Does anybody know any good places to catch mullet near surfside beach. Or any strategies on catching them.

Dynamite works pretty good. I also saw that an rpg has pretty much the same effect.


In all seriousness. Learn to use a cast net...and find "nervous" water. Usually anything around reed beds works out decent anywhere along the coast. Don't throw the net to the 1 or 2 that you see. Be patient and find schools. This makes your shoulders alot happier when you only have to throw the net 5-6 times.

If that doesn't work out for you...bait stand.....or rpg

gotta agree with Nitro. Cast netting is the way to go. You can catch them about anywhere but you have to watch the water. Also use polarized glasses. Makes a big difference as then you can see outlines of the fish. I find just going along the beach in about knee deep water and looking for ripples on the water. Same thing if you stop by one of the bays.

When are you going out to surfside?
If you are already there hows the fishing and hows the seaweed?

I am going To be staying in a cabin for 2 days on the 22-24. hoping to catch some reds and some trout and maybe try for a shark from surf.

ah okay cool. im heading there this weekend. Basically targeting the same fish. Read that the smacks are all along the jetty right now.

All you need for those smacks is some spoons and 4"-6" steel leaders. Cast and wind, you can't wind to fast for them, lol. They will knock the fire out of it. I mentioned the steel leaders because they will cut your line quickly if you don't use them. I found out after losing 4 spoons on 4 casts, lol. Didn't lose anymore after I made the switch.

What kind of spoon?

gold or silver spoon, Johnson sprite, either treble or weedless.

Any other tips on catching reds and other fish in bay or surf?

If I was targeting reds, I would go with mullet, preferably finger mullet, those catch trout too. Crab is good bait for reds too. Sometimes using mullet for cutbait will work on the bottom for reds but then you have to deal with all the other species too, hardheads, rays, etc. I like to throw artificials in the surf too. Any number of jigheads, 1/8 to 1/4 oz, with soft plastic shrimptails, DOA shrimp, GULP shrimp, etc. Colors: New Penny, white/chart tail, red/white, pink, purple/chart tail, etc, sort of depends on water clarity and sky conditions, mid day, early am, late afternoon, etc.

Thanks

As scott said, mullet and crabs make a great bait for targeting reds in the surf. To me its a toss up between these two baits and I always make sure I have both on hand. Just use a fish finder rig with enough weight to hold to the bottom and you will be good to go.

Mullet, cut mullet, croaker, crab all good for big reds. In my opinion the best bait by far is lady fish. If you can catch them. 4-6 inch chunks of fresh ladyfish is the best. ometimes you can get them along the jetties on small spoons or shrimp tails.

As far as catching mullet, by boat definitely get a qbeam and get out there early. No boat, get a very bright focused beam head light and catch them before daylight

You can catch mullet (if they are available) under the small bride on 332. Right before you pass Saltgrass bait and tackle. If not there are plenty near the area near the last bait shop under the big bridge.

LOCATION

Water seem very nice from the 22nd to the 24th.

For reds. Any cut bait will work for them.

I'll be hitting surfside with my wife and kids tomorrow for a day at the beach, but I always bring my rods and my kids enjoy reeling in their stuff too. I'll be hitting the surf with shrimp and fishbites. Any other recs? Maybe toss a spoon in the surf? or a yozuri glass minnow?