& P
Surf & Pier July Fishing Report
Tarpon, Blacktips, Bonnetheads, and Whiting are what the dog days of summer are about. Hot days can run you off the beach early. To beat the heat hit the sand at predawn. Catch a great sunrise and some good eating.
Whiting are the easiest target. They even bite at night! Best night fishing is on a high tide somewhere between Micklers and Vilano. Use a small piece of fresh shrimp or small pieces of fresh clam on a #2-1/0 circle hook. You can star gaze and fill the cooler at the same time.
Tarpon are the most elusive quarry. Early morning or early evening is your best bet. Soak fresh chunks of mullet in the trough or free line a live one across the bar.
Casting a fresh dead Whiting back into the slough will often result in a battle with a Blacktip or Spinner shark. Be sure to use a heavy enough leader. I use 480lb cable with a 10/0 circle hook.
Here is a different opportunity for some great action. On days of calm seas try throwing a big topwater lure into the surf. This can result into violent strikes of Seatrout, ladyfish, Bluefush, Jacks, and evn Tarpon
Last July my charters had a blast with Bonnetheads in the 12 to 22 lb range. We averaged 7 per day on 8 consecutive trips. Half a blue crab on a flooded san bar is the ticket for this scrappy good eating shark. Their diet of Mantis shrimp, Blue, Calico, and Stone crabs is why they taste so good!
Noel Kuhn 43 yrs of surf fishing exp
Surf fishing guide and long distance
casting coach. Founding member of
Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660
www.TheSurfAngler.com