Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 9-30-10

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast, September 30, 2010
by Captain Tom Van Horn

Upcomming Seminars and Events

Saturday October 2nd
 10 AM - 5 PM, "Discover Fly Fishing Day" in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka Florida. Guides, Professionals and Factory representatives will be on hand all day to introduce new comers to fly fishing and discuss casting, destinations, tactics, and equipment.

Saturday, October 23rd, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers,  Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Fall Fishing Tactics Redfish, Trout and Flounder" 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

Tuesday, November 9th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Orlando Kayak Fishing Club Meeting (open to all) in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoor in Apopka Florida.

Saturday, November 20th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers,  Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season & Shad Derby Meeting" 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.


October Fishing Outlook

As the tropical storm seasons begins to wane on Florida's east central coast, passing summer squalls and higher water levels will impact our seasonal fishing conditions we experience in October. 

Hordes of black and silver mullet, Atlantic menhaden (pogies), thread fin herring (greenies), and bay anchovies (glass minnows) have begun their southerly migration in search of warmer waters.  This migration creates a smorgasbord of yummy little baitfish, shadowed by a large array of hungry predators looking to fatten up for the winter. 

Weather permitting, near-shore opportunities are the best you will see all year.  Along the beaches, target areas of concentrated bait schools for a mixed bag of snook, tarpon, kingfish, cobia, jack crevalle, oversized redfish, and sharks. Additionally, snook fishing in the surf will improve as the baitfish move south along the beach.  Also look for schools of glass minnows to begin showing up bringing larger Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and tarpon with them.

As always, fishing in and around the inlets of Ponce, Port Canaveral, and Sebastian look for flounder, snook, jack crevalle, and oversized redfish feeding on migrating baitfish along the jetties and just outside the inlets.  Easterly swells, falling tides, and aggressive anglers can make for sporty angling conditions, so please pay attention, be patient, and enjoy the rewards.

In the north Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons, higher water levels will allow anglers to venture into areas normally inaccessible during the spring and summer months.  Look for slot redfish in close to the grassy edges along the shoreline shadowing pods of finger mullet, and for the larger redfish staged in deeper water ambush sites where migrating mullet are forced to venture out from the safety of the shallow flats.  In deeper water areas, look for ladyfish, spotted sea trout, jacks, and tarpon feeding on schools of glass minnows.  These schools of fish are easily located by watching for bird and fish activity.  Once located, these schools will produce explosive action on small top water plugs, or popping bug flies.  Also, if you locate a school of the larger black mullet, try fishing spoons of soft plastic baits deep under the school.  Even though, mullet are vegetarians, redfish and sea trout will often mingle in feeding on shrimp and crabs kicked up from the bottom by feeding mullet.

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

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
captain@irl-fishing.com
407-366-8085 office
407-416-1187 on the water

 For all you outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com.

Fall Mullet Run Hits Space Coast

September 10, 2010 – Shades of Fall Fishing
The first wave of the fall mullet run has pushed into the rivers and along the beaches of the space coast. This massive amount of baitfish starting to flood through the area has the redfish, tarpon, and trout feeding heavily. This action will continue for another month or so as the mullet continue to push through our area. The best and most reliable fishing has been for redfish up on the flats. In the early hours of the morning, live finger mullet has been working best. The redfish are more schooled up and are shallower as well during the first few hours of daylight. Once the sun warms the flats, the larger redfish have been dropping off the flats, and holding in deeper potholes. The fish in the potholes have been readily eating cut mullet or dark colored jerkbaits.
John and his son Joe joined Capt. Peter for a day of redfishing in the Banana River. They started the morning off chasing two schools of 30 to 35 inch redfish. Each of the schools had between 20-50 redfish, and were fairly easy to fish due to their constant tailing and actively feeding along the flat. Pictured is Joe with the first fish of the morning, that he sight casted within one of the schools.



Once the anglers had their fun sightfishing the tightly packed schools of redfish, fishing heavy concentrations of non-schooling fish in the deep water took up the rest of the morning. The anglers caught over 12 redfish and a solid trout during the trip with multiple double hookups. Pictured is one of the doubles.



Scott Martin of Satellite Beach, fresh off a spectacular performance in an inshore redfish tournament the week before, decided to test his angling skills in another tournament the following weekend. This was a catch, photo and release junior only tourney with prizes going to the longest fish, the most fish of any kind, and several other odd categories. Capt. Rocky took Scott back to the Banana River where he had had success with tarpon, a particularly long fish, and several other species. Scott was able to hooked six poons and land the one pictured the below. (This was his very first tarpon). He also caught seven trout, a giant ladyfish and a number of other fish for a grand total of thirty on the morning. Scott’s tarpon was easily the most spectacular catch for the tournament and he received several good prizes as a result. And his overall fish total finished second on the day.



The Lee family made the trip to Florida from California for fishing/alligator hunting with Capt. Peter. The primary goal of the fishing trip was to target shallow water redfish. By sightfishing in the clear water on the flats and fishing sandbars with live mullet, the anglers quickly landed seven redfish. The fishing only lasted for three hours so the Lee’s could get back to the resort for a quick nap before their alligator hunting trip that night. Most of the redfish were in the 33 inch range, with two making the slot limit. After 10am, the redfish moved up very shallow and were actively tailing and cruising. This has been the pattern as of late, with the fish being deeper earlier in the morning.







Kurt and Chris from Denver, CO were down working beachside in the Sebastian area and could help taking a day off to go fishing with Capt. Roland. The ocean had been exceptionally calm so they insisted on going just off shore for whatever was biting. It was a good decision as the Bonita have moved in to a few hundred yards of the beach and are more than willing to provide some great light tackle action. Bonita, little members of the tuna family, hit hard and can rip a 100 yards of line off the spool in a matter of seconds. The duo caught seven in a couple of hours of fishing along with three small sharks. The rest of the half day charter was spent ‘inside’ the Inlet and around the grass flats. Snook was the primary target but a couple of great tasting flounder turned up instead. Pictured below are Kurt and Chris holding ‘tiny’ tunas.





Curtis and Kim Landry of Indialantic had been watching the surf from their condo on the beach and wanted to do the same thing. So back at it again and the bonito did not disappoint them either. Both hook and landed some nice fish. The big surprise on this half-day charter was a nice triggerfish that decided to join the action.. It was another beautiful day on the water.



Bill Pesci fished with Capt. Peter for a couple of days in the Banana River. Bill recently moved to the central Florida area, and had a week to fish prior to going back to school. Trying to avoid the heat, Capt. Peter opted to fish from sunset till early evening one day, and early morning the next.
On the first trip, the anglers fished a shallow flat that the redfish move up on to feed later in the day. The anglers fished cut-bait, and intercepted the single redfish as they finned along and foraged through the grass as the sun setted. After landing a handful of redfish, Capt. Peter took the anglers to some select docks that have lights that shine into the water that attract redfish and trout at night. Bill and his father, Bill, had steady trout action for the rest of the night. The trout school up heavily under some lights during this time of year. Under some of the lights, you can see dozens of the spotted seatrout laying up on the surface, ready and willing to take live bait, artificial, or fly. Most of the trout are smaller (12-16 inches) but a handful of 20-24 inch trout are caught almost every trip.
On the second trip, the goal was to sightfish redfish all morning. The morning started off by fishing a school of 50 redfish in 12 inches of water, Bill scored this beautiful fish (pictured) out of the school. After playing with the school of redfish for a while, they moved to a flat where Capt. Peter push poled Bill along mangrove shorelines in very shallow water, 7’’, sight-casting to patrolling redfish.
With the rising water, the redfish along the shorelines and in the mangroves are feeding heavily, and will readily take a bait or artificial. Sight-casting to aggressive redfish in shallow water is a ton of fun!



Native Sons Fishing Guides
Captain Rocky Van Hoose
321-986-9588
rvanhoose@cfl.rr.com
Captain Brad Jones
321-626-5072
jonesmelb7@bellsouth.net


Posted by Rocky Van Hoose on September 09, 2010 at 06:53:53 AM

Key West Flats Fishing 9-2010

Key West Fishing Report


September 2010

Fall is finally here and temperatures have dropped just enough to keep it comfortable. The breezes associated with fall are also here and although they make some of the fishing more difficult, the permit fishing can be the best during these few months.

The beginning of September markes the Redbone S.L.A.M. tournament in Key West. This two day tournament is preceded by a one day Super Fly tournament.

Once again I had the priviledge of fishing with Cal Collier, Jr. of Atlanta, GA and Dave Collier of Greenwich, CT. These two brothers share a passion for fishing and they know how to make it fun at the same time.

We had several great opportunities and did land a few fish over the course of the tournaments. It wasn't enough to keep our title as Grand Champs of the Super Fly but there is always next year.

For a difficult fishing tournament there were still a number of tarpon, bonefish and permit released. The Redbone is one of the most successful tournaments in raising money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.

The last day of the S.L.A.M. we were fortunate to have the outdoors crew from ESPN spend the day watching us fish. We didn't disappoint them and landed one great size permit. The show should air sometime in the next few months, look for it on ESPN Outdoors.

As we get ready for October the permit and bonefish should stay strong on the flats. A number of large permit also show themselves on the flats again making it possible to nab a fish of a lifetime here in the Florida Keys.

For more information on fishing please email us or call 305-744-0903.

Capt. Justin Rea
Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042
www.flyfishingthekeys.com
justin@flyfishingthekeys.com
305-744-0903

Florida Keys Fishing Report 9-27-10

Saturday, September 25, 2010



With a mixed catch of tuna and dolphin, Sam Thomas and Bob Pali from the Philadelphia area and Mark Ellender from South Carolina had a great day fishing offshore today aboard the Dee Cee. A little wind wasn't enough to deter this crew as they got their catch, and if you look close, you'll even see the triple tail they brought in along with their nice catch of dolphin and tuna.

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    

Amelia Island Fishing Report

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Topwater Aficionados



Brothers Andy and Terry Dillard love to fish and their favorite style is the use of topwater lures.  We arranged a backcountry trip and planned to meet at the Dee Dee Bartels boat ramp on the north end at 6:15am this morning.  It was a beautiful morning with no wind and the bright stars shining as we eased away from the ramp with our navigation lights on.  We crossed over to Tiger Island and fished a oyster bed/marsh grass outcrop, with the anglers tossing their lures in the dark.  Although the sun wasn't quite up we could see the outline of the marsh grass and here the topwaters "burp" through the water.  Every once in awhile we would hear something roll on the plug, but we had no takers.  The sun came up and the sand gnats came out for a while so we were rubbing on insect repellent for awhile.  At one point Terry pointed out a massive raccoon ambling along the marshy shore.  We fished around Tiger Island then moved up to Jolley River with the tide finally starting out.  Again, the guys had "spits" at the lures as they made pinpoint casts to fishy spots in the grass, but no takers!   However, these anglers were intent on fishing the topwaters and they "endeavored to persevere"!  We move up to Snook Creek, fished the mouth, then trolled up into the creek.  Terry broke the ice by making a perfect cast to the mouth of a runout.  He said the Trout struck just as the all-white Zara Spook hit the water, and Fish On!  We moved further up the creek and this time I was watching as Terry's lure landed at the mouth of another runout.  He let it pause for a couple of seconds and when he twitched it, BOOM!  Another Trout strike and the fish thrashed aggressively to free itself, but Terry played the keeper sized fish to the net.  We had a couple more fish up in the creek then we cranked up, came out, and ran around to the "Mother-of-All".  The tide was still up, making the spot less than desirable, so we trolled further up Jolley.  Andy got in on the action by expertly casting his all white Zara Spook to a runout that Terry had just vacated, and BOOM, fish on!  We caught a couple of more but as the sun got high the "spits" slowed, so we called it a day, another great one to be out on the water!

Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com

Posted by Cpt. Lawrence Piper at 8:19 PM

Anxiously Awaiting The Mullet Run

Friday, September 10, 2010
Action is Just Around the Corner

It’s been a quiet summer with few charters.  Tough economy not withstanding, it seems the oil spill in the Gulf has had a dramatic effect on our charter business here on the Atlantic coast.  As the oil scare subsides and cooler months get closer we are hoping business picks up.  Fishing has been great this summer even with the obstacles set in our path.  Cold water uprisings were more prevalent then anytime in recent memory.   There’s something really weird about heading out the inlet and finding water temps in the low 70’s in mid-summer.  Not sure this has anything to do with the lack of tropical storms, but it seems to correlate.  And, of course, we had the fish kill last January that cost many thousands of Snook, Tarpon and other tropical fish their lives.  Only our resident Tarpon seem to have been effected here and we’re certainly hoping things will get back to normal by next year.

This being September we’re anxiously awaiting the Mullet Run.  Mid month is generally when they start to show up.  Action is just amazing, especially for the first week or so, and the lucky customers who are able to take advantage will not forget the experience.   Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to fish with live bait.  Action on topwater plugs turns on at the same time and fly fishing with big streamers and baitfish patterns starts to take off.  It’s a magical time for us, and there’s no question that we all look forward to an active Mullet Run.

If you’re reading this and want to check on the status of the Mullet Run, just give me a call, email or text and I’ll let you know what’s going on.

Capt. Duber Winters
Capt. Raymond Winters

Green Water Charters

772-631-1023

http://www.greenwatercharters.com/

duber@wintersnet.com

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 9-23-10

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, September 22, 2010

By Captain Tom Van Horn

Upcoming Classes, Seminars and Events
 Saturday October 2nd
 10 AM - 5 PM, "Discover Fly Fishing Day" in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka Florida. Guides, Professionals and Factory representatives will be on hand all day to introduce new comers to fly fishing and discuss casting, destinations, tactics, and equipment.

 Saturday, October 23rd, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers,  Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Fall Fishing Tactics Redfish, Trout and Flounder" 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

 Tuesday, November 9th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Orlando Kayak Fishing Club Meeting (open to all) in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoor in Apopka Florida.

 Saturday, November 20th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers,  Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season & Shad Derby Meeting" 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

This Week's Fishing Report
 Laying restless in bed I glance at the clock on the nightstand. It's just after 4 am, and thoughts of fishing have been jumping through my head for hours.  Soon I realize the reason for my restlessness, and I get dressed and step outside to gaze at the hunter's moon.  Yes, the autumnal equinox has finally arrived and the harvest moon is early this year, and with elation I say farewell to an extremely hot summer we've experienced this year on Florida's Space Coast.

For whatever reason, I typically have contempt for the full moon in regards to fishing the flats of the Indian River Lagoon.  The rational may fall on our lack of tides in the IRL or the belief that the fish feed all night, but my experience has established that catching on the northern Indian River Lagoon system is tougher during periods the full moon.

With that said, the water levels on the lagoon are still high and the catching has been tough all week.  There's a ton of mullet forming up and moving south, but the consciences thus far is they are mostly larger mullet.  Although the breeder redfish are schooled up for the most part, they've been tough to find in the windy conditions we've experienced all week, but there has been plenty of slot size redfish mixed in with the mullet schools.  Although sight fishing is the preferred method for catching redfish, blind casting shallow running DOA Bait Busters or chunking live finger into the areas around mullet schools can produced better results when conditions are tough.

Along the beach, the snook fishing has been good this week despite the rough and windy conditions.  The finger mullet are not running thick, but they are there and the snook are there.   Good reports of snook catches have been coming from Cocoa beach from the south jetty of Port Canaveral to Satellite Beach.  I've also heard of good action fishing Sebastian Inlet at night, with lots of oversized and slot redfish being caught during slack tidal periods.

In closing, remember snook season is open on Florida's east coast, but don't get greedy.  Please comply with the limits and slot size, and if you see violations, do not hesitate to inform the proper authorities.  The weather is iffy for the weekend, but there are occasions where you just have to get your fishing fix, so if you venture out, pay attention to the weather and be safe.

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
http://www.irl-fishing.com
407-416-1187 on the water
407-366-8085 land line

Visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.

Big Mosquito Lagoon Redfish

Doug Nails a Biggun!
Another fun day fishing with Doug! He has already landed a 50 pound red this year and many other giant fish. Well Saturday was no different as he put 2 nice fish in the boat. The 43 inch red went about 32 pounds and put up an awesome fight! The fishing was a little slow compared to the rest of the week. The wind and cloud have made for tough conditions and the fish were fussy with all the weekend traffic. Still a solid week and another 'Slobberknocker' red for Dr. Doug. Thanks for another fun day Doug!
BOOK FOR OCTOBER! Call 407-405-0819 and let's have fun!
19 Sep 2010 by Captain David Rogers

Just Another Day in Slobberknocker Land
David and Scott met some nice redfish today. They were a bit fussy today but we mangaged to hook 7 and boat 4-1/2. We got 4 all the way in the boat and a leader touch on number 5 but he had other ideas. It was an awesome time and David had one heck of a good lunch. Shrimp and Chicken salad was the ticket. Just another FUN day on the Mosqutio Lagoon! Book a trip for October or November! Call 407-405-0819 and let's have fun! Just say NO to 99!
17 Sep 2010 by Captain David Rogers

Captain David Rogers
AAA Hawgwild Saltwater Charters LLC
Host The 'Hawgwild Fishing Show'
WAMT 1190 Saturdays 8-10 am (407-273-1190) Live call-in
ESPN WHOO 1080 Sunday 7-9 am/ replay - www.hawgwildradio.com
407-405-0819 Book Charters
www.aaahawgwildcharters.com

Apalachicola Fishing Report

Anne Russell caught this 8lb Red this past Saturday (9/18) w/Capt. Chris. Her husband Brad
was along too!

In case you were wondering, the season for Redfish in the Apalachicola/St. George Island area is already well under way and should continue strong throughout October & November. According to Capt. Chris Robinson, "the Reds are gettin that belly good and fat with the shrimp and baitfish that are all over our inshore waters." We are experiencing much clearer & healthier water conditions than last year at this time, most likely due to the lack of any abundant rainfall. Capt. Tommy Holland says he has the Reds "locked down". One of the little boys on board his boat this morning nearly lost his battle with about a 30lb redfish - I believe they kept them both in the boat!

Ready for another Capt. Chris Quote? "Don't put your jig in the water or you'll catch a trout." Translation into Good Ol Boy:  "They Thick!". For the rest of us, the speckled trout are numerous and being easily caught on jigs, although you'll probably have to hire a guide to find out which ones are working best. I'll stick by that story!

For those less interested in our plentiful Reds & Trout, please note that Bay fishing anglers are also catching Flounder on a regular basis and the Spanish Mackerel are hitting on the beaches. You may still see a tarpon or 2 to cast at as the overnight temps haven't had much of a lowering effect if any on the water temps, but for the most part that season is over and they are now considered and incidental catch.

Want to know what's happenin in Apalach? Well, first of all you can always follow us on Facebook (and no I don't happen to have one of those little clicky things that takes you there) OR, you can check out the Apalachicola Blog - Who Knew?

http://www.apalachicolabay.org/index.cfm/m/42/sectionId/5/Apalachicola%27s_Blog/
Let's face it, no fishing report from Apalachicola would be complete without giving you a heads up about area Real Estate Market. Even as I type this I feel as if I'm copying a TV commercial or something but if ever there was a good time to purchase property on the Forgotten Coast, this is it. Don't even take my word for it, though I AM a professional Florida Realtor. Go to our R.E.website and see the MLS listings for yourself www.RobinsonRealEstateCompany.com . (Kathy Robinson, Realtor - Robinson Real Estate Company)

All right Y'all, don't be a stranger! (Have I mentioned we even have a toll free number?)


Kathy Robinson
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
robinson@floridaredfish.com

Central Florida Sight Fishing

Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
September 20, 2010

See Mosquito Lagoon on the Addicitve Fishing TV ShowCentral Florida Sight Fishing Charters will be featured on the Addictive Fishing TV show with Capt. Blair Wiggins beginning this week. The first episode will air on the Sportsman Channel on Wednesday, 9/22. You can also catch the show on the Sun Sports network on Friday.

Upcoming Seminars
 The new seminar series at Mosquito Creek Outdoors has been drawing good crowds. Thanks to all those who have been attending and be sure to tell your friends. Capt. Tom Van Horn and I begin at 9:30 with an open forum question and answer session. Bring your flats and inshore fishing questions and come early to get a good seat. The main topic starts at 10. Next month will be Fall Flats Fishing. On the 2nd, the fly fishing event will be all day long with something for everyone inetrested in fly fishing. I will be there to help you learn to fly cast or to tune up your exsisting loop.

Saturday, October 2nd - 10am - 5pm - Discover Fly Fishing - Come out to Mosquito Creek Outdoors and see casting demos, try the latest fly fishing rods, and learn about the sport of fly fishing.

Saturday, October 23rd - 9:30-11:30 - Fall Flats Fishing Tactics
  Mosquito Creek Outdoors Apopka. Instructors - Capt. Tom Van Horn and Capt. Chris Myers

Book a Charter - Get a Free Hotel Room
The next four persons who mention this offer can receive a free night at the Royal Plaza Hotel Orlando when they book a fishing charter. This deluxe hotel is located in Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World. This offer is restricted to those living outside the central Florida area. Contact me by email or at 321-229-2848 to take advantage of this offer.

The Loop Knot
I tie on all my lures and flies with a loop knot. While there are many types of loops, the easiest and quicket one I have found is the Canoeman Loop Knot. This knot can be used in all line sizes. Using a loop allows your baits to have more action and always insures the line pulls straight down the shank of the hook.

 To learn how to tie this knot, see my Canoeman Loop Knot Video


If you have any other tips and techniques you would like to see in future videos, please email me with your suggestions.

Mosquito Lagoon Violators
 If you fish the Mosquito Lagoon, you know there is nothing more aggravating than seeing anglers who are inconsiderate and cannot follow the rules. With the high water, the number of boaters violating the Mosquito Lagoon Pole and Troll zone has increased. The Wildlife Refuge has set up a hotline to report these and other violations. The number connects to a voice mail box that alerts the on duty officer. Please report all violations you see. The more calls they receive the more enforcement we can get. The number is 321-227-0107.

Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848

Sarasota Bay Fising Report 9-20-10

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 9/4 through 9/19/2010
            Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, blues and redfish in Sarasota Bay on jigs and flies during the past couple of weeks. Very high tides towards the end of last week, as we approach a full moon on Sept. 23rd, made sight fishing for reds tough.

            Scott Miller, from Wheeling, WV, fished a pre dawn snook/flats trip in Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday, 9/7. He caught and released numerous trout, including a 4 ½-pound, 25” fish caught and released near Long Bar on a DOA Deadly Combo. Snook didn’t cooperate that morning but he caught and released numerous trout and a couple of small reds on CAL jigs around lighted docks on Siesta Key. Everette and Sherry Howell, from Nashville, TN, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday, 9/10. They caught and released numerous trout and a bluefish on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies at Stephens and Bishop Points in Sarasota Bay.

            Steve Cohn, from Castlecrag, New South Wales, Australia, fished a pre dawn snook/flats trip in Sarasota Bay with me on Friday, 9/17. The action was slow but he caught and released a snook on Siesta Key docks on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly and several trout on Clousers and a popper/Grassett Flats Bunny combo on deep grass flats on the east side of the bay.

            The action picked up the next day when Vic Cook, from Columbus, OH, fished the same areas with me. He caught and released 4 or 5 snook to 23” on my Grassett Snook Minnow and a Gurgler fly. We also fished deep grass flats on the west side of the bay where he caught and released several trout on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly. Both anglers had shots at reds and had a couple of follows but no bites.

            There is a hint of fall in the air. Mornings have been cool for the first few hours of the day which means fast action is just around the corner. Look for increased activity with snook around docks, trout and more on deep grass flats and reds and snook in skinny water. Spanish mackerel and little tunny should be good options in the coastal gulf. Tarpon in upper Charlotte Harbor may also be a good option when conditions are right.

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

 

Scott Miller, from Wheeling, WV, caught and released this 4 1/2-lb trout on a DOA Deadly Combo while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

 

Vic Cook, from Columbus, OH, caught and released this snook on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing Sarasota Bay docks at night with Capt. Rick Grassett.

September Fishing Tampa Bay

September Tampa Fishing Report
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 07:17
Written by Stewart Ames



Redfish fishing becomes the primary activity on most fishing charters during the heat of summer in the Tampa FL, area and this August was no exception.  Water temperatures actually exceeded the ninety degree mark on several days, which had even the heat tolerant redfish moving a little slower than usual.  Fishing was best on the high and outgoing tides.  Residential docks and grass flats with good water movement appeared to be the most productive locations. As has been the case all season, most of the fish caught were of good quality.  Pinfish bobbered a half a foot off of the bottom or cut baits were most productive.  Looking  forward into September, redfishing should only get better as days get shorter and daytime temperatures start to moderate a little bit.  Schooling fish should be easier to find as well, setting the stage for double digit catch days.



Although Tampa Fishing for Snook is best during May, June and early July, quality fish can still be caught in the late summer months by the persistent angler. Those interested in targeting a large specimen should night fish with big baits such as grunts and ladyfish.   The best times are during strongest tidal movement.  As is almost always the case with snook, let the baits float naturally through the snook's liar with no weight unless the current is very strong.  Likely hangouts for these larger fish include the deep cuts near local passes, jetties, and around lighted docks known to harbor big fish.  Snook are present in the same locations during the daylight hours, but  seem more reluctant to eat when the sun is high.



At some point in September, water temperatures will begin to drop. This cooler water will trigger a migration of mangrove snapper to our near shore Pinellas County Reefs in large numbers.  Last year, this Tampa Fishing on Near Shore Reefs lasted from late September to December.  On days where the Tides are weak and inshore fishing a little tougher, a trip 4 - 5 miles offshore to these reefs can be  great "Plan B".  By aggressively chumming, hundreds of snapper can be brought to the stern of your boat.  Although wary on some days, they can be hooked on every cast on others.  Free-lined shrimp or a small whitebait dropped back into the slick is the best technique for regular hookups.  To improve your chances for hookup, downsize your leader to fifteen pound Ande Flourocarbon Leader and a 1/0 circle hook. Larger fish are typically found towards the back of the slick.  If this approach does not pay off, take the same bait and drop it directly to the bottom with as little weight as is needed to hold it stationary.  Do not move the bait at all.  Just wait for a tug.  Snapper will approach a bait like this and circle it, sometimes for minutes, before they pick it up.  Once the snapper are effectively chummed up, rig a couple of heavy action spinning rods with a steel leader above the hook.  This leader only need be four to five inches in length.  Use 30 - 40 lbs Malin Hard-Wire and secure both the hook and the swivel using a Haywire Twist Knot. Take larger baits such as threadfin herring or big pilchards and cast these baits, on balloons, well back into the chum slick. Place these rods up above where they are out of the way and just wait.  While everyone is actively focusing on filling out their snapper limits, a drag will start screaming as a larger predator has inhaled one of these ballooned baits.  In September, this could be a Spanish mackerel, bonita, cobia, barracuda or shark...any of these providing an interesting diversion from snapper fishing.

With August in the rear view mirror, Tampa fishing will only get batter for the next few months. The best days to inshore fish during the month of September are the 5th through the 11th and the 20th through the 26th so plan your fishing charters with these dates in mind.  Good luck and good fishing.

Captain Stewart Ames
Gone Fishing Charters
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain
Member Florida Guides Association
sames001@tampabay.rr.com
(727) 421-5291

Fish Showing In Usual Spots

Fish Like September!
9/6/2010



Hey friends. Summer is winding down. We've entered September, football is starting up and the cooler days are around the corner. It just takes a little longer here in Florida to cool down. August was a hot one and the fishing slowed a bit too. We had to change things up to keep the bites coming, but we should have normal patterns taking over soon. The fish always respond to September. It must that internal clock of theirs. Here is what is happening out here now...

Redfishing has been tough the last few weeks. They seemed to have disappeared except for a few docks that were holding some whoppers throughout the heated days. The flats were over 90 degrees (water temp) and the mangroves I usually see them around were also void of life. I managed to scrap a few bites here and there along some of the spoil islands near the intercoastal, but it was still a slow game. Not to worry, all of the rain we've had has finally cooled the water so I am finding more fish again in the usual spots. Mullet schools have been the target. When I see the schools of Mullet choking the pockets in the mangroves, I know the Reds are close by. That is exactly what we did this week. Using the high tides to find the Reds in the Mullet schools. Mostly cut baits, Mackerel, Ladyfish, Pinfish or Mullet are my favorite.

Snook are also getting scarce. It was nice to hook them so well in the first part of the season. I think they have moved off to finish the spawn and hopefully with the Snook closure still in effect, they will bounce back quickly. They usually transition to the backcountry through September and October, stopping along the intercoastal islands on their way back. I am still working on a few groups along the inside of the barrier islands. They are wise to us now, with the pressure they received throughout the summer. They are eating on their time, not ours.

Spanish Mackerel have invaded the nearshore reefs. These have been a nice relief when looking for a lot of action. Small Sardines are the best bait to get these toothy fish biting. Long shank hooks are a must or they can go right through your leader. I like 1/0 or 2/0 Mustad long shank hooks. Mangrove Snapper are also creeping in. When we can get a bait past the Mackerel, we can catch the Snapper, Grunts and small Grouper too. Cobia can also be a nice surprise!

Trout are still hanging on the flats with good moving water. The grass flats nearest the passes are where I start. We can get them in the troughs along the beaches when the winds are out of the East. Again, I like to use plenty of Sardines to get them going.

September is always a great month for Reds, Mangrove Snapper and fishing in general. It may start slow this year since everything seems to be a month behind due to that cold winter we had. I will be out there a bunch, following the patterns for you! So call 727-365-7560 or e-mail me today to book your memorable day on the water. See ya soon!

Capt. Brian

Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/

Florida Keys Shark Attack!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Shark attacks tuna dinner for anglers at Holiday Isle, Islamorada, Florida Keys!!!

September 11th for us turned out to be a tuna party at the Isle. Chalk another one up for Capt. Chuck on the Dee Cee, a fine rack of tuna caught by anglers Evan Yelvington, JeremyNoel, Chelsey Sharp and Dustin Stewart. On a hot september day these gentelmen knocked out a full day of fishing. Their effort paid off as you can see, a nice rack to be proud of to take back to W. Palm Beach. Good job guys!! j4p





As the northern weather starts to cool, it's plenty hot here in the keys still. So if your not quite ready to chill, stop on by, the fishing is great, Full fish racks are not uncommon around here, allthough you might have to share your dinner. Will Foy, Garren Foy and friend Daryl Hudson had to share theirs with a shark, but luckily still had plenty! Enjoy the tunas guys.



If you would like to partake in a day of fun fishing with the best captains in the Florida Keys, call us direct at 305-433-9942.  You can check out all of our Offshore and Backcountry Captains at http://www.holidayisle.com/  Ask us about special room rates with a booked charter.  Come join us for fun in the sun!!!

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 

Posted by Let's Fish at 4:10 PM

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 9-14-10

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, September 13, 2010

By Captain Tom Van Horn

Upcoming Classes, Seminars and Events
 Saturday, September 18th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers,  Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Fishing the Fall Mullet Run" 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

Saturday October 2nd 10 AM - 5 PM, "Discover Fly Fishing Day" in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka Florida. Guides, Professionals and Factory representatives will be on hand all day to introduce new comers to fly fishing and discuss casting, destinations, tactics, and equipment.

 Saturday, October 23rd, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers,  Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Fall Fishing Tactics Redfish, Trout and Flounder" 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

Tuesday, November 9th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Orlando Kayak Fishing Club Meeting (open to all) in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoor in Apopka Florida.

 Saturday, November 20th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers,  Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season & Shad Derby Meeting" 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

This Week's Fishing Report
 My adventures this past week led me to the Indian River Lagoon and to the near-shore waters out of Port Canaveral, and although the weather was absolutely glorious, the catching was very tough.  In the Lagoon, water levels are about a foot above normal, and the schools of redfish have spread out into areas that have been dry all summer.  The water was also dirty for the most part, and floating grass was everywhere.  Most of the redfish we found where either singles laying up or small groups on the move, with the exception of a large breeder school we found out in the open water.  We also had good success with sea trout on top water plugs and we found a good number of large tarpon rolling out in the ICW channel.

 Near-shore along the beach, we found a good number of Spanish mackerel schools feeding on glass minnows at first light.  The Spanish were very aggressive and easy to catch, and they were eager to take a DOA CAL on a jig head fished with a very fast retrieval.  When fishing for toothy critters like Spanish mackerel using monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders, it's important to reel your lure fast to avoid getting cut off.

 We also found a number of large black mullet schools working south along the beach, but there were very few larger fish working them.  Black mullet are the larger of our mullet species typically running in the 8 to 15 inch size, and they are migrating south to spawn.  The small silver mullet are a tropical species, which hasn't flushed out of the lagoon yet.  The smaller silver mullet (finger mullet) make up the bulk of the mullet migration, and should be leaving the shelter of the lagoon flats for their run south at any time.

 The extended weather forecast looks very good for the balance of the week, so hit the water and catch some fish.

 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
http://www.irl-fishing.com
407-416-1187 on the water
407-366-8085 land line

Visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.

Indian River Fishing Report 9-13-2010

Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
September 11, 2010


Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report

A sudden rise in the water level of the lagoon system has had a huge impact on the fishing the past week. While the redfish are biting aggressively, the challenge the past several days has been finding them in significant numbers. With lots of areas that have been nearly dry all summer now flooded, the fish have many more places to roam. Most of the fish have moved from the places they have been frequenting all summer long. The high water is cloudy in many areas and the grass which had been piled up along the shorelines is now floating on the surface. The key to catching has been to cover lots of water and be in the right spot at the right time as the fish will certainly bite if you find them.

Near the end of last month, Capt. Drew and I took a trip to the Indian River and we found a couple schools of large redfish happily finning on the surface. I hooked several over twenty ponds on both the DOA Baitbuster and BFL 5.5. Capt. Drew caught giant his on a 5 inch DOA CAL.



A couple days later, I went up to the New Smyrna Beach area looking for tarpon. I landed one on the BFL and had shots at several more during the morning but the only bites I got were from jacks and bluefish.


High winds kept me off the water much of last week but I was back to work Sunday on a trip with Rick and Jackie. The first few hours of the day were tough as we covered a lot of water and saw very few fish. As I continued poling along the flat, we were suddenly surrounded by schools of reds. Jackie landed her first few on the CAL while Rick matched her fish for fish using the Baitbuster. After those fish moved on I took us to another spot and again we encountered a large school of hungry redfish. Both Rick and Jackie used the Baitbuster to land more quality reds including several double hookups.



They enjoyed some spectacular surface bites as the reds chased done their lures. You can some of the action in this Mosquito Lagoon Redfish Video.



Dale and his wife joined me on Wednesday. We spent the first part of the day catching ladyfish and then spotted some redfish finning on the surface. On his first cast with a gold Baitbuster, Dale was hooked up with his first redfish ever.



The action the rest of the day was slow as the fish were few and far between.

Thursday, I fished with Mike and his son Micah. After a bit of searching, we encountered a happy school of giant redfish. Mike got the Baitbuster into them and was hooked up with a monster red.



 Before we could get one for his son, another boat drove in on us and chased the fish off into deeper water and we never saw them again. As we traveled from spot to spot, we found a few redfish but not in the numbers they have been the past several months. High thin clouds made spotting them difficult and we never hooked another fish.

Yesterday was the toughest day of the week. I took Dan and Gary to one of my favorite baby tarpon spots to start the day. It was full of baitfish but the tarpon were nowhere to be found. After catching a couple ladyfish and a small red, we moved on. We hit many spots throughout the day but only one of them held redfish in any significant number. Gary had a red slam his Baitbuster less than five feet from the boat but it came unhooked after a short run. They enjoyed a half hour of nonstop action with ladyfish but never hooked into another red.

With high water and the redfish moving around, it will be necessary to cover a lot of water to find the right spot. Nearly everywhere you go, there are huge schools of mullet. Not all of the bait schools are holding fish and having the right glasses will allow you to see into the water so you can tell what you are casting to. With lots of floating grass, topwater plugs are useless in most places. Use a DOA Chughead or Baitbuster if you want some great surface action. Diving birds can signal schools of jacks and ladyfish which can provide some welcome rod bending when everything else is slow.

Upcoming Seminars

Saturday, September 18 - 9:30-11:30 - Fishing The Fall Mullet Run
  Mosquito Creek Outdoors Apopka. Instructors - Capt. Tom Van Horn and Capt. Chris Myers

Saturday, October 2nd - 10am - 5pm - Discover Fly Fishing - Come out to Mosquito Creek Outdoors and see casting demos, try the latest fly fishing rods, and learn about the sport of fly fishing.

Saturday, October 23rd - 9:30-11:30 - Fall Flats Fishing Tactics
  Mosquito Creek Outdoors Apopka. Instructors - Capt. Tom Van Horn and Capt. Chris Myers
The Loop Knot
I tie on all my lures and flies with a loop knot. While there are many types of loops, the easiest and quicket one I have found is the Canoeman Loop Knot. This knot can be used in all line sizes. Using a loop allows your baits to have more action and always insures the line pulls straight down the shank of the hook.

 To learn how to tie this knot, see my Canoeman Loop Knot Video
Mosquito Lagoon Violators

With the high water, the number of boaters violating the Mosquito Lagoon Pole and Troll zone has increased. The Wildlife Refuge has set up a hotline to report these and other violations. The number connects to a voice mail box that alerts the on duty officer. Please report all violations you see. The more calls they receive the more enforcement we can get. The number is 321-227-0107.

Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 9-5-2010

Surf anglers it took the last three day of the week for the sand to settle, turbid, could not see a fish.  Took longer than I thought but it has cleaned up and we have mullet in the surf.  Big mullet, big bait, big fish, Tarpon, Snook (opens on the 17th) and Jacks in numbers and you guessed it mullet is the favored bait.  Sun up and high tide are the preferred times but the mullet are there all day and so are the fish, come on down.  Lots of sand fleas on the edge and there should be Pompano but the big fish will keep them away.  Whiting and Croaker a few but the other species are keeping them on the run.  Seven foot of a fast taper rod, two hundred yards of thirty pound braid and fifty pound leader tied to it and you are ready; please do not bring a knife to the gun fight.

            Off shore we had mixed results, anglers were reporting fish and others are still out looking.  Some Dolphin not a lot but some, had reports from seventy feet out to two hundred, no pattern but fish. Trolling was the preferred method, taking dinner to the fish.  Had Kings in sixty feet and a few Sails, but not a lot of fish for the number of boats.  Bottom fishing was hot with Muttons toping the list, forty feet is where it all started.  North or south of our inlet fish were scattered, no pattern.

            Blue fish in the river, Mac’s at the bridges, not sure what month it is, but lots of mullet in the neighborhood. Anglers casting a D.O.A bait found plenty of Trout, Reds, Tarpon, and Snook of course the Blues made quick work of the rubber baits.  As the turbidity settled out of the water fishing just got better, from Bear Point south to the power lines it was Trout, Snook and Blue fish????  Joe’s Point had plenty of Tarpon with a good mix of Trout and Reds, south of the Stuart causeway around the islands it was more slot Trout with a mix of Snook, just had to wait for that water to clean up. Lots of mullet and lots of Snook, you have until the 17th then who knows where they will disappear too.  Bridges have had plenty of Snapper, Drum, Mac’s and mullet so the big fish are there be careful do not set your rod down with a bait in the water, they will teach it to swim.

           Where is the camera and remember to hold your breath, when you need to breath so does the fish………………….Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net   

Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report 9-2010

Whiteys Fishing Report
September 2010
    
Sebastian Inlet & Offshore

    September usually brings in Hurricanes, Mullet and the long awaited Snook Season.  Everything is on cue except for Snook season.  With the cold weather and fish kills in January the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission closed the harvest of Snook for the spring season.  They have postponed the September 1st opening until the 16th to hear a report from FWC staff on the Snook population.  This report will be presented to the commissioners at the September 2nd public meeting in Pensacola Beach.  The commissioners will also hear public input at this meeting.  If you have an opinion on this matter I encourage you to go and voice it, so hear I go. 

     With all the latest fish closures and no fishing zones I am concerned this article is going to become a catch and release report.  If the Southeast Atlantic Fisheries Council and The Fish and Wildlife Commission keep heading the direction they are going the only fish we are going to be allowed to keep are Hardhead Catfish.  Are we getting overrun by tree hugging environmentalists in these council’s who think fish and meat are born in plastic wrapping?  I would have no issue with these closures if they had sound data to make decisions from, but the data that they are using has been proven time and time again to be flawed.  These laws are going to make outlaws out of law-abiding citizens, because of over regulation.  Florida is known as, “The Fishing Capital of the World”; maybe we should change it to “The Need to Take a Lawyer with you to go Fishing Capital of the World.”  That’s a point; I wonder what a lawyer’s “on water” hourly rate is? 

     If you want to fight these closures join groups like the Fishing Rights Alliance, www.thefra.org.  They are the only group that I know of that is fighting these closures the only way possible, with law suits.  I also encourage you to look at the groups you donate to and ask them what are their stances on these issues.  To the best of my knowledge the Coastal Conservation Association has supported every fish closure.  I don’t know about you, but I am not going to donate to a group that supports unjustified fish closures.  Don’t just donate money, research these so called fishing organizations and make sure they are speaking for you. 
     Back to the fishing report.  As stated earlier the Mullet come in September and a few are already trickling in.  Palm sized mullet are moving south along the beaches and are being shadowed by a number of game fish.  Snook catches along the beaches in Floridana have been consistent early mornings.  Expect anything to bite when you are fishing the bait pods.  Matching the hatch is always the best bet, but sometimes something different can draw a strike.  Expect more Mullet to filter in and action heat up as the month goes on.  The hurricanes moving up the coast should definitely push some fish down.

     Sebastian Inlet can also heat up during the Mullet run.  Waves of mullet get stacked up along the Jetties and hungry predators wait.  Snook, Redfish, Tarpon and any other fish that can fit a Mullet in its mouth line up for an ambush.  This is one of the best times of the year down there to catch a keeper redfish.  Large spoons cast into the channel on outgoing tides can work wonders.

     The lagoon also gets a run of mullet moving south.  This can bring the fish out in good numbers.  Look for natural funnel points with structure that the mullet have to swim by and target those areas.  You can get some real rod bending action.  On calm nights get out there and fish, sometimes the exploding sound of fish taking mullet off the surface can lead you to good fishing areas.  With some wave action and strong winds that we usually get this time of year it can help to cool the river down.  With cooler water the fish will stay on the flats longer in the mornings.  With all the bait on the flats and winter approaching the fish are trying to fatten up.  So get out there and fish.

     Offshore can be a tough month in September not because of fish but because of weather.  Between early season fronts that can stall out and bring wind and rain for days and the ever present threat of a tropical system moving through wind and seas can remain rough for weeks.  If it does calm down fishing and diving can be fantastic.  With the change in weather patterns it can stir up the ocean and really make things happen.  Reefs that seemed barren a week ago can be teeming with life.  Another good thing that happens for the divers all those egg bearing female lobster that you had to put back usually have dropped their eggs.  So, if you can remember where you left them go back and get them. 

     Trolling can be great this month.  Good numbers of Wahoo are usually caught over the cones as they make their way back south.  Kingfish, Dolphin and Sailfish are always a great bet as well.  Trolling or live baiting from 80-300ft. is a great place to find consistent action.

     As always for the latest information and reports call Whitey’s or stop in on your way down.  Check us out on the web at www.whiteysonline.com.

Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-14409030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
captstovall@whiteysonline.comwww.whiteysonline.com/   

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 9-6-10

This Week's Fishing Report

Trying to Reason with Hurracain Season

As most folks along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. know, the summer squall season in among us and by this time next week the peak of the hurricane season will hopefully be yesterday's news.

 Although we dodged a bullet with Earl's tropical force winds passing within 350 miles of the Central Florida coast, his windy influence and strong swells (up to 12 feet) kept angler at bay all week.  Now that Earl has passed and hurricane ally has settled down, we can get back to fishing with a solid week of good weather ahead of us.

 In the Lagoon last week, fishing was tough.  Water levels are up a bit, there's a ton of floating grass and dirty water.  As the weather improves, look for the redfish to move back up on the flats.  There are also still a good number of glass minnow schools out in deeper water, shadowed by ladyfish, sea trout and gaff top sail catfish.

 Inside Port Canaveral, mullet schools are forming up and beginning to move down the beach.  Again, the water is still a bit dirty, but it is cleaning up very quickly.  Water temperatures are still above the 80 degree mark, so fishing should be improving on all fronts during the week ahead of us as long as the summer squalls stay away.

As most folks on the easrern seaboard know, by this time next week we will have reached the peak of the summer squal season.

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
http://www.irl-fishing.com
407-416-1187 on the water
407-366-8085 land line
Visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.

Sarasota Fishing report 9-2010

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 8/17 through 8/26/2010

           Anglers fishing with me on my flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, trout and Spanish mackerel on flies recently. Jerry Poslusny, from Rochester, NY and his son, Jerry, from NJ, fished a couple of days with me in upper Charlotte Harbor for tarpon. Although we found plenty of tarpon, they were widely scattered and tough to work with a fly. They caught and released Spanish mackerel and ladyfish on a variety of flies while casting to breaking fish feeding in glass minnow schools. Tarpon also occasionally joined the fray blasting a ladyfish!

            Paul Haines, from PA, fished a pre dawn flats trip in Sarasota Bay with me on another trip. He caught and released several trout and a snook around Siesta Key docks before dawn on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. We moved to deep grass flats near Bishop Point after dawn and caught and released trout and ladyfish on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly fished on a sink tip fly line.

            Snook around lighted docks before dawn and reds, trout and more in Sarasota Bay should be good options in September. This time of year predators will “ball” glass minnows into very tight schools. The action usually starts with ladyfish and then other species including trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and tarpon may join the fray. Tarpon of all sizes in upper Charlotte Harbor should also be a good option.

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

Paul Haines, from PA, caught and released this snook on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing lighted docks in Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Snook Season To Open On Atlantic Coast

September 2, 2010

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has ruled to reopen Florida's fall snook season in Atlantic waters and keep it closed in Gulf of Mexico waters. The FWC will reopen the recreational harvest of snook in Florida's Atlantic waters as of September 17th, 2010. The season will remain open along the Atlantic coast untill December 15th, 2010. At that time the season will close and remain closed untill September 1, 2011. The daily bag limit, (1 snook per angler per day), and slot limit (28"-32") will remain in effect. Recreational harvest of snook will remain closed along Florida's Gulf coast, Everglades National Park and Monroe County untill September 1st, 2011.

Read the FWC news release.

Charlotte Harbor Fishing Report 9-2010

THIS MONTHS FISHING REPORT

Tarpon are still here in numbers in the Harbor and are feeding early in the morning around the bridges and the deeper sections of the Harbor. A White Deceiver works well on an intermediate line. Larger Puglisi Bait fish patterns are also working well.

Trout fishing on the deeper flats during late morning has been good along with ladyfish, mackeel and blues mixed in.Redfish are starting to school and can be found in and around bars in the bays.  Early morning is the time to be on the water.

Good Luck,


Boca On The Fly
Captain Al White
(941) 697-0320 Cell (941) 830-1375
e-mail: BocaOnTheFly@yahoo.com

Amelia Island Fishing Report 9-1-2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Bigger Trout Showing Up




Robert and Elizabeth Torregrossa were visiting Amelia Island from the Maryland area and took in a backcountry fishing trip along with their friend, Norman. We left the Atlantic Seafood dock 7am sharp, with cloudy skies and already gusty winds. The weather report called for a partly cloudy day with wind 15-20mph and gusts up to 25, and I think the weatherman nailed it! We hit the Lanceford Creek docks with the tide just starting back in, pitching our jig/shrimp combo up to the pilings.




Although the "bite" seems to have slowed from weeks past, Robert did have something nail his bait half way back to the boat and he had a good fight on his hands. He played the fish expertly with the Shimano 1000FI reel spooled with Power Pro braided line and soon brought a nice 18" Trout to the net! Elizabeth and Norman both had good hookups with the fish fighting to stay on bottom, and they boated some pesky Stingrays. We moved to another dock where Elizabeth found the hot spot, catching 3-4 small Redfish and then Norman joined in, adding a couple of more small Redfish to the fish count. The wind was really blowing now so we headed to the shelter of Tiger Island;



I dropped the trolling motor and we made a pass with the anglers getting some bites, but no hookups. I anchored up near shore and it wasn't long before Robert caught a Flounder, completing their "inshore slam", and Elizabeth pulled in a Croaker. We fished "Manatee Creek" briefly, to be treated to a brief sighting of one Manatee, then move around to the front of Tiger Island and anchored. All the anglers joined in on some action, battling a few more small Redfish, a few small Trout, a couple of Snapper, then Elizabeth topped it off by hooking up to and landing a nice 19" Trout! We had used up all of our live shrimp so we called it a day, another great (although windy) one to be out on the water!

Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com

Skyway Tarpon Action

The heat, and the bite, is on! This is the time of year when virtually everything is possible. So far this month we have caught redfish, trout, mackerel, tarpon, grouper, jack crevelle, ladyfish, bonita, blacktip sharks, bull sharks, spinner sharks, mangrove snapper…. the list goes on.

If you want to know what the hot bit is it’s mackerel. Spanish mackerel have invaded Tampa Bay and they make great table fare if eaten within a day or two. We’re also getting some really big (for summer time) trout up to 22″. Redfish are a tough bite but if you focus on them and understand that they will take some work to cooperate, you can hook a trophy. Tarpon are still around and though they are not as easy a target as they are in May, June and July, they can still be caught by those dead set on catching a silver king.

It’s hot outside but the fishing is good. There’s no reason to waste a day at home if you can go fishing. The time is now if you want to catch an many different species of fish as you can in one trip.

Call today to book a charter. As about back to school specials.Check out ProAnglersJournal.com for the latest in product reviews, fishing reports and fishing articles by the best professional fishing guides!

Tampa Bay Fishing
Captain Clay Eavenson
813-300-2147
http://www.captainclay.com/
gofishing@captainclay.com