Shore Fishing (Jetties, Piers, Surf)

Spring

Action: Pompano, whiting, sheepshead, and spotted sea trout along beaches and passes. Snook begin to move toward the surf as water warms.

Slow: Fewer mackerel close to shore until late spring.

Tips: Use sand fleas or shrimp for pompano, live pilchards for snook, and small jigs for whiting.

Action: Snook, tarpon, and Spanish mackerel in the surf. Whiting and pompano still present early in summer. Shark fishing peaks at night.

Slow: Midday fishing can be tough due to heat and beach activity.

Tips: Cast live mullet for tarpon, fresh-cut bait for sharks, and silver spoons for mackerel.

Action: Mackerel, bluefish, and jacks blitz bait schools near beaches. Pompano return in good numbers. Whiting and sheepshead steady.

Slow: Tarpon action fades by late fall.

Tips: Work metal jigs or spoons for mackerel and bluefish, sand fleas for pompano, and shrimp for sheepshead.

Action: Whiting, sheepshead, and pompano are prime. Occasional redfish along jetties and in passes.

Slow: Snook and tarpon are scarce until spring.

Tips: Use light tackle and shrimp for whiting and sheepshead, sand fleas for pompano, and cut bait for redfish.