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sebastian inlet surf fishing report

Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

The latest Space Coast surf fishing report continues to check all the boxes whether fishing in the surf or from a boat. Snook, redfish, tripletail and cobia have been available to nearshore anglers. Local fishing charters haven’t seen a shortage of action with big redfish and shark fishing highlighting the majority of family fishing trips near Port Canaveral and Sebastian Inlet. I had the opportunity to take a few guests out this week to participate in the nearshore action. Bending a rod this time of year relegates the question of not when, but what is tugging? With the target species comes a smorgasbord of “bycatch” including ladyfish, sharks, jack crevalle, ribbon fish and blue runners. Make sure to stockpile plenty of bait as it can go fast and furious when the bite is on.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf fishing the beaches surprised most anglers with a fresh pulse of pompano hitting our coastline. Varying locations along area beaches was essential to finding denser concentrations on any given day. Once again, the key to making these decisions relates to the information an angler may obtain. Real-time observations of water clarity, fishing reports, tides and bait concentrations are key. Cocoa Beach charters caught plenty of fish early in the week as well as Patrick Air Force Base beaches, only for it to slow as the week progressed. If you’re not catching, then move. Simple as that. Fishing near Sebastian Inlet, Melbourne Beach, and Indiatlantic found a more consistent bite throughout the week from start to finish. Pompano, whiting, mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, jack crevalle and blue runners terrorized surf fishing rigs daily.

Surf Fishing for Sharks in the Space Coast

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Shark fishing charters and shark fishing from the beach remain to be hands down out of this world extraordinary. It’s as good as it gets for shark fishing the beaches locally. The majority of trips taken this week have seen easily identifiable signs of sharks of various sizes cruising in the inner surf zones. Targeting sharks from the shoreline with the most common catches being sandbar shark, black tip sharks, nurse, lemon and spinner sharks. These sport fish provide a rod bending, drag-screaming experience for family fun trips or serious individual anglers alike. Make sure to put in due diligence before tackling this sport as there are FWC requirements to abide by as well as safety guidelines that should be followed closely.

Fall Mullet Run Update

Space Coast Surf Fishing Report

Surf Fishing for Whiting

The fall mullet run has been hit and miss the last week. One day tons of bait can be constantly flooding down the beaches, and the next day one school may swim by in a few hours. With that being said, come with a structured game plan in mind. Understand the need to acquire live bait in the lagoon or at a local bait shop, which will guarantee having it available in the surf. With the inconsistencies taking place, it’s a smart decision to make. Use the live baits in the first trough rigged on a fish finder rig or free lined. Methodically working these areas will produce catches of snook, Spanish mackerel, redfish and bluefish. Get out there and get tight before it’s all over!

October 27, 2020
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Surf Fishing Brevard County

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing Brevard County beaches delivered mixed results last week. The biggest factors affecting catches were contributed to water clarity and seaweed. The first half of the week seemed to provide more challenging conditions than the last few days with a favorable forecast continuing into next week. Multiple species ranging from sharks, snook, pompano, bluefish, catfish, whiting, ladyfish, mackerel, jack crevalle and tarpon. It really has been variable day to day with what species are available and roaming on our coasts.

Cocoa Beach Shark Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing for Sharks

Shark fishing charters delivered stellar results the past few weeks with large concentrations of baitfish and predatory fish on the hunt. Beach fishing for sharks with live bait and dead chunk baits have been the key to success. Shark fishing Port Canaveral to the south of Sebastian Inlet has been red hot. Make sure to come prepared for battle with beefed up tackle that can hold up to the pressure of these predators of the sea. Surf fishing equipment for sharks include braided line in the 40-80 lb. range with large capacity spinning reels or conventional open-face tackle. Implementing wire leaders and strong circle hooks for hook set placement and survival rates upon release are a must. Ensure you handle sharks cautiously and safely for a healthy return to the sea.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Pompano fishing is soon to heat way up for our Central East Coast beaches. Keep an eye on that water temp for the big schools to show. This week our beach fishing charters caught tons of undersized pompano with 10-20% of those catches being over the legal limit in the 12-15 inch class fish. As difficult as it was to land keeper size fish, a percentage of those catches were attacked on the way in by bluefish and sharks. It’s absolutely a predatory world out there right now with an eat or be eaten mentality.

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing

While the main topics of discussion are shark fishing and pompano, there is plenty of rod-bending action to keep you busy in the surf. The whiting bite hasn’t disappointed with a consistency that keeps the white meat hitting the coolers. Along with the prominent table fare species, the frequency of bluefish, jack crevalle, ladyfish and mackerel have kept the action nonstop.

Snook fishing took a slight dip this week from previous weeks but that shouldn’t be a pattern that holds steadily as we continue with our fall mullet run. Pulses come and go and with these major migrations it’s up to the angler to keep a beat on when the waves of bait are rolling through. These mullet are easily attainable with a cast net and have resulted in the vast majority of snook, tarpon and flounder catches in the surf. Preferably fishing around a tide change at the end of high and beginning of low seems to provide the best results. Make a game plan to get out to go surf fishing in Brevard County and participate in this rich seasonal fishery!

October 12, 2020
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East Coast Fall Mullet Run

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

East Coast Fall Mullet Run

The fall mullet run along Florida’s east coast is in full effect. The anticipation of this annual migration has been fulfilled, with anglers in multiple fisheries rejoicing, particularly for surf fishing anglers with shoreline access to world class sport fishing. Beach fishing for tarpon, snook, redfish and sharks will reward those willing to invest the time. Surf fishing Port Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet at any beach access with diving birds and exploding mullet will result in your best luck.

surf fishing for tarpon east coast fall mullet run

Surf Fishing for Tarpon

Surf fishing reports in the southern region covering Indialantic to Sebastian Inlet have seen multiple species being caught in a day. Spanish mackerel, pompano, ladyfish and whiting catches have been phenomenal when the water clarity provides green and blue waters. Casting in the first or second trough along with the outer bar with Fishbites and sand fleas continue to see success. On certain days, I recommend having fresh dead shrimp as well as clams to diversify the scent combinations. Sheepshead, drum and croakers will be commonly caught near beaches with structure and water flow.

Utilizing the use of the dead stick rods rigged for smaller table fare will be a valuable tactic for current water conditions this week. With that being said, the name of the game these next couple weeks is the mullet run. Unlike any other period of the year, it’s absolutely electric where the vibrant waters meet our shoreline where you’ll commonly see snook, jack crevalle, sharks and tarpon crashing schools of bait at the edge of your feet. Fishing around a fuller tide will bring these species right along the beach within the casting range of any particular setup. From 7-foot rods rigged with a 2000-4000 series reel up to your 6000-8000 series reels on 8- to 12-foot rods. Depending on the target species, come prepared with enough breaking strength on your surf fishing equipment or be prepared to be spooled by a big shark or tarpon.

east coast fall mullet run pompano

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing

Surf Fishing Tips

Predatory species abound makes it an all-exciting moment to stalk the surf. Multiple gamefish including the prized snook and tarpon can be caught consistently with a free-lined mullet or croaker. Hook sizes and styles vary situationally, relying on a 4/0-6/0 circle hook will have you prepared for any sports fish besides a big shark. Work the inside deep water troughs before and after a high tide for optimal range with the surf fishing rigs mentioned. Casting swim baits, diving plugs or jigs will also be very successful during this bait run.

The last week has been red hot with near term conditions looking prime as well. The next couple weeks should be seized upon for any surf fishing anglers interested in big bites and big fish. Find the bait and you’ll find the fish! Get out there and good luck.

October 8, 2020
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Fall Mullet Run on the Space Coast

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf fishing rigs like pompano rigs or knocker rigs have been on fire this last week. Fishing from the beach with these rigs has delivered a wide variety of species leaving fisherman to ponder what could be next. This event is a direct result of the fall mullet run appearing right on time. Predatory species such as snook, tarpon, jack crevalle and sharks can be caught fishing the tightly packed bait pods moving along the beaches from Port Canaveral to north of Sebastian Inlet.

Surf Fishing Tips

Targeting the above-mentioned gamefish can be accomplished with live bait worked on a jig head, knocker rig, fish finder rig or free lined. Catching mullet with a 5-7 foot cast right from the shore of the beach makes it possible for even a novice angler especially during the Fall mullet run. Bring a bait bucket with aeration to keep your live bait alive and well. Live bait fishing from the beach can be an extremely rewarding tactic. Jumping tarpon from the shore never disappoints. The distinct thump of a snook inhaling the restricted bait will send your heart rate through the roof. These exciting surf fishing opportunities are here today, and I strongly recommend preparing with the proper tools for the specific species on hand. If you’re curious about surf fishing equipment or surf fishing setups, please give us a call for recommendations, or visit your local tackle shop for professional advice.

Surf Fishing for Mutton Snapper

Pompano fishing still has provided the table fare for the patient and motivated anglers willing to find the best conditions. Sand fleas have been plentiful still with more positive results on a higher tide. Along with the pompano, fishing charters this last week were reeling in blue fish, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, whiting and even a mutton snapper. Yes, you heard that correct. Although it’s more of a seldom catch fishing the shore, it definitely wasn’t the first time it’s occurred.

Understanding Surf Fishing Conditions

The immense presence of baitfish, including glass minnows, pogies and mullet has predator fish from all depths getting in on the action. Finding the right rip currents, eddies and troughs between sandbars will define your success. Understand what the fish like in a certain area or condition and attempt to repeat the positive results by mimicking that approach. The sand along our Space Coast beaches is in constant influx, so do the proper reconnaissance to find the hidden gems at a location perhaps outside of your normal hunting ground!

September 12, 2020
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East Coast Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

The latest Central East Coast Surf Fishing Report: This is the season for motivated anglers to pounce on the numerous opportunities our local waters have to offer. Currently we’re seeing a bit of deviation from traditional years past. The fall mullet run should be showing signs of a push. Unfortunately, we have yet to see any significant mullet migrations down the Central East Coast of Florida. With that being said, this could change at any moment. Continue to keep a pulse on when the mullet does arrive. It’s one of my favorite seasonal fisheries, ripping into a ton of fish on bait or artificial. A ton of fun!

Surf Fishing Tips

Last week saw a smattering of whiting, pompano, blue fish, spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle fishing the beach. Certain days this week during surf fishing charters we’ve had double digits whiting catches along with a handful of pompano, and Spanish mackerel and ladyfish topping off the day’s catch. Knowing this, it’s a good idea to strategize for the plethora of species to be hooked. Dead sticking using pompano rigs with Fishbites in combination with sand fleas, clams, or shrimp is a generally universal approach to cover the spectrum.

Central East Coast Surf FishingThe Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish can be caught using a variety of tactics. Along with dead sticking, a very effective tactic is to employ the use of artificial lures. Surf fishing equipment can be quite diversified when you gain the understanding of species targeting. For casting artificial lures such as gotcha lures or spoons, I recommend using a 2000-4000 series reel with 10-20lb braid and 30-40lb fluorocarbon with a trace of light wire for the mackerel. One can get away without the wire, but be warned, you’re going to lose a few lures to these toothy critters. For the cautious approach, the trace wire will protect your investment, while sacrificing a few extra bites due to the visibility.

East Coast Surf Fishing for Tarpon

Central East Coast surf fishing for Tarpon are in full swing currently from the north end all the way down to the south end of Brevard County. An effective method of finding a workable area is to drive to various accesses and look for diving birds. Once you locate the bait and bird piles, then make use of a kayak, canoe, or paddle board to access the frenzy. Lots of options exist for feeding fish, but a tried and true method of slow trolling a live mullet, menhaden or pogie will ensure best results. Recommended fishing tackle consist of larger spinning reels from 4000-6000 series. Match that with 20-60lb braid and a 3-6 foot fluorocarbon leader. Circle hooks are a must for this fishery as well. Being a catch-and-release sports fish makes it that much more important to safely catch, handle and release a strong fish. Whether it be by shore or small vessel, now is an amazing time to explore the various fisheries while good weather persists. Get out there and get tight!

September 7, 2020
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Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Surf Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

The fishing report for Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet has taken a turn for the worse. Contradictory to the conditions that were celebrated through the first half of July, conditions have diminished dramatically due to compounding factors of wind, water clarity and seaweed. The seaweed issue makes it nearly impossible to get fish on the line efficiently. Surf fishing with wind, waves and other obstacles can be overcome with various rigging and persistence. Bottom line, the seaweed makes it difficult to keep a line wet, but not impossible.

Pompano fishing has fallen way off due to the conditions mentioned above. On a positive note, we are still catching them sporadically on a daily basis while running beach fishing charters. The welcoming sight of a symbolic pompano strike excites all parties, including beachwalkers! Lots of undersized pompano continue to be caught. Oversize keeper pompano will be mixed in the same areas, just keep fishing through the shorts.

Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Surf Fishing with Live Bait

Live sand fleas continue to be accessible on the entire Brevard County shorelines. Take your sand flea rake on a falling tide for best results. Look for the V-shaped ripples in the wash zone to depict a group. Approach cautiously, as they are sensitive to pressure. Dig into the sand on the oceanside end of the school and let the retreating waves wash them into your rake. Catching live bait increases your catch tremendously. Combine live sand fleas with Fishbites in the shrimp and crab flavor for best results.

Tips on Surf Fishing for Snook

Snook fishing has fallen off as well only because of the mats of seaweed and dirty water in the trough. Once again, they’re there but be prepared for unruly conditions dragging in mats of weeds on every cast. If you have the time and the patience, don’t be discouraged, but understand that’s what it’s going to take during these times. Deploy a live croaker where the edges of the beach fall off. Walk with your bait and the current direction to increase time of effective presentation. Dead sticking in the rod holders will diminish the bottom time on baits with the debris collecting more rapidly. Lures will be difficult to retrieve in the trough as well, recommend live bait tactics.

Tropical storms and hurricanes will dictate surf fishing conditions over the coming months. Take every opportunity to get out there regardless. When the conditions are prime, make sure to go earlier, often and fish longer. Inevitably, this time of year will consist of extended periods of sustained wind and waves. So make a plan to keep a pulse on the conditions for favorable opportunities. Snook, pompano, whiting and croaker will continue to be caught inconsistently until the water clarity and seaweed retreat. Look for a window of light winds and calm currents to settle the ocean and give us something better to work with. Challenging times, but so worth the thrill of the prize!

Check back every week for the latest surf fishing report for Cocoa Beach!

August 7, 2020
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Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Report

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

The latest Cocoa Beach surf fishing report.

Snook fishing Florida has gone wild these last couple of weeks! The Central East Coast of Florida has been having epic conditions for hooking a snook in the surf. Snook catches from Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet are red hot. Tactics for surf fishing rigs, including pompano rigs combined with Fish Bites and sand fleas, accounting for an incredible amount of trophy snook. Your chance of hooking a pompano or snook and other species, by using diversified bait setups, should remain successful through the next few weeks until the large bait fish runs start to infiltrate Florida beaches.

Surf Fishing for Snook

Targeting Snook While Surf Fishing

Traditionally, targeting snook in the surf requires live bait or artificial lures. With that being said,these line-siders haven’t shied away from the classic dropper loop rig with pompano floats and sand fleas. Analyzing the stereotypical surf fishing equipment to adjust for the opportunity at hand. Store bought surf fishing rigs lack the increased terminal tackle required. Inherently leading to many failed attempts at landing a big snook. Surf fishing equipment consisting of anything less than 30lb fluorocarbon leader will increase the probability of a missed opportunity.Make sure to confirm the terminal tackle of store-bought rigs or simply tie your own. YouTube has many great videos teaching a universal surf fishing setup. Customizing hook size and leader distance allows the individual angler to dial in the tackle.

 

Snook fishing Florida from the surf can be accomplished in various forms. As discussed in prior reports, live bait, artificial lures or dead chunk bait. With so many fish around at the moment, it’s more important now just to get out there and get bait in the water. Live croakers and mullet hooked in the back with a split shot or free lined have accounted for the majority of snook catches. Artificial swim baits and diving plugs allow the angler to cover more area and have also resulted in a hefty percentage of fish.

Family fun surf fishing excursions!

In regards to the first two traditional methods comes the standard pompano rig:

The dropper loop surf rig tipped with Fish Bites and sand flea has been knocking them down the last two weeks. As mentioned in the introduction, this pattern doesn’t seem to be slowing down until the bait runs begin. Until they start keying in on different food sources, this pattern will continue. Making this an incredible time for the surf fishing angler. Deploy any or all the methods listed above to make a memorable catch from the surf. There’s nothing fancy to consider, just take the initiative to get out there and get fishing! You may be surprised by what you bring in!

Surf fishing from Cocoa Beach to Sebastian Inlet!

July 20, 2020
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Space Coast Surf Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Space Coast surf fishing in Florida over the last week has been impressive around the state. From the Gulf Coast to the East Coast surf fishing anglers are reaping the rewards. Pompano catches continue to impress for this seasonal time period. In addition to the pompano fishing, there’s been consistent catches of big snook, whiting and sharks. Pick a target species to have the proper surf fishing gear required for the task at hand.

Surf Fishing for Snook

Typically, this time of year, Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters runs a multi-rod setup to acquire the smattering of species available. Based on beach fishing charters this last week, we have half the rods dedicated to pompano, whiting, sheepshead and drum. The remainder of our surf fishing rigs are dedicated to predatory species like snook, redfish, flounder and sharks.

This approach can lead to the most effective way of targeting the diversity of fish available. Snook fishing the beach from Sebastian Inlet north to Patrick Air Force base has been red hot. If you’ve ever dreamed of hooking into a large snook, now is the time! Surf casting a live bait rig for these giants has yielded astonishing results. Mullet and croakers, which can be caught in the surf and hooked onto a live bait rig, has been the ticket to success. With extremely calm summer surf conditions, a variety of rods can be easily maintained due to the lack of wind and current. Cast live bait rigs into the deepest part nearest to the shoreline referred to as the trough. With the use of a 40-60lb Fluorocarbon leader with a 4/0 to 6/0 circle attached is a must.

Surf Fishing for Pompano

Proper Snook Handling

With that being said, always match the size of the bait to the hook size to correlate. These giant Snook are out of season currently so make sure to have a healthy landing and clean release. Don’t take them out of the water too long and always support the belly with your other hand. Also be careful of the gill plate on the side of the head, which can act as a serrated blade causing deep lacerations if improperly handled.

There’s no telling how long this exceptional opportunity will exist. Visit your local bait shops like Black Dog Bait and Tackle or Man Overboard Bait and Tackle for the most recent trends in the bite. If there was anytime to attempt a grand slam of surf fishing, now is the time to go surf fishing in the Space Coast area!

Pompano Surf Fishing Charters

Prepare surf fishing equipment at home prior to the planned day so everything will be in order for success. Fish Bites, sand fleas, and shrimp for the pompano and whiting fishing have been the ticket. Dedicate the other rods with a fish finder rig with the live baits mentioned above. Then hang on and have fun!

Captain Lukas
To plan a fishing charter, please call: 321-205-4672

July 13, 2020
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Pompano Fishing Florida

Pompano Fishing Florida

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Pompano fishing Florida beaches came back with a fury last week along with multiple other target species. What more could one ask for during a beach fishing excursion in the middle of the summer? Surf fishing anglers rejoiced as the wind and seas finally subsided from the first half of June that brought with it unfavorable conditions. With that being said, water clarity improved and swells settled. This, in turn, created a phenomenal opportunity to get out there and do some pompano fishing or snook fishing. These headliner target species definitely are the main attraction for most. But let’s not forget about the supporting cast that was also firing off.

Pompano fishing Florida

Pompano fishing Florida

Surf fishing charters near Sebastian Inlet north to Satellite Beach produced great catches of pompano, whiting, margate, croakers and snook. Family fun for everyone when the bite gets this hot. If you have any impatient anglers that are difficult to wrestle into a day of beach fishing, now is the perfect time. Take a kid fishing to provide him nonstop reeling action with a blitzing croaker and whiting bite. Greatly benefiting from the lack of distance from shore, makes it an accessible and exciting fishery for families. Use Fish Bites, shrimp or sand flea for best results.

Pompano fishing Florida – inherently a fall through spring fishery with the occasional resident fish hanging around the Central East Coast. This year has more to offer for the shore fishing anglers willing to put in the work. Surf fishing reports from Indiatlantic to Sebastian Inlet produced pompano catches in the double digits last week. This uncommon event should be celebrated and seized upon. With that being said, get the surf fishing equipment together, round up the family, hit the the beach for fun in the sun!

 

Surf Fishing Pompano

Surf Fishing Pompano

Sebastian Inlet Pompano Fishing

Sebastian Inlet Pompano Fishing

July 5, 2020
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Florida Beach Fishing

Florida Beach Fishing

By Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters

Florida beach fishing report along the Central East Coast has been touch and go this past week. While the rainy weather snubbed out a lot of days, when chance has presented itself, rewarding opportunities have been found. Rain and easterly wind created murky water for surf fishing from Cocoa Beach to the Sebastian Inlet, however, anglers have been doing well catching fish that don’t rely on optimal water clarity.

Beach fishing charters and individual anglers are catching sheepshead, margate, whiting and snook. The beauty of fishing from the shore is that you never know what’s going to grab hold and bend your rod. Be ready for anything and have a mixed bag of bait and presentations. The majority of “dead stick” fishermen with rods in pole holders have been consistently catching margate and sheepshead on the rocky beaches of Central Brevard County. Bait of choice are fiddler crabs, fish bites, sand fleas and peeled shrimp. Dedicate time to observe the structure off the beach before casting surf fishing equipment. The majority of concentrated catches will come from areas where large rock ledges drop off on the west side of the shelf. Casting accuracy plays a vital role in your rate of success for catching or snagging rocks and losing surf fishing rigs. Properly positioned pompano rigs with extra small hooks combined with the bait mentioned above will increase your probability of snagging one of these sought after species.

Snook fishing in Florida this time of year heats up at a feverish pace. If you’ve always wanted to land a beast snook in the surf, now is the time to gear up. Surf fishermen are reporting catches from the north end of the county near Cocoa Beach south to the Sebastian Inlet. While fishing near Melbourne Beach provided some hot snook reports, catching a snook this time of year will depend on how much time you dedicate, as well as the snook fishing rigs you utilize.

Highly successful anglers are employing snook fishing rigs that combine live bait with mobility. This approach allows you to present a live croaker, mullet or pin fish naturally while covering larger areas of shoreline. Recommended surf fishing equipment and snook fishing rigs for this task would be to combine a 7.5 – 8’ medium to medium heavy action rod, 4000-6000 thousand series reel, 20-40 pound braided line tied to a 2-3 foot, 30-50 pound fluorocarbon leader, followed with a 2/0-5/0 live bait hook or circle hook depending on bait size. Use this snook rig to walk up and down the beach deploying your live bait into the first few yards of the shoreline. Focus on fishing the trough and current run-outs for maximum effectiveness. These ambush predators use these areas to lay and wait for opportunity. Fishing Florida beaches with this snook fishing tackle will allow you the possibility of hooking a trophy fish. Good luck!

Florida Beach Fishing

Florida Beach Fishing

 

June 18, 2020
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