What is the best bait to use for surf fishing in Florida?
Baits. Sand Fleas are by far the best bait for surf fishing. You have heard the phrase, “Match the hatch” well, sand fleas are the most common food for fish in the surf. Other things that make good bait are live shrimp, fiddler crabs, and fresh peeled shrimp.
Can you surf fish anywhere in Florida?
Most beaches in Florida allow surf fishing, unless there are large crowds of swimmers. In some cases, restrictions limit hours for fishing.
What’s the best time to go surf fishing?
TIME OF DAY
Specifically, dawn or dusk are generally the best time to go saltwater fishing if the weather and tidal movements are favorable. Remember to reference a saltwater tide chart to see which range of hours during the day will be the best fishing tide times.
Do I need a license to surf fish in Florida?
The short answer is Yes. Both residents and non-residents need to have a license in order to surf fish in Florida. The general saltwater fishing license is paid, but residents can obtain a free shore-only license that they can use only for shore fishing.
What do I need for surf fishing?
For a typical surf fishing excursion on the beach, you will need the following gear:
- Saltwater Fishing Rod and Feel.
- Cast Net.
- Tackle and Bait.
- Surf Fishing Rigs (Fish-Finder and Drop)
- Marine Hook and Rig Holder (for tool organization)
- Knife.
- Bait Bucket and Air Pump.
- Spare Spool of Line.
What fish can you catch surf fishing Florida?
Boardwalks over the protected dunes offer access to the redfish, flounder and trout waters on the marsh side, but surf fishing is the big attraction. From whiting, pompano, bluefish and mackerel; to sharks, cobia and bull reds, this is one of Western Florida’s premier shore fisheries.
What’s the best rig for beach fishing?
The 3 Rigs You Need for Surf Fishing
- Fishfinder Rig. The bait line slides up and down the main line, allowing live bait to swim freely.
- Fireball Rig. Brightly colored floats on the dropper lines lift the bait off the sea bottom so it can’t be picked apart by tiny fish and marauding crabs.
- Double-Drop Bottom Rig.
Can you surf fish at night in Florida?
Night Fishing Regulations
It is legal to surf fish on most beaches along the Florida coasts.
Where is the best surf fishing in Florida?
If using a regular lure, work it a bit faster so it doesn’t get hung up. Areas offering quality surf-casting opportunities on the east coast include the Florida Keys, the Indian River Lagoon system and St. Johns River; on the west coast, Estero Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Tampa Bay and Steinhatchee.
How far do you cast When surf fishing?
60-100 yards
When surf fishing, the best action is further out. You’ll often need to cast 60-100 yards when fishing from the beach. This is because you typically want to cast beyond the breaking waves, where hungry fish often congregate and feed.
Can I surf fish with a 7 foot rod?
The best rod to surf fish with is the one you have. While you might not be able to throw as heavy of a lure or throw your bait as far, a 6 to 7 foot rod can catch fish from the surf.
How much is a Florida saltwater fishing license?
Licenses & Permits
| Florida resident saltwater licenses | |
|---|---|
| Saltwater licenses cover both watercraft and shoreline fishing. | |
| Annual Saltwater License | $17.00 |
| Youth Saltwater Fishing License — valid until 17th birthday | $17.00 |
| Five-Year Saltwater License | $79.00 |
Do you need a saltwater fishing license in Florida if you are over 65?
Florida residents age 65 or older only need a Florida Driver License or Identification Card to prove residency and age. They are not required to purchase the following recreational licenses and permits: Saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing and hunting licenses.
Does Florida require a saltwater fishing license?
A Florida fishing license is required to land saltwater species in Florida regardless of where they are caught (state or federal waters). Valid for saltwater fishing from the shoreline or a structure affixed to shore. Not valid when fishing from a vessel, or a shoreline reached by vessel.
Do you need waders for surf fishing?
If you’re going surf fishing, chances are you’re going to get wet. Depending on where you’re fishing, how far out you hope to cast, and other conditions, you may need to invest in a pair of fishing waders. Fishing waders will keep you from getting soaked in the surf.
Where are the mullet right now?
The best spots to see schools of mullets are offshore around Port Canaveral and Sebastian Inlet. Other less popular places include Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon.
Is surf fishing better at high or low tide?
Simply put, high tide is the best tide for surf fishing because it allows you to fish the deep waters where fish are more comfortable to feed. So before your next surf fishing trip, try to recognize the tides in your area, and plan your journey around high tide hours.
What size hooks for surf fishing?
2/0 hooks
2/0 hooks are the best all around hook size for surf fishing. A 2/0 circle hook will catch smaller fish like whiting and pompano but are also big enough to catch bluefish, mackerel, fluke, flounder, redfish, snook and tarpon too.