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Surf fishing - understanding the surf forecast
Posted on 8/19/25 at 3:51 pm
Posted on 8/19/25 at 3:51 pm
I'm pretty much a total newbie to surf fishing. It seems logical that the surf forecast would help predict the better/worse days to be at the shoreline.
Wind direction?
Swell height?
Wave interval?
All this without mentioning the ever changing tides or attempting to read the shoreline. Where does one begin to learn? (NE FL)
Wind direction?
Swell height?
Wave interval?
All this without mentioning the ever changing tides or attempting to read the shoreline. Where does one begin to learn? (NE FL)
This post was edited on 8/19/25 at 4:15 pm
7
Posted on 8/19/25 at 3:56 pm to Turbotoes
Where do you surf fish? What I think of surf fishing is completely different than surf fishing in Florida for example.
Windfinder is a good tool and free app for getttig forecasts. Time and experience on the water will be the best way to learn though.
Windfinder is a good tool and free app for getttig forecasts. Time and experience on the water will be the best way to learn though.
Posted on 8/19/25 at 4:09 pm to Turbotoes
NE Florida
Posted on 8/20/25 at 7:05 am to Turbotoes
I can't help too much because I typically just surf fish when I'm at the beach so I don't pick my days.
I have paid attention to solar lunar calendars, tides, all that crap and it never makes much of a difference to me. I've had the best "on paper" days possible and caught pinfish and I've had horrible "on paper" days and I've limited on pompano.
The only pattern I have been able to really nail down is that if you get a really good rain, not just your typical Florida afternoon shower, but a good soaker. The whiting will move in hard.
I have paid attention to solar lunar calendars, tides, all that crap and it never makes much of a difference to me. I've had the best "on paper" days possible and caught pinfish and I've had horrible "on paper" days and I've limited on pompano.
The only pattern I have been able to really nail down is that if you get a really good rain, not just your typical Florida afternoon shower, but a good soaker. The whiting will move in hard.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 7:28 am to Turbotoes
I don't know about weather and tides but I do know most people fishing for whiting, croaker, etc... fish too far off shore. They feed right where the last wave break is because it exposes sand fleas and other crustaceans.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 9:45 am to Turbotoes
Tons of YT vids from your area.light winds and tides create the best opportunities. Pompano rigs with fish bites will catch whatever swims there. If you have a long stretch of beach to work with look for anomalies in wave action. That’s usually a break in bar are trough close to beach that will concentrate your prey. It’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, get some basic surf fishing equipment and get to it. Good luck.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:38 pm to BoogaBear
Those are good eating. I'll keep that in mind for the next big rain shower.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:40 pm to dalefla
quote:
They feed right where the last wave break is because it exposes sand fleas and other crustaceans.
So for this, are casting it in front of the break (like nearer to the shoreline) or are you casting it beyond the break and reeling it in a little ways? Maybe I need to use heavier sinker. I've noticed the waves churning my line with a 2 oz pyramid.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:50 pm to redfish99
quote:
long stretch of beach to work with look for anomalies in wave action. That’s usually a break in bar are trough close to beach that will concentrate your prey.
I truly struggle with this. I've watched several videos and cannot "see it" yet. Feels like magic eye artwork all over again (which took me years to finally see).
Posted on 8/20/25 at 3:49 pm to Turbotoes
NE Florida? I know when I fished Jacksonville in a boat, high tide was in the morning and by 2pm it looked like a totally different landscape. What we ran over in the morning, was now 8ft high mounds of oysters.
Being from South Louisiana
(typical LA tides are 2 ft max), when we saw the dolphin tail walking out of a cut, in seconds we had to get out, or we would've been stuck high and dry. On the drive back in the main canal, were multiple boats, 4 ft high on the bank, waiting for high tide.
If you can stand up in a 8 ft fluctuating tide, go for it
Being from South Louisiana
(typical LA tides are 2 ft max), when we saw the dolphin tail walking out of a cut, in seconds we had to get out, or we would've been stuck high and dry. On the drive back in the main canal, were multiple boats, 4 ft high on the bank, waiting for high tide. If you can stand up in a 8 ft fluctuating tide, go for it
Posted on 8/21/25 at 7:34 am to Turbotoes
quote:
NE Florida
Hour before high tide
Pompano rig
Live shrimp or sand fleas
3 or 4 oz pyramid
If it’s really rough surf they won’t bite much
Posted on 8/21/25 at 9:47 am to PorkSammich
quote:
Hour before high tide
Pompano rig
Live shrimp or sand fleas
3 or 4 oz pyramid
If it’s really rough surf they won’t bite much
I typically use a pompano rig with live sand fleas (when available). Maybe I need a little more weight in the sinker department.
Would you recommend the sputnik sinkers? I heard they are better for rougher conditions.
Posted on 8/21/25 at 4:54 pm to Turbotoes
Even if its rough, the fish can still be feeding. i have had some of my best days surf fishing when the boats are harbored.
I mostly just fish artificial; muddy water is a bigger deal than the forecast. Muddy water and I go to live bait; reluctantly.
Sometimes when its rough, the wind will bring in that clear green water from the deep. My advice is go when you can go. A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.
Grandpa
"Gotta go to know"
I mostly just fish artificial; muddy water is a bigger deal than the forecast. Muddy water and I go to live bait; reluctantly.
Sometimes when its rough, the wind will bring in that clear green water from the deep. My advice is go when you can go. A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.
Grandpa
"Gotta go to know"
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