Surf Fishing Report - April 13th 2024
Location: South Brevard
Water temp: low-mid 70s
Water conditions: moderately strong south moving current, Aqua color and slightly cloudy. Choppy 2-3 ft waves
Winds: E/NE between 8-10 mph with 15 mph gusts
Tide/time: Incoming tide/ 6:30-7am Outgoing / 1-1:30pm
Bait: Live sand fleas and fresh dead shrimp with FishGum Pomp Smash, and Pompalicious
Summary: My first student met me on the sand around 7am. I had lines in the water already for about half an hour and things started slow. As that sun began to shine though, rods slowly started to do a little dancing. My student was an extremely smart and ambitious 10 year old, who has taken up a great interest in fishing. Especially surf fishing! That being said, this was his first lesson, and he was very much still learning the ins and outs of landing a fish in the surf. So there were certainly a few lost opportunities on some decent fish, but it made for some FANTASTIC teaching opportunities. Most of our bites in the morning were acquired at approximately 50-80 yards out, a bit before the second bar. In the afternoon, finding deeper pockets of water within the topography closer in was the ticket. I did try bombing it out a few times being that it was a dropping tide, but interestingly no one was home or chewing in the deeper water. The keeper Pompano were far and few between for everyone on the sand this day, despite the water becoming increasingly beautiful as time went on. There were, however, some very nice size Whiting caught. My client in the morning got himself one just under 15in, and my client in the afternoon caught 2, both in the 13-14inch range and CHUNKY! A few other people on the beach pulled up some really sizable Whiting as well. Overall, despite some gorgeous water, things were pretty mellow. However, I will say, having the right baits and knowing where to put them, helps to keep the skunks at bay. Live fleas, fresh dead shrimp, and the new FishGum Pomp Smash and Pompalicious kept Ol' Pepe LePew away for another day.
Also, has anyone ever had a crab, straight up crush/ bend in your hook in? It was my first time seeing that, and I have to say, that was WILD. I definitely will be more mindful when dehooking those sucker's from now on! Tight lines, and good times friends!
-Matt (The Salty Sensei) Nieves
