Florida offers incredible surf fishing across its diverse coastline. You’ll find pompano runs at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine during spring and fall, while Cocoa Beach delivers year-round pompano action. Martin County attracts shark enthusiasts at spots like Jensen Beach Causeway. For Gulf Coast options, try Fort De Soto Park with its two fishing piers or Destin, “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Each location promises unique catches depending on season and tide conditions—just the beginning of your Florida angling adventure.
Surf Fishing Highlights
- Anastasia State Park offers four miles of pristine beaches with ideal sandbars for catching pompano during spring and fall runs.
- Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are renowned for exceptional pompano fishing year-round with dedicated piers extending 800-1200 feet.
- Martin County beaches like Jensen Beach Causeway provide excellent shark fishing opportunities during incoming tides.
- Gulf Coast locations including Fort De Soto Park feature both Gulf and bayfront fishing access with two fishing piers.
- Lido Key Beach offers exceptional boulder jetty fishing that attracts numerous predatory species throughout the year.
St. Augustine’s Anastasia State Park: Where History Meets Productive Surf
While many Florida beaches offer decent fishing opportunities, Anastasia State Park stands in a league of its own as a 1,600-acre natural paradise where anglers and history buffs alike find their happy place.
Just minutes from historic St. Augustine, you’ll discover four miles of pristine beaches with well-defined sandbars that create ideal habitat for pompano, whiting, and red drum. To enhance your chances of success, consider using fused lines
for their stiffness and tangle-prevention qualities.
You don’t need fancy gear here—standard surf rods with double-drop rigs and circle hooks will do the trick. The park’s unique geographical features create a perfect mixture of sandy beaches with shallow and deep water transitions that attract various fish species.
Salt Run’s east bank features scenic grassy dunes and productive oyster beds that attract various fish species.
Spring and fall bring the best pompano runs, while winter still rewards you with whiting and black drum. The beach’s clean sand and pronounced troughs create perfect ambush points for catching pompano during their feeding periods. Keep your eyes peeled for foam lines and bait movement, which signal the sweet spots!
With ample parking, fish-cleaning stations, and even a local tackle shop for bait, you’ll have everything you need for a productive day casting into these historic waters.
Salt Run Lagoon: Calm Waters for Diverse Catches
Just steps away from Anastasia’s surf lies Salt Run, a 3.11-mile lagoon that offers a completely different fishing experience than the pounding waves nearby.
This calm, weedy waterway—often dotted with oyster beds—creates an angler’s paradise where you don’t need a boat to succeed.
You’ll find the east bank particularly productive, with its grassy dunes and shallow flats that attract spotted trout, redfish, flounder, and sheepshead. Additionally, this area is known for its seasonal saltwater species that can enhance your fishing experience.
Wade fishing is a breeze on the southern end’s firm sandy bottom, especially during those magical early morning hours when fish are actively feeding.
Don’t have gear? No problem! Kayak and canoe rentals are readily available, with the convenient Lighthouse Boat Ramp offering easy access.
Grab a rental at Lighthouse Boat Ramp and hit the water—fishing adventures await without hauling your own equipment!
The lagoon truly shines during cooler months when predatory species move into shallower waters.
The central areas of Salt Run feature water depths ranging from 15 to 20 feet, creating excellent habitat for larger game fish.
Located in Saint Johns County, Salt Run is a favorite destination for the 239 anglers who regularly fish these productive waters.
Listen carefully—that splashing you hear? It’s the sound of your next catch breaking the surface!
Anglers are advised to perform a stingray shuffle while wading to avoid stepping on rays that may be resting on the bottom.
Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral: Central Florida’s Pompano Paradise
Nestled in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral form a surf fishing paradise that consistently delivers exceptional pompano catches year-round.
You’ll find these silver fighters cruising the surf troughs, where they readily strike shrimp baits presented on specialized rigs with bright pink or chartreuse floats. Additionally, knowing how to read surf conditions can greatly enhance your chances of finding pompano.
Don’t cast too far—tight casts to the first and second troughs often yield better results than bombing your line into the distance.
Recent reports indicate the area has experienced a post-cold front improvement in fishing conditions, particularly for pompano, whiting, and black drum.
- Cocoa Beach Pier offers 800 feet of extended fishing access for targeting pompano, redfish, and seasonal tarpon.
- Jetty Park’s 1,200-foot pier delivers consistent action for snook, flounder, and black drum.
- Port Canaveral provides gateway access to deep-sea species via charters.
- Ramp Road Park serves as your entry to the fish-rich Thousand Islands ecosystem.
- Cherie Down Park combines family-friendly amenities with productive surf fishing spots.
Serious anglers should know that Cocoa Beach is often referred to as the Redfish Capital of the World due to its location within the bountiful Indian River Lagoon system.
Spring is the perfect time for pompano fishing in this area, as these fish are most active during this season while inhabiting the surf zones.
Palm Beach County’s Summer Hotspots for Multiple Species
Five exceptional fishing destinations make Palm Beach County a summer angler’s paradise when many Florida spots slow down.
At Carlin Park in Jupiter, you’ll find excellent surf fishing for jacks, Spanish mackerel, and the prized snook—just bring your 12-15 foot rod and heavy line to handle these fighters!
Bert Winters Park offers both dock and boat fishing opportunities (don’t forget that trailer permit!), while Lake Worth Inlet’s strong currents attract snook, tarpon, and jack crevalle to its biodiversity-rich waters. This recently renovated park features impressive $2.5 million improvements including new docks that enhance the fishing experience.
The jetty there provides an elevated casting position that’s hard to beat.
For equipment-free adventures, Singer Island Pier has on-site rentals and consistent pompano action. The pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean, providing panoramic ocean views while you fish for bluefish and Spanish mackerel.
Local bait and tackle shops can provide valuable fishing insights about seasonal patterns and bait preferences for each of these locations.
When beach hopping, target Jupiter Sound Beach, Tiger Shores, and Normandy Beach using sand fleas or shrimp as bait.
The stretch near St. Lucie Power Plant? That’s shark territory, folks!
Martin County Shark Fishing Destinations
While many anglers flock to Florida’s famous beaches for standard surf fishing, Martin County stands out as a shark angler’s paradise with its unique blend of accessible shorelines and productive artificial reefs.
You’ll find year-round shark action here, with bull, blacktip, and lemon sharks cruising both nearshore waters and offshore structures.
For your next shark fishing adventure, consider these Martin County hotspots:
- Vittolo Family Park South – Try cut bait for bull sharks while enjoying the bonus of trout and redfish action.
- Bull Shark Barge – This aptly-named structure off St. Lucie Inlet delivers consistent shark encounters.
- Jensen Beach Causeway – Fish the incoming tide with heavy jigs, where sharks often follow pompano and snook. Ethical anglers should always use proper fish handling
techniques when catching and releasing sharks to ensure their survival. - Donaldson Reef – Multiple structures at varying depths (65-188 feet) create perfect shark hunting grounds.
- Taylor Creek spillway – Large chartreuse flair hawk jigs attract predators including tarpon and sharks.
The reefs here provide excellent habitat for diverse marine life, with over 95 artificial reef sites deployed throughout the county at varying depths since the program’s establishment in the 1970s. Local tide patterns significantly influence shark feeding activity, so checking tide charts before planning your fishing trip can dramatically improve your chances of success.
Gulf Coast Shores: Florida’s Western Surf Fishing Frontier
Florida’s Gulf Coast stretches for over 1,000 miles along the western edge of the Sunshine State, offering surf anglers an entirely different fishing experience than its Atlantic counterpart.
You’ll find calmer waters, especially during summer months, making it ideal for beginners and veterans alike.
Indian Rocks Beach and Clearwater Beach should top your Gulf-side list, with their easy access and consistent action.
Don’t overlook Fort De Soto Park, where you’ve got the best of both worlds—Gulf and bayfront fishing opportunities in one location. The park features two fishing piers that provide excellent platforms for landing trophy fish without wading into the surf.
When you’re casting into these emerald waters, you’ll target redfish cruising the shallows, spotted seatrout hanging near sandbars, and mackerel racing through deeper zones. Lido Key Beach offers exceptional boulder jetty fishing where the shallow water structures attract numerous predator species.
Remember, your best bites will come during tide changes, particularly at dawn or dusk.
No permit required at most beaches (though you’ll need that Florida saltwater license), just grab your medium-heavy rod and hit the sand! Destin’s reputation as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village makes it another must-visit destination for surf anglers seeking diverse fishing experiences.
Seasonal Tactics for Florida’s Most Popular Surf Species
Mastering the seasonal rhythms of Florida’s surf fishing can transform your catch rate from disappointing to remarkable.
Spring brings Redfish and Speckled Trout to shallower waters, while summer’s heat draws Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish along beaches where baitfish congregate.
Capitalize on spring’s warming shallows for Redfish, then shift to beaches in summer to intercept Mackerel feeding frenzies.
You’ll find fall migrations offer prime opportunities for Snook and Pompano, especially during incoming tides when they’re feeding aggressively before winter.
When winter arrives, don’t pack away your gear! Sheepshead become the stars of the show near bridges and jetties, often fooled by small shrimp pieces on sturdy hooks. Florida offers viable fishing options in colder months when other coastal states have limited opportunities. Overcast conditions create less spooked fish and often result in more strikes as predatory species become bolder during these periods.
- Target estuaries in spring when species seek food in warming waters
- Fish early mornings in summer when surface temperatures are cooler
- Use heavier leaders in fall for aggressive feeders like Tarpon
- Look for deeper holes in winter where Redfish escape the cold
- Work incoming tides year-round when baitfish concentrate predators
Essential Gear and Rigs for Successful Florida Beach Fishing
Three key components form the backbone of successful Florida surf fishing: properly matched tackle, specialized terminal rigs, and the right accessories for beach conditions.
You’ll want a 9-12 foot surf rod paired with a corrosion-resistant spinning reel that can handle saltwater abuse (and the occasional dunking).
For terminal tackle, circle hooks are your best friends—they’ll reduce gut-hooking and keep those catch-and-release fish swimming happily away.
Set up a Carolina rig with slider sinkers to let your bait dance naturally in the current.
Don’t forget your aluminum pliers—you’ll thank me when you’re removing hooks from a toothy bluefish!
Lure-wise, pack some Johnson spoons and Z-Man paddletails in pearl and goldrush colors.
When the artificials aren’t producing, fresh shrimp or Gulp! Swimming Mullet can save the day.
Finally, a good sand spike will hold your rod while you’re enjoying that beach sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Permits or Licenses Do I Need for Florida Surf Fishing?
You’ll need a saltwater fishing license for surf fishing in Florida, which costs about $32.50 for residents.
If you’re targeting specific species, additional permits are required: a Snook Permit ($10/year), Tarpon Tag ($51.50), or free permits for shore-based shark fishing.
Florida residents can get a free Shoreline Fishing License when obtained through tax collectors.
How Do Tidal Phases Specifically Affect Different Florida Surf Species?
You’ll notice Florida’s surf species dance with the tides. Snook position themselves at creek mouths during outgoing tides, while incoming tides push them to shallow flats.
Redfish feed aggressively in the first hours of rising tide. Tarpon? They’re bridge-hunters during outflow, flat-cruisers during inflow.
When strong moon phases amplify tides, feeding activity intensifies across all species. Sharks and bluefish chase baitfish toward shore on rising tides, creating exciting sight-fishing opportunities you won’t want to miss!
Are There Any Surf Fishing Night Restrictions on Florida Beaches?
Yes, you’ll find some night restrictions for surf fishing on Florida beaches.
While most beaches allow night fishing with a valid saltwater license, local rules vary widely.
Hallandale Beach, for example, only permits night fishing in the southernmost 200 feet of managed beach between 6pm and dusk, and again from dawn until 8am.
Always check local ordinances before heading out with your tackle box—what’s permitted in one beach town might land you a citation in another!
Which Florida Beaches Allow Vehicle Access for Surf Fishing?
You’ll find vehicle access for surf fishing at several Florida beaches.
Daytona Beach permits driving (sunrise to sunset) with a fee for non-Volusia residents.
St. Johns County offers about 12 miles of drivable beach through eight access ramps, including Vilano and Crescent Beach.
On Amelia Island, Peters Point Park allows beach driving for Nassau County residents with 4WD vehicles only.
What Are the Best Bait Storage Solutions for Hot Florida Beach Days?
Ah, the Florida sun—where your bait ages faster than a fisherman’s tall tale!
You’ll want a high-quality insulated cooler (Yeti, Coleman, or Igloo) that keeps ice intact for days.
Don’t forget portable aerated buckets for live shrimp, and vacuum-sealed packages for frozen squid or ballyhoo.
Pre-packed artificial baits like Fishbites resist spoilage better than fresh cut bait.
For extra protection, create shade with an umbrella or drape wet towels over your cooler.
Conclusion
You’ve now got the inside track on Florida’s premier surf fishing destinations. From St. Augustine’s historic shores to Gulf Coast gems, you’re equipped to catch everything from pompano to sharks. Did you know Florida anglers land over 173 million fish annually from shore? That’s a lot of tight lines! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or weekend warrior, these spots and tactics will help you make the most of your next saltwater adventure. Tight lines!