CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Surf fishing can be challenging with the summer crowds, sargassum, and strong winds.  But it can actually be very rewarding for the avid angler that puts in the time and effort. Here are some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time on the sand this summer.

Sargassum can be a problem sometimes during the summer months, But it is actually a good thing.  Besides washing your lines in and pulling your weights from the sand…It will bring in the bait fish providing a place for them to hide from predators. You should see mullet and ladyfish in ankle deep waters. The ladyfish will be chasing the dusky anchovies in close to shore. You can use a cast net to catch plenty of them early in the mornings. Cast out a live mullet in the wade gut for your chance at a big trout or cast you a live ladyfish into the second gut in hopes that a hungry tarpon is close by.

Trout – When the water is beautiful green blue color and visibility is clear, cast out a 1-1.5 ounce silver sprite and watch the gator trout follow it in.  Or put a live shrimp under a popping cork at the jetty.

Redfish – Reds should also be biting now. I recommend casting shrimp in the first gut.  Shallow or close to structure is best right now for them.

Ladyfish – Ladyfish are considered “poor mans tarpon”.  They are super fun to catch on light tackle and will quickly take a silver spoon if thrown into a school of them while feeding.  They put on a good little fight and jump clean out of the water.

Bluefish/Jack crevalle – Bluefish can be caught right now as well.  Mullet dead or alive casted into the second or first guts will land you one if the are nearby.  Look for diving birds and action then cast under them.  This is also a good way to catch jack crevalle.  Both of which will destroy your leader pretty quickly.

Sharks – There should be plenty of blacktips, hammerheads, and sharpnose right now.  Soon the tigers will come in close to shore and stay til late August early September.

Tarpon – You may see the tarpon rolling at the end of the Port Aransas jetties this time of year.  They will take large spoons.  If targeting them from the surf, I recommend using a small ladyfish whole casted into a school of them around the second gut.

Always be sure to check the tides and have a safe trip to the beach. With record high heat waves be sure to take plenty of sunblock and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.  Hope to see you on the sand with tight lines!

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