Shore Fishing (Jetties, Piers, Surf)

Spring

Action: Pompano, whiting, and bluefish are common in the surf. Redfish can be caught in inlets and around jetties.

Slow: Water temps still warming—summer baitfish not yet in.

Tips: Use sand fleas or shrimp for pompano and whiting; spoons for bluefish.

Action: Tarpon run the beaches; jack crevalle and sharks also frequent the surf.

Slow: Midday heat can slow the bite—fish mornings and evenings.

Tips: Cast live mullet or lures for tarpon and jacks; fresh cut bait for sharks.

Action: Pompano, redfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel feed heavily in the surf.

Slow: By late fall, baitfish migrations taper off.

Tips: Use double-drop rigs with sand fleas for pompano; Gotcha plugs for mackerel.

Action: Whiting, black drum, and sheepshead are top winter surf catches.

Slow: Pompano and mackerel are absent until spring.

Tips: Fish fresh shrimp for drum and whiting; fiddler crabs for sheepshead.