Roll into the new year with peak surf fishing along the Space Coast. Pompano, whiting, mackerel, bluefish and drum will be on tap for the winter surf fishing season. January traditionally produces amazing pompano fishing days along with the above named species. But let’s acknowledge the fact that pompano is undoubtedly the target species.
Surf fishing in Cocoa Beach south to Sebastian Inlet provides the best surf fishing spots. For one, the water temperature during January typically holds in the range pompano prefer. Secondly, January produces weather patterns that assist in the water clarity. These two combined factors are of utmost importance when targeting pompano in the surf.
How to catch pompano in the surf depends on a variety of conditions, but I will mention my favorite tactics to assist your pursuit in catching these prized fish. First off, ideal surf fishing gear requires rods of 10-12 feet and reels in the 6000-8000 series. Next, pompano rigs with a variety of multicolored floats and beads will attract pompano to your rigs. Lastly, the use of products like Fishbites accompanied with live sand fleas or fresh shrimp make for a deadly combination.
Now that you’re all set up with gear it’s time to discuss where to fish for pompano. The perfect pompano surf fishing spot depends on a variety of factors including water temperature, clarity and surf conditions, the most important being water clarity. Pompano don’t particular prefer murky water with shades of brown or milky looking.
Surf conditions for targeting pompano refer to beach runouts, troughs and currents. For instance, a beach with these geographical areas will provide areas for pompano to feed. You will have a greater opportunity to catch pompano along with whiting and other species if you can identify these areas. Cast surf fishing rigs in the runouts and deep holes where troughs are present. They can be identified by the confused currents indicating turbulent water.
What’s the best tide to fish for pompano? I get this question a lot! And there’s no one universal tide that ensures the best bite. With that being said, it’s important to fish multiple, different tides and use that information towards your future trips. One day it can be on the beginning of incoming tide, then the following week on the last of outgoing and so forth. So put in time to isolate the best scenario as the patterns change.
In summary, January surf fishing will provide action packed days when the conditions align. The best strategy is to fish as often as possible to maximize your window to strike it rich. You don’t want to be the guy being told, “Should of been here yesterday…” As always, if you have any questions with setting up surf fishing gear or tactics for doing more catching than fishing, feel free to reach out to us at (321) 205-4672.
Capt. Lukas Brickweg
Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters
cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com
(321) 205-4672