Thursday, December 30, 2010

Fishable Days Are Fantastic

Fishing along the central east coast of Florida has been fantastic, when the weather has allowed us to venture forth. It seems that for every good day weather-wise we’ll have a bad day, a day when the temperatures are historically low and the winds are more fitting for the North Pole. In other words, out of twelve days, we’re fortunate to have six which are fishable. Nevertheless, when we have been able to fish the inshore reaches of the Indian River lagoon system, it has been very, very good. Here are reports from the six good days of fishing before Christmas.



 The Gotkowski family fished a gorgeous late December day with Capt. Roland in the north Indian River near Titusville, Florida. The native Chicagoans were here to drink in the sun and warmth while seeing the sights.  After doing some bird and dolphin watching the trio was ready for some fishing. The redfish started moving into the shallows to feed just before noon and the Gotkowskis were waiting to greet them. A double hook-up was scored by mom and dad right off the bat with both fish well over the slot limit and nearing 20 pounds. Twelve year old Michael Gotkowski, who just had hand surgery and only had the use of one hand, was the next to hook up. He worked the reel, mom worked the rod and dad keeled over laughing. It had to be one of the funniest displays of fishing I have ever seen. After a long battle the biggest fish of the day was finally landed, photographed and released. The fish weighed approximately 25 lbs. Afterwards Bob commented, “This experience was just like the fishing shows we’ve watched on TV, except our fish were bigger.”



The day started poorly for Capt. Rocky. Arriving at the ramp predawn for his routine cast netting duties, Rocky discovered his new Yamaha engine would not start. A paniced call to Capt. Peter, trying to take a much coveted day off, solved the problem as he and his boat were pressed into emergency service. Clients for the charter were Titusville residents Dave and his son Max. Since the early morning was quite chilly, the fishing began in a deep water canal connected to the Indian River Lagoon. The canal was packed with trout trying to stay warm in the unseasonably cold weather. Over the next two hours Dave and Max exhausted our two dozen large live shrimp along with another two dozen frozen shrimp which is normally kept in reserve. They pulled in well over 20 trout from 15 to 24 inches along with two rat reds and one nice black drum. By mid-morning the water on the flats had warmed to the point where larger redfish, trout and drum could forage for food. Eventually their tails could be spotted everywhere on the super slick water. Switching baits to live finger mullet, the father and son duo went on to add another half dozen solid reds to their totals – final tally was 25 trout, 8 reds and 1 black drum, not bad for a half-day charter, especially one which had started so problematically.





Fishing the tightly packed schools of redfish in the crystal clear water is always a wonderful experience.  These conditions happen regularly on the warming trends post-cold fronts.  Capt. Peter had one of these beautiful days last week was with C.R. and Gidget Hall, and Gidget’s parents,  Mike and Susan on the Indian River Lagoon.  The morning started off fishing for trout and black drum in deeper holes along mangroves.  These deeper areas are where most fish seek warmth during the colder days.  Casting live shrimp along the mangroves, the anglers caught 30 trout up to 22 inches, black drum, and redfish.  Once the sun warmed the flats, Capt. Peter moved out to the shallow flats and polled after schools of redfish.  The redfish schools were tightly packed and tailing heavily as they fed through the grass beds, with some of the schools in excess of 50 fish.  These schools of redfish provided great sight-fishing and were very cooperative.  Accurate casts by the anglers awarded them with over a 12 redfish landed with multiple double hook-ups, and some really awesome takes.



It was the best of times and the worst of times for two good friends. Robert, who is home on leave from the Air Force, and Josh originally wanted a fun day of redfishing with Capt. Roland.  However Robert, who found out on the morning of the trip that the surf was up, changed his plans. It turned out to be a bad decision as he experienced what could have been fatal accident by getting sucked under the Sebastian Inlet jetty.  On the hand, Josh, who stuck with the plan, was happy he chose to fish. Now the fishing started very slow with a howling north wind and cold temperatures which were not rising very fast. However by one thirty in the afternoon the water had warmed and so did the fishing as redfish tails started popping up. Josh was quick to take advantage of them. Over the next hour he boated five reds from 10 to 20 lbs. And Robert? He was left just shaking his head and dressing his wounds. Literally.





The Grawel family chartered with Capt. Roland on a cool blustery day for some canal fishing. The fishing was very slow early in the morning but with constant moving they finally found the honey hole where fish had stacked-up to keep warm. For the next two hours the bites were constant with a mixed bag of species. Redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and trout all made their way boat side. They also lost a hand full of larger fish that made it back into the stumps before the Grawels could pry them out. The family left with the comments” We’ll be back”.



Regular customer Mike Rimkus and his boys from Denver spent Christmas Eve day on a half- day fishing charter with Capt. Roland. The trip had been scheduled the trip for mid morning to allow the water to warm in the shallows and by the time the Rimkuses got there it was just right. Tailing fish were spotted immediately and the game was on. However, unfortunately for them a bass boat was tearing up the area with his trolling motor scattering the fish out of the area. (This is not a good tactic if you want to actually CATCH fish.) The fortunate part of the trip was after 30 minutes Mr. Bass Boat gave up and left. This allowed the fish to settle down and after another 30 minutes, the catching started. All the boys caught reds and Josh, the oldest making his first trip here, landed the biggest of the day measuring just over 34 inches.

Native Sons Fishing Guides
Captain Rocky Van Hoose

321-986-9588
rvanhoose@cfl.rr.com
Captain Brad Jones
321-626-5072
jonesmelb7@bellsouth.net

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Florida Keys Fishing 12-28-2010

Monday, December 27, 2010
GOTCHA with a load of Kings



Capt. Mel Walker of the" GOTCHA"with a group from Minnesota including Matt & Tanner Bomstead with a bunch of kings and yellow tails.

A PIRATES CHOICE has a cool day



A PIRATES CHOICE with Capt. Larry Wren took Gary and Mitchell Clifton from Middleburg & Gainesville Fl. out and had a beautiful Sailfish and Kings.

Capt. J.R. Takes On A Windy Day



Long time regulars the Ralph Byers family who reside both locally and in New York St.went out on the CAPT. J.R. and came back with a mix of king mac,black grouper,yellow jack,mangrove snapper plus a cero mackerel.

Nikki Holiday Isle Offshore 800-327-7070 Etc 642

Holiday Isle Resort and Marina
84001 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-2321 ext. 642
Direct: 305-433-9942
www.holidayisle.com
kharper@holidayisle.com    

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Indian River Fishing Reports 12-2010

Dec. 17, 2010 – The Hot and Cold of December Fishing

It has been a while since we’ve posted a new fishing report and this has not been due to any lack of activity or success on the water. The following charters have taken place since Thanksgiving, between the arrivals and departures of our typical Florida cold fronts which cycle through the region every five or six days. The only oddity to this late fall/early winter has been the severity of low temperatures this early into our cold season. There have been some downright cold days, the likes of which we haven’t experienced in early December in a long, long time. However, when the fronts exit and the days warm the fishing has been red hot as our fish invade the flats to feed and add fat for the next cycle of cold days which lay ahead.

The warming weather trends that follow the cold fronts have been offering some fantastic shallow water fishing.  As the shallow waters warm, large redfish, trout, and black drum swarm the flats in search of food and warmth.  Once the waters reach a certain temperature the fish become increasingly active which offers great sight-fishing.  On one of these sunny days, Jonah Compton spent the day sight-fishing with Capt. Peter in the Indian River near Titusville.  Standing on the casting platform while Capt. Peter polled the boat quietly through the grassbeds, Jonah gently casted live shrimp in front of school after school of hungry redfish and tailing black drum.  The fish were continually tailing and feeding throughout the day.  Six redfish and six black drum were successfully sight-fished and landed, with a couple very big boys getting off near the boat.  There’s nothing more fun than watching a couple dozen near fifty inch redfish tail and feed around your bait.





It was an atypical day weather-wise for Nate White from Daytona Beach and his good friend Mike Foots of Orlando along with his father Roger from New York this past weekend as they chartered Capt, Rocky on the Indian River near Titusville. What made the day so unusual was a  rare thick fog which hung over the river for most of the morning creating a surreal backdrop for the expected half-day of sight-fishing hordes of tailing redfish and black drum on the shallow grass flats. Perhaps it was the fog or maybe the chilly morning temperatures but the fish did were disinclined to stick their tails out of the water much nor venture out of the 12-18 inch shallows where they were holding while awaiting the delayed sunshine. However, the crew, on this day, adapted to the conditions and jumped out of the boat in order to wade back to the spooky fish. And they were amply rewarded for their courage as each of them caught multiple reds amidst the close encounter experience. We are not sure of the final tally but feel 12-15 reds would be a safe guess with several in the slot and most over-sized. By the way, it really is an adrenaline rush to have a 15 pound redfish blast a finger mullet some twenty feet in front of you in mere 12 inches of water. Pictured below are Nate, Roger and Mike holding one of their numerous grand memories of the day.



Nick, Jill, and their son Dylan from Michigan came to download and escape the snow by exploring central Florida. After doing the crowds of Disney World in Orlando, they were ready for some quiet time while relaxing on the water with Capt. Roland. Unfortunately for them their fishing charter was anything but quiet and relaxing. The morning started out cold but quickly warmed up.  With perfect conditions, the shallow grass flats of the north Indian River were filled with redfish tails. The captain quickly positioned them near the closest school of feeding fish and started fishing The reds were big and aggressive.. Ten redfish were landed on the half-day charter between 13 and 20 lbs.  The trio commented afterwards that this will be the highlight of their Florida trip.





Another report from Capt. Peter this week comes from a trip he had with Vitali and his friend both visiting from Canada.  Fishing the same general area in the north part of the Indian River Lagoon, the two vacationers experienced some of the Space Coast’s finest fishing.    All morning long there were schools of redfish and black drum tailing across the shallow grassflats, with many single fish scattered in between.  The day started out fantastic as the anglers had a school of monster redfish 20 feet in front of the boat and tailing heavily within minutes of coming off of a plane.  Within the first half hour of fishing both of the anglers sight-fishing redfish over 40 inches, with Vitali’s reaching 50 inches.  The rest of the day was spent casting to fish after fish.





One of our great joys during the Christmas holidays is our grown children return to east central Florida for visits. Natalie van Hoose, our eldest daughter who is teaching and attending graduate school at Purdue University, left the snow and grey skies of northern Indiana, to return home this past week. Now Natalie is an avid fisherman with considerable accomplishments on the water and yesterday added to her angling feats as she caught a number of giant redfish which were cruising the shallow flats on a glorious December morning of blue bird skies, modest temperatures and slick, calm seas. Two feats were particularly noteworthy on a day filled with noteworthy things; Natalie scored a pair of double hook-ups and catches involving 20-25 pound reds. What an all-round joyous day yesterday turned out to be!



Native Sons Fishing Guides
Captain Rocky Van Hoose
321-986-9588
rvanhoose@cfl.rr.com

Captain Brad Jones
321-626-5072
jonesmelb7@bellsouth.net

Monday, December 27, 2010

Monster Mosquito Lagoon Drum

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, December 26, 2010
By Captain Tom Van Horn

 Upcoming Seminars and Events


Shad and Crappie Derby registration materials should be available at sign-up locations by Wednesday, December 29th, visit http:www.cfshadderby.com for details on the nearest sign-up location. Also, be sure to sign up for the free 2 months of Sea Tow, courtesy of Sea Tow Central Florida Lakes.

 January 1, 2011 Derby starts at safe light. (Both shad and crappie derbies)

 January 22, 2011 Crappie Rally 11:00 - 2 PM at Boat Tree Marina at the Port of Sanford, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season". Event also features sponsor displays, giveaways, boat displays and demos, food, and a raffle to support the Hook Kids on Fishing Program.


This Week's Fishing Report

 With hopes that  your Christmas was as blessed as my, God Bless everyone.


 As always the case with fishing during the winter on the Space Coast of Florida, catching is either very good or poor, depending on the weather.  I my case this past week, we hit it right on several trips, and provided my anglers with the trip of a lifetime.  Typically the first day or two after the frontal assault passes and the wind slows down, the fish are warmer and hungry, which was the case this past week.


IRL Redfish
Bob's IRL Redfish

 Hefty IRL Redfish
Mary Lynne's Hefty IRL Redfish

 No-Motor Zone Black Drum
Eric's No-Motor Zone Black Drum

First Redfish of the Day
Eric's First Redfish of the Day

Eric's 10th Redfish of the Day<br>
Eric's 10th Redfish of the Day

Redfish Release
Redfish Release

Currently, the weather outside is nasty and another cold front moves into Central Florida, but in a few days, conditions will improve.  So spend some time with family and friends, and plan a trip to the lagoon as soon as the weather lets up.

Also, good reports of American shad have been coming from anglers fishing out of Mullet Lake Park, so we may be in for a good shad run this year.

As always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast fishing Charters
(407) 416-1187 on the water
http://www.irl-fishing.com

For all of your holiday shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida.  For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.com.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Sarasota Fishing Report 12-25-2010

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, FL Fishing Report 
12/25/2010


 Anglers fishing the ICW near Venice with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook and trout on an evening trip last week. I also had fast action with trout in Palma Sola Bay when I fished a day with my friend Steve Gibson.

Longtime friend and customer, David Schofield from Sarasota, FL, and his son Mike, from New York City, fished lighted docks and bridge fenders in the ICW near Venice with me on Wednesday evening. I was monitoring water temperature all week and was cautiously optimistic. Sunny afternoons warmed the water a few degrees this week and fish responded favorably. They caught and released 5 snook to 22” and an 18” trout on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Although there weren’t a lot of snook in the lights, we found them actively feeding in a couple of spots.

The next day I was the guest of Steve Gibson, of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, to do some kayak fishing. We fished Palma Sola Bay and had fast action with numerous trout to 22” and a few small reds and flounder on CAL jigs with grubs and shad tails. Gibby can be reached at www.kayakfishingsarasota.com .

Next week’s tides and weather should improve towards the end of next week. With a strong front pushing through this weekend, conditions may be windy and cool for a couple of days. Afternoons may fish better due to warmer water. Fish jigs and flies slow and close to the bottom for the best action. Happy Holidays to everyone!


Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.

FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail
snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Tarpon Springs Fishing Report 12-22-2010

sea trout

Sea trout season is closed in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and anywhere in Florida south of these areas from December1st through the end of January. But, we’re fishing in Pasco county right now (Tarpon Springs and New Port Richey) and the trout season is open until February 1st. And… The trout fishing is getting really good. I’ve had charters for 10 out of the last 12 days and we’ve had some days with 75+ keeper size or better trout making it to the boat.

Sea Trout Size/Bag Limits:
Where we’re catching them until February, you can keep 5 trout per person and they must be between 15″ and 20″. However, one of your 5 fish limit may exceed the 20″ mark.

Sea Trout as a Game Fish:
Sea trout eat all manors of bait fish and artificial lures including great strikes on top water baits. The smaller ones tend to jump and thrash on the surface and the larger fish will bulldog you and even pull drag off the reel. Strikes using jigs are pronounced, hard thumps similar to a bass.

Sea Trout as Table Fair:
You can’t mess up when cooking a speckled sea trout. They have a very white, flaky, non “fishy” tasting meat. You can fry them, bake them, broil them or grill them Use your favorite seasonings and your sure to be thrilled with the result. I prefer them fried but that’s just the southern boy in me.

What else is going on?
Redfish were on fire two weeks ago and something changed a bit. We’re still getting a few and it has gotten better in the last few days but the numbers are down compared to two weeks ago. The more consistent weather that is forecasted should lead to more fish. Fish from 2-10lbs have been caught this week and we’ve been getting 2-8 a trip in the last week. Prior weeks we were getting 20+ fish a day averaging 8lbs but last weeks cold front put a halt to that. With the warming trend we’ve had in the last few days we’ve seen a better bite each day so look for the bit to get even better in the next week or two. We’ve also been getting some monstrous bluefish, a few nice spanish mackerel and even a couple of cobia like the one pictured in this report.

Bob Hynes Cobia

Best Bet.
Trout fishing it at the beginning stage of it’s peak season. It will only get better from here through March. If you like eating great tasting fish that strike as hard as a bass but fight better, this is your time of year. Redfish are a great addition to a trout focused trip and we’re catching them pretty regularly. Everything else is just gravy. We’ve had a hard time going out and catching less than 7 or 8 species of fish so now is a great time to get out on the water. It’s not to hot or cold outside, it’s just about perfect so if you’re ready to catch some fish, give me a call.


Tampa Bay Fishing
Captain Clay Eavenson
813-300-2147

http://www.captainclay.com/
gofishing@captainclay.com

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 12-22-2010

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, 
December 21, 2010
By Captain Tom Van Horn


Upcoming Seminars and Events
January 1, 2011 Derby starts at safe light. (Both shad and crappie derbies)

Saturday, December 11th - 10: 00 - 12:00 PM, Shad & Crappie Derby Anglers Registration Meeting at Mosquito Creek Outdoors. "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season", anglers giveaways and more, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com.

This Week's Fishing Report
First, let me start this report by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  I would also like to thank each and every one of you who fished with me in 2010 and supported Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando events for you assistance and friendship, God bless.

As everyone knows, the weather has been making headlines around the world, and although we are blesses with sunny skies most of the time, Central Florida has not been left out.  Already this year we have experienced three different freezes, but thank goodness there have had warm ups in between fronts and during these warm-ups, the fishing has been great.  The cold water has resulted in some fish kills in both fresh and saltwater, but most of what I've seen has been limited to catfish, jacks, ladyfish in the lagoons, and tilapia on the St. Johns River.

On the lagoon, the flats have been loaded with both redfish and black drum.  Most of the fish this past week were holding in around the two foot depth in areas of sandy broken bottom and potholes.  The water temperature is cold and the fish have been sluggish, but they have been willing to eat if you get your offering in front of their nose.  The water is crystal clear, so sight fishing is at its best.

On my last trip, I had the honor of fishing with repeat clients Bob and Mary Lynn from up-state New York, and although fishing was slow at first, once the water warmed up they boated three redfish over 20 pounds each and a nice black drum.  Today, it's off to the Banana River No-Motor Zone for some paddle fishing, so I'll let you know how that went in my next report.  Until then, stay warm and enjoy the holidays.

As always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast fishing Charters

(407) 416-1187 on the water

http://www.irl-fishing.com

For all of your holiday shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka where everything in the fishing department is 25% off through Christmas.  For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.com.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Fort Pierce Fishing Report 12-21-10


Fishing Report
Fort Pierce - Port St Lucie - Vero Beach - Jensen Beach
December 11, 2010

Inshore Fishing:
Alright, so winter has set in and it appears that we might be in for another cold season.  Well, let's hope not!  One cold front has passed and another is fast approaching the Treasure Coast.  As usual, they seem to hit us on the weekends and only allow a couple days a week to have a chance to get out on the water.  Better get those cold weather clothes out and ready!

The anglers who fished the past week found a good nighttime snook bite around the jetties and inlet.  Live bait, feather jigs and DOA TerrorEyz have been working best for snook anglers trying to get a slot fish before the season closed on December 15th.  There is only a few days left.

There has been a good redfish bite on the west shoreline both north of Fort Pierce around Harbor Branch and south around the docks.  Live bait, CAL jerk baits and DOA shrimp have all worked.  There has also been some good size reds taken around the jetties recently.  Trout are catch and release this month, but there have been trout taken on the deeper cuts of the flats on popping corks.

Pompano and whiting have been biting along the surf when fishable on shrimp, sand fleas and Doc's Goofy Jigs.  Sand perch, sheephead and black drum have been caught off the bridges and catwalks this week.  Dead shrimp is always the best bait choice in these spots.

It's gonna get cold again next week, so dress warm and plan on fishing in deeper water for the best results.  Afternoons can find fish moving up shallow to get warm and always a possibility of a redfish or trout in the shallows on a sunny afternoon.  Have fun out there!

Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing!

Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852


(Captain Charlie Conner has been fishing the Indian River Lagoon for over twenty-five years.  Specializing in light tackle fishing in Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, Stuart and Port St Lucie, Florida.  His weekly South Indian River Lagoon Fishing Report gives you the latest inshore fishing information for the Treasure Coast area on the Indian River Lagoon.}

Monday, December 20, 2010

Sarasota Fishing Report 12-20-2010

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, FL Fishing Report for 12/19/2010

A blast of cold air settled in on southwest Florida earlier in the week, dropping water temperatures into the low 50’s. Afternoon water temperatures were in the mid 50’s later in the week as night time lows moderated. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, flounder and redfish on flies and jigs on a couple of trips this week.

Gary Reed, from WV, and his son, Jonathon Reed from Bradenton, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. The trip was originally scheduled for Monday, but due to strong winds and cold temperatures we bumped it back to later in the week. Action was slow, but they caught and released a couple of flounder to 18” and a small red near Long Bar on Clouser flies and a CAL jig with a grub. Vic Cook, from Columbus, OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Saturday afternoon. He caught and released 10 or 12 trout to 18” on Grassett Flats Bunny and Ultra Hair Clouser flies along the east side of the bay from Stephens Point to Long Bar.

Action should improve as water temperatures rise back into the 60’s. Fish jigs and flies slow, close to the bottom and focus on potholes, channel edges and drop offs for reds and trout on negative low tides next week for the best action. Until the water warms back up, afternoons may fish better.


Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.

FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail
snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Apalachicola Fishing Report 12-2010


Winter-Time Fishing

Some of us, myself included, cannot think of anything better to do on a cold winter's day than to toast marshmallows over a cozy fire. Others, like Capt. Chris Robinson and several of his hardier fishing clients dream of days like this for stalking and catching Redfish in extremely shallow water.

Bayfishing trips in December & January can be very productive, especially on the warmer sunny days that we are lucky enough to experience here in NW Florida. Redfish & Speckled Trout prevail but we regularly have anglers hooking  up on grouper in the bay, bass in the cut and stripers in the river.

So, in answer to the often asked question, What should I do for my Christmas Vacation, I say GO FISHING!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ROBINSON BROTHERS GUIDES & THEIR FAMILIES!! While this has been a year of challenges, it has given us the opportunity to count our many blessings, which includes the anglers we are fortunate enough to call clients and friends. Please accept our thanks for a great year and remember to add a fishing trip to your wish list!

Merry Christmas!

Cold Weather Fishing

redfish

Capt. Chris Robinson holds a Redfish he caught during this fall's Redfishing Bonanza!

redfish

Dr. Rob Bartosh holds one of the Reds he caught on Friday December 10, 2010 - between the cold fronts!

apalachicola redfish

Dr. Tony Moser would rather fish than play golf! (Dec 10, 2010 w/Capt. Chris Robinson)

Kathy & Val
Robinson Brothers Guide Service
118 Commerce St.
Apalachicola, FL 32320
850-653-8896  or toll free 877-6-Redfish (the H is silent!)
www.FloridaRedfish.com
 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Florida Keys Fishing Report 12-15-2010

Makeral, Makeral And More Makeral

Sailfish flag, 8 King Makeral, 2 Cero Makeral and 1 Mutton Snapper

On 12 December Matt Swift and Tracee Santom for a day of fishing. The highlight of the day was to catch a Sailfish. But on top of that they brought back 8 King Makeral, 2 Cero Makeral and 1 Mutton Snapper all thanks to The Gold Reserve.

Beautiful Weather And Fishing Out Of Holiday Isle Marina

three young men with mutton snapper, a mackeral, yellow jack and plenty of cuda's


The guys from SI had a great day yesterday fishing the Capt. JR. Brad Burns from Altanta, Chris Smith from Philadelphia and Bryan Armstrong also from Altanta caught mutton snapper, a mackeral, yellow jack and plenty of cuda's on a day when the weather and sea's were practically perfect. You can tell these guys had a great time fishing in the Florida Keys.

Nikki Holiday Isle Offshore 800-327-7070 Etc 642

Holiday Isle Resort and Marina
84001 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-2321 ext. 642
Direct: 305-433-9942
www.holidayisle.com
kharper@holidayisle.com   

Monday, December 13, 2010

Sarasota Fishing Report 12-13-2010

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota & Charlotte Harbor, FL Fishing Report for 12/12/10
 An early season strong front swept through our area early last week plummeting water temperatures into the high 50’s and limiting daytime temperatures to 50’ and 60’s early in the week. However, by later in the week the sun was shining and things began to warm up. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, bluefish, redfish and flounder on CAL jigs with shad tails and flies.

Joe Brinkmeyer, from Cincinnati, OH, and his friend, Bob, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday afternoon. They caught and released a blue, redfish, flounder and a few trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs along the east side of the bay and at the Middleground flat. Fly angler Carl Bettinger, from Albuquerque, NM, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Friday. He caught and released about 10 trout, all of which were in the 2 to 2 ½-lb class on Clouser flies fished on an intermediate fly line. He caught the trout in deep, dark bottom areas of the ICW and in Bull Bay by fishing slow, near the bottom.

Sarasota winter resident, Jim Strouth, claimed his ½ day trip that I donated to the Sarasota Sportfishing Anglers Club on Saturday morning. We fished deep grass flats along the east side of Sarasota Bay and caught and released several trout and a bluefish on Ultra Hair Clouser flies.

I was on the air waves recently with Allen Wyatt, of Andy Thornal Co. in Winterhaven, FL, and Capt. Keiland Smith on their “Awesome Fishing” radio program. You can hear the segment,  “Nearshore and More with Capt. Rick Grassett”, where we discuss rigging and fishing DOA baits, Rat-L-Trap plugs, fly fishing and view photos at www.AwesomeFishingRadio.com.          

Until the water warms back up, afternoons may fish better due to warmer water. Fish jigs and flies slow, close to the bottom and focus on potholes, channel edges and drop offs for the best action.


Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.

FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail
snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com



Carl Bettinger, from Albuquerque, NM, caught and released this trout on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly while fishing a sand bar in Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Everglades Fishing Report 12-2010

Saturday, December 4, 2010
Everglades Fishing Charters Fishing Report Dec 5/10
GREAT FISHING IN THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK/10,000 ISLANDS







Redfish-Redfish-Redfish

Summer is defiantly over as the hot days are gone until next year.

Today as I write this the wind is calm, the high was 77 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Nice day on the water? you bet'cha!!!

The cold fronts are starting to sweep downwards to South West Florida. With this is mind the fishing is starting to change. The good news is fishing is good. The water has cooled a little causing the fish to be more active while moving some of the migrating fish into this area. There is also a lot of bait-fish moving in. This is the time of year that we start catching what we call our mix bag. For the next few months we will be catching redfish in numbers. Some nice snook, fat trout, big pompano (up to 4 lbs) mackerel, bluefish, even catch cobia up on the flats while trout fishing. We will also be catching sheepshead, black drum, snapper, flounder yellowtail jacks, ladyfish and whiting. As usual I will be fishing on the flats, in the rivers, around the mangroves and along the beaches. This time of year with the occasional cold front passing is what determines where we fish and what we fish for. For example if we have a front come thru the night before your fishing trip, chances are that we won't be on the flats fishing for trout, as the front will cause the water to mud up and this usually results in a lot of fishing and not much catching. So we will want to go where we will do some catching. Maybe in the river mouths, maybe fish some of the deep holes, or maybe along the mangrove islands. Wherever and whatever it takes to put us on fish. Here in the Everglades National Park/10,000 Islands we have a lot of places to fish regardless of the wind and weather.







With the holidays just around the bend it is easy to forget to make your fishing plans until the last minute. This sometimes leads for disappointments when you can't fish with whom you want or when you want. Anyway, don't forget it is always a good idea to reserve your day as soon as you have an idea when you might want to fish.







So, like I always say, what are you waiting for, pick up the phone and give me (Capt Becky) a call (239-695-2029) cause the weather is beautiful and the fishing is great.

Captain Becky Campbell  
239-695-2029
www.evergladesfishingcharters.com/
CaptainBecky709@aol.com

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Mid Day Trout Bite Outstanding

Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
 Capt. Chris Myers
December 7, 2010

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report


Winter has arrived early here in central Florida. With temperatures the next couple days twenty degrees below normal fishing will be best during the middle of the day. For the past couple weeks, wind and clouds have been our biggest challenge. The redfish have been tailing and willing to eat. For most anglers, casting in the wind makes accuracy difficult. Fortunately, the seatrout bite was outstanding prior to the latest cold snap.

On a cold, windy and rainy morning last month, Ralph, and Sal caught too many trout to count using a D.O.A. Deadly Combo . With no rain gear, the cold drove them to call it quits early.

The middle of the week brought some nice weather with sun and light winds. Danny had shots at redfish and big trout throughout the day. He hooked several nice trout on five inch Cal's.

spoted sea trout

Thanksgiving day, Paul and his daughter Ashley, visiting from California, had a great morning catching dozens of seatrout with the Deadly Combo. We went on to the flats and found some schools of tailing black drum along with scattered redfish. Paul landed the biggest fish of the day, a nice black drum.

black drum

By Saturday the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Teen anglers Conner and Austin were hoping for some redfish and wanted to go despite the poor forecast. The morning began cloudy but calm and the redfish were happy and tailing. Conner landed a redfish right off the bat. The rain soon began falling and the wind picked up. With no rain gear to wear, both guys tried to stick it out but the cold got the best of them and I took them in. Since it was so early, I went back out to see what I could find. Spotting the fish was tough but I did find some groups of happy tailing redfish and landed five on three inch Cal tails.

Last week Dean and Doug fished with me on another blustery day. With plenty of sun, spotting the fish was the easy part, casting was tough. Both guys landed a nice redfish and had plenty of shots throughout the morning.

redfish

redfish

After their five hour trip, I went back out to do a bit of sight fishing myself. Within an hour, six redfish to 32 inches were landed on a 3" CAL tail and a black 1/4 oz jighead. The fish are definitely hungry and eating.

So far this week, high winds and cold have kept me off the water but things look to be improving as the week goes on. The redfish and drum will continue to form their winter schools. Casting at schools means your accuracy does not have to be as good as when casting at singles. However, spook one fish in the school and they will all take off. Sometimes they stop and settle down, sometimes they do not. Approach schools with extreme caution and stealth and pick your shot carefully. Small baits such as the DOA shrimp and crab are my pick when the winds are light. When it starts blowing, a three inch tail on a jig will cast better.

Learn Fly Fishing.
Starting next month, Mosquito Creek Outdoors will be hosting a monthly Introduction to Fly Fishing class at their new fly shop. I will be teaching these free classes that will provide attendees with a basic overview of fly fishing opportunities and how to choose equipment. A basic casting demo will also be conducted.

In depth fly casting courses will also be offered periodically throughout the year. Be sure to join us on January 8 at 10am for the first class.

If you need rods, reels, flies, line, leader, or tying materials, visit the newly constructed fly shop in the Mosquito Creek Outdoors Outback.
Gift Certificates
There is still time to get a gift certificate for Christmas. Five or eight hour guided fishing charters are available as well as certificates for personal fly casting intruction. Call 321-229-2848 or email info@floridafishinglessons.com.
Lessons from 2010
The year is almost over and, overall, is has been a good year for fishing the flats despite a slow start. Inventor Alexander Graham Bell said, "Preparation is the key to success." Take some time to reflect on what you have learned during your trips this year and prepare for next year.

If you are just an occasional angler with no expectations of great success, this is not for you. If you are a regular fisherman and wanting to catch more fish next year, read on.

I get to fish with people from around the world with a wide range of fishing skill and experience. I see the same things over and over that prevent anglers from catching more fish no matter where they are from.

1. Casting - This is far and away the number one reason anglers to not catch more fish. Most people fish by making casts to no particular place or are happy to throw in a general direction. When faced with a situation where fish are showing themselves, those who have not practiced their aim will not be able to hit the mark.

2. Stealth - Like any other animal in nature, fish are acutely aware of their surroundings and will react to unnatural noises. I have watched hundreds and hundreds of fish spooked by footsteps on the deck or the slightest squeak of a shoe. When fishing the flats, stealth is key.

3. Eyewear - Without the proper glasses, seeing the fish is nearly impossible. If you can't see the fish even the best of casters will be guessing.

4. Setting the hook - Unless you are using a circle hook, it is necessary to set the hook when the fish bites. I see lots of fish grab the lures but get away when the angler does not set the hook.

These are just the top few things I see over and over. The anglers who are the most prepared will pay attention to even the smallest detail. Only a small percentage of anglers have the most success because they are the ones who prepare themselves and are constantly working towards improving their skills.

2011 Shad Derby
The 2011 Coastal Angler Magazine Shad Derby begins January 1 and ends February 28. This free tournament is open to all and the winners will receive prizes. Visit www.cfshadderby.com for more information.


Saturday, December 11, come to Mosquito Creek Outdoors to register for the derby and get some inside shad information, tips, and techniques from Capt. Tom Van Horn.

Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters

http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848