drum and sheepshead

I’ll dive straight into this report: Cape Canaveral and the northern beaches of Cocoa Beach have been teeming with the highest quality fish I’ve seen in the past week. It’s been quite remarkable, especially when compared to the catches from Melbourne and Sebastian beaches.

Somehow, the tide, currents, and winds have sculpted an impressive trough that’s been a hotbed for fish. And we’re not talking about just any small fish, but the kind that are worth bragging about! From black drum to redfish, pompano, and big bluefish, the variety is stunning. While I can’t guarantee catches, after all, it’s fishing, the chances of landing a substantial meal seem higher along the northern shores of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach right now. Standard pompano rigs with triangle leads have been particularly effective. In terms of colors, pink and sand flea hues have been most successful. Do not forget your Fishbites in the Electric Chicken shrimp color; the fish have been choosy, so ensuring you have the correct tackle and bait is crucial.

The water temperature has risen slightly to around 65-69 degrees on most beaches, which should, in turn, stimulate the bite across the board. We’re looking at predominantly west winds this week, with mild air temperatures and a pleasant swell, except for Tuesday night through Wednesday evening. The trough should remain deeper along the Canaveral area and Cocoa Beach, so giving it a try won’t hurt. After all, you’ve got to find the fish, right? Stick to the basics of locating washouts and areas where calm and turbulent waters meet.

I’ve been fine-tuning my approach to fishing these past couple of weeks, so stop by the shop to discover what I’ve learned. Tight lines, and have a fantastic week!