Surf fishing in Florida: beaches, fish, rigs & bait
Where to surf fish in Florida, the fish you’ll catch from the beach and the gear, rigs and bait that work.
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. Florida has over a thousand miles of beachfront, all perfect for the surf fisherman.
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 fish can you catch surf fishing in Florida?
The top species when surf fishing in Florida are pompano, whiting, flounder, Spanish mackerel, sharks, redfish and snook, depending on the beach and season. Use sand fleas or shrimp on a pompano rig, cast into the trough on a moving tide, and you can catch fish all year from Florida’s beaches.
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
Call us for advice on where to go and what to bring on your surf fishing expedition. More fishing maps and reports: Fishidy.com.
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 beaches in Florida
Florida has surf fishing on both coasts. Our town pages cover local fishing, seasons and guided trips:
Northeast Florida
Daytona & Space Coast
South Florida
Gulf Coast & Panhandle
More: Florida fishing charters.
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.
Florida 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 fish can you catch surf fishing in Florida?
Pompano, whiting, flounder, Spanish mackerel, sharks, redfish and snook are the top Florida surf species, depending on the beach and season. Bluefish, sand perch, black drum, jacks and tarpon also visit the beach.
Where is the best surf fishing in Florida?
Florida has over a thousand miles of beachfront. The Atlantic beaches from Amelia Island to the Space Coast are famous for pompano and the fall mullet run; the Gulf beaches and the Panhandle around Destin and Pensacola are known for pompano and redfish.
Do I need a fishing license to surf fish in Florida?
Yes, unless you are exempt. Florida residents can get a free resident shoreline fishing license for fishing from the beach; non-residents need a saltwater fishing license. Check FWC for current rules.
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.
Can I book a surf fishing guide?
Call (407) 392-4593 for advice on where to go and what to bring. For a guided trip, our inshore charters near the beach book online and include the boat, rods, bait and license.
Prefer a boat trip? Read how to prevent sea sickness before you go.