Surf Fishing This Time of Year

Coming down on Monday and wondering what's been biting in the surf? Thanks

Pompano and whiting.

What about non "eater" fish? I assume it's similar to Texas, (where I'm from) in that it's too early for tarpon, but what about jacks?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheSix0show

What about non "eater" fish? I assume it's similar to Texas, (where I'm from) in that it's too early for tarpon, but what about jacks?

---

Jacks aren't often found in the surf. It would be rare for a tarpon to get into casting range, too. This time of year, it's like CarlF said, pompano and whiting. Redfish, flounder and speckled trout, too, but that fishing in the surf will get better as the temps warm, IMO. Then, there's the never-popular hard-head catfish that seem to be more abundant the more stirred-up the water is.

If I were fishing today (which I can't because I have to work) in the surf, I'd target pompano and whiting with peeled fresh-dead shrimp.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eym_sirius

Jacks aren't often found in the surf. It would be rare for a tarpon to get into casting range, too..

---

That is a big difference from Texas then. I regularly catch jacks in the surf. This early it's harder yes, but when it gets warmer I can almost guarantee I'll catch quite a few (10+ minimum) depending on conditions. I target them for shark bait. One of the best fights you can get in the ocean, even on heavier tackle. I only fish the surf jetties and piers in Texas. But got invited to come there for spring break so figured I'd get some local knowledge. I'm actually headed there now lol. Thanks for the info

Pompano are the only jack species we have in the wintertime.
Ladyfish in late April plus blue runner

Are there any shark in the surf this time of year? Did not see on your chart!

In July I catch many jacks in the surf, mainly larger ones. You need to be patient and follow the schools til in casting range. This early I'd suspect the water is much too cold.

Hi mnfishingbum, First of all, welcome to the Forum, it's a great place to be. Are you from MN.? If so, what area?

If you want to catch decent sized jacks, go to Florida when the water warms. That's all I catch in the surf in FL.

Right now your best bet in Alabama is whiting, followed by pomps. Sharks you'll still have to yak a bait out.

Thanks Flyguy. Born and raised in Minneapolis now living in Franklin, TN. This is a great forum with a wealth of info!