Winter surf fishing has taken full effect here along the Space Coast. The usual cast of suspects have shown up in numbers and it looks to hold steady for sometime. Pompano, which are easily one of my favorite species to target, has been consistent for weeks now. This past week was slightly slower with a hit and miss mentality; one day they’re on, and the next day they’re not.
Tidal influence also played a tremendous role in our surf fishery. Certain days the surf fishing set on fire with the beginning of incoming or midway on the outgoing. Identifying a developing a pattern in the feeding habits will set your catch rates well above others. To do this, I recommend fishing often, at different tides and locations, providing the ability to identify trends with data collected.
Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters family fun fishing trips had parents, kids and grandparents alike reeling in the gold these last couple weeks. Pompano, large bull whiting, sheepshead, bluefish and redfish all hit the shores during our beach fishing trips. Pompano fishing creates a feeding frenzy of surf fisherman along our shores like no other fish species, but that doesn’t mean these other species don’t deserve a formidable mention. For instance, this week our customers were rewarded with healthy bull whiting exceeding 17-18 inches in length. Couple those with a handful of pompano and you’ve produced an exceptional winters day in the surf.
It’s no secret to tell — the word’s out about pompano season. Viewing the droves of people scattered across the county trying their luck is a clearly visible sign the madness ensues. Everybody from weekend warriors, snowbirds, recreational fisherman and commercial fisherman alike are fighting to claim their stake on pompano fortunes. It’s sometimes difficult to observe the setups and techniques of novice anglers in the surf. Surf fishing has very specific equipment purposely designed for the task at hand. If you’re just getting into the sport, then do yourself a favor and talk with an expert before spending money on fishing equipment that lacks effectiveness. Start with bait shops in the area or hire a guide to help you select appropriate surf fishing equipment and tackle. If you bring your seven foot river rod out with a 2-3 oz lead you simply don’t have the correct tools for the job, which results in less probability for success.
I recommend surf fishing equipment with rods ranging from 11-13 feet, paired with 6000-8000 series reels with lots of line capacity and 12-15lb monofilament line. Now at least your in the ballpark for reaching targeted areas of the surf where fish tend to concentrate. Fish Bites in shrimp flavor (pink and chartreuse) along with the sand flea and crab scent have been working well. Fish Bites tipped with sand flea or shrimp has continued to produce healthy results for pompano, whiting, and sheepshead.
If you want to learn how to surf fish on a professional level give us a call to book your trip. Our four hour comprehensive lessons will have you head and shoulders above the competition by days end. Good luck and get fishing!
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