November arrived with a brand new group of predators for anglers to try out new fishing tactic’s against. Bonnethead sharks, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead and more. As the weather changes to a more dominate fall patter my angling instincts drive me again and again to the surf. I just don’t know what I’ll catch on any given day. Might catch a nice redfish on one day and several blues and a pompano the next. This is one of the special times for all the fall surf anglers (me too) on our Brevard County Coast.
However, to play in this game anglers need surf gear that works well and will stand up day after day to the saltwater beating that one finds on our beaches. Sand, salt spray and dropping your rod in the saltwater can really wreck a good days fishing. So take care of your gear and rinse it off with a light spray of fresh water after each use. Dry immediately and store in a cool dry place until your next surf fishing trip.
Hot of the Press: Anglers fishing the surf are catching pompano, sharks, large (14-17 inch) blues and Spanish Mackerel from Port Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet. Anglers are reporting large numbers of bait fish(mullet) in the surf that are having the effect of drawing the larger predators closer to shore. The current beach surf fishing tactic is to catch your bait (mullet) with a cast net. Then with a single hook(3/0 to 5/0) circle hook cast the live hooked mullet into the trough and wait for the bite. From inlet to inlet live mullet, sand fleas, and plugs appear to be the best baits with the best fishing times, being at first light and early evening.