Surf Fishing Report | Feb 2018

John Detmer

Gene with his two keeper pompano.
Gene with his two keeper pompano.

How cold was it in January? According to local News and TV Reports it was so cold that it was “Raining Iguanas” in South Florida. I guess that’s darn cold so I started wearing a jacket on my surf fishing outings. High winds,dirty water and poor surf conditions marked the January diet for many surf anglers. Those who did get out caught pompano,whiting and black drum while fishing with shrimp and clams.

February 2018 will see more of the same but, hopefully not as many days of cold winds and rough seas. Anglers will note that the fishing will also slow as the ocean gets colder along our coast.. Surf anglers will be challenged to present their baits to fish that are cold,sluggish and not in a eating mode.

Seasonal Tip: “Redfish Sandwich” OR “When the water is so cold that the fish won’t bite”

So when the fish don’t bite and/or the water is so cold the fish and humans alike have run for cover, consider the Redfish Sandwich before you pack up and leave the beach.Many anglers fresh and saltwater anglers alike have used products that impart a scent to their lures. Where the Redfish Sandwich differs is that the surf angler is scenting the fresh bait he is fishing. The product used in the sandwich is called Fishbites and it comes in a number of different saltwater scents: clam, shrimp and crab to name a few. The sandwich described is made with the clam scented Fishbites, sold in many local tackle shops. I use Fishbites in12 inch long strips and cut it into smaller pieces so when surf fishing with clams and the bite goes dead, I make a sandwich. First put a piece of Clam Scented Fishbites on the hook, that is followed by fresh cut clam and then finished with another piece of Fishbites. It’s that simple and it works, keeps the clam in place during the cast and when it hits the water if gives off a clam scent along with the fresh cut clam. It’s like you were chumming you own bait. Even if a small fish eats off the soft clam the Fishbites continues to draw fish into you hooks because of its scent and it being harder to tear off your hooks than the clam. Deadly in cold weather when the fish are very sluggish and off their feed.

John Detmer
Owner/Operator of J&H Surf Fishing the Space Coast
321-777-5554 or email
jandhsurffishing1@att.net
www.jandhsurffishing.com