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.
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.
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.
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
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