my favorite topic!!

Its not always the most productive place to fish, but it can be the most exciting. I fly fish the surf on Florida's East Coast as well. I'll be honest, though I am fairly new at fly-rodding, but have been light tackle casting on our local beaches for some time. So I am perfecting my fly-rodding technique in this setting.

In my area, tide is really important. Low tide, the beginning of the flood, or the end of the ebb don't seem to be all that productive. High tide, the end of the flood or the beginning of the ebb seem to be better. It depends on the beach, but the important message here is that you need water on top of the trough. There is a little drop-off on most east coast beaches instead of the gradual slope you find a lot of other places. Baitfish and predators gather here.

Time of day is really really important. Don't even bother going after 9 or 10 in the morning (first light is best) or before 5 or 6 at night (dusk is best) unless you really just want to go to the beach and work on your casting. besides, its the beach and you just never know what will show up.

It's tough when the waves are big, even tougher when the wind is blowing Southeast (really common) and across your casting side (if you're right-handed). Luckily, summer brings calmer water and calmer winds- so check the weather and pick your days.

Ok- now here's what I've learned- the most strikes, far and away, occur very close to the water's edge. This is particularly true for snook- I have had snook strike flies and lures as I was lifting them out of the water right at my feet. So I tend to spread my casts out in a fan around me, but be sure to put your fly down close the beach as often as you cast directly out.

Waves will come in sets, so you want to have your line in the air and shooting after the last wave of a set, so you can make as many strips as possible before the next wave. You will also be rewarded for the ability to cast with minimal amount of false casting. You will find it handy to be able to pick up your line, make one false cast while a wave comes in and then be able to lay your line down at will after the wave.....wave after wave.

Birds are your best friend. If you see birds (particulary the little terns) start casting. If you see no birds, start walking.

As for flies- I am still experimenting but this time of year (summer) there are a lot of small baitfish in the area so small, translucent flies seem to be working well for spanish, jacks, and runners.

Good luck!!!