Surf fishing tips???

[BASSCYN]

Hello all!
Im headed down Friday for my annual family vacation to Seagrove.
Weve been going here longer than I care to admit...we just love it!!


Anyway...ole dad here likes to fish while the kiddies play (course the kiddies are 17 and 11 now). Sometimes I drag a spoon around and catch ladyfish. Sometimes I use fleas or shrimp...to catch ladyfish. I picked up some little florescent balsa wood jiggs things at Yellow fin last year and rig'em on my pompano rig...to catch ladyfish. This was nice cuz they stayed on!

So yes...I am quite proficient at catching ladyfish.

Kinda looking to change it up a little.

I take 2 nice long surf rods (13'?) with decent reels that hold plenty of line.

Ideal surf fishing for me.
Bait'em up then puttem in my PCV rod holders and when the rod start to frantically bow, I put my beer down and go fight the giant (attracting a large crowd of course). I release the beast...and continue with my cool beverage and tell the tale all weekend.

What bait should I try?
Cut bait?
Chicken liver?
Squid?

I feel like I should throw some MEAT out there...see what happens.

Any advice most appreciated!

 

[Jdarg]

Just don't throw some MEAT out there while there are people swimming! ;0

 

[Kurt]

Sorry you might have a little problem with Sargassum.

Otherwise shrimp will get you all manner of fish and pompano love fleas. Live if you can find them.

 

[John]

Hey BASSCYN. The current hot thing in beach fishing is to get in a kayak and go trolling past the second sand bar. We've got lots of King and Spanish Mackerel, Bonita, and even a few Sailfish, Tarpon, and schoolie Dolphin around right now. If you have the gumption as well as permission from the family, stop by one of our stores to get what you need.
Surf fishing is OK but not epic at the moment. Lots of complaints about the Sargassum Grass but it's better than trying to fish with the green slime June Grass which is often here this time of year.

 

[30A Paddle Supply]

Check out slowandlowcoastal.com if you've never done any near shore kayak fishing. Rods and tackle are provided.

 

[John]

Check out slowandlowcoastal.com if you've never done any near shore kayak fishing. Rods and tackle are provided.

Indeed. Patrick Tarpey aka "PT" is THE MAN for kayak fishing trips in these parts.

 

[BASSCYN]

Sorry you might have a little problem with Sargassum.

Otherwise shrimp will get you all manner of fish and pompano love fleas. Live if you can find them.

Yeah...I was afraid of that.
Before my kids got too old to take out of school for vacation we would come down in the fall. Water always crystal clear. Then we were forced to join the summer scene and I learned new words like Sargassum, June grass and one year RED TIDE (that was crazy!)

I specifically planned the trip late this year in hopes of missing the June grass. Impossible to fish in that stuff.

 

[BASSCYN]

Hey BASSCYN. The current hot thing in beach fishing is to get in a kayak and go trolling past the second sand bar. We've got lots of King and Spanish Mackerel, Bonita, and even a few Sailfish, Tarpon, and schoolie Dolphin around right now. If you have the gumption as well as permission from the family, stop by one of our stores to get what you need.
Surf fishing is OK but not epic at the moment. Lots of complaints about the Sargassum Grass but it's better than trying to fish with the green slime June Grass which is often here this time of year.

Hmm...
Ya know I tried the kayak thing many moons ago. It was very uncomfortable. My back was killing me. I couldnt stay out there for long. But Im in much better shape now. Sounds like a good idea.

Tackle for such a trip?
Obviously wont need my surf rod out there. I guess a standard spinning outfit or my baitcaster rig would be ok.
Pompano rigs with shrimp??

Thanks for the advice!

 

[mom24browneyes]

New to fishing & visiting the area soon. What size (diameter & length) PVC do you use? Thanks

 

[BASSCYN]

New to fishing & visiting the area soon. What size (diameter & length) PVC do you use? Thanks

I personally use 1 1/2" PVC pipe about 4' or so long. Twist it into the sand about a foot or so.
Probably a little longer that most...but I like to be able to set it in the pipe and stand in front it to rig up easier. Also keeps you line high enough where folks can walk under it on the beach.
..and maybe keep you out of some of the sargassum (sea weed stuff).