough keep in mind multiple rigs will be lost to sharks attacking your squirming catch in the trough and beyond.  Needless to say, it’s been a battle to attain a consistent dinner satisfying catch with the current state of affairs.

When the standard methods aren’t providing the thrills one may be in pursuit of its time to switch gears. That’s exactly what our guided shark fishing charters did this week tapping into a healthy amount of sharks in the surf. Blacktip sharks, sandbar sharks and nurse sharks were had by thrilled clients with rod bending drag screaming action. Nothing quite like hooking into a spiraling Blacktip with each acrobatic contortion peeling drag-like music to the ears. Clients celebrated each catch as a trophy in the experience that encompasses shark fishing from shore.

Recommended gear for the current climate of surf fishing has two different approaches in my opinion. Firstly using the dead stick method I suggest setting up a multitude of surf fishing equipment. Vary the setup between standard pompano rigs with the above-mentioned baits, while using heavier setups for live baits or chunked baits for shark, tarpon and snook.  Secondly, skip the setup and cast swim baits, diving plugs, and jigs to work the shorelines for snook, tarpon, and the occasional flounder. One method keeps you mobile with the advantage of covering ground and skipping the heavy hauling of a total gear setup. The other encourages a prolonged time period on the beach fishing to acquire the variety of specimens that each rig has the potential to attain. Either way, it’s a welcomed time to get out early or late and get a line wet. Have fun and get ’em on!

 

July 1, 2021
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Shore Fishing Charters on the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Shore fishing charters have been a challenge to say the least, with the onslaught of apocalyptic seaweed combined with high winds and seas resulting in lots of canceled trips the week prior. Eager clients were chomping at the bit to get out and catch fish in the surf so I spent the weekend scouting and scouring our Space Coast beaches in search of an opportunity to wet the lines and get the fishing on. It was a depressing mission viewing each beach access up and down the coast covered up to three feet high in seaweed that stretched out beyond the breaking waves leaving no window for surf fishing success. In my entire life, Florida born and raised in the area, never have I seen such a sight as the prior two week period. Well, the search mission and ambition paid off, and I have great news that the waters are fishable, and they are teeming with life!

The seaweed layers awash were scattered through the surf zone making different tides and swell sizes favorable to attempt a go. While it wasn’t necessarily ideal surf fishing conditions, the show must go on. Starting over the weekend I began taking out trips and finding the cleanest waters to dictate my game plan. We were able to fish ten minute sets before seaweed inundated the fishing lines. The results varied each day of the week in terms of species frequency, but the similarities held true, it’s fishable and we were finally throwing lines out again.

Family fun fishing trips produced amazing results with toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents reeling in pompano, bluefish, whiting, catfish, and sharks. Early morning low light conditions produced double-header catfish at times, but as the sun reached higher in the sky and the tide backed out, it was game on for the pompano bite. Consistently catching pompano on each of our beach fishing trips, I was elated with the results of our efforts. Big pompano were hitting the shores bringing a smile to kids, adults, and the guide alike. Yes, there were challenging times and conditions the last couple of weeks, but it seems to have finally waned and opportunities await. Check out Fishbites!

Numerous times this week double-digit pompano were being landed by those who were dialed in on the patterns. Just goes to show you, they’re not all in north Florida as many forums and opinions have constantly stated over the past few weeks. Take advantage and get in on these big slab pompano while the fun lasts.

Surf Fishing Tips

Species abound during this time of year with shark fishing charters producing blacktip sharks, snook, bluefish and stingrays. Fresh cut bait has been the key. It’s always an interesting time of year to see what picks up the shark rig with the possibility of landing a shark, snook, bluefish, tarpon, stingray or drum. With this being said, I usually prefer to run a diversified surf fishing setup for my clients this time of year. Running a handful of rods set with pompano rigs, a couple rods with live or chunked bait, a shark rod and a light tackle setup for casting to snook, jack and bluefish. Depending on how you approach the conditions, this time of year will dictate what species you may catch but the excitement of never fully knowing what’s going to grab hold makes this a surprisingly wonderful time of year. Go out and get some on one of our shore fishing charters!

June 2, 2021
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Space Coast Surf Fishing Report | Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing delivered mixed results last week as the seaweed and dirty water made its presence known. By midweek it became a cat and mouse game where to find fishable waters. When the opportunities presented themselves, fishing wasn’t too great or too poor but more middle-of-the-road surf fishing in my opinion. Shark Fishing trips haven’t wavered in terms of delivering big catches on Blacktip sharks, sandbar sharks, nurse and lemon sharks. Bluefish, whiting, pompano, ladyfish, snook and flounder rounded out the main species caught here along the Space Coast.

While the shark fishing trajectory remains consistent, snook fishing stole the show with many anglers hooking up with these powerful linesiders intentionally or unintentionally. Targeting snook specifically in the surf holds a special place to those who understand what it’s like to walk along the beach with a lure or live bait hooking into a big snook right at the shore edge. With that being said, multiple snook catches came in as a nice bonus on a multitude of rigs not specifically intended to target them in the surf. This is a result of warming waters, fish getting on the move, and, accompanying that, with an appetite to match.

Surf Fishing Tips

Fishing baits such as cut mullet, dead shrimp, Fishbites, and sand fleas accounted for numbers of snook caught near Cocoa Beach south into Indialantic. “Better to be lucky than good,” remains one of my favorite sayings in fishing. And, boy, does that remain true with surprised anglers reeling in snook on everything from steel leader shark rigs with chunk bait down to the pompano rigs with dead shrimp or just simply Fishbites. Specifically targeting snook near shore at the first trough with a live bait freelined or minimal lead produces best results. Secondarily, I prefer the option of casting swim baits, jigs, and diving plugs with light tackle angled from the shoreline. But who am I to argue if hookups are coming sporadically on non-conventional methods. Fish a variety of live and dead bait for best results. And with the majority of snook hanging near the first or second trough, proper surf fishing equipment isn’t necessarily mandatory.

Pompano fisherman stuck to tried and true methods but the bite diminished from weeks prior. Single-digit large pompanos were landed consistently through the week, but nothing about the pompano bite was worth writing home about. Bluefish, however, came in large numbers using cut bait on pompano rigs with short to medium casts from the beach. Fresh bluefish doesn’t excite many surf fishing anglers, but I believe a properly bled and iced bluefish remains one of the underrated table fare for those in the know. Give it a try and I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised. With the unstable pompano and whiting bite, it’s a great secondary option to go home with fresh fish to eat.

Spring Fishing Opportunities

This time of year delivers an amazing diversity of opportunities to catch fish at the beach. Whether you’re targeting whiting in the first trough or bluefish in between the first and second trough, there’s a probable chance of landing a flounder or snook. Knowing this, be sure to loosen the drag setting on reels when placing them in the holders. Without this step, you’re sure to lose that trophy catch when the line tightens past breaking strength.

Family fishing trips enjoyed this seasonal catch with species galore over the past week, and it looks like this pattern will continue into this week. Be sure to get out and enjoy the spring fishing and weather before the onslaught of summer temps take hold. Contact us today book a Space Coast surf fishing trip!

May 7, 2021
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Central East Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

What a week to recap surf fishing here on the Central East Coast of Florida! Reports ranging from Jupiter to New Smyrna, including Brevard County, all showed similar trends in species that are running the surf – pompano, sharks, whiting, blue runners, ladyfish and mackerel rounded out the most commonly sought after and caught fish that were targeted from shore. The insane shark fishing continues to bend rods and bring smiles. It’s fun times, until it’s not our intended target and then these predatory species become responsible for hijacking your hard-earned pompano or whiting resulting in a broken rig or half a fish!

The water temperature held steady in ideal ranges and the winds cooperated to bring shades of blue and green water throughout area beaches. This resulted in high performance catches throughout the week with the need to shake a few blue runners and jacks in the process of bagging good numbers of pompano and whiting.

Pompano fishing continues its reign as the spring run kicked into high gear last week. Daily limits were had by surf fishing anglers along the Space Coast, who put in the time and effort. Southern Brevard beaches held consistent migratory fish charging back from their wintering in southern Florida waters.

Those who stood ready reaped the rewards as not only were the numbers up, but the size as well. Pompano measuring from 15-18 inches to the fork of the tail were common catches. These brute fish were weighing in over 3-4 pounds and tested the tackle. Pompano rigs with an assortment of beads and floats were used to match the bite preferences per day. Less proved best on most days with a small bead or minimal diameter float doing the job, with a percentage of fish coming on a naked rig with no float or bead as well. Live sand fleas, blanched fleas and cut clams were found to be the best baits of choice as of late. Fishbites in the sand flea flavor, white clam, pink shrimp and chartreuse crab tipped with the above-mentioned baits or stand alone caught increasingly productive numbers.

With each day bringing a deviation in the fish’s preferred scent, it’s important and recommended to start your day with a broad pattern and dial in on what’s getting bit up. From day to day it seemed to deviate from sand flea scent to the clam scent, and then the next day pink shrimp flavored did phenomenally well. So don’t stick to one when beginning your day, try three or four and observe which scents receive the most attention.

Surf Fishing Forecast

The coming week looks like another good one for the local surf fishing community, and I absolutely encourage everyone to hit the beach. When doing so, remember to religiously fish the different zones of the surf. Multiple times last week the fish were concentrating in varying zones from day to day, tide to tide and time of day. It became a constant experiment to find their preference each day. So cast in a staggering pattern for optimal return. Shore fishing charters numerous days found plentiful catches at 20-50 yards only to find them 100 yards out the following day in those varying cycles. It’s an awesome time of year to fish, so get on it! Contact us today to book a Central East Coast surf fishing charter!

April 22, 2021
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Surf Fishing is on Fire

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing is on fire this past week with big catches hitting the beach! As predicted, the clean water accompanied with ideal water temps brought enormous bounty for surf fishing anglers on the Space Coast. Astonishing numbers of whiting, keeper pompano, and sharks headlined the week’s catches. Bluefish and mackerel made a resurgence from the prior week and that was a welcome sight for light tackle beach casting anglers.

Spring weather cooperated favorably with friendly skies, calm winds and clean water tipping the scales in local surf fisherman’s favor as all the stars aligned and the bite turned positive for the entirety of Brevard County beaches. Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet produced astonishing catches of bull whiting, limits of pompano, bluefish and sharks. While particular beaches had a hot bite one day and slim bite the next, the swarms of whiting and pompano are on the move. Setting up miles in one direction or the other could mean staying in the meat or striking a blank on the previous day’s success. The focus on food concentrations of crustaceans and baitfish will determine the banner days versus the “should have been here yesterday” moments.

Shoreline shark fishing continues to reign as a consistent and exciting fishery over the past weeks. Blacktip migration patterns are in full effect with line of sight views from the beach seeing multiple airborne sharks clearing the surface outside the breakers. With that being said. they’re also cruising closer in on the first and second trough, snatching up whiting and blue runners at every opportunity. Savage power and ferociousness are the words that come to mind when these supercharged species bend the rod. But blacktips aren’t the only species we catch regularly. Other superstars include lemon sharks, Atlantic sharp nose, and sandbar sharks. Shore-based shark fishing trips are producing anywhere from 3 to 7 sharks caught within a four-hour span, and, of course, and all released immediately. As mentioned previously, if you have ever had interest in trying your hand at shark fishing, be sure to study the FWC guidelines and follow that information for a successful catch and release.

Pompano fishing continues its upswing as these fish are charging back north with correlating water temperatures. I see this trend continuing for the next few weeks and into May as well. The schools are scattered currently with separate groups of fish spread from South Florida waters north into Volusia County. Regarding this matter, we’re seeing steady to stellar days this last week fishing pompano in the surf. Sand fleas remain the top bait of choice tipped with white clam Fishbites and the electric chicken crab scent. Tidal swings have commanded the numbers of fish being caught with varying days producing results on the outgoing or last of incoming. Another trend that remains consistent is the afternoon to evening bite, whether the sun is high overhead or setting, firing off for big pompano ranging from 2 to 4 pounds. With the variety of life in the surf, make sure to set days aside for your opportunity to reap the rewards. I’m anticipating the next few weeks to be particularly bountiful.

April 14, 2021
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Spring Time Surf Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Spring time surf fishing patterns are in full effect with the lineup of species acting accordingly. Pompano fishing remains a staple this time of year, and we’re seeing a major push beginning to happen on our Space Coast Beaches. Fishing near Sebastian Inlet and Melbourne Beach have seen consistency with the larger pompano and bull whiting. Surf fishing catches in Cocoa Beach brought in whiting, bluefish, black drum and single-digit pompano. Regardless of the beach location, guided shark fishing trips have produced big numbers of blacktip sharks, sandbar sharks and lemon sharks.

This time of year continues to be red hot for shark fishing the beach. If you ever wanted the excitement of a drag screaming acrobatic blacktip shark, then now is your opportunity. While the smaller 3-4 ft. sandbar sharks will keep your rod bent with shorter runs and violent head shakes, it’s the incredible blacktip shark that will steal the show. Commonly mistaken for a spinner shark, the blacktip is notorious for breaking the surface displaying power and agility in its head-shaking leaps and wild twisting contortions. With that being said, be prepared for a battle and use heavy drag to land the shark fast. Our surf fishing equipment for catching sharks has 100 lb. braided line with a casting shark rig on 12/0 circle hook with wire leader. Be sure to land these sharks quickly and expeditiously, dehook and get them back into the water and ensure a safe release.

Warming water temperatures caused the Spanish mackerel bite to thin out between locations, but the bluefish continue to be present and numerous at times. Casting cut bait like chunked mullet or ladyfish will ensure your chance at a load of bluefish. Casting spoons and gotcha plugs with long cast makes smaller spinning tackle fun and exciting to differentiate from traditional surf equipment. Recently some fish have been holding on the inside trough, but higher numbers are being caught on the midrange distance considering the tide.

Whiting, in my opinion, are one of the most under-appreciated species we target, having been on fire on certain days catching whiting in the hundreds on multiple days last week before the front. These bites don’t last forever and are quite a site to see. Using solely Fishbites in the white crab and electric chicken shrimp flavor provided all that was needed to be reeling in doubles each cast. Be sure to vary distance and be disciplined in not overcasting the larger pockets of fish. The majority of successful days came on a mid-tide with fish holding closer to shore feeding in crustaceans. I love me some whiting and the big ones have held a large percentage of total catch with multiple fish weighing in around 2 lbs.!

In summary, the fishing hasn’t been incredible with consistency so fish as much as possible to find the best opportunities. Specifically when the water is dirty, you can expect to see the bonnetheads and catfish in force with the more treasured pompano and whiting showing themselves sparingly. Take note and dedicate more time to the cleaner water conditions, calm seas and light wind days. Those conditional factors alone will dictate the number and types of species to be on hand for the day. Looks like a beautiful week ahead so get out there and catch ‘em up!

April 6, 2021
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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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