Cocoa Beach Pier and Beach Access Areas

Cocoa Beach Pier and Beach Access Areas

Surf Fishing Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral

Sea Robin Lil Guy

A plethora of species surf fishing Florida's east coast await in Brevard County, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach areas. Surf fishing Sharks, Pompano, Black Drum, Red Drum, Whiting, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Spadefish, Jack Crevalle, Saltwater and Sailcats, Rays, Pufferfish, occasional Snapper, Flounder, occasional Kingfish, Grouper, Sea Robin, and Tripletail to name a few.

Let's start with where to go

The whole of Cocoa Beach charges for parking, so if you are looking for free parking near beach access ramps Cape Canaveral is for you. Surfers, swimmers, and fishermen usually share the beach and is self explanatory in observation before setting up.

Cape Canaveral Taylor Ave Parking

Cocoa Beach Pier Parking

A link to Florida East Coast Surf Fishing Updated Map showing the areas of Florida's east coast beach access and where to park, etc is below. It is a work in progress and expected to be complete in the next week. We are working to add to this through February to also include the greater Tampa area, Panhandle, and Keys.

New to Surf Fishing?

Starter basics including line, reel choice, and knots are answered in the link above so we can jump into bait specifics for target species. Year-round be sure to have an assortment of fresh dead, live, or alternative baits like Fishbites with you, or a selection of lures if you choose. Link to our lure article is Artificial Baits Fishing in Saltwater or Freshwater. If one isn't working out, try another. If a spot isn't catching, move a bit. Watch the beach for signs, birds, sand fleas, surf break, catch the tide times before heading out and try to fish around the tide, moving in or out usually good but it isn't necessary to restrict your fishing to those times. Many fish are caught in between, right place, right time the fish might just be there. 

Two-fer Bluefish

What has worked for us through the years: Pompano, Whiting, Black Drum, Red Drum, Trout, Sheepshead, most everything will eat a shrimp (fresh, dead, salted, combined with Fishbites, or Fishbites alone) but Whiting, Black and Red Drum, and Sheepshead also like fiddler crabs and crab knuckles; 

Clam (salted or not) bite has been Whiting, Pompano, Trout, Black and Red Drum, Catfish, Sharks; onto Finger Mullet (live or cut mullet) often catch Red and Black Drum, Trout, Mackerel, Tarpon, Snook, Shark, and Sailcat. Squid for Red and Black Drum, Shark, Whiting, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Catfish, Trout. Sand fleas catch Pompano, Whiting, Catfish, Black and Red Drum to name a few. 

This is just a list of what we caught but never be surprised at what comes off the hook from the Atlantic Ocean Florida East Coast Surf Fishing. We highlighted Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach as we added those areas on the updated map.

Whiting: All our catches using Florida East Coast Surf Fishing Pompano Rigs

Updated Map of Surf Fishing Locations along Florida's east coast.

Surf Fishing Canaveral National Seashore

Florida East Coast Surf Fishing FECSF

God Bless =)

Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar in Port Canaveral Florida

Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar located in Port Canaveral, Florida occupies a special place in the hearts of many Floridians. We, and many others from Brevard County, have been enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Rusty's since the opening in 1992. A "come as you are" family style restaurant, their motto is Relax, it's Rusty's. 

Almost enough said until mouths water even before entering the windowed expanse of the main dining area. The seared, steamed, and braised seafood bouquet wafts through the parking lot all the way around the breezy seating near the tropical Tiki Bar. The deck sports incredible saltwater views, fishing charter boats, and the chance to capture snapshots of Florida wildlife.

The Oysters on the Half Shell, Seared Ahi Tuna, or Smoked Fish Dip appetizers each compliment the Mahi-Philly, House Special Sirloin, and Baked Stuffed Grouper swimmingly. We recommend getting the Key Lime Pie with your meal, your taste buds won't want to miss this perfect flavor explosion.

The service is second to absolute none. In the four or five visits each year to Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar since their opening, not once have we experienced less than stellar service. Thank you Rhett and Rusty for keeping the level of excellence in service as high as the quality in freshness of the seafood. Our latest Rusty's feast was attended by Blane, a savvy professional quick on wit, extra plates, and fresh coffee.

Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar is open from 11am to 10pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 10:30pm Saturday through Sunday. Location: 628 Glen Cheek Drive,
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone. 321-783-2033

Stayin' Salty and Castin' a Big Net!

Florida East Coast Surf Fishing