This week has been a tough one for the surf fishing, with the storms popping up and the hard running current. The guys fishing the deep cuts between the sandbars with fresh shrimp, live sand fleas, fish gum and fish bites have been producing a few nice whiting, croakers, and of course, catfish. The bait pods have started running the beach now also and it is only a matter of time for the big tarpon and redfish to show with them.

The weather has started to heat up and water temperatures are on the rise. The best times for the surf has been early morning to mid afternoon and then again late afternoon to the evening and after dark. The pompano bite has been hot early with several limits coming in if you’re willing to work at it. Be willing to make a move, and read the beach and the surf to find that perfect spot and make super long casts. Bait of choice has been fresh shrimp, live sand fleas, small crabs, along with fish bites and fish gum on standard pompano rigs with small pearlized beads.

This past week we had great surf conditions after the weeds pushed out and the water cleared up. The main catch this week was large whiting and pompano.

The full moon is passing and the summer time pattern is starting. We are still lucky to have the lower water temperatures in the area still but the bite has been early morning up until around 11am and then again in the afternoon close to sunset. In most areas along Central Florida’s coast, we have been dealing with stronger current, but 4 and 5oz weights have been holding.

With the surf calming down, and the water temperature and color becoming perfect, the bite from Brevard to Flagler County has been hot. With whiting, pompano, bluefish and sharks being the hot bite. Whiting and pompano been coming on fresh clams, shrimp, crab knuckles and fish bites. Unlike most spring runs where the pompano are in close to the beach most have come from far over 100 yard cast have been producing the larger of the fish.

This week the surf has been a bit high but very fish able, and as the water temperature rises up the fishing will only heat up also. We are entering the leading edge of the pompano and blacktip migration.

The cold weather will get the pompano on the move! Right now, the main body is along the coastline of Volusia County with the best catches coming off the hard beach area south of the inlet. However, as these cold fronts move through the area and drop the water temperatures, the body of pompano will start moving south into the Cocoa Beach/Melbourne area.

Looks like perfect conditions to start the week in the surf! Clean, clear water and the pompano should be loving it from north of Flagler County all the way to South Florida. I have yet to see the big numbers in the Central Florida area, but a steady catch early in the mornings have been common.

Weeds have been a slight problem in the surf these past few days, however, if you are able to find a spot without them or where they are light, you will be greeted with an outstanding bite.

163 anglers participated in the Fall Surf Fishing Challenge! Cash payouts totaled $6683. Congrats to all the winners!