South Florida, here! Super stoked to have a welcome arrival of pomps in the Hutchinson Island region. Northern fronts and the ground seas from offshore tropical depressions have surprisingly brought our resident fish to our beaches. A plus, plus for the ultra light jigging community — pomps, lady fish and jacks have found a home at the Stuart and Jensen relief bridges.

South Florida surf fishing is on! Prior to this Arctic front our resident fish showed strong on Hutchinson Island. The pomps ranged from two to three pounds. Strong onshore winds and falling water temps provided the stimulus. The best fishing was early morning and late afternoon. The key was 2 hours before the high tides. The rougher seas provided creamy water which provided safety from the huge population of predators. The creamy water is derived from suspended replenishment sand.

The opportunity is here and the surf fishing has been great! Jensen Beach north to Ft. Pierce Inlet are open, but Martin County south remains closed. Please follow the guidelines! No coolers, blankets, towels or umbrellas, and maintain practices of social distancing. Any appearance that violates these rules will involve warnings. A lot of folks are thankful and will remind you to not blow this opportunity for others.

No winters are predictable in Florida. What tail end of which Jetstream dip will enter our space next? The clash of highs and lows. The aftermath of an Artic Front. Rip currents pushing bodies of cold water south. These all make for some tough equations for a surf fisherman to encounter.

As the water transitioned from muddy to transparent brown, the first responders found residence (again, from somewhere north)! Big bluefish were predatorily consuming finger mullet and inanimate shiny objects that were cast anywhere close to them; jacks and ladyfish also present, chasing after glass minnows.

I have coordinated my fishing trips around the New Moon with the next one being Oct.27th. The solunar cycle surveys this day as an all-day potential bite. Of course, forecasting with only that in mind defies cooperation from the weather. A positive menu would include a ENE 10 to 15 breeze, a polite 2′ to 4′ sea and a stable or falling barometer. Additionally, knowing the water temp at different beaches is truly advantageous!

Has surf fishing improved post Dorian? Absolutely! It’s not nuts yet, but it is improving as the suspended mud transcends to acceptable hues of blues. The strategies vary amongst anglers.

The Icebreaker Arrives in the Steamy South! Pompano, croakers and droves of bonefish make the first inshore journey of the Summer. Pompano, croakers and droves of bonefish make the first inshore journey of the Summer. Baits of choice include blanched fleas, brined fresh shrimp and Fish Bites (clam and sand flea flavored in orange color). Fluorocarbon leaders in crystal clear waters are imperative. I suggest 1/0 offset circle hooks and 30 lb. rated terminal tackle.

With the heavy easterly winds the entire coast has been burdened with Sargasso. Many are under the notion that the pompano season is over. These are fisherman of habit. They haunt specific beaches and find comfort with an area that has been productive on occasion. Perhaps they have a friend they pal with and they always meet there. Naturally, fishing isn’t always catching. Sooner or later, the heat and the seaweed declare an end to the season.

The Pink Full Moon, also named the Harvest Moon, has always marked the signature month for pompano! The Algonquin tribes named moons after natural activities that occurred during its appearance. The pink connotation related to the showering colors of spring flowers, while the Harvest Moon related to the annual shad spawning in Michigan and other northeastern streams.

Rocking the pompano using Native Salt Clams — you are going to want to get some of this bait!