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how to surf fishing

Summertime Beach Fishing In Florida

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

First and foremost it looks like the dreaded seaweed masses have arrived on local beaches. Fishing the beach in areas from Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach and Sebastian Inlet are being affected. Based on the offshore waters and reports from recreational boat fisherman, there’s a whole lot more on the way. Don’t be too discourage by this daunting task though. Below we’ll give you some tips and ideas to make the best of what the current surf fishing conditions hold.

Beach Pompano Fishing In the Summer

As mentioned in previous reports and forecasts, there are residential pompano that stay in local waters year round. These pompano can be targeted year round, including summertime on Florida’s Space Coast. The key to finding these fish will be water clarity and depth changes. Use the calm days when the ocean has clarity to identify areas where there’s troughs and runouts. In addition, target these areas with pompano rigs, Fishbites and fresh bait. Shrimp, sandfleas and clam are ideal options when tipping your pompano rig.

Surf Fishing Conditions: Seaweed

The seaweed that was forecasted to arrive has finally made a big push. Meaning surf fishing conditions look to be extremely difficult for the foreseeable future. South of Sebastian Inlet will have opportunities at times when you really want to get a line wet. The seaweed conditions won’t be for the faint of heart. Despite that, relentless effort, cleaning lines and re-rigging will be what’s in store for those willing.

Snook fishing is another option that heats up in the summer months. Surf fishing in Brevard county has world class snook fishing from June through September. Albeit the challenges presented by the seaweed will be enough to deter most. High tide generally holds better opportunities for a break in the seaweed and snook fishing the first trough. Live bait including mullet, croakers, and pinfish fished with or without a weight are extremely productive.

Shark Fishing Space Coast

Depending on the presence of bait and predatory fish, one can expect the shark fishing to be outstanding these next couple months. Early mornings and evening time when the temperatures cool will have a large effect. Chunked bait and live bait make for a recipe for success. Use shark casting rigs with the ability to target the second trough and beyond. Furthermore don’t be surprised if your snook rod gets a bite from sharks patrolling the first trough.

May 30, 2023
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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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Cocoa Beach Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

What to do with surf fishing conditions of late? As we transition from the colder winter months into the warming spring ocean temperatures, things are beginning to look up. Consistency was difficult if not impossible for surf fishing anglers along Brevard County’s Space Coast over the prior two weeks. With that being said, beach fishing charters provided a wide array of species to be caught from the shore. Black drum, bluefish, whiting, pompano and Jack crevalle to name a few. Each day presented its own challenges and opportunities, but with persistence, our efforts paid off.

Black drum continue to infiltrate local beaches with fishing near Cocoa Beach and south showing daily catches. Puppy drum were caught fishing with pompano rigs tipped with shrimp and clam. Fishbites in the crab and clam flavor were also a favorite during these times. While the majority of the black drum caught were keeper size, there are a few that don’t make the cut and had to be released. These fish seem to prefer the first trough as that is where we had the most fortune when targeting them.

surf fishing for black drum

Surf Fishing for Black Drum

When in doubt, blast it out! As mentioned previously, a lot of the black drums were caught in the first trough. With that being said, there are a plethora of opportunities when casting further out to the second trough or sandbar. Bluefish in all sizes were a sure-fire bet to bend rods along with Jack crevalle and the occasional pompano. Fresh chunked bait accounted for the majority of keeper bluefish, although lots of bluefish, jacks and pompano were caught with sand fleas, shrimp and Fishbites.

Diversity held true with our daily catches racking up into the double digits on different species. Croakers, catfish, and sharks were also particularly active even though some days they weren’t our intended species, which makes it all the more interesting when one does get a bite while enjoying a day of beach fishing. Not to mention, the shark activity is on an elevated level. Reeling in many catches could be challenging before a shark eats your intended species. One way to alleviate this is to be sure and tighten the drag with a rapid retrieve when necessary to minimize the times of reeling in a cutoff line from a shark.

Space Coast Family Fun Fishing Charters

In conclusion, the waters have warmed to an ideal temperature for pompano and whiting to become a main staple again fishing the surf. Be sure to pay attention to the water clarity for maximizing any opportunities.

Shark fishing charters will also continue to be red hot, as this time of year they’re out in abundance. Bluefish and black drum will still be on tap for the near term until we reach water temperatures that aren’t conducive. All in all, it’s a great time of year to go out and go fishing. So have fun and see what’s out there waiting for you!

March 3, 2022
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Surf Fishing Reports for Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach and Sebastian Inlet

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing reports for Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach and Sebastian Inlet held a similar trend to the prior week with inconsistencies on a daily basis. The water temperatures have plummeted and that has resulted in a varying bite for most shorebound anglers. Bluefish stood the test of time as they’re no stranger to the cooler water temps and continue to stand out on each beach fishing charter. With a heavy dose of bluefish relenting to influxes of pompano, whiting, black drum and sheepshead it’s been an up and down week for surf fishing the Space Coast.

Cocoa Beach Pompano Surf Fishing

When one can find an ideal weather window, I absolutely encourage you to get out and try your luck on local area beaches. The catches of large bull whiting are still happening fishing near Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Particularly this week, fresh cut clams along with peeled shrimp had an amazing catch rate. These two baits are always a great variation to the typical sand flea with Fishbites combo.

Pompano fishing the surf along Melbourne Beach and Indialantic also held slab fish. These fish continue to hold patterns where foods concentrate and then move right on when conditions deteriorate. Be sure to give yourself enough time to catch your chance at a passing group or fold it completely and move to another location if things never heat up. Combination pompano rigs with floats and beads rigged with electric chicken crab Fishbites and white clam worked particularly well.

Surf Fishing for Pompano on the Space Coast

As mentioned before, the bluefish continue their onslaught of persistence with a ferociousness that defines the species. Love ‘em or hate’ em they’re here for the action. Fresh chunked bait rigged with heavier leader on a pompano rig or just about anything will catch their attention currently. Fishing charter clients have had excellent success catching bluefish and other species close to the shore edge on a low and rising tide.

Space Coast Surf Fishing Charters

Finally we can always hang our hat on the shark fishing charters that are sure to show everyone a good time. Black tip sharks, Atlantic sharp nose and lemon sharks frequented the top species catches for the week. You can even peer out from the shore edge and see blacktips and spinner sharks acrobatically displaying for all free jumping past the breakers. If you’re ready to hit the beach with family and friends be sure to book a charter directly with us at cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com or call for more information. ‘’Til next time, get out there and have fun.

Sebastian Inlet Shark Fishing

February 3, 2022
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Central Florida Winter Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Winter weather fronts made it a roller coaster of a week for surf fishing in Central Florida. While it was difficult to maintain a consistent bite during the week, our clients were putting fish on the beach in spurts of action. Pompano, whiting, black drum and sharks rounded out the top species being caught. With the water temps cooling off, it looks like conditions should continue to offer great opportunities ahead of the passing fronts. Surf fishing near Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral offered up a great whiting bite along with pompano and black drum. Crab flavored Fishbites tipped with fresh peel shrimp or blanched sand fleas on a pompano rig did the trick. Most of the fish were caught on extremely long casts on a falling tide. Bluefish were also available close to shore with fresh chunked bait or casting lures.

Pompano Surf Fishing in Cocoa Beach

The pompano fishing in Melbourne Beach seemed to be the most consistent throughout the Space Coast region. Small schools created a flurry of bites within the duration of our charter fishing trips. Slower periods would ensue on a typical trip while we waited for passing fish to strike. Healthy slabs were beached when the bite fired and rarely were undersize fish seen. What a way to celebrate the winter in Florida by participating in a beautiful day fishing the beach.

Space Coast Surf Fishing Charters

Tablefare species like pompano and whiting were surely the target fish, but currently, there are opportunities for catching large black drum in our region. These fish frequent Brevard County water during the winter months and are sure to provide a fight of a lifetime. Black drums ranging upwards of 40 and 50 pounds are common during these migrational periods. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for dark-colored waters that could signify one of these schools. Cast anything from peeled shrimp, sand fleas or Fishbites to entice a bite from a massive black drum or cast buck tails and small jerk baits as well.

Surf Fishing for Whiting in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters shark fishing trips haven’t lost any steam with a steady flow of black tip sharks, lemon sharks and Atlantic sharp noses perusing the surf. Fortunately, shark fishing in Melbourne Beach remained a top area to land these top predators included in the action with our targeted fish species. There looks to be no end in sight for this healthy fishery. As always, be sure to educate yourself on the proper techniques for clean catch and release. Include in your arsenal shark fishing rigs with less steel leader and high abrasion heavy duty mono to increase bites when the waters are particularly clean and calm. Good luck and have fun!

Shark Surf Fishing Charters in Cape Canaveral

January 27, 2022
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January Surf Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

January surf fishing has always been one of my favorite times of year to hit the beach. Species like pompano, black drum, sheepshead, whiting, and mackerel are sure to make their presence known. Depending on the weather and water temperatures will dictate what kind of month it shapes up to be. This year we are having unusually warm extended periods so look for a cool down to get the water temperatures back down to get things fired off.

Trophy-sized black drum will be one of the species we chase on our beach fishing charters in the months of January and February. These fish can reach upwards of 40-60lbs and make for quite the tug of war battle fishing from the shore. Commonly caught while targeting pompano in the surf these big drum are sure to surprise you with a relentless determination to not want to give in. Pompano rigs with clams, fresh dead shrimp or sandfleas will be the ideal baits to hookup with the giant drum or the smaller puppy drum.

Pompano fishing looks to stay consistent as the water temperatures should keep schooling fish nearby as well as the residential Pompano.  These top-rated species are a favorite by far on our surf fishing charter where clients love to catch a delicious and hard-fighting fish. There’s nothing that gets the heart racing like seeing a large pompano bend the rod with a blitzing strike. Hopefully, the sandfleas return as they have been challenging to find this year as they continue to be one of my favorite baits for catching pompano in the surf.

Finally, during our surf fishing charters, we’ll rely on a predictable whiting bite that takes place consistently during the winter months. Most of the whiting can be upwards of 1lb this time of year and make for a really tasty fish fry. Use pompano rigs with beads and floats based on the conditions to dial in on the whiting. Fishbites hooked up with sandfleas and shrimp do extremely well for whiting fishing on the Space Coast. In between the pompano, whiting and drum the mackerel, sheepshead and blues will keep you steady reeling as this month tends to have lots of life in the water. So get out there and hit the beach to enjoy a cherished Florida winter sport that is surf fishing.

January 12, 2022
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Brevard County Florida Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

With another stellar weather week and productive surf fishing over a beautiful holiday break how can one complain. Surf fishing anglers here in Brevard County hit the beaches in numbers catching whiting, bluefish, mackerel, black drum and sharks. There was also the accidental mana ray hookup as they’ve been perusing the shoreline as well. Warm weather, calm seas and crystal clear skies produced epic beach days for family and friends to get out and try their luck at surf fishing.

Space Coast Family Fun Surf Fishing

While the pompano fishing here along the Space Coast has definitely taken a breather from the earlier part of December, they’re still out there and catches are happening. The only thing is you have to really invest the time and weed through the bycatch of small pompano and little jack crevalle as well. If you’re willing to dedicate the time and effort, the rewards could be a nice whole baked pompano for supper! Pompano rigs with live sand fleas, fresh cut shrimp, clams and Fishbites remain the ticket for bringing home these silver delicacies.

Surf Fishing Melbourne Florida

Bear in mind the ups and downs of the pompano fishery in our region now can be frustrating so it’s recommended to also engage in the other fisheries that are producing at a higher frequency. For example, the bluefish and mackerel bite continues to thrive. Simply look out at the waters from the shore and you can see life teeming and boiling on the surface especially at first light. Setup with fresh chunked bait cut in steaks, cubes or strips and cast into the schools. Steadily retrieve these dead baits or have them sit and soak with a green or orange float. You’ll be reeling ‘em in like nobody’s business, until the sun and heat that have a tendency to shut it down mid to late morning.

Sebastian Inlet Surf Fishing

Black drum, pompano and whiting continue to be caught in the dirtier waters in Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Patrick Space Force Base. Fishbites in the pink shrimp flavor and chartreuse clam have been the hot ticket over the previous week. Match those Fishbites with the above mentioned baits and fish a couple rods very close to shore and another couple as far out as you can cast. It may surprise you that a lot of black drum and other fish have been caught right at the shore edge, or very close to the beach, while some of the bigger roaming pompano are way out.

Pompano Fishing in Cocoa Beach

All in all it’s been a quite diversified week with catches scattered across the board for table fare fish or fish that didn’t make the measurements. Big and small have entertained us all but the Blacktip sharks continue to steal the show. Our beach shark fishing charters have had clients in pure disbelief with the rod bending, drag screaming adrenaline rush only these species can provide. Heck they’re even biting off fish hooked up to our pompano rigs so it’s a very sharky time out there currently. With all that being said, make sure to have the knowledge and confidence to handle these beautiful species with care. It’s too often we see unprepared anglers frolicking around wildly confused and disorganized, and it’s to the detriment of the shark. If you choose to partake in this fishery, put in the time to be properly prepared, organized and efficient. When these species are caught and released in a matter of seconds it ensures the best survival practices. Tight lines everyone! Book a trip easily online!

Melbourne Beach Shark Surf Fishing

January 4, 2022
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Family Fishing on the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Family fishing charters have anglers of all ages embracing the holiday spirit with catches of pompano, whiting, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and sharks. Celebrating the gathering of friends and family with absolute pristine weather conditions had our clients looking to find surf fishing success on these beautiful December days. Each species had ups and downs with the daily rotation of the week, but the bluefish, mackerel and sharks stood out above the rest. Shark fishing trips produced great results of blacktip sharks on fresh chunked bait and some whole baits as well.

Surf Fishing in Cocoa Beach

The surf fishing near Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral continued to see more of the puppy black drum caught than many other regions in Brevard County. Also, larger pompano were caught in these same areas along with the whiting and bluefish. Shark fishing in these areas wasn’t as productive though as they were in the central and southern beaches. Depending on the day and your intended species, it was quite the crapshoot staying on top of a good bite in one location.

Kids fishing trips were an absolute blast this week, though, with nonstop action on bluefish, small jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel kept the kids reeling them in one after another. This bite remained red hot for the remainder of the week and fun was had by all who took part. Even when the pompano weren’t in full force like the weeks prior, these rod-bending and acrobatic bluefish and mackerel made up the ground for a fun time fishing. Green floats with chunked baits did the trick for the most part. And as usual, the Gotcha lures and spoons were utilized for select species.

Family Fun Surf Fishing Trips in Sebastian

With all the life boiling under the surface along the Brevard County beaches, it made for shark fishing charters to find optimal conditions. Bait definitely played a role as the sharks seemed to either want your live fish that was being retrieved on a pompano rig or a freshly cut chunked bait. With that being said, we caught lots of large sharks from the shore using entire fish carcasses for bait. So make sure you’re varying your methods as even these toothy predators seem to have specific preferences on a day-to-day basis.

Sheepshead Surf Fishing in Melbourne Beach

As for the premier target species of pompano and whiting, it seems to have dipped a bit for the week prior. Surf fishing anglers are still catching large keeper size pompano but just not seeing the numbers they were in the first two weeks of the month. Most fish caught had been enticed with live or blanched sand fleas or fresh clam on the standard pompano rig with the floats performing well. With the outlook for stellar weather and schools of pompano and whiting continue to move up and down the coast, it’s just a matter of putting yourself in the right position with the selected baits to see success. Enjoy the holiday break and hit the surf for family fun in the sun!

January 2, 2022
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Late Fall Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Late fall space coast surf fishing conditions continue to be a roller coaster ride for the month of  November. Without any consistent patterns holding true, it’s been challenging for beach fishing to take place with much efficacy. Wind, waves and dirty water clarity have been factors thwarting the beach fishing scene along the Space Coast. Front after front with prevailing North and  Northeast winds tampered with ever developing a stable surf fishery. For those who persisted, the rewards were sharks, whiting, croakers, catfish,  bluefish, pompano and Jack crevalle.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Fishing near Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral provided more ideal fishing conditions in the early part of the week. Catches of pompano and whiting along with bluefish and Jack Crevalle were caught. Pleasantly surprised to not have to deal with seaweed during the first part of the week before the winds cranked up. The bluefish were chewing heavily on shrimp and cut bait, along with the occasional Jack crevalle and ladyfish.

Pompano fishing still isn’t happening to the dissatisfaction of most. With the unruly conditions and current location of the major schools, it’s been like watching paint dry in anticipation. The warmer weather from the prior week actually stabilized ocean temperatures halting the flooding migration of fish south. These fish are currently being caught in numbers from  Daytona to Jacksonville so the times coming even though we probably still have a week or two before the floodgates open up.

Space Coast Surf Fishing for Sheepshead

Without the pompano fishing to take the cake, we’ve relied on shark fishing trips to excite surf fishing clients looking to bend the rod. This fishery still hasn’t disappointed with multiple hookups possible in a four-hour fishing trip. The key is the fresh cut bait with mullet being particularly successful this week along with croakers. There’s been a surplus of croakers when fishing the first or second trough so don’t be worried about the capacity to acquire fresh bait.

Shark Fishing Sebastian Inlet

As mentioned before this week hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns in the surf fishing world. Dirty water conditions infiltrated the central and southern beaches bringing with it heaps of catfish. As any experienced surf fishing angler knows this can be discouraging and downright exhausting catching one after another. Even though our beach fishing charters have been catching pompano, sheepshead, whiting and bluefish,  it hasn’t been without sifting through the high numbers of kitty cats.

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach

Looking forward to this weekend as the conditions towards the weekend began to improve. Be the first one to know if the Pompano have arrived by being persistent and getting your lines wet over the holiday weekend. If bending the rod is your goal keep half your gear fishing chunked bait in close for bluefish, Jack crevalle and sharks. Take the other half of the gear and dial it up for pompano, sheepshead, whiting and black drum using Fishbites with sandfleas, shrimp or clams. Enjoy the weekend with family and friends and hit the sand for some fun in the sun!

November 30, 2021
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Surf Fishing Report for the Cocoa Beach Area to Sebastian Inlet Florida

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

The latest surf fishing report is here! Surf fishing charters were put on hold for a few days last week due to the wave heights, wind and king tides. While the surfing was exceptional and enjoyed by us locals, the conditions for fishing left little to be desired. Improvements in the fishery came towards the latter part of the week when anglers had an effective opportunity to hit the sand. Pompano, whiting, bluefish, blacktip sharks and black drum made an impressive showing once the ocean settled.

Surf Fishing for Black Drum

As forecasted, these cold fronts are dropping the water temperature in a hurry. Throughout the week each day had a little more chill on the water, and now we’re reaching the ideal temperatures to see the real action. Pompano continued to be caught in both northern and southern regions of the county, but without the big numbers. If you have the patience, it surely will pay off with single-digit keeper pompano while releasing the numerous smalls. With this being said, the pompano that do measure are real winners and a satisfying achievement with current fishing conditions.

Surf Fishing in Cocoa Beach

The top baits of choice have been clams, sand fleas and shrimp. Specifically, the clams have performed very well in contrast to the shrimp and sand fleas. Not to mention, any of these scents can be utilized with Fishbites product to substitute for the scent profile you may be missing with your bait of choice. Pompano rigs with white and chartreuse floats seem to be particularly effective as of late. With the northerly winds forecasted for the early part of the week, expect water clarity conditions to continue to improve and adjust the color combinations as correlated. This method will be the most productive for pompano, whiting and black drum.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

While the above-mentioned tactics prove best for the higher pedigree table fare species, there’s plenty of opportunities for bluefish and mackerel as well. These toothy critters have been a constant available option no matter the surf size or winds present. Chunked baits or rapidly retrieved spoons will be the ticket to hook into bluefish and mackerel in the surf. First trough and slightly beyond seem to be holding the steady numbers with ladyfish and jack crevalle in the mix also.

Surf Fishing the Space Coast

The shark fishing has yet to diminish, and I don’t see an immediate end in sight. Multiple species of sharks with black tips being the main attraction have bent rods producing blistering runs for shark fishing enthusiasts. The transition period as the water temperatures drop have left vibrant waters teeming with sharks and fish alike. Beef up your tackle or expect plenty of breakoffs while targeting other species. The surf fishing waters encompassing the Space Coast are a competitive arena currently with a high probability of opportunistic sharks taking advantage of a hooked fish. So get out there, bait them up and reel them in quick!

November 16, 2021
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