5.0(3 Reviews)2-Hour Pompano & Black Drum Shore Trip in Melbourne
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
2hour guided surf fishing trip targeting multiple speciesExpert instruction with highquality gear provided for all skill levelsBeach access fishing for Pompano, Redfish, and Spanish Mackerel
Looking for a solid surf fishing trip that won't eat up your whole day? Captain BF Robertson has you covered with his 2-hour guided sessions along Melbourne's prime fishing beaches. This isn't some rushed tourist trap—it's a focused, hands-on experience where you'll actually learn how to read the surf and put fish in the cooler. Whether you're picking up a rod for the first time or you've been fishing for years, Captain B knows how to put you on fish quickly. The Space Coast delivers year-round action, and with his local knowledge, you'll be targeting the species that are biting right now.
This trip keeps things simple and effective. You'll meet Captain B at one of his go-to beach access points where the fish have been cooperating, and he'll have all the quality gear ready to go. No need to stress about tackle selection or rigging—he's got pyramid sinkers, circle hooks, and fresh bait dialed in for whatever's running. The beauty of surf fishing here is you're working productive water right from the sand. Captain B reads the beach conditions like a book, positioning you where the drop-offs, cuts, and structure hold fish. He'll show you how to cast past the breakers, how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom bounce, and when to set the hook. With only 2 anglers max, you get plenty of personal attention and coaching.
Captain B runs a surf fishing operation that focuses on reading water and matching your presentation to conditions. You'll be using medium-heavy rods with conventional reels loaded with enough line to reach the productive zones beyond the surf. The rig setup depends on what's biting—sometimes it's a simple fish-finder rig with fresh shrimp for pompano, other times you might be throwing larger baits for redfish cruising the shallows. He'll teach you how to read the beach structure, identifying where sandbars create feeding lanes and how tidal movement affects fish behavior. The key here is staying mobile and adjusting techniques as conditions change. Fresh cut bait, live sand fleas, and quality circle hooks keep you connected to whatever decides to bite.
"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 crown jewel of Space Coast surf fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers know how to put up a fight. You'll find them cruising the shallows, especially during moving tides when they're hunting crabs and baitfish in the wash. They average 20-28 inches here, with some slot fish pushing 30-plus. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but summer dawn and dusk sessions can be lights-out good. What makes reds special is their power—they'll make strong runs parallel to the beach, and that first surge when they feel the hook will test your drag settings.
Florida Pompano are the table fare champions of the surf, and Melbourne's beaches serve up some beautiful fish. These silver speedsters love clean water and sandy bottom, feeding heavily on sand fleas and small crabs in the first and second gut. They typically run 12-16 inches, but don't let the size fool you—pompano fight way above their weight class with fast runs and head shakes. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot in the mid-70s. Captain B knows exactly where to position you when the pomps are on the feed.
Snook bring serious excitement to surf fishing, with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These ambush predators hang around structure and current breaks, waiting to hammer baitfish and shrimp. You might hook anything from a 20-inch schoolie to a 35-inch bruiser that'll make multiple jumps and test every knot. Summer nights are magic for snook, but Captain B finds them during daylight hours when most anglers give up. They're incredibly line-shy, so presentation matters, and when you hook one, hang on—they know every trick in the book for throwing hooks.
Northern Kingfish, also called whiting, are the bread-and-butter species that keep the action steady. These bottom-dwellers are perfect for beginners because they bite consistently and fight hard for their size. You'll find them ranging from 10-14 inches, with occasional larger fish pushing 16-plus. They love fresh shrimp and small pieces of cut bait, and they're not shy about taking a hook. Year-round residents, they peak during cooler months when they school up in good numbers. What anglers love about whiting is their reliability—when other species are being finicky, you can count on whiting to keep your rod bent.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the surf, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These powerful fish can range from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to massive 40-pound bulls that will absolutely smoke your drag. They're bottom
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of our surf fishing trips - powerful, determined fish that'll test your tackle. These chunky, dark-colored members of the drum family typically run 5-30 pounds around Melbourne, with the bigger ones putting up serious fights. They're bottom feeders that love oyster bars, muddy flats, and around bridge pilings where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning and are easier to target. What makes them exciting is their raw power - once hooked, they'll make long, stubborn runs. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the trick: use fresh blue crab or clam on a circle hook and fish it right on the bottom. They're not fast, but when a big drum picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are the gold standard of surf fishing here in Melbourne. These silvery, deep-bodied fish with bright yellow fins usually run 1-3 pounds and 10-15 inches, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They love sandy beaches and surf zones, traveling in small schools while hunting for sand fleas, clams, and small crabs. Summer through fall gives us the best action when they're moving through our area. What guests love about pompano is the combination - they're scrappy fighters that'll make your rod bend, and they're absolutely delicious with buttery, white meat that's prized in restaurants. The key to success is using small hooks since their mouths are tiny. My go-to trick is threading a sand flea on a #2 hook and fishing it right in the first trough behind the breakers.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish might be small, but they're scrappy fighters that keep things interesting on our surf trips. These slim, bronze-colored members of the drum family typically run 10-14 inches and have a distinctive whisker under their chin. They're bottom feeders that love sandy areas in the surf zone, using that barbel to hunt for worms, small crabs, and clams. Late summer gives us the best numbers when they move closer to shore. What guests enjoy about kingfish is their willingness to bite and surprising fight for their size - they'll bend your rod and make multiple runs. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating too. They have cat-like eyes with vertical pupils, which is pretty unique. Best approach is using light tackle with small hooks and bloodworms or clam strips. Fish right on the bottom in 5-15 feet of water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are some of the most exciting targets we'll find in Melbourne's shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black eyespots typically run 20-30 inches and love cruising the 1-4 foot flats where you can sometimes see their backs breaking the surface. They're year-round residents here, hanging around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings. What makes them special? They fight like crazy - strong runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. Plus, they taste fantastic with that mild, sweet flavor. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active in the shallows. Here's a local tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're heading and let it sink to the bottom. They'll find it.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, and Melbourne's waters hold some beautiful specimens. These sleek, golden fish with the distinctive black lateral line typically range from 18-28 inches, with that unmistakable sloped forehead and big mouth. They're ambush predators that love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and inlet mouths where current brings them food. Summer months are prime time, especially around the full and new moon phases when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll run straight for cover the moment they feel the hook. They're also temperature sensitive, so warmer months are your best bet. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: fish live shrimp or pinfish around dock lights at night during summer - that's when they really turn on.
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