Florida Surf Fishing-Sand Fleas

[Capt Sal]

After over fifty years of fishing in New Jersey I am in the learning process. Went surf fishing today on the ''free'' beach in Melbourne Florida. Some of the local fisherman showed me how to use a sand flea rake. Sand fleas are about the same size as a fiddler crab. You look for air bubbles in the sand as the surf washes in and out. Pull the rake that has a basket, two inches into the sand as the wash goes out. Every pull is different but 20 to 30 sand fleas is common. Free bait and matching the hatch.

The rig consists of two small circle hooks on dropper loops and a two ounce pyramid sinker. Kind of like a blackfish rig. The main quarry are Pompano. Hard fighting and great eating. By catch are Kingfish,Blues and Black Drum.All the Whiting you want and four or five Pompano are an average catch. Bait-free beach access free-all in my price range! I have to come back to Jersey for the Striper Season but I am sure getting spoiled with this for ''free'' fishing. I will post some pics. in a few days as I did not have my camera while wading in the 70 degree water lol.Very friendly people here that are more than willing to share some info. We could all learn from that!!! :)

[Canyonfish]

Something very satisfying about that kind of fishing, making your own bait and fishing free beaches.:)

Throw in friendly helpful people, and now you have it made.:D

[joeya78]

As a kid at tackanasse beach I would dig sand crabs in the surf and use them to catch sea bass off the jetty here in nj

[jmurr711]

great bait for tog,triggers & sheepshead around the jetties up here. Also work great for bigger kingies wont get as manyas bloodworms but they are bigger

[Capt Sal]

Something very satisfying about that kind of fishing, making your own bait and fishing free beaches.:)

Throw in friendly helpful people, and now you have it made.:D

People here are not uptight like NJ. I like catching my own bait and walking the beach is good exercise. There is a lot to learn and the locals are very helpful. Bought a place here and now I can enjoy myself and our kids and grandchildren will have a place to come on vacation.:)

[NJ Dave]

Sal,
Sand fleas, rocks and pier footing will get you sheepshead.
Similar to nj black fishing.
Gut em scale and bake em with garlic and onions.
yum

[Capt Sal]

Sal,
Sand fleas, rocks and pier footing will get you sheepshead.
Similar to nj black fishing.
Gut em scale and bake em with garlic and onions.
yum

Ate a few sheepshead and you right on! Just like a cast net my new sand flea rake will more than pay for itself. I have to keep myself in shape walking the beach and raking sand fleas so I can throw the net on bunker this spring. lol