5.0(3 Reviews)Pompano & Whiting Hunt with Local Captain
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Two-hour guided surf fishing trip targeting local speciesBeach access fishing for Pompano, Redfish, and Spanish MackerelExpert instruction with high-quality gear provided for small groups
Captain BF Robertson knows the Melbourne surf like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish in just two hours. This isn't some rushed tourist trap – it's a legitimate fishing experience that'll have you casting into productive water while learning techniques that'll serve you well down the road. Whether you're brand new to surf fishing or just want a quick session with someone who knows where the fish are biting, this trip delivers solid action without eating up your whole day.
You'll meet Captain B right on the beach – no long boat rides or complicated dock procedures here. This is pure surf fishing at its finest, working the productive waters just off Melbourne's shoreline where pompano, redfish, and snook cruise the breaks looking for an easy meal. The captain brings all the gear you'll need, from rods rigged for the conditions to fresh bait that'll get the attention of whatever's swimming through. With only two anglers max, you're getting personal attention and real instruction, not just someone baiting your hook. The beaches here offer great access and consistent action, especially when you know the right spots and timing. Captain B reads the water conditions daily and adjusts tactics accordingly – whether that means working the deeper troughs during incoming tide or focusing on the shallow flats when the water's moving right.
Surf fishing is all about reading the water and presenting your bait where fish naturally feed. Captain B sets you up with medium to heavy action rods that can handle both the casting distance and the fight when you hook up with something solid. He'll show you how to read the beach structure – where the sandbars create feeding lanes, how the tide movement affects fish behavior, and why certain spots produce while others stay quiet. You'll learn proper casting techniques to get your bait out past the break, how to detect subtle bites in the surf, and the right way to work different baits for different species. The tackle gets matched to what's running – circle hooks for the bigger drum, smaller presentations when the pompano are finicky, and the right sinker weights to hold bottom in the current. Fresh bait makes all the difference out here, and the captain comes prepared with what's working best for current conditions.
"Incredibly fortunate to be able to go catching with Captain B's Surf Fishing on Wednesday. A true professional from start to finish. This was my very first time surf fishing and every expectation I could have had was far surpassed. I think the fish variety was 8 different species for the morning. Caught several bonnet heads, a nice blue and several keeper whiting. He was so patient with me and my questions. I can't wait to get back out and give it a go again. Thank you Captain B for an amazing time." - Dennis
"Great experience with Captain B ! He was knowledgeable, patient and able to keep us on fish on the worst conditions! We have dinner for days! Blues whiting and bonnets! Yum! Bon apetit! Highly recommend!" - Vanessa
"very knowledgeable, very patient with novices and important for me no foul language. I have used his guide services more than once" - Frank
Redfish are the bread and butter of Melbourne surf fishing, and these copper-colored fighters know how to put up a scrap. They cruise the shallow water looking for crabs and baitfish, often feeding in water so shallow you can see their backs. Spring through fall offers the best action, with larger fish moving through during cooler months. What makes reds special is their attitude – they hit hard, make long runs, and don't give up easy. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Florida Pompano are the prize catch that keeps surf anglers coming back for more. These silver beauties are picky eaters with a preference for sand fleas and small crabs, making presentation critical. Fall through early spring brings the best pompano fishing to Melbourne's beaches, with fish ranging from keeper size up to true trophies. They're considered some of the finest eating fish in Florida waters, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. When pompano are running, you'll see anglers lined up along the productive stretches – and Captain B knows exactly where to find them.
Snook are the ultimate surf fishing challenge, with their ambush-style feeding and explosive strikes. These fish love structure and moving water, often holding near piers, jetties, or deeper cuts in the surf line. Summer months bring the best snook action, particularly around dawn and dusk when they're actively hunting. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward any available cover. While they're currently catch-and-release only, landing a snook in the surf is a memory that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.
Northern Kingfish, also called whiting, are perfect for beginners and kids because they bite consistently and fight well for their size. These fish school up in good numbers and aren't particularly finicky about bait presentation. Year-round residents in these waters, whiting provide steady action when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. They're also fantastic eating, with sweet, mild meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a simple pan-fry. When you're learning surf fishing basics, whiting teach you proper bite detection and fish-handling skills.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the surf, with large fish capable of testing your tackle and your endurance. These bottom-feeders love crabs and shellfish, often found rooting around in deeper holes and channels. Winter and spring typically produce the largest drum, with fish ranging from smaller puppy drum up to true giants that'll have you questioning your gear choices. They're powerful but methodical fighters, using their size and strength rather than speed. Smaller drum make excellent table fare, while the big ones are better released to keep the fishery strong
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and when you hook a big one, you'll know it. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds but can hit 50+ in deeper water. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crunch up crabs and shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring is prime time during spawn when they school up and are easier to find. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones get tough and stringy. What's really cool is hearing them "drum" underwater during spawn season. Pro tip: fresh blue crab is the ticket - cut it in half and use a circle hook on the bottom. Those big jaws can crush your typical baits, but they can't resist a good crab.
Trachinotus CarolinusPompano are the crown jewel of surf fishing down here. These silver beauties with bright yellow fins usually run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally hook into bigger ones. They travel in schools along the beach, cruising just outside the breakers where they hunt for sand fleas and small crabs. Summer and fall are prime time when they're moving through our waters. What gets people hooked is the fight - they're part of the jack family and pull hard for their size. Plus, restaurants pay top dollar for pompano because of that rich, buttery flavor. Local secret: use a small hook with fresh sand fleas or orange jigs, and fish the second sandbar during an incoming tide. That's where they love to feed.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish might be small, but they're scrappy little fighters that keep things interesting on light tackle. These bottom feeders typically run 10-14 inches and have that distinctive barbel under their chin like a little whisker. You'll find them on sandy and rocky bottoms in the surf, usually in small schools. Late summer is prime time when they're thick near shore. What's cool about kingfish is they put up a surprising fight for their size - plus that white meat is excellent eating. They use that barbel to hunt for worms, small crabs, and clams on the bottom. My go-to trick is using small pieces of bloodworms or clam on a tiny hook. Keep it simple and let it sit on the bottom - they'll find it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches and love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet where you can sometimes see their backs. They cruise around oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms looking for crabs and shrimp. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to ID. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. What makes them special is that hard pull when they take off - plus they taste amazing with that sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your shrimp or gold spoon well ahead of where they're headed, not right at them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida fishing at its finest - sleek predators with that bold black lateral line running down their golden sides. Most run 18-30 inches, but they can hit 40+ pounds in the right conditions. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where fresh and salt water mix. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall is your best bet before they head to deeper water. What makes snook special is their ambush style - they explode on topwater lures like nothing else. They're also great eating with firm white meat. One thing I always tell people: snook have razor-sharp gill plates, so use a landing net or grab them by the lower jaw. Those gills will slice your hand up quick if you're not careful.
5.0 out of 5.0Incredibly fortunate to be able to go catching with Captain B's Surf Fishing on Wednesday. A true professional from start to finis...
Dennis T, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Great experience with Captain B ! He was knowledgeable, patient and able to keep us on fish on the worst conditions! We have dinn...
Vanessa J, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
very knowledgeable, very patient with novices and important for me no foul language. I have used his guide services more than once...
Frank M, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Melbourne, FL