Orlando for a week, which beach - The Hull Truth

Jamisjockey · 11-19-2009, 09:28 AM

Okay we're going to be in Orlando for the Thanksgiving week. Not sure I have the stomach to spend 5 straight days in the parks. Considering driving to the East coast for one of those days. Would like to lounge around and maybe surf fish. Which beach should we hit from Orlando for a quiet day of fishing and letting the kids splash around? Cocoa beach?
Also, what species should I expect to fish for, and what techniques should I use for a little surf fishing in that area? Obviously some bigger pullage is always nice. My boy is 6, and anything that bites a hook pleases him, but he really wants to catch a shark....

Ps: I have some 10' surf rods and spinning gear, plus a variety of lures hooks and weights. I have surf fished before, but never in Florida.

kingair · 11-19-2009, 04:55 PM

Mosquito Lagoon, where have you been hiding?

Stim · 11-19-2009, 07:23 PM

I would reccomend Cocoa Beach Pier, it will save you needing a fishing licence and there is always plenty of advice handy.

41Element · 11-19-2009, 08:19 PM

Ponce Inlet / Daytona.......check out the Turkey Rod Run..........serious old cars will be everywhere!

signmansez · 11-19-2009, 10:23 PM

Head west my son! This time of year the Gulf beaches are the place to go. We are enjoying great weather and the fishing is red hot!! Snook and Redfish off the beach.
Keeper gag grouper in 20' of water. Kingfish and Cobia on the same hard bottom as the gags.

Come on over and rent a boat for a day or grab a charter. The inshore and nearshore guys can be had for $300 a day and can put you on everything swimming.

Prevalent east winds will blow out the day or week on the East coast. Same winds, and the waters will be calm on the west coast.

1 1/2 hours from Disney and you can enjoy the beautiful sunstes of the Gulf Coast!

Ranger88 · 11-19-2009, 11:51 PM

For surf fishing I would second Ponce. For a nice beach for the family, check out Playalinda. Just remember, the nude beache is at the very end...

slickster · 11-20-2009, 01:00 AM

Ponce inlet....go to daytona and go south....

Jamisjockey · 11-20-2009, 05:52 AM

Thanks for the suggestions

Lots to consider!

Stephen, just been busy around these parts. Still here, though

Haven't been on the boating sites much. Haven't been on the boat in two months, planning on getting some fishing in Dec though!

triumphrick · 11-20-2009, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamisjockey

Okay we're going to be in Orlando for the Thanksgiving week. Not sure I have the stomach to spend 5 straight days in the parks. Considering driving to the East coast for one of those days. Would like to lounge around and maybe surf fish. Which beach should we hit from Orlando for a quiet day of fishing and letting the kids splash around? Cocoa beach?
Also, what species should I expect to fish for, and what techniques should I use for a little surf fishing in that area? Obviously some bigger pullage is always nice. My boy is 6, and anything that bites a hook pleases him, but he really wants to catch a shark....

Ps: I have some 10' surf rods and spinning gear, plus a variety of lures hooks and weights. I have surf fished before, but never in Florida.

Yeah, I agree the fishing is better over here on the West coast this time of the year, but hop on the BeeLine expressway and go to Cocoa Beach. Eat out on the pier, shop at Ron Jons and then head all the way up to Jetty Park and splash around a bit. Maybe even take in Kennedy Space center for a day....

New Smyrna beach is less crowded and provides great surf fishing. Anything will bite frozen shrimp. Lots of whiting cruising up and down as well as the occasional shark. Maybe the bluefish run has started...

Anyway, have fun and enjoy the vacation!

airbrush · 11-20-2009, 11:24 AM

Your timing is off - if I were not going to the Keys that week I'd take you out on the river.

Sprockets · 11-20-2009, 01:42 PM

If you are bringing the kids, New Smyrna Beach is a great place to go. You can even drive on the beach which makes hauling your stuff a lot easier. Ponce Inlet separates New Smyrna from Daytona. You can fish along the beach or up near the inlet.

If you want the completely uncommercialized beach experience, check out Playalinda. If you go to Playalinda, you can also stop at Haulover Canal which separates Mosquito Lagoon from the Indian River. You are almost guaranteed to see manatees and dolphins there. You don't have to go to the nude part. In addition, you can see the launch towers at the Space Center from the beach and on the ride out there.

If you want to talk to someone down here shoot me a PM with your contact info.

Prop Blast · 11-22-2009, 09:51 AM

Either east or west coasts will work. It'll depend on what you're looking for.

If you come west on I-4 and head to Tampa -- continue on to Clearwater. There's little or no surf, but the beaches are quieter. Hit Honeymoon Island State Park. Admission is a few dollars and there are excellent facilties. You can fish from the shore (I like the falling tide). Drop a live or dead bait into Hurricane Pass and you can catch almost anything this time of year.

The other choice is Ft. Desoto Park, at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Same deal.

PB

Door#3 · 11-23-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprockets

If you are bringing the kids, New Smyrna Beach is a great place to go. You can even drive on the beach which makes hauling your stuff a lot easier. Ponce Inlet separates New Smyrna from Daytona. You can fish along the beach or up near the inlet.

If you want the completely uncommercialized beach experience, check out Playalinda. If you go to Playalinda, you can also stop at Haulover Canal which separates Mosquito Lagoon from the Indian River. You are almost guaranteed to see manatees and dolphins there. You don't have to go to the nude part. In addition, you can see the launch towers at the Space Center from the beach and on the ride out there.

If you want to talk to someone down here shoot me a PM with your contact info.

Good advice here.