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pompano surf fishing

Surf Fishing Brevard County

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Brevard county this past week brought with it a new variety of  species to lure. The cooling water temperatures brought in flounder,  redfish, bluefish, pompano and more. Finally the weather has diminished  for a sustained period of time bringing with it a cheerful holiday spirit to be  celebrated by all. After months of grueling easterly flows, dirty water and  seaweed galore the welcomed sight of calm seas and clean water is worth  cheering about. The winter surf fishing season has finally taken hold and  there’s no better time then now to get out and enjoy the offerings along  our coast.

Surf Fishing for Sheepshead

Surf Fishing for Sheepshead

This time of year is favored by many tried and true surf anglers for the  prestige of our famed pompano run. It’s finally underway and consistent  catches can be had by those who make the effort. Pompano fishing  tactics can be thorough or broad based on approach. Pompano  particularly require skill and patience, often times both simultaneously.  Fisherman will be seen littering the shores of the sun dotted Space Coast  waiting eagerly for the rods to bend. Persistence and study will be the key  to multiple banner days of surf fishing glory.

Surf Fishing Charters Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing Charters Cocoa Beach

Surf fishing anglers paying special attention to tides, water clarity and bait  concentration will find the most success. Pompano catches may fulfill your  inner fever for the species but don’t underestimate the other species that  accompany the season. Black drum, spanish mackerel, redfish and  flounder won’t be an uncommon beach catch. Pompano rigs remain the  go to choice for the above mentioned species, rigged with live or dead bait  tipped with Fish Bites. Look for sloughs, troughs and tidal rips to find  higher concentrations of predatory fish feeding. Work these zones with fresh clams, sand fleas, shrimp or lures to entice opportunistic fish.

Surf Fishing for Redfish

Surf Fishing for Redfish

December 14, 2020
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Countdown for Pompano

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Countdown for pompano continues for surf fishing anglers eagerly awaiting the pompano flood gates to open. Besides that, there’s still plenty to keep one entertained with tight lines and delicious table fare. The whiting fishing has been extremely productive with double digit catches of these delicious flaky morsels. Small pieces of fresh shrimp and live sand fleas have accounted for a steady twitch of the rod tip signifying a whiting on the line. While the whiting bite keeps you busy and gratified, there’s still plenty of productive shark fishing charters that have put a major bend in the rod for our clients.

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Pompano roaming our coastline were all but invisible on the multitude of days where the water clarity was trash. While we waited for northerly winds and subsiding seas to clean the quality up, it was a full on catfish bonanza for many frustrated beach fishing anglers. Bonnethead shark catches were another species to round out those tough fishing days along our coastline,not to mention all the various other species that have been chewing steady and keeping the species spectrum wide open. Species along the likes of blue runners, Atlantic croakers, jack crevalle, and bluefish had our family fun trips running with a steady assortment of fish.

Surf Fishing Charters Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing Charters Cocoa Beach

Apprehensively watching the upcoming weather patterns shift and temperatures drop has everything on the brink of busting loose. The major schools of pompano are still being caught in north Florida; but for a few savvy veterans, success has been found much closer to our Space Coast. With water temperatures getting below those magic thresholds, soon it shouldn’t be long until we finally see our silver and gold nuggets hitting our local beaches. As mentioned multiple times before, pompano rigs on a standard surf fishing setup with rods ranging from nine to twelve feet will suit the job. Make sure to use a variety of Fishbites colors and scents to key in on the choice for the day. Match this surf fishing rig with fresh shrimp, live sand fleas or clam, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Space Coast Surf Fishing

Space Coast Surf Fishing

Now, with all this talk of the pompano run coming. we did squeak out a few larger resident fish on our beach fishing charters last week. I had the pleasure of taking a few families with children out during the holiday week and saw their excitement of joining in the fun!! Guided beach fishing trips are a perfect way to bring the entire family together with multiple generations getting in on the action. Rounding out the week with a few pompano in the 15-17 inch class, redfish and whiting up to 18 inches can make amazing memories for all involved. I’m so grateful to live on the Space Coast and share my love of the beach and fishing experience to all generations to a world unknown to them previously. Make sure to invite any extended family or friends on your next surf fishing adventure. You never know the lasting impact it can have on the kids and families alike!

December 3, 2020
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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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