I got through April without catching one Spring Breaker or any others of the two legged spices. I consider that a successful month and noted that in my fishing log book. The regulars and weekend anglers caught black drum, sheepshead and whiting throughout the month. Additionally, schools of Spanish mackerel made several runs up and down our beaches and the anglers with short rods (8 -10
ft ) and silver jigs had some great action.
May is a transitional month into summer and also the start of the Annual Sea Turtle Nesting Season (May 1st to October 31st) along our Brevard County Beaches. This is a special time when Brevard surf anglers, walkers, visitors, and families can all see nature at its best. Loggerhead, Green and Leatherback Sea Turtles come ashore and lay their eggs where we fish and play. As the season progresses, we should be able to stand on any crossover to the beach and count the number of mother sea turtles that have come out of the water the previous night. The sea turtles leave a trail as they crawl up the beach to the dune line, dig a hole with their flippers and lay some 100 eggs, then cover the ânow nestâ and leave another trail as they return to the sea. This Annual Sea Turtle Nesting event along our Brevard Coast Line is one of natureâs mysteries. To help us solve this great mystery the Barrier Island Center is hosting Turtle Walks in June and July. Read below for information and registration.
Tip: âMay Fishing Tacticsâ
One, walk the beach with a 7/8 foot rod and reel with a few hard plastic lures in the floating(popping) and sinking (sub surface) variety for fishing close to shore on a rising tide. I like to park at the beach, taking rod/reel and a small back pack with just what I think Iâll need for the outing. I practice as I fish with each of the lures trying to improve my presentation and targeting skills.
Note: Wash the lures off in fresh water after using them and you will keep them longer because they wonât rust out.
My second and all time favorite way to surf fish during the hot summer months is to fish early. I fish as early as I can see to tie knots and leave the beach by 09:30 in the morning. I also like to explore other beaches that I do not fish on a regular basis. This is a change of pace for me and I can meet other anglers.
Wherever you go and however you fish, seagrasses and dirty water are a plague to the surf angler. Look for clean water and a rising tide. You canât go wrong with shrimp, clams and/
or sand fleas. The earlier you hit the beach the better.
Sea Turtle Walk Reservations:
Registration begins May1st and you can register online at www.seaturtlewalks.org for the June and July Turtle Walks. The walks are scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings in June and July. A donation of $15 per person helps the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) fund these and other Endangered Sea Turtle programs.
Note that they only take 22 individuals per turtle walk and the schedule fills up rapidly. If you would like to see nature as it has been for millions of yearâs its right on your doorstep here in Brevard County. Young and old alike find this program very educational and rewarding.
John Detmer: 20 year veteran Surf Angler on Brevard County Beaches. Owner/ Operator of J&H Surf Fishing the Space Coast. Contact John at 321-777-5554 or jdetmer@cfl.rr.com for information and charters.
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