06/27/2025
Surf fishing in North Florida is a popular and rewarding activity thanks to the region’s extensive coastline, warm waters, and abundant fish species. From the Atlantic beaches near Jacksonville down through the Panhandle’s Gulf shores, anglers can experience excellent surf fishing almost year-round.
Best Locations in North Florida for Surf Fishing
1. Jacksonville Beach / Amelia Island
• Great for targeting pompano, whiting, and redfish.
• Long piers and wide beaches offer plenty of room.
• Nearby inlets like Nassau Sound offer variety and depth.
2. St. Augustine Beach
• Access to deep troughs close to shore.
• Common catches include flounder, bluefish, and black drum.
3. Flagler Beach / Ormond Beach
• A mix of sand and coquina rock structure makes this area productive for sheepshead and snook.
4. Panhandle Beaches (Destin, Panama City, Pensacola)
• These Gulf-facing beaches have sugar-white sand and clear water.
• Pompano runs in spring and fall are especially productive.
• Also good for Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, and sharks in summer.
⸻
Common Species
• Whiting (Southern Kingfish) – A staple catch, especially in winter and early spring.
• Pompano – Highly prized for both sport and table fare, typically best in spring and fall.
• Redfish – A year-round target; best caught at dawn or dusk.
• Black Drum & Sheepshead – Often found near jetties or hard bottom areas.
• Sharks & Rays – Common in summer; often caught on cut bait.
• Flounder – Best near inlets and during the fall migration.
⸻
Gear & Tactics
• Rods: 9–13 ft surf rods (OverTheBar or Florida Surf Angler) paired with spinning reels (4000–6000 size) or conventional reels (Akios)
• Line: 15–20 lb mono or 20–30 lb braid with fluorocarbon leaders.
• Rigs: Fish Finder rigs, double-dropper rigs, and pompano rigs with floats and beads or naked rigs.
• Bait: Live or fresh shrimp, sand fleas, cut mullet, clams, or Fishbites (artificial bait).
• Timing: Fish the incoming tide, dawn or dusk, or after a storm when bait is stirred up.
⸻
Tips
• Read the beach: Look for deeper troughs, sandbars, and rip currents—these are fish highways.
• Local knowledge: Tackle shops in the area often provide updates on what’s biting and recommended setups.
• Permits: A Florida saltwater fishing license is required, even from beach.
Floridasurftackle.com