Surf Fishing East Central Florida
Beth Sinclair
July 2, 2008
Melbourne - Saltwater Fishing Report

Fish are active on the beaches, often throughout the day. Afternoon thunderstorms, which are extending into the evening, have been preventing many anglers from fishing past about 4 p.m., so try to get onto the beach early to avoid the worst of the heat.
Atlantic croakers and whiting continue to be the most abundant species, besides the numerous under-sized black drum. Often the croakers are small, between 6 and 10 inches, however bigger fish are usually mixed in with the little ones. Diving pelicans are usually an indication of schooling croakers in the area. Whiting also seem to be schooling in with the croakers, or at least, the two species are taking advantage of the same food supply.
Low tide periods usually push the schooling fish out past casting range, accept along deeper beaches, such as those south of Indialantic and toward Sebastian. Plenty of bigger species are following the croakers, including; snook, sharks, tarpon, jack crevalle and king mackerel. While it's rare to catch king mackerel from the beach, boaters can often target them within a mile of the surf zone during the summer.
Look for tarpon, jacks and snook in close during high tide periods as well as mornings and evenings. Edges of coquina rock and pilings around piers, such as the Canaveral Pier, are excellent areas to target flounder. Use a live bait such as a mojarra, shrimp or finger mullet on a stationary rig with a pyramid sinker or a more mobile rig with an egg sinker. Remember, the size limit on both our species of flounder is 12 inches.
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