Surf fishing: how to fish from the beach
What surf fishing is, the rods, rigs and bait to use, how to read the beach and where to go.
There is no more relaxing way to enjoy fishing with family and friends than surf fishing. Hang out on the beach, stick your pole in the sand and enjoy the salt air and sunshine. Shark, snook, reds, tarpon, bluefish, sand perch, flounder and many other fish visit the beach looking for sand fleas and smaller baitfish.
Fish you can catch surf fishing
Pompano, whiting and Spanish mackerel, plus redfish, snook, flounder, sharks and more. Swipe to see them.
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations. More on pompano fishing.
What is surf fishing?
Surf fishing is fishing from the beach into the waves. Anglers use a long 9 to 12 foot rod to cast past the breakers, a pyramid sinker to hold the bait on the bottom and a sand spike to hold the rod. It is an easy fishing style to learn, and techniques change with location, tides, seasons and weather. Florida, with over a thousand miles of beaches, is a top surf fishing destination.
Surf vs pier vs inshore boat fishing
| Surf | Pier | Inshore boat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | From the beach into the waves | From a fishing pier past the breakers | Bays, lagoons and flats on a guide’s boat |
| Gear | 9–12 ft rod, heavy sinker, sand spike | Medium rod, pier cart, drop net | Guide supplies rods, tackle and bait |
| Fish | Pompano, whiting, redfish, snook, sharks | Spanish mackerel, snapper, kingfish, pompano | Redfish, seatrout, snook, tarpon |
| Cost | Your gear + Florida license | Pier fee + license | From $450 for 4 hours (boat, license included) |
Surf fishing gear, rigs and bait
Long poles with large spinning reels propel the bait far into the surf, pyramid sinkers hold it on the bottom and sand spikes hold the rod while you wait for a strike. Watch surf fishing videos.
Surf fishing rod and reel
Most surf anglers use a 9 to 12 foot rod so they can cast past the first breaker, with a 4000 to 8000 size spinning reel. Longer rods cast farther and hold line above the waves.
Line, sinkers and hooks
Use 15 to 20 lb monofilament, or 20 to 30 lb braid with a heavier shock leader. Pyramid or sputnik sinkers of 2 to 6 oz hold bait on the bottom in moving water. Small circle hooks (size 1 to 2/0) work for pompano and whiting; go bigger for redfish and sharks.
Surf fishing rigs
A double-drop (pompano) rig with two hooks and floats is the go-to in Florida. A fish-finder or Carolina rig with a sliding sinker works for bigger fish like redfish and black drum.
Best bait for surf fishing
Sand fleas (mole crabs) are the best natural bait: fish visit the beach looking for sand fleas and smaller baitfish. Fresh shrimp, clams, Fishbites and cut mullet also work. More: best bait for bottom fishing in Florida.
How to read the beach and when to fish
Cast into the troughs between sandbars, cuts in the bar and around rip edges, where waves wash food to the fish. A moving tide is best, often the two hours either side of high tide. Early morning and evening beat midday.
Sand spikes and what to bring
Sand spikes hold the rod while you wait for a strike. Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, water, a cooler, a bait bucket and pliers, and stick your pole in the sand and enjoy the salt air and sunshine.
Best surf fishing destinations
Florida
Florida has over a thousand miles of beachfront, all perfect for the surf fisherman. See surf fishing in Florida, the fish of New Smyrna Beach and reasons to visit Panama City Beach.
Northeast Florida
Daytona & Space Coast
South Florida
Gulf Coast & Panhandle
About iOutdoors · all fishing trips.
Florida surf fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Pompano and whiting
- Black drum on sand fleas
Spring Mar–May
- Pompano run and Spanish mackerel
- Bluefish and jacks
Summer Jun–Aug
- Snook in the trough
- Tarpon and sharks along the beach
Fall Sep–Nov
- Mullet run: bull reds, snook, tarpon
- Flounder near the inlets
Rather fish from a boat? Book an inshore trip near the beach
Surf fishing is do-it-yourself. For a guided trip with the boat, rods, bait and license included, book an inshore charter online.
What guests say about our inshore trips
5.06 reviews
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
Go fish with Cat. Nick Pasquarello!
My buddy Mike and I wanted a chance to catch a trophy largemouth as well as our first peacock bass. Capt. Nick wasted no time in putting us on both. We had a great time, caught lots of fish and enjoyed Cat. Nick's company. On my next visit, I will use Capt. Nick Pasquarello again!
FarAway58566891706 · May 2019
Go fish with Cat. Nick Pasquarello!
My buddy Mike and I wanted a chance to catch a trophy largemouth as well as our first peacock bass. Capt. Nick wasted no time in putting us on both. We had a great time, caught lots of fish, and enjoyed Cat. Nick's company. On my next visit, I will use Capt. Nick Pasquarello again!
FarAway58 · May 2019
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Planning a surf fishing day?
Call us for advice on where to go and what to bring, or book a guided inshore trip near the beach.
Surf fishing advice and guided inshore trips
Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Surf fishing questions
What is surf fishing?
Surf fishing is fishing from the beach into the waves, usually with a long rod, a heavy sinker to hold the bait on the bottom and a sand spike to hold the rod. You catch fish that feed in the surf zone, like pompano, whiting, redfish, snook and sharks.
What size rod and reel for surf fishing?
A 9 to 12 foot rod with a 4000 to 8000 size spinning reel covers most surf fishing. Lighter 7 to 9 foot setups work for pompano and whiting on calm days.
What is the best bait for surf fishing?
Sand fleas (mole crabs) are the top natural bait, followed by fresh shrimp, clams and cut mullet. Fishbites are a handy artificial option.
What is the best tide for surf fishing?
A moving tide, especially the two hours either side of high tide, pushes bait and fish into the troughs close to shore. Early morning and evening are usually best.
Where should I cast when surf fishing?
Into the deeper troughs between sandbars, cuts or gaps in the outer bar and the edges of rip currents. Watch for darker water and where waves break and then flatten out.
What do I need for surf fishing?
A long rod and reel, line and leader, pyramid or sputnik sinkers, hooks or a pompano rig, bait, a sand spike, a cooler, pliers and a fishing license.
Where is the best surf fishing in the U.S.?
Florida, with over a thousand miles of beachfront, is one of the best places to surf fish year-round. The Outer Banks, the Gulf Coast and the Northeast striper beaches are also famous.
Can I book a surf fishing trip?
Call (407) 392-4593 for advice on where to go. For a guided trip, our Florida inshore charters near the beach book online.