surf fishing maintenance

When is this rain and wind gonna stop… ohh and the weeds!?

We’ve had a couple good days this past week that produced some quality fish! Between the wind and rain it hasn’t been easy for us surf anglers. I figured I’d take this down time with you to go over a couple things that I like to do!

Usually when I see a mist of bad weather coming, I like to count my chickens before they hatch and start tying up as many Pompano Riggs as I need for the coming month. I’ll also grab my bag of Fishbites in various flavors and scents and begin cutting them into small rectangular pieces. I usually will cut a 1in. Strip then cut that strip in an angle to get two pieces. Once you went through all your tape make sure you store it in the refrigerator to hold scent and color. That way your bait is top-notch the next time you go to use it!

Blanching sandfleas is another step I’ll take when the weather is bad. Grabbing a rake and stocking up on bait is only going to help catch you fish and save you money! Once you’ve required enough fleas, heat up a pot of boiling water and put the fleas in for about 30secs.(per gallon). Making sure you stir evenly. VERY IMPORTANT — after cooking them put in ice cold water and stir till cooled. Once the fleas are cooled down grab an old towel and lay them out on it and gently dry off fleas by patting with towel. This will laminate the moisture being held in the fleas and will last longer and stay on your hook stronger!

I’ll also usually go through all of my rods and reels and make sure they are all in tip top shape!

Getting your equipment properly serviced at least once a year is ideal if you want your equipment to continue to achieve catching trophy fish! Putting on new line Whether it’s a braid or mono, greasing up or replacing any bearings. Checking eye components on rods as well! Having faulty equipment is probably the worst thing that can happen to you! And chances are it happens when you get a big fish! I’ve learned my lesson the hard way when I was younger and I’ll never let it happen again! Make sure you take care of your Surf Fishing gear and in return, it’ll take care of you!

Look forward to March! March usually produces great weather and great beach fishing for southern Brevard County and Indian River County! So hang on I can see the light on the other side!