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sebastian inlet surf fishing report

Summertime Beach Fishing In Florida

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing ChartersNo Comments

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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Surf Fishing Along the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing along the Space Coast looks to remain strong with pompano, whiting, bluefish and flounder available on local area beaches. The sand renourishment projects will absolutely deteriorate the beach and surf fishing conditions, so make sure to stay clear of those “projects”. Additionally, the blacktip shark migration will be in full effect! So if chasing trophy sharks is in your wheelhouse then spring months have a lot to deliver.

Shark fishing Melbourne Beach

Pompano fishing looks to remain consistent if you can stay with the pockets of fish. As these fish charge back to the north we should get another shot at higher-quality pompano fishing. Although finding cleaner water will continue to hold the keys to success. Be sure to look for shades of blue and green waters with a translucent look when the waves roll through. Consequently, fish the edges of deep troughs and sandbars for the highest probability of finding a concentration of fish feeding.

Family Fun Surf Fishing

In addition to the pompano coming back through, we can celebrate the whiting bite that’s typically very good this time of year. Traditionally March and April have a phenomenal whiting bite of large bull whiting. This year has been on the slower side when compared to years past. Certainly, I’m looking for that to change for the better as we approach this spring fever and really get an opportunity for insane whiting bites.

The go-to rigging for pompano, bluefish, whiting and drum will remain the standard pompano rig with circle hooks, beads and floats. Using multiple color beads and floats is a sure fire bet to find the optimal color combination fish prefer that day or tide. Rig your pompano rigs with live sand fleas, cut shrimp, or clams for the best opportunity to catch pompano and whiting. With that being said if it’s bluefish you’re after then make sure to use chunks of fresh cut bait on the same pompano rigs with a heavier leader.

Surf Fishing Charters on the Space Coast

In conclusion, it looks to be an outstanding month of surf fishing from Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach south to Sebastian Inlet. Spring marks one of my favorite times of year because of the diversity on tap. With everything from pompano to blacktip sharks to catching flounder on jigging rods it’s a fun time to fish the beach. Make sure to get out there and spend time on the beach and surf fishing with the family. If you want to book a beach fishing excursion, then please contact us online or directly at 321-205-4672.

Family Fun Fishing in Melbourne, FL

March 16, 2023
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Surf Fishing Florida in January

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Florida in January delivered big catches after a hit-and-miss December that had many wondering if the fishing, conditions and weather would ever align. The previous weeks we’ve been blessed along the Space Coast with ideal surf fishing conditions, cooperating fish and pleasant weather. You can’t beat Florida this time of year when one can hit the sand and enjoy the spoils of the surf fishing species on tap. Everything from pompano, black drum, bluefish, whiting and sharks were active and frequently caught during our surf fishing charters and seminars.

Surf fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing for Pompano on the Space Coast

Florida pompano are clearly the talk of the town when it comes to surf fishing Brevard county beaches in the winter months. Anglers flock in droves to the Space Coast to try and catch this prestigious species. Known not only for the delicious table fare they provide, but also as a hard fighting fun species that can bend the rod and send surf fishing anglers into euphoria. For those that have been in a hot pompano bite they understand the pursuit of replicating those amazing memories day in and day out.

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach Florida

The key to catching pompano consistently has been the mastering and understanding of reading the water. After the hurricane in November many of the sandbars and troughs have shifted about throughout our region spanning from Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet. The technique of reading the troughs, run-outs and sandbars as a course study has directly resulted in those having success and others not as much. Fishing the different troughs and run outs throughout the region using Fishbites Clam and Crab scent has proven to be the hot ticket item on the Pompano palate. Fresh shrimp, sand fleas and clams in combination with the Fishbites and rigged on pompano rigs proves to be irresistible as of late.

Pompano isn’t all that’s on offer though as we’ve experienced a red hot month for catching black drum and bluefish. The black drum have ranged in size from undersize puppy drum to behemoth sizes pushing over 40lbs. Although you are allowed to retain one larger than 24”, I recommend releasing the large ones to sustain the fishery in addition to the fact they don’t taste well and commonly have worms when they grow larger. We’ve been catching the black drum on the same setups as used for the pompano fishing.

Surf fishing for black drum

Bluefish, as persistent as they may be, have offered a lot of relief for those looking to bend a rod and head home with somewhat of a guaranteed catch. Fresh shrimp, clams and chunked baits have accounted for most bluefish catches and the artificial lures used for them haven’t been quite as hot. This month I’ve seen a run of some of the largest bluefish hitting our shores as far as I can remember. Bluefish make a great fish jerky and for that reason we’ve kept most for the smoker, but be sure to bleed and get your fish on ice immediately for best results for table fare.

Surf fishing for blue fish

Shark Fishing in Brevard County

Lastly, the shark fishing charters spike way up once again in the previous weeks. December hit a bit of a slow spot but that seems to be in the rearview mirror. Blacktips have been the main shark species while shark fishing near Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach. Oftentimes when you lose your whiting or pompano catch on the retrieve you can attest that to the mighty blacktip. We’ve caught multiple blacktips in the last two weeks with surf angler pompano rigs attached as the sharks most likely ate your pompano or whiting on the retrieve. We’re always sure to untangle any remnants of anglers’ rigs and line and get the shark in its way in a hurry. Looks like another good week of surf fishing in the forecast so be sure to get out there and give a go. As a reminder, we’ll be running our monthly surf fishing seminar on February 11, 2023. If you’re interested in learning to surf fish like a pro then give us a call to book your spot. Everything is included in this 4 hour hands on seminar and we’ll be fishing during the interactive lessons. Look forward to seeing you there.

Shark fishing charters Cocoa Beach, FL

 

January 30, 2023
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Summer Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Currently, our surf fishing charters are catching whiting, pompano, catfish,  blacktip sharks, and jack crevalle with the occasional snook in the mix. The red slime that’s plagued our central east coast region stretches from Fort  Pierce to Cape Canaveral. This has definitely been the biggest factor impacting success of surf fishing anglers along the Space Coast. While many are deterred to battle with the slime there are fish available to catch for those determined few.

Space Coast Family Fun Fishing Charters

Whiting and pompano continue to show in spurts from Patrick Air Force  Base to Sebastian Inlet. Many of the pompano are undersize with a few keepers in the mix. The whiting are also relatively small compared to the bulls we get in the winter and spring. But with that being said, if you can put a catch together with a handful of whiting, croakers and one keeper pompano that’s a good day under the current conditions.

Fishbites, sandfleas and peeled shrimp have performed the best for the whiting, croakers and pompano. Pompano rigs with white and chartreuse floats have seemed to outperform the rest. Currently, the first and second trough have produced more exciting catches then beyond the sandbar. I  look for this trend to continue with the slime that’s taken over accompanied by the fact the bait fish are going to start pushing down the shoreline running in those inside waters.

Surf Fishing Charters Cocoa Beach Florida

Blast off with September surf fishing along the Space Coast. This time of year traditionally marks the beginning of the fall mullet run. Millions of  baitfish will be migrating down the shore lines and evading all the opportunistic predators along the way. Big snook and tarpon along with jack crevalle, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks will be a few of the species electrified by this phenomenon.

Melbourne Beach Surf Fishing

Surf fishing tactics may very from angler to angler depending on their experience and species targeting techniques. Live bait rigged with or without a weight is always a good choice when presenting to these nearshore water predators. Also using a fish finder rig or split shot can be effective in presenting your baits down in the strike zone if there’s high surf. Alternatively casting a diving plug, swim bait or bucktail along the first and second trough will ensure a high probability for success.

All in all it’s an exciting time of year to hit the beach for surf fishing. If we could see relief from the slime then that would make it that much better.

It’s challenging to fight through the slime and sargassum, but for those willing to put in the work rewards can be had. Whether your targeting whiting or pompano or catch and release sharks it’s all out there for the opportunistic and ambitious few. Good luck and have fun.

Snook Fishing Charters in Melbourne Beach

August 5, 2022
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Space Coast Surf Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

June surf fishing typically holds trophy catches for those looking for large snook and tarpon. While summertime surf conditions create a perfect scenario for these predatory species to roam the beaches feeding on baitfish. June, July, and August are personally my favorite times of the year to target them with live bait and artificial lures. Included with snook and tarpon we’ll see great catches of whiting, croakers and pompano.

Summer Snook Fishing

With that being said the shark fishing will continue a great addition to anyone looking at hooking blacktip sharks as well. The name of the game during the summer months is to get out early or later when the temperatures aren’t scorching hot. These feeding periods will consist of snook and tarpon crashing baitfish in the first and second trough.

Shark Fishing Charters in Cocoa Beach

Live baitfish including mullet and croakers either freelined or rigged with a split shot generally see the most success. Although another great way of targeting snook or tarpon will be to enact the use of swim baits, bucktails or suspended plugs casting diagonally to the shore with a steady retrieve. It’s worth mentioning that large breeding snook along with tarpon should be handled with care and to emphasize a quick release with minimal exposure out of the water.

 

Pompano fishing this time of year usually doesn’t make the headlines but it’s worth noting that our resident pompano will be out in force. The key to having success will be those surf fishing anglers willing to seek out the clean water and runouts. Surf fishing near Melbourne Beach north to Cocoa Beach should have tight concentrations of fish throughout the Space Coast region.

Summer Space Coast Pompano Fishing

Pompano rigs with shrimp or clam flavored Fishbites combined with live sandfleas or fresh peeled shrimp will have the most fortune. By far the most active species during the summer months are whiting and croakers. At times the bite can make for nonstop action reeling one in after another, often with two on at once. A great way to repurpose the croakers are to rig them on a live bait rig with a fish finder setup on a one to two ounce sliding weight and recast in the first trough.

 

Beach fishing charters catching loads of whiting make for a great family fun experience and on top of that whiting make phenomenal table fare. Everyone that hits the shore looks like a fish taco to me. In conclusion look for the weeks and months ahead to consider heading to the beach for surf fishing fun. Diversified setups with pompano rigs and live bait rigs will have you covering all your bases for snook, tarpon, whiting, croakers and pompano.

Family Fun Surf Fishing Charters

If your feeling extra ambitious get a large chunked bait rigged up for the shark fishing scene that is sure to be a hit. Get out on the shore before work or after work to enjoy the height of this summer surf fishing season.

June 4, 2022
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Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

pompano bag

Shore fishing charters didn’t disappoint while surf fishing the Space Coast last week. Pompano, whiting, bluefish, Jack crevalle and croakers galore kept the lines tight. The red slime that has infiltrated the coastline is much of a nuisance, as one could imagine, making it difficult at times to effectively fish a diversified setup of beach fishing equipment.

pompanos

Pompano fishing continues the spring run with catches coming in bunches of paired fish. Needless to say, most pompano were caught roaming the outer edges of the surf zone with the water color change. The outer surf zone on the sandbar or beyond also has less slime and seaweed. The size of the pompano caught diminished from the giants weeks prior, but still are healthily in the keeper range.

3 pomps

On certain days it seemed impossible to keep a line in the water long enough to catch the desired pompano or whiting. The croakers flooded every section of the water and could be caught two or three at once. It’s fun to catch something, but at times it absolutely becomes an annoying nuisance reeling them in and having to re-bait. The croakers also roamed in cohorts with bonnethead sharks and seemed to move in and then off the bite, relieving the flurries. Those were the times when the targeted species had an opportunity to find one’s bait.

flounder

Preferred baits for the prior weeks consisted of peeled shrimp, sand fleas and Fishbites. Although we’re still lacking the clusters of sand fleas our area is prone to, there are a few around. The mid-tide coming off high tide has worked best for finding live sand fleas. With that being said, our fishing charters are finding plenty of production with fresh shrimp and fishbites rigged solo by a pompano rig.

beach

Consistent with the season, shark fishing charters brought smiles all around last week. Blacktip sharks and lemon sharks made up the majority of catches. Fresh chunked bait deployed in the first and second trough made short work of the incredibly resilient sharks. Never ceasing to amaze one in the fierce battling capabilities with violent head shakes and blistering runs, these catch-and-release species truly do make for a catch of a lifetime. Be sure to get out and enjoy the surf fishing on hand as it’s a lively time of year to catch!

April 27, 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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Surf Fishing South Melbourne Beach

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Let the games begin as we’ve seen our pompano run reignite along with the other typical cast of characters. Bluefish, whiting, Jack crevalle and black drum are being caught surf fishing from Cocoa Beach down to South Melbourne Beach. This month continues to deliver consistent results when hitting the beach to soak baits. As is typical with any fishing, certain days produce more than others, but it’s been optimistic seeing a steady stream of our target species hitting the sand.

Pompano Surf Fishing in Melbourne Beach

Without a doubt, the bluefish has been the predatory fish that established its dominance in these winter months. No matter the day, we’ve seen these species frequently caught on our beach fishing charters. Throwing gotcha lures or spoons with a light to medium action spinning rod makes for an interactive experience while soaking pompano rigs. Our fishing clients have also been catching them on the pompano rigs mainly on the orange floats with sand fleas and Fishbites combination or rigged with small pieces of fresh chunked bait.

Bluefish Surf Fishing in Cocoa Beach, FL

As mentioned before, the excitement of seeing a dependable pompano bite has brought smiles all around on our family fishing trips. Kids and parents alike jump for joy when landing these highly sought-after species. With blitzing strikes and a continued tug of war to the shore it’s no wonder the feeling of catching pompano is intoxicating for all parties involved. The key this week has been to find the clear water with heavy runouts and use the combination of green crab flavored Fishbites and the white clam flavored along with fresh peeled shrimp or sand fleas. These surf fishing charters near Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach have produced multiple keeper pompano throughout the week.

Surf Fishing for Whiting at the Sebastian Inlet

Now for my personal favorite, the whiting bite continues to hold steady but hasn’t caught fire quite yet. I’m anticipating and expecting the whiting fishing from the beach to get hot and heavy very soon. With a series of cold fronts predicted the water temperatures should continue to drop spurring the run of bigger and more numerous whiting reaching our Space Coast region. The whiting currently are holding steady and multiple days were reaching double digits while fishing the Brevard County beaches, but it just hasn’t hit that extra gear yet.

Space Coast Family Fun Surf Fishing Charters

Even with all the busyness taking place with our fish species we were still finding plenty of shark fishing success. Blacktips are the most commonly caught this time of year, and they are absolutely in full swing off of our coastal Florida waters. With their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs make sure to have tackle to match with heavy leader or steel wire. Live baits have been preferable this week for catching sharks off the beach, but fresh chunked bait still yields results. Hit the beach and surf fishing Florida no matter where you are as this time of year delivers thrills for all.

January 22, 2022
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