Inshore Fishing Cocoa Beach

The Basics of Inshore Fishing Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach’s variety of sea life is exceptional. Expect to reel-in a myriad of fish while wading the crystal clear waters. One angler, in Floridatoday.com, reported hooking 100 different species of fish during a single expedition. Although this tale is much too reminiscent of Hemingway’s Santiago and his Marlin, the region is known for a variety of fauna along the shoreline.

Expect to reel-in Redfish, Whiting, Pompano, Tarpon, Snapper, Wahoo, Sheepshead, Flounder, Jack, Blue Fish, Sea Trout, Black Drum, Croaker and Grouper from Cocoa’s Beach’s clear waters. According to Floridatoday.com, anglers are reeling-in 4-5 pound Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle, Redfish and Tarpon with ease. The action should continue through Fall.

Pompano are a favorite among inshore predatory fish. They’re said to possess a mild fishy taste. “They are one my favorite fish to catch, they put up a great fight and taste great,” said an angler at Gocasting.com. Pompano are most easily reeled-in with clam, however, anglers have had success with live bait. It’s said that Pompano bite less often than Tarpon, but the patient angler is rewarded with the region’s most beautiful catch, a shimmering blue and yellow Pompano.

Tarpon are abundant along the shores of Cocoa Beach. An angler, at Floridasportsman.com, shared his fishing report: “yesterday [we] saw some major mullet pods. More importantly, we saw 4-6 foot tarpon jumping out of the water as they were nailing the bait!” The region’s Tarpon are known for aerial displays. Tarpon give a hard run before breaking the water’s surface. Upon surfacing, they are known for somersaults. Moreover, bait fish, such as Mullet, are easily pulled from Cocoa Beach’s waters. According to Floridatoday.con, Mullet remain plentiful until October.

Cocoa Beach offers some of Florida’s best pier fishing. According to Cocoabeachpier.con, the historic pier was constructed in 1962 by a local businessman. The pier remains an antique wooden structure. The 800-foot deck includes a bait/tackle shop, dining, and other attractions. Adults may fish the pier for $7.

If you do indulge in barefoot wade fishing, there’s a trick to getting sand off your feet. According to Visitflorida.com, a generous amount of baby-powder makes removing sand a cinch.

Cocoa Beach Redfish

Cocoa Beach is a paradise for anglers. It’s noted as the “Surfing Capital of the East,” although the waves are relatively tame. Moreover, Cocoa Beach’s pleasure pier spans 800 feet of Atlantic waters – the pier is home to restaurants perched above the sand and rolling tides. However, it’s not the unique pleasure peir or the white sand beaches that attracts the angler, it’s the unforgettable feeling of reeling-in one of the region’s Redfish.

Drum, or Sciaenops Ocellatus in Latin, are commonly referred to as Redfish. According to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), Redfish are so dubbed due to the drumming sound they make while spawning. This tympanic sound is created by muscle rubbing against an inflated blatter. Moreover, the region’s Red Fish may grow to 27 inches in length and may weigh an astonishing 51 pounds.

Red Fish pups are known for their iconic spots, anglers agree that juvenile Red Fish are adorable, but fully matured Red Fish, termed Bull Red Fish, are aggressive and fight hard as they take the bait. Some anglers suggest that juvenile and mature Red Fish should be treated as separate species. Mature Red Fish are plated in armor and are no longer small docile fish.

Cocoa Beach’s Red Fish inhabit both inshore and offshore waters. However, during Fall, Red Fish are easily reeled-in between the mouth of The Banana River and Merrit Island. These shallow waters are abundant with spawning Red Fish. Red Fish become active during the cooler months and actively take the bait. Live Shrimp floated beneath a popping cork make for an easy catch. Moreover, these fish will eat Crabs, Mullet, Pinfish and Minnows.

Red Fish are known as “Cocoa Beach’s Delicacy,” according to The Cooking Fish Monger, Red Fish may be compared to Red Snapper, they possess a mild sweet flavor and firm flesh. Be sure to check for regulations of limit before throwing a Red Fish in the frying pan.