Brevard County Beaches - Surf
Beth Sinclair
June 21, 2008
Melbourne - Saltwater Fishing Report
Atlantic croaker and whiting are grouping up along the shallow coquina reefs, sandbars and troughs along Brevard County beaches. Anglers are finding these two species in such high numbers, at times, that it can be non-stop catching for 2 to 3 hours at a time.
Also mixed with these species are some under-sized black drum, pinfish, pigfish, snook and jack crevalle.
Snook, of course, are out of season and all fish should be released unharmed. Anglers can specifically target the snook by using small live croakers on a sliding sinker rig. Just take extra care when handling these fish.
Whiting, by far, are preferring cut squid over most baits, while the black drum are taking fresh cut shrimp. The croakers, however, will hit sandfleas, clam, shrimp or squid fairly consistently.
Time of day does not seem to make as much of a difference as the weather right now, with high tide periods being best. However, it is best to avoid the middle of the day when the sun is highest as the fish tend to move to deeper water.
A word of caution - Atlantic croaker have spiked and razor-sharp edges on their gill plates that cut fingers, so handle with care.
Target Species:
Atlantic croaker, whiting, snook
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