Surf Fishing, Miami Beach

Question
hi,
So I am headed to miami beach in mid august and I am a novice fisherman. Although I have been out deep sea fishing in miami, I have never been surf fishing. I was wondering if I can catch anything this time of year of the beach? If I can what type of fish are around in this season. What type of bait should I be using if I do fish, and what type of rig should I be using. Also as of now the only rod that I have is a small 5.5 footer, were I to go fishing does it pay for me to invest in a bigger rod?

Thank  you,

Novice Fisherman

Answer
Hello Novice,
Surf fishing at Miami Beach in Aug. will not be too productive, but you can catch fish.  You are sort of between seasons, but there will be jacks (jack crevalle) and snook, especially if you place yourself near an inlet such as Haulover.  But you don't say exactly where you'll be.  Your 5.5 foot rod is short for long casts but can be used successfully, especially if you wade out into the surf where a shallow trench called a slough runs parallel to the beach.  Cast parallel to the beach in the slough as that is where fish hang out.  I would use artificial casting lures such as a chrome spoon or jig or a floating plug, preferably one with a dark back and cream or white underside.  Natural bait works and I would use a strip of mullet or shrimp.  Your rig should be an egg-shaped sinker above the swivel so as to keep it off the bait and a foot or so of nylon leader from the swivel to the hook.  Go to a tackle store where you can find these already made up.  And while you're there, ask them where are the best places along the beach to fish.  Good luck.  Boris