Surf Fishing In Florida

[smr_hga]

so i recently got some gear to try surf fishing here in Florida. But i've never been so i don't know what rig to use, what bait to use, or what i'll catch. So far i'm pretty set on pompano rig with squid or shrimp. So i would like to know what my setup should be and if my current one is good or not. Also just for fun, what is your favorite fish to catch from the surf?

[BassinLou]

so i recently got some gear to try surf fishing here in Florida. But i've never been so i don't know what rig to use, what bait to use, or what i'll catch. So far i'm pretty set on pompano rig with squid or shrimp. So i would like to know what my setup should be and if my current one is good or not. Also just for fun, what is your favorite fish to catch from the surf?

Fellow BR member SirSnookalot, would be my go to in this dept. He surf fishes practically every day. He can lead you in the right direction. Good luck. 

[WRB]

Sirsnookalot is the best advice.

Scrounger jig with soft plastic ( Flukes or Sluggo) was invented for surf fishing using basic fresh water type rods & reels. If you choose to use fresh water tackle make sure it's OK for salt water or rinse if off with fresh water after fishing.

You don't need bait for most surf fish, some it works better and that depends on the type critters the fish are eating locally.

Tom

[uncustered]

Remember to peel your shrimp and let them dry out on the sun for a few minutes before you use them, they last on the book a lot longer.

[uncustered]

Remember to peel your shrimp and let them dry out on the sun for a few minutes before you use them, they last on the book a lot longer.

[SirSnookalot]

There is no cut and dried answer, people use all kinds of different gear.  Where I'm fishing would have a lot to do with my gear choice, being in South Florida a 4000 spinning reel and med hvy 7'6 rod covers most of the bases.  Most of the fish we catch here are within a few feet of the beach up to about 30 yds out.  If I was fishing further north there would be more breakers and I'd probably opt for a surf rod, even a short one of 8' or 9' feet will significantly cast farther, they are designed to use heavier lures.  

I only fish artificial, in theory only 1 lure is needed a spoon.  I happen to like Acme Kastmaster, the distance is exceptional but there are other good ones too.  I do carry a few other things with such as bucktail jigs, flukes on jig head, never leave home with out top water, hard jerkbait.  As important as tide may be the most important factor is baitfish.  Catching fish from the surf can either be the hardest thing I do or the easiest, baitfish will generally determine that.

If you're going to fish the surf buy a saltwater reel, it isn't the fish the wreck a reel it's the elements.  A saltwater reel is no more expensive than freshwater one.  They will not handle the fish any better, it's just a bit more protected against the elements.  When it comes to a rod sensitivity isn't an issue or is setting the hook, most of my rods are about $100 and they work really well.

[smr_hga]

There is no cut and dried answer, people use all kinds of different gear.  Where I'm fishing would have a lot to do with my gear choice, being in South Florida a 4000 spinning reel and med hvy 7'6 rod covers most of the bases.  Most of the fish we catch here are within a few feet of the beach up to about 30 yds out.  If I was fishing further north there would be more breakers and I'd probably opt for a surf rod, even a short one of 8' or 9' feet will significantly cast farther, they are designed to use heavier lures.  

I only fish artificial, in theory only 1 lure is needed a spoon.  I happen to like Acme Kastmaster, the distance is exceptional but there are other good ones too.  I do carry a few other things with such as bucktail jigs, flukes on jig head, never leave home with out top water, hard jerkbait.  As important as tide may be the most important factor is baitfish.  Catching fish from the surf can either be the hardest thing I do or the easiest, baitfish will generally determine that.

If you're going to fish the surf buy a saltwater reel, it isn't the fish the wreck a reel it's the elements.  A saltwater reel is no more expensive than freshwater one.  They will not handle the fish any better, it's just a bit more protected against the elements.  When it comes to a rod sensitivity isn't an issue or is setting the hook, most of my rods are about $100 and they work really well.

Awesome! What type of fish do you typically catch with that spoon?

[SirSnookalot]

Awesome! What type of fish do you typically catch with that spoon?

The ones with fins........

All kidding aside a spoon catches any predatory fish in any kind of water, day or night.  A thread going on about the most versatile lures, versatile means a variety of species to me.  It's a toss up jig or spoon, one would be surprised how popular a crappie jig is in saltwater, certain times of the year they're sold out every place around here.

 

I use them for bass and peas too, I have caught more larger peas (lots of good bass too) on a crappie jig and a gold spoon, along with the real killer the roostertail.