Surf fishing is one of the cheapest and most relaxing ways to fish in Florida. You do not need a boat, and on many beaches you can be fishing within a few steps of the parking lot. Here is everything you need for a first trip.
Gear
- Rod: a 9 to 12 foot surf rod lets you cast past the first wave. A 7 foot spinning rod is fine for fishing the trough close to shore.
- Reel and line: a medium spinning reel with 15 to 20 lb braid or mono.
- Sand spike: a simple PVC tube or metal spike to hold your rod while you wait.
- Sinkers: pyramid sinkers from 2 to 4 oz hold the bottom in moving water.
The one rig to learn
A pompano rig (also called a double-drop rig) has two short leaders with small circle hooks above a pyramid sinker. Many come with small floats or beads that help attract fish. Buy a few ready-made rigs at any Florida tackle shop.
Best baits
- Sand fleas (mole crabs): dig them in the wet sand where waves wash up. Free and one of the best pompano baits there is.
- Fresh shrimp: catches almost everything that swims in the surf.
- Fishbites or similar scented strips: stay on the hook well and are easy to carry.
Where to cast
Look for darker water between sandbars (troughs), cuts where waves break less, and rip currents. Fish feed along these edges. You do not always need a long cast - the first trough is often only 20 to 40 yards out.
When to go
Early morning and the last hours before dark are usually best, especially when they line up with a moving tide. Check our Florida spot pages for today's best windows near you.
Stay safe
Watch for rip currents, never wade out past your waist in the surf, and leave the beach if you hear thunder. Florida summer storms build fast in the afternoon.