BOATING & FISHING
SPACE COAST
JOEY ANTONELLI PHOTOS
Artificial fish gum is a great alternative to live bait choices and can be used to catch most species.
SUMMER 2022: 63
as www.go-salt-water-fishing.com or
www.saltstrong.com to find information
on popular choices, or to visit any retail
tackle outlet for advice.
“There are several lengths of rods appropriate
for surf fishing — and it is not always
necessary to use a longer or heavier
rod,” he said.
“A setup that allows casting further distances
is necessary when fish are further
out, with the average lengths of rods
ranging from 7 feet to 12 feet. The tides
and coastline features can determine
distance and casting protocol. Surf fishing
rods come in power levels ranging from
medium to heavy and shorter rods can be
used for casting when higher tides prevail.
“Rod action is measured by the point at
which the rod starts to bend. Since most
surf fishing entails the use of rod holders,
it is not necessary to have a ‘fast action’
rod,” Antelloni explained.
“Either conventional bait casting types
or spinning reels are commonly used,
with the faster action surf rod ideal when
using lures.”
As for reels, he suggested one that is
equipped with a 25 to 50 pound braid
the preferred line type for surf fishing
that can hold 300 to 500 yards.
“The all-around medium action rod
can be interchanged with smaller reels
to catch everything from tarpon to
bluefish and whiting, typically in the
2- to 5-foot range.
TASTY BAITS
Antonelli also said that while there are
thousands of theories on what bait is
best when it comes to surf fishing, like
humans every fish has its own discriminating
taste buds.
“My advice is to keep a log of what baits
you have tried and the success you’ve
had, noting what fish ate what, your
best catches and the circumstances that
revolved around the catch that may
include what time of the day, etc.,” he
said. “This goes for your rigs, floats,
weights, and just about everything.
“While many species prefer live bait —
shrimp, glass minnows, and native clams,
scallops or sand fleas which can often
SURF FISHING RESOURCES
For information about surf fishing along the Space Coast visit:
www.youtube.com/Joey Antonelli
www.myfwc.com/license
www.saltstrong.com
www.spacefishreport.com
www.spacecoastoutdoors.net
www.fsfa.org
be found along the outside sandbars
and onshore buried in the sand — are
considered best. However, frozen varieties,
lures and artificial fish gum bites are
also popular choices. The latter can hold
better on a hook.
“Smaller varieties of Atlantic croakers
are an excellent choice to catch coveted
snook and pompano, touted as two of
the best tasting varieties found in Space
Coast waters. Local surf fishing reports
are a great way to stay in-the-know
about what’s biting, and where.”
He said that besides a rod and reel, other
items that are helpful include a bucket, a
cooler, a good fishing knife, needle-nose
pliers, a fish hook puller, rod holders, a net
and a small dedicated tackle assortment.
/www.go-salt-water-fishing.com
/www.saltstrong.com
/www.saltstrong.com
/Joey
/license
/www.spacefishreport.com
/www.spacecoastoutdoors.net
/www.fsfa.org