Fishing Report Pier and Surf

By: Noel Kuhn

TheMay Pompano run was one of the best on record! The good news is there are more coming up from south Florida as you read this! So when you finish reading this issue make plans to go now before the dog days of summer run these Pompano all the way north to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

In June, July and August I start my beach days very early. I get to the beach by 5:30 and have lines in the water no later than 6:00AM. The summer bite is best at day break through about 9:00AM. When the water gets hot the fish move out deeper, go into the inlets or just pack their bags and go north to find that water temperature below 75 degrees. I have also had great success at night on the full moon. This month it is the first week. Moon rise is right after dark. So if you want to beat the heat give it a try.

Throwing lures at daybreak can be a blast for Trout, Spanish and Redfish. They all come into the shallows to feed on a wide variety of fry and other bait fish. Top waters and suspending crank baits work great in the shallow surf zone. You do not have to cast long distance especially for Seatrout. Thigh deep water is plenty for these fish that cruse the shallows looking for breakfast. Remember to fan cast diagonally to better imitate the bait fish swimming north and south.

If you want to really get your string stretched this is a great month for Blacktips. They have been following the Pompano migration northward. Fresh dead bait works really well. They are not real picky so Whiting, Jacks, Ladyfish of even catfish will do just find. You do not need a huge bait either. Just a piece about the size of a cell phone. A heavy duty surf rod with a reel that will hold at least 250 yards of 30lb test. Remember to set your drag light when you put it in the sand spike. There has been many a angler watch their combo disappear into the waves because the drag was to tight.

The photo is of my friend Mark Burford owner of FSA and OTB surf rods. Recently he doubled up on Spotted Seatrout!