The month of March was awesome with unseasonabley great weather and fantastic fishing. I noted in my journal, "fish the dock pilings, wrecks, downed trees" because that's where we were finding the Redfish. Keeper sized Trout are showing up and we're seeing a few Flounder, too! Don't forget, I keep my Amelia Island Fishing Report up to date so check it out during the month to see what's biting! Get away from it all, book a trip, and Let's Go Fishing on The Angler's Mark!
Amelia Island April Fishing Forecast
If you're in to catching the big Bull Black Drum then the bite ought to be in full swing. Look for the Drummers to be anchored off main beach, the jetties and down at the breakers and pines of Nassau Sound, then up in the Nassau River at Black Hammock and Middle Marsh. Most will be fishing 1/2 Blue Crab on the bottom. In the backcountry, Trout and Flounder will be biting. Use floats and live shrimp for the Trout near the docks and over oyster beds or get down deep with jig and grub for possible larger Trout. Trout will be up in the keeper-sized range. Use jig and shrimp or Gulp fished slow on the bottom for Flounder. Speaking of shrimp, the bait shops are getting them from the west coast so you may want to call before planning to use live shrimp! Rat Reds will be getting bigger with more chance of Slot fish. Aggressive Blues will be showing up. Sheepshead are still around, fish the oyster beds in the backcountry. If you've been thinking of getting out on the water, give me a shout and we'll launch The Angler's Mark!
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 3-30-2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
April 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
April 9th Free Fly Fishing Class
Saturday, April 16th Free Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
"Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program 10:00 - 12:00
Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
Volunteers are still needed for the April 30th Hook Kids on Fishing Program.
April's Fishing Outlook
Some of highlights of fishing on Florida's east central coast during the spring are the weather is still cool and enjoyable, and as the water's warm up, the fish begin to shift into their prespawning feeding mood. Some examples of this behavior are the cobia moving north up the coast, and the spotted sea trout moving into their traditional spawning areas on the inshore flats. Like many saltwater species, the cobia and sea trout spawn in aggregations or groups, not on beds. In the case of the cobia, traditional spawning areas are off of the central east coast of the US, and in the northern Gulf of Mexico. As the fish migrate north, they burn energy and feed heavily along the way, hence the cobia run we experienced this year so far. On the flats, the smaller male sea trout move up into the shallow flats first, and then call the females in to spawn by drumming loudly just after dusk when the conditions are right, usually around the beginning on the first new moon or full moon in April, and then again on the new and full moons throughout the summer.
Roland and Rodney
On the lagoon flats, fish the early morning and late evening with your favorite top water plugs for extreme trout and redfish action, and soft plastics and jigs in deeper water, 2 to 3 feet after the midday sun settles in. April is one of the months when trout are egg laden for the spawn, so it's very important to handle and release the larger females with great care. If you are looking for snook and tarpon action inside, the Sebastian River will be the place to go.
Fredrick's respactable seatrout
Offshore, April marks the beginning of the fishing season for most blue water anglers. It represents the start of the April/May northern migration of dolphin in deeper water, 120 feet and beyond and usually brings in some of the largest bulls taken all year. April also marks the beginning of the Easter kingfish run on the near-shore reef outside Port Canaveral. It's the time of year when most of the larger kings, 30 to 50 pounds, are taken off 8A Reef, and Pelican Flats.
As we move in near-shore, tripletail should become more dependable, and look for late season cobia as well. The cobia run thus far has been realy good; with bait pods (Atlantic menhaden or pogies) starting to arrive. As the bait pod move in, look for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, redfish, giant jack crevalle, sharks, and smoker kings. Concentrate your efforts in areas of bait pods. When you see areas of bait balled up and pushed to the surface, there is a high probability that feeding gamefish are pressuring the bait from underneath.
In the inlets, look for good numbers of flounder, sheepshead and black drum around structure such as jetties and docks, and Spanish mackerel, blues, and large jacks in open water. Also look for the nighttime snook and tarpon action to heat up in the Sebastian Inlet.
Larry Carter with a large St. Johns River catfish.
Last but not least, freshwater largemouth and striped bass action has will be heating up on the St Johns River. Look for schooling bass at first light feeding on pilchards from the Osteen Bridge to Lake Harney. My favorite locations are in the river bends near the power lines at Lemmon Bluff and at the south end of Lake Harney were the river dumps in. A good way to locate these schooling fish is to look for white pelicans and other wading birds congregating along the shore. When in the feeding mode, these fish will take most swim plugs, and small live shiners. Also, last year we caught southern flounder in Lake Harney fishing pilchards on the bottom under the schooling bass, and the breeder catfish will be moving upstream to spawn as the spring rainfall elevates the water levels and increases the current.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!
April 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
April 9th Free Fly Fishing Class
Saturday, April 16th Free Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
"Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program 10:00 - 12:00
Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
Volunteers are still needed for the April 30th Hook Kids on Fishing Program.
April's Fishing Outlook
Some of highlights of fishing on Florida's east central coast during the spring are the weather is still cool and enjoyable, and as the water's warm up, the fish begin to shift into their prespawning feeding mood. Some examples of this behavior are the cobia moving north up the coast, and the spotted sea trout moving into their traditional spawning areas on the inshore flats. Like many saltwater species, the cobia and sea trout spawn in aggregations or groups, not on beds. In the case of the cobia, traditional spawning areas are off of the central east coast of the US, and in the northern Gulf of Mexico. As the fish migrate north, they burn energy and feed heavily along the way, hence the cobia run we experienced this year so far. On the flats, the smaller male sea trout move up into the shallow flats first, and then call the females in to spawn by drumming loudly just after dusk when the conditions are right, usually around the beginning on the first new moon or full moon in April, and then again on the new and full moons throughout the summer.
Roland and Rodney
On the lagoon flats, fish the early morning and late evening with your favorite top water plugs for extreme trout and redfish action, and soft plastics and jigs in deeper water, 2 to 3 feet after the midday sun settles in. April is one of the months when trout are egg laden for the spawn, so it's very important to handle and release the larger females with great care. If you are looking for snook and tarpon action inside, the Sebastian River will be the place to go.
Fredrick's respactable seatrout
Offshore, April marks the beginning of the fishing season for most blue water anglers. It represents the start of the April/May northern migration of dolphin in deeper water, 120 feet and beyond and usually brings in some of the largest bulls taken all year. April also marks the beginning of the Easter kingfish run on the near-shore reef outside Port Canaveral. It's the time of year when most of the larger kings, 30 to 50 pounds, are taken off 8A Reef, and Pelican Flats.
As we move in near-shore, tripletail should become more dependable, and look for late season cobia as well. The cobia run thus far has been realy good; with bait pods (Atlantic menhaden or pogies) starting to arrive. As the bait pod move in, look for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, redfish, giant jack crevalle, sharks, and smoker kings. Concentrate your efforts in areas of bait pods. When you see areas of bait balled up and pushed to the surface, there is a high probability that feeding gamefish are pressuring the bait from underneath.
In the inlets, look for good numbers of flounder, sheepshead and black drum around structure such as jetties and docks, and Spanish mackerel, blues, and large jacks in open water. Also look for the nighttime snook and tarpon action to heat up in the Sebastian Inlet.
Larry Carter with a large St. Johns River catfish.
Last but not least, freshwater largemouth and striped bass action has will be heating up on the St Johns River. Look for schooling bass at first light feeding on pilchards from the Osteen Bridge to Lake Harney. My favorite locations are in the river bends near the power lines at Lemmon Bluff and at the south end of Lake Harney were the river dumps in. A good way to locate these schooling fish is to look for white pelicans and other wading birds congregating along the shore. When in the feeding mode, these fish will take most swim plugs, and small live shiners. Also, last year we caught southern flounder in Lake Harney fishing pilchards on the bottom under the schooling bass, and the breeder catfish will be moving upstream to spawn as the spring rainfall elevates the water levels and increases the current.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Clearwater Fishing Report 3-2011
Spring is Springing, and the Fish are too!
3/15/2011
Hello everyone! I have been so busy on the water, that I have gotten a little behind on my fishing report. The weather has been great and the fishing has too for the most part. We have had a cold blast here and there, but I think we are beyond those and looking forward to a warm spring. Here is what we've been up to out here...
Redfish, Redfish, Redfish! This has been one of the best times for Reds in recent years. They have been everywhere! On every oyster bar around, especially when the tides are up high. I have had unbelievable days with a Red hooked up every few seconds if we are in the right position. I had a trip recently with Chuck and Chris Baur. We moved up to a mangrove shoreline, and with a south wind, were able to make long casts with our live shrimp right to the bushes. The Reds were on fire. It only took a few seconds to get one on the line. But I must stress, the tides have all been high on the most successful days. It seems like they want to eat the baits that are attracted to the oyster bars on the high water. Also, there have been plenty of Reds under the deeper docks in Clearwater, Dunedin and Palm Harbor. Make sure to skip your shrimp all the way under the docks for the best chance at a hook up.
Sheepshead have also been a great fish for me lately. The have really schooled up along the jetties and bridge pilings. Cutting the shrimp in half and using a split shot allows the bait to get down to the bottom where they like to eat. The smaller portion will ensure that they get the whole bait in their smaller mouths. These fish are very good to eat so don't overlook them for a great meal!
Trout are not as strong as we have seen the past few years. They started out well on the spoil islands in Dunedin but have begun to fall apart. I think when the sardines show up again, the fishing in that area will get better. I have had the most success either drifting the adjacent grass flats in Dunedin, pitching small tails with a 1/8 ounce jighead, or putting a live shrimp about four feet under a cork and popping it back to the boat while slowly drifting along. The bigger Trout seem to always be along an edge or in the white sandy holes.
Reports of Mackerel being caught are coming in every day. I have hooked a few on the flats and around the passes, but larger fish are being caught offshore. That means the bait we have been waiting for is very close behind. We will put away the shrimp and begin to net sardines in the morning and hopefully see the fishing really explode! I love spring in Florida!
Dates are filling up, so don't wait too long to call or e-mail for a trip. I want to take you out and have a great day on the water! And don't forget to book a Tarpon charter with me in Boca Grande, the Tarpon capitol! Mid May through June is the hot time for that exciting fish! Let's go fishing...
Capt. Brian
Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
3/15/2011
Hello everyone! I have been so busy on the water, that I have gotten a little behind on my fishing report. The weather has been great and the fishing has too for the most part. We have had a cold blast here and there, but I think we are beyond those and looking forward to a warm spring. Here is what we've been up to out here...
Redfish, Redfish, Redfish! This has been one of the best times for Reds in recent years. They have been everywhere! On every oyster bar around, especially when the tides are up high. I have had unbelievable days with a Red hooked up every few seconds if we are in the right position. I had a trip recently with Chuck and Chris Baur. We moved up to a mangrove shoreline, and with a south wind, were able to make long casts with our live shrimp right to the bushes. The Reds were on fire. It only took a few seconds to get one on the line. But I must stress, the tides have all been high on the most successful days. It seems like they want to eat the baits that are attracted to the oyster bars on the high water. Also, there have been plenty of Reds under the deeper docks in Clearwater, Dunedin and Palm Harbor. Make sure to skip your shrimp all the way under the docks for the best chance at a hook up.
Sheepshead have also been a great fish for me lately. The have really schooled up along the jetties and bridge pilings. Cutting the shrimp in half and using a split shot allows the bait to get down to the bottom where they like to eat. The smaller portion will ensure that they get the whole bait in their smaller mouths. These fish are very good to eat so don't overlook them for a great meal!
Trout are not as strong as we have seen the past few years. They started out well on the spoil islands in Dunedin but have begun to fall apart. I think when the sardines show up again, the fishing in that area will get better. I have had the most success either drifting the adjacent grass flats in Dunedin, pitching small tails with a 1/8 ounce jighead, or putting a live shrimp about four feet under a cork and popping it back to the boat while slowly drifting along. The bigger Trout seem to always be along an edge or in the white sandy holes.
Reports of Mackerel being caught are coming in every day. I have hooked a few on the flats and around the passes, but larger fish are being caught offshore. That means the bait we have been waiting for is very close behind. We will put away the shrimp and begin to net sardines in the morning and hopefully see the fishing really explode! I love spring in Florida!
Dates are filling up, so don't wait too long to call or e-mail for a trip. I want to take you out and have a great day on the water! And don't forget to book a Tarpon charter with me in Boca Grande, the Tarpon capitol! Mid May through June is the hot time for that exciting fish! Let's go fishing...
Capt. Brian
Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
Monday, March 28, 2011
2011 Redfish Roundup
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Times Union Redfish Roundup
Plan to fish the Times Union Redfish Roundup tournament on April 16, 2011. This tournament is a great family event where whoever catches a legal Redfish with the most spots will win the first prize of $7500!
The tournament benefits the Safe Harbor Boys Home and is in its 11th year and will be held at the Sisters Creek/Jim King Boat Ramp.
Deadline for entries is April 8, 2011 at 6:30pm or 500 confirmed entries. Tournament is April 16, 2011, 7 a.m. - 2p.m. or Safe Light after 7a.m. Cash prizes will be paid to the top 50 anglers. (Payout based on 500 paid entries.)
A mandatory meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at The Florida Times-Union building, 1 Riverside Ave, on Thursday April 14, 2011.
Entry Fee is $60.00 per boat. If you can't make the tournament, give me a call and we'll launch The Anglers Mark!
Since 2001, The Florida Times-Union has sponsored and produced the Times-Union Redfish Roundup "The Spot Tournament for Charity." Responding to the fishing community's interest in a local charity tournament, the Times-Union created the family-friendly, one-day catch and release tournament to benefit local youth organizations
The Times-Union presents the tournament by providing staffing, financial and advertising resources. In the tournament's first year, the capacity of 225 boats quickly filled. Because of the tournament’s popularity, registrants grew to 350 and then to 425 boats. In 2006, the capacity was raised to 500 boats with approximately 1,500 participants. The ready acceptance of our spot tournament produced 100% pay-back in registration fees, a deep prize structure and community-wide support from sponsors, anglers and volunteers. More than $100,000 raised at the tournament has gone to the Safe Harbor Boys Home, the benefiting charity. Click here to find more about Safe Harbor Boys Home, a residential academic and voicational education program serving troubled, at-risk, teenage boys.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Times Union Redfish Roundup
Plan to fish the Times Union Redfish Roundup tournament on April 16, 2011. This tournament is a great family event where whoever catches a legal Redfish with the most spots will win the first prize of $7500!
The tournament benefits the Safe Harbor Boys Home and is in its 11th year and will be held at the Sisters Creek/Jim King Boat Ramp.
Deadline for entries is April 8, 2011 at 6:30pm or 500 confirmed entries. Tournament is April 16, 2011, 7 a.m. - 2p.m. or Safe Light after 7a.m. Cash prizes will be paid to the top 50 anglers. (Payout based on 500 paid entries.)
A mandatory meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at The Florida Times-Union building, 1 Riverside Ave, on Thursday April 14, 2011.
Entry Fee is $60.00 per boat. If you can't make the tournament, give me a call and we'll launch The Anglers Mark!
Since 2001, The Florida Times-Union has sponsored and produced the Times-Union Redfish Roundup "The Spot Tournament for Charity." Responding to the fishing community's interest in a local charity tournament, the Times-Union created the family-friendly, one-day catch and release tournament to benefit local youth organizations
The Times-Union presents the tournament by providing staffing, financial and advertising resources. In the tournament's first year, the capacity of 225 boats quickly filled. Because of the tournament’s popularity, registrants grew to 350 and then to 425 boats. In 2006, the capacity was raised to 500 boats with approximately 1,500 participants. The ready acceptance of our spot tournament produced 100% pay-back in registration fees, a deep prize structure and community-wide support from sponsors, anglers and volunteers. More than $100,000 raised at the tournament has gone to the Safe Harbor Boys Home, the benefiting charity. Click here to find more about Safe Harbor Boys Home, a residential academic and voicational education program serving troubled, at-risk, teenage boys.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Report 3-26-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 3/25/2011
Action exploded in skinny water this week. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had great action with reds and trout on shallow grass flats during the past week. In addition, we also caught and released Spanish mackerel, blues, trout and pompano on deep grass flats.
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Monday and had a great day! He caught trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails in a few spots in the morning. We waded a flat and fished potholes in the afternoon and caught and released 4 reds to 28” on an olive Enrico Puglisi crab pattern and my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Bill Moore, from Libertyville, IL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. He had steady action with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and a pompano on CAL jigs with shad and grub tails. We fished the west side of the bay from the Middleground flat to Buttonwood Harbor.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday and had a banner day. Scotty is an accomplished angler who has been fishing with me for 11 years-since he was 5-years old! We fished skinny water all day long where he caught and released more than 50 trout to 5 ½-pounds, 15 reds and a 4-pound pompano. The action heated up in the afternoon when he caught numerous trout and reds on CAL jigs with grubs, shad tails and jerk worms. Although the reds weren’t big, some of the trout were huge. About a dozen of the trout were more than 3-pounds with several in the 4 to 6-pound class. A great day!
Betsy and Julian Miraglia, from Bryn Mawr, PA, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Thursday. They caught and released a few trout and ladyfish on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with grub tails. We fished potholes in the afternoon and had some shots at reds, but no bites.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon next weekend. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water or Spanish mackerel, trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. Night snook fishing 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
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, caught and released this big red on a fly while wading a flat in Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, caught and released this 5 1/2-pound trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Action exploded in skinny water this week. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had great action with reds and trout on shallow grass flats during the past week. In addition, we also caught and released Spanish mackerel, blues, trout and pompano on deep grass flats.
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Monday and had a great day! He caught trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails in a few spots in the morning. We waded a flat and fished potholes in the afternoon and caught and released 4 reds to 28” on an olive Enrico Puglisi crab pattern and my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Bill Moore, from Libertyville, IL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. He had steady action with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and a pompano on CAL jigs with shad and grub tails. We fished the west side of the bay from the Middleground flat to Buttonwood Harbor.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday and had a banner day. Scotty is an accomplished angler who has been fishing with me for 11 years-since he was 5-years old! We fished skinny water all day long where he caught and released more than 50 trout to 5 ½-pounds, 15 reds and a 4-pound pompano. The action heated up in the afternoon when he caught numerous trout and reds on CAL jigs with grubs, shad tails and jerk worms. Although the reds weren’t big, some of the trout were huge. About a dozen of the trout were more than 3-pounds with several in the 4 to 6-pound class. A great day!
Betsy and Julian Miraglia, from Bryn Mawr, PA, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Thursday. They caught and released a few trout and ladyfish on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with grub tails. We fished potholes in the afternoon and had some shots at reds, but no bites.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon next weekend. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water or Spanish mackerel, trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. Night snook fishing 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
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, caught and released this big red on a fly while wading a flat in Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, caught and released this 5 1/2-pound trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 3-25-2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report,
March 24, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
SaturdayApril 9th Free Fly Fishing Class
10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, April 16th
10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish "Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
10:00 - 12:00 Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
Fishing on the lagoon this past week was tough at first, but shown significant improvement in the last few days. I think it may have had something to do with the super full moon we experienced over the weekend. Either way, I still managed several memorable experiences, and I'm looking forward to the remainder of my charters booked in March.
Early in the week, I had the pleasure of sharing the deck of Three Quarter Time with the Rambo family from Orlando. It was Frederick's sixth birthday adventure with his sister Victoria and his dad, and we spent the day catching sea trout and exploring the lagoon spoil islands. The trout bite has been very good, with over 50 fish caught in a 5 hour charter. The larger trout were caught in the early morning fishing top-water Storm Chug Bugs and the remainders were taken on a ¼ ounce DOA jig and CAL paddle tail.
Fredrick proudly displays his birthday sea trout.
Fredrick and Victoria enjoy spring break on the Indian River Lagoon.
One of the great attributes of working as a guide is the diversity of anglers you fish with, and this week I covered the spectrum with young 5 year old Victoria and 6 year old Frederick Rambo fishing with their dad to 88 year young James Van Vanderender fishing with his grandson James Kennedy from Oviedo.
88 Year Young James Van Vanderender with his first redfish.
Grandson, James Kennedy and Grandpa, James Vanderender with a double header.
On the latter trip, we manager to locate two schools of redfish in two completely different locations, and in both cases, the fish were holding within 20 yards of the shoreline, and of the two I cleaned, they were loader with small crabs.
I didn't have the opportunity to fish offshore for cobia due to windy conditions and inshore charters, but the brown clowns are still out there, and should be moving north soon.
Also, I've been hearing reports of the schooling largemouth and striped bass beginning to school up on the St. Johns River, so stay tuned for more details on that fishery.
Lastly, we are in need of volunteers for several Hook Kids on Fishing events scheduled in April, so please call me if you are interested in helping out.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, 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 outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.
March 24, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
SaturdayApril 9th Free Fly Fishing Class
10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, April 16th
10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish "Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
10:00 - 12:00 Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
Fishing on the lagoon this past week was tough at first, but shown significant improvement in the last few days. I think it may have had something to do with the super full moon we experienced over the weekend. Either way, I still managed several memorable experiences, and I'm looking forward to the remainder of my charters booked in March.
Early in the week, I had the pleasure of sharing the deck of Three Quarter Time with the Rambo family from Orlando. It was Frederick's sixth birthday adventure with his sister Victoria and his dad, and we spent the day catching sea trout and exploring the lagoon spoil islands. The trout bite has been very good, with over 50 fish caught in a 5 hour charter. The larger trout were caught in the early morning fishing top-water Storm Chug Bugs and the remainders were taken on a ¼ ounce DOA jig and CAL paddle tail.
Fredrick proudly displays his birthday sea trout.
Fredrick and Victoria enjoy spring break on the Indian River Lagoon.
One of the great attributes of working as a guide is the diversity of anglers you fish with, and this week I covered the spectrum with young 5 year old Victoria and 6 year old Frederick Rambo fishing with their dad to 88 year young James Van Vanderender fishing with his grandson James Kennedy from Oviedo.
88 Year Young James Van Vanderender with his first redfish.
Grandson, James Kennedy and Grandpa, James Vanderender with a double header.
On the latter trip, we manager to locate two schools of redfish in two completely different locations, and in both cases, the fish were holding within 20 yards of the shoreline, and of the two I cleaned, they were loader with small crabs.
I didn't have the opportunity to fish offshore for cobia due to windy conditions and inshore charters, but the brown clowns are still out there, and should be moving north soon.
Also, I've been hearing reports of the schooling largemouth and striped bass beginning to school up on the St. Johns River, so stay tuned for more details on that fishery.
Lastly, we are in need of volunteers for several Hook Kids on Fishing events scheduled in April, so please call me if you are interested in helping out.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, 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 outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Everglades Fishing Report 3-2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Everglades Fishing Charters Fishing Report March 2011
Well, guess everyone is ready for a fishing report. My apologies for being behind on the report, but fishing has been so good I am wore out at the end of the day (isn't that a shame)
The fishing has been good with nice catches of trout, red fish, pompano, mackerel, bluefish, snook, etc. A couple days ago we had the biggest trout of the season (on my boat)...a 24 3/4" gator trout. Now that's a nice big trout. We are catching some nice big ones, most around 18-19 inches. These fish are fun to catch and great to eat. It is nice to be able to take them to a restaurant here in town (or take home) to fix for your dinner as the table fare is great and you can't get any fresher than that.
The tarpon are here but are kind of a hit and miss (my opinion) The weather has a lot to do with where there are and also being able to see them. I guess everyone knows that I prefer the small ones (in Everglades City) as they are more predictable and are a blast to catch without the long hours of fighting one.
However if you do prefer the big boys I have 2 dates left for tarpon charters in Boca Grande....the 26 of May and the 2 of June. This is the time that the tarpon are dependable enough to tournament fish and also recreational fish for them. So if you would like to fish for the big boys in Boca Grande give me a call (239-695-2029) and I will get you booked in.
The weather down is here is beautiful with high in the low 80's and nights in the mid 60's. Really makes the fish turn on as the bait fish are flowing onto the flats and this brings on a great bite of all fish including cobia, tarpon, sharks, mackerel, big trout, etc. When the nights are steady in the 60 with no 50's any longer the offshore snook will start to flow in while the snook from the black water will start to move toward the passes. This should start happening any day now as I write this we will have nothing by nights time temperatures in the 60's for the week.
Last week I saw my first swallow tail kite....this means that winter is over and spring is here....yeah we get to put up the coats and sweaters and get out our summer clothes.
Okay looks like it's gonna be a great spring and summer so it's time to start making those vacation plans. Come on, pick up the phone and give me (Capt Becky) a call (239-695-2029) I would like to take you and/or your family on a fishing experience of a lifetime here in this beautiful Everglades National Park/10,000 Island.
Captain Becky Campbell
239-695-2029
www.evergladesfishingcharters.com/
CaptainBecky709@aol.com
Posted by Captain Becky Campbell at 2:30 PM
Everglades Fishing Charters Fishing Report March 2011
Well, guess everyone is ready for a fishing report. My apologies for being behind on the report, but fishing has been so good I am wore out at the end of the day (isn't that a shame)
The fishing has been good with nice catches of trout, red fish, pompano, mackerel, bluefish, snook, etc. A couple days ago we had the biggest trout of the season (on my boat)...a 24 3/4" gator trout. Now that's a nice big trout. We are catching some nice big ones, most around 18-19 inches. These fish are fun to catch and great to eat. It is nice to be able to take them to a restaurant here in town (or take home) to fix for your dinner as the table fare is great and you can't get any fresher than that.
The tarpon are here but are kind of a hit and miss (my opinion) The weather has a lot to do with where there are and also being able to see them. I guess everyone knows that I prefer the small ones (in Everglades City) as they are more predictable and are a blast to catch without the long hours of fighting one.
However if you do prefer the big boys I have 2 dates left for tarpon charters in Boca Grande....the 26 of May and the 2 of June. This is the time that the tarpon are dependable enough to tournament fish and also recreational fish for them. So if you would like to fish for the big boys in Boca Grande give me a call (239-695-2029) and I will get you booked in.
The weather down is here is beautiful with high in the low 80's and nights in the mid 60's. Really makes the fish turn on as the bait fish are flowing onto the flats and this brings on a great bite of all fish including cobia, tarpon, sharks, mackerel, big trout, etc. When the nights are steady in the 60 with no 50's any longer the offshore snook will start to flow in while the snook from the black water will start to move toward the passes. This should start happening any day now as I write this we will have nothing by nights time temperatures in the 60's for the week.
Last week I saw my first swallow tail kite....this means that winter is over and spring is here....yeah we get to put up the coats and sweaters and get out our summer clothes.
Okay looks like it's gonna be a great spring and summer so it's time to start making those vacation plans. Come on, pick up the phone and give me (Capt Becky) a call (239-695-2029) I would like to take you and/or your family on a fishing experience of a lifetime here in this beautiful Everglades National Park/10,000 Island.
Captain Becky Campbell
239-695-2029
www.evergladesfishingcharters.com/
CaptainBecky709@aol.com
Posted by Captain Becky Campbell at 2:30 PM
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dunedin Fishing Report 3-2011
March Tampa Fishing Report
Written by Stewart Ames
February began a little cooler but finished strong with two weeks of excellent weather. Temperatures pushed past seventy degrees every day during this time period. As a result, fishing steadily improved with the warmer water. Most noticeably, sixteen to nineteen inch redfish invaded oyster bars and points and, on the higher phases of the tide, could be caught in great abundance.
Most Tampa fishing charters during the last weeks of February yielded between a dozen and forty redfish. The trick was finding legal fish to keep. Most of the legal fish were just barely big enough….18 to 19.5 inches…but one or two larger fish might be landed as well. Ironically, on several Tampa fishing charters, the bigger fish were over slot, and still had to be released. Until whitebait shows up, shrimp will be the preferred bait for redfish as they are still in their winter feeding pattern (crustaceans), but their dinner menu will broaden to whitebait, pinfish and cut baits once the warm weather stabilizes. March is traditionally the month when quality summer, redfishing heats up and this year shouldn’t be any different. Not only will these fish, all of a sudden, be larger, but they’ll also gather up in schools, presenting the opportunity to have one of those fantastic, “wide open bite” days. Baits can be fished with a #2 split shot when the angler wants to hold a bait in a specific location (under a dock) or with a bobber when looking to drift a bait over a larger area.
Warm Days and big Tampa trout
Large seatrout are still a month away from leaving their winter haunts and should be available in good numbers until April, when they will start to move towards local beaches. The bite slowed significantly towards the end of February, possibly due to a long stretch of high pressure, but the great local trout bite should re-ignite one more time before these fish depart… most likely on the next strong tide phase. Select shrimp will remain the best bait in town until the whitebait rolls in. When it does, big trout will eat it with reckless abandon with shrimp becoming a less interesting proposition to them. Rest assured that all Tampa fishing guides will aggressively be searching for whitebait on shallow grass flats within a week if temperatures remain warm.
Wide Open Fishing for Tampa Seatrout
Normally, the first snook tend to show up towards the end of March but it is yet to be determined if that will, in fact, happen this year. Last year’s dramatic fish kill coupled with a few very cold days this winter have left local backwater creeks and bayous fairly devoid of snook. It is fish wintering in these locations that usually represent the first fish caught. If last year is any guide, snook may be few and far between until late May / early June when the fish that have wintered on near shore reefs come back in shallow to spawn. It’s simply a matter of “wait and see” at this point.
Piles of Spanish MAckerel on a Tampa Fishing Charter
Another March opportunity will be Spanish mackerel, which should arrive by the middle of month, based on the current weather trends. Spanish mackerel are not normally targeted by inshore Tampa fishing guides in March, due to the often exceptional redfishing however, on weaker tide phases, when redfish are tougher to find, a rapid fire Spanish mackerel bite can save the day. A few small fish have been spotted locally. Larger fish should follow and, in turn, the kingfish should be behind them. If kingfish come close to the beach, Tampa fishing charters producing both redfish and kingfish are a possibility.
To conclude, March is always the transition month from winter to spring fishing and the opportunities are many. If you haven’t done it yet, get the boat in for a tune up and get new line on the reels. Another great year of Tampa Fishing is about to kick off. 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
Written by Stewart Ames
February began a little cooler but finished strong with two weeks of excellent weather. Temperatures pushed past seventy degrees every day during this time period. As a result, fishing steadily improved with the warmer water. Most noticeably, sixteen to nineteen inch redfish invaded oyster bars and points and, on the higher phases of the tide, could be caught in great abundance.
Most Tampa fishing charters during the last weeks of February yielded between a dozen and forty redfish. The trick was finding legal fish to keep. Most of the legal fish were just barely big enough….18 to 19.5 inches…but one or two larger fish might be landed as well. Ironically, on several Tampa fishing charters, the bigger fish were over slot, and still had to be released. Until whitebait shows up, shrimp will be the preferred bait for redfish as they are still in their winter feeding pattern (crustaceans), but their dinner menu will broaden to whitebait, pinfish and cut baits once the warm weather stabilizes. March is traditionally the month when quality summer, redfishing heats up and this year shouldn’t be any different. Not only will these fish, all of a sudden, be larger, but they’ll also gather up in schools, presenting the opportunity to have one of those fantastic, “wide open bite” days. Baits can be fished with a #2 split shot when the angler wants to hold a bait in a specific location (under a dock) or with a bobber when looking to drift a bait over a larger area.
Warm Days and big Tampa trout
Large seatrout are still a month away from leaving their winter haunts and should be available in good numbers until April, when they will start to move towards local beaches. The bite slowed significantly towards the end of February, possibly due to a long stretch of high pressure, but the great local trout bite should re-ignite one more time before these fish depart… most likely on the next strong tide phase. Select shrimp will remain the best bait in town until the whitebait rolls in. When it does, big trout will eat it with reckless abandon with shrimp becoming a less interesting proposition to them. Rest assured that all Tampa fishing guides will aggressively be searching for whitebait on shallow grass flats within a week if temperatures remain warm.
Wide Open Fishing for Tampa Seatrout
Normally, the first snook tend to show up towards the end of March but it is yet to be determined if that will, in fact, happen this year. Last year’s dramatic fish kill coupled with a few very cold days this winter have left local backwater creeks and bayous fairly devoid of snook. It is fish wintering in these locations that usually represent the first fish caught. If last year is any guide, snook may be few and far between until late May / early June when the fish that have wintered on near shore reefs come back in shallow to spawn. It’s simply a matter of “wait and see” at this point.
Piles of Spanish MAckerel on a Tampa Fishing Charter
Another March opportunity will be Spanish mackerel, which should arrive by the middle of month, based on the current weather trends. Spanish mackerel are not normally targeted by inshore Tampa fishing guides in March, due to the often exceptional redfishing however, on weaker tide phases, when redfish are tougher to find, a rapid fire Spanish mackerel bite can save the day. A few small fish have been spotted locally. Larger fish should follow and, in turn, the kingfish should be behind them. If kingfish come close to the beach, Tampa fishing charters producing both redfish and kingfish are a possibility.
To conclude, March is always the transition month from winter to spring fishing and the opportunities are many. If you haven’t done it yet, get the boat in for a tune up and get new line on the reels. Another great year of Tampa Fishing is about to kick off. 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
Monday, March 21, 2011
Indian River Fishing Report 3-21-2011
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
March 19, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
The fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon has been outstanding this month. Except for a few windy days early, the weather has been perfect as well. Most of the redfish are still in schools although some flats are beginning to hold singles. During this transition period between winter and spring, the fish have been moving around. Some spots may hold hundreds of fish one day and none the next. Find the right spot and catching dozens of redfish is easy. The fish have been biting well with the DOA shrimp and the 3 inch CAL bait accounting for the most bites. As always, casting is the key and the better you cast the more you will catch.
Trips have been too numerous to detail each one so I will hit some of the highlights. Lionel and Terry started off the month and we had an excellent day with huge schools of redfish around the boat. Both guys used the 3 inch CAL to hook up with some nice redfish.
Brothers Dan and Mark spent the day casting at redfish from 30-34 inches. The silver mullet 3 inch CAL was the only bait they used all day.
By this week, the water temperatures had climbed into the 70's and we had calm winds and blue skies. Ed and his son Eddie enjoyed some great redfish action throughout the morning. 12 year old Eddie did an excellent job casting to and catching all of his own fish.
Jimmy spent two days fishing Mosquito Lagoon. Day one was tough with many of the fish having moved from the flats where they had been the day before. We finally found an area holding some tailing singles. He hooked one on fly but it broke off and quickly followed up catching two on a DOA shrimp in watermelon holographic.
Yesterday started off the same with several spots holding no fish at all. We finally came upon some large schools and the catching began.
With more excellent weather in the forecast, I expect some great fishing next week. This time last year was when the fish began tailing consistently. Spring is also an excellent time for fly fishing for both tailing and schooling fish. More and more bait fish are returning to the Lagoon each day. As a result, the trout fishing should begin to improve and topwater baits will begin to become effective around the bait schools.
Fly Fishing Classes
The fly fishing classes at Mosquito Creek Outdoors have been a big hit. The Introduction to Fly Fishing class is free and gives participants an understanding of what is involved with fly fishing, how to select equipment, and basic tactics. The next class is scheduled for Saturday, April 9.
The Fly Casting course is a four hour class is limited to 6 participants and costs $75. Students will be taught the basics of fly casting in both the classroom and a hands on outdoor session. You can bring your own equipment or use ours. Call Mosquito Creek at 407-886-1716 to register.
If you haven't seen it yet, come visit the Mosquito Creek Outdoors Fly Shop. They have flies, rods, reels, lines, as well as fly tying materials, clothing, and accessories.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Capt. Chris Myers
March 19, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
The fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon has been outstanding this month. Except for a few windy days early, the weather has been perfect as well. Most of the redfish are still in schools although some flats are beginning to hold singles. During this transition period between winter and spring, the fish have been moving around. Some spots may hold hundreds of fish one day and none the next. Find the right spot and catching dozens of redfish is easy. The fish have been biting well with the DOA shrimp and the 3 inch CAL bait accounting for the most bites. As always, casting is the key and the better you cast the more you will catch.
Trips have been too numerous to detail each one so I will hit some of the highlights. Lionel and Terry started off the month and we had an excellent day with huge schools of redfish around the boat. Both guys used the 3 inch CAL to hook up with some nice redfish.
Brothers Dan and Mark spent the day casting at redfish from 30-34 inches. The silver mullet 3 inch CAL was the only bait they used all day.
By this week, the water temperatures had climbed into the 70's and we had calm winds and blue skies. Ed and his son Eddie enjoyed some great redfish action throughout the morning. 12 year old Eddie did an excellent job casting to and catching all of his own fish.
Jimmy spent two days fishing Mosquito Lagoon. Day one was tough with many of the fish having moved from the flats where they had been the day before. We finally found an area holding some tailing singles. He hooked one on fly but it broke off and quickly followed up catching two on a DOA shrimp in watermelon holographic.
Yesterday started off the same with several spots holding no fish at all. We finally came upon some large schools and the catching began.
With more excellent weather in the forecast, I expect some great fishing next week. This time last year was when the fish began tailing consistently. Spring is also an excellent time for fly fishing for both tailing and schooling fish. More and more bait fish are returning to the Lagoon each day. As a result, the trout fishing should begin to improve and topwater baits will begin to become effective around the bait schools.
Fly Fishing Classes
The fly fishing classes at Mosquito Creek Outdoors have been a big hit. The Introduction to Fly Fishing class is free and gives participants an understanding of what is involved with fly fishing, how to select equipment, and basic tactics. The next class is scheduled for Saturday, April 9.
The Fly Casting course is a four hour class is limited to 6 participants and costs $75. Students will be taught the basics of fly casting in both the classroom and a hands on outdoor session. You can bring your own equipment or use ours. Call Mosquito Creek at 407-886-1716 to register.
If you haven't seen it yet, come visit the Mosquito Creek Outdoors Fly Shop. They have flies, rods, reels, lines, as well as fly tying materials, clothing, and accessories.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Sarasota Fishing Report 3-21-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
3/20/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week. In addition, we also caught a few pompano and reds.
Mike Sprague and Ralph Primavera, both from NJ, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They had good action with trout, ladyfish and bluefish on CAL jigs at Stephens Point and near Buttonwood Harbor. Fly angler Matt Tilley, from ME, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. We started the day at the Middleground flat with about an acre of breaking fish. He caught and released numerous ladyfish and Spanish mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies. Matt also caught and released trout, ladyfish, blues and Spanish mackerel along the west side of the bay.
Dick Reece, from Dayton, OH, and John Freeman, Jr., from Venice, FL, fished the same areas with me on Wednesday. They had steady action with trout to 18”, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and a pompano on CAL jigs with shad and grub tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Flats action slowed a little towards the end of the week as we approached the full moon. Ernie Gray and sons, Bob and Doug, all from Canada, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday morning. They caught and released trout, ladyfish, bluefish and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with grub and shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens Point and the Middleground and Marina Jack flats.
One of the best trips of the week was when Martin Marlowe, from NY, fished the ICW near Venice for snook with me on Thursday evening. He had fast action, catching and releasing more than 25 snook to 26” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. He also fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday where he caught and released trout to 3-lbs and 3 reds on CAL jigs with shad tails along the west side of the bay.
Tides are good early next week as we had away from Saturday’s full moon. Look for action to continue with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano in Sarasota Bay. Catch and release fishing for snook at night in the ICW near Venice should also be a good option. Check the beaches when conditions are good for Spanish mackerel, little tunny, tripletail, cobia and more.
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
Matt Tilley, from ME, caught and released this nice Spanish mackerel on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Martin Marlowe, from NY, caught and released this nice trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
3/20/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with snook, trout and Spanish mackerel during the past week. In addition, we also caught a few pompano and reds.
Mike Sprague and Ralph Primavera, both from NJ, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They had good action with trout, ladyfish and bluefish on CAL jigs at Stephens Point and near Buttonwood Harbor. Fly angler Matt Tilley, from ME, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. We started the day at the Middleground flat with about an acre of breaking fish. He caught and released numerous ladyfish and Spanish mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies. Matt also caught and released trout, ladyfish, blues and Spanish mackerel along the west side of the bay.
Dick Reece, from Dayton, OH, and John Freeman, Jr., from Venice, FL, fished the same areas with me on Wednesday. They had steady action with trout to 18”, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and a pompano on CAL jigs with shad and grub tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Flats action slowed a little towards the end of the week as we approached the full moon. Ernie Gray and sons, Bob and Doug, all from Canada, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday morning. They caught and released trout, ladyfish, bluefish and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with grub and shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens Point and the Middleground and Marina Jack flats.
One of the best trips of the week was when Martin Marlowe, from NY, fished the ICW near Venice for snook with me on Thursday evening. He had fast action, catching and releasing more than 25 snook to 26” on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. He also fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday where he caught and released trout to 3-lbs and 3 reds on CAL jigs with shad tails along the west side of the bay.
Tides are good early next week as we had away from Saturday’s full moon. Look for action to continue with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano in Sarasota Bay. Catch and release fishing for snook at night in the ICW near Venice should also be a good option. Check the beaches when conditions are good for Spanish mackerel, little tunny, tripletail, cobia and more.
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
Matt Tilley, from ME, caught and released this nice Spanish mackerel on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Martin Marlowe, from NY, caught and released this nice trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Friday, March 18, 2011
10 Tips For Releasing Fish Unharmed
You can't keep every fish you catch. With fishing regulations becoming more restrictive every day, it is becoming increasingly important that all fishermen know how to handle and release fish unharmed. Here on the Reel Work, Fort Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing Charters, we encourage our fishermen to practice catch and release. With modern taxidermy, it is possible to produce an exact replica of your trophy fish with just a picture and a few measurements. Here are 10 tips that will let you handle and release unwanted fish healthy and ready to fight another day.
- Don't Play the Fish. Use properly sized tackle that will allow you to land the fish quickly.A fish landed quickly is much more likely to survive release.
- Use circle hooks. Circle hooks are more likely to hook the fish in the side of the jaw reducing the number of gut hooked fish.
- Bend down the barbs on your hooks. This will make releasing fish quicker and easier on the fish and you.
- Have release tools handy. keep dehookers, forceps or needle-nose pliers within reach so you can release the fish as quickly as possible.
- Can't see the hook...Cut the line! If the fish is gut hooked it is best to cut the line. It is better to loose a hook then a fish..
- Leave large fish in the water. Take a picture of the fish boat side, then release it with either a dehooking device or by cutting the line.
- Only touch fish with wet hands. Many fish have protective slime that can be removed by dry hands.
- Revive exhausted fish. If the fish is overly tired, revive it by moving it forward in the water allowing water to flow over it's gills.
- If you can see the stomach, vent the fish. The swim bladder on reef fish will sometimes expand and push the fishes stomach out of it's mouth. If you see this, use a venting tool to deflate the swim bladder before releasing the fish.
- Don't handle the fish more then you have to! The quicker you can release unwanted fish, the more likely they are to survive to be caught another day.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report 3-2011
If you haven’t felt it yet, Spring is in the air and now is the time to get out and enjoy it. The weather has been phenomenal mid-March and so has the fishing. Early in the morning on the incoming tide, Captain Jay has been focused on docks and pilings with free-lined or jigged shrimp tight to the structure - crushing slot-sized Redfish and Sheepshead. 30 or more fish in an outing has been a daily occurrence on light tackle. Although after a few Snook break-offs this week, it is time to beef up the tackle and leaders for the Linesiders. Just remember to handle these fish carefully, as the season is still closed from two consecutive years of cold winters. In the afternoons, Captain Jay has been mixing it up, targeting Spanish Mackerel near the Skyway, Black Drum off Pinellas Point, and Trout on the Ft DeSoto flats. Artificials on these fish have been a lot of fun; however with white bait showing up, expect the fish to become a bit more finicky. To learn more about fishing the Tampa Bay waters, or to schedule your next saltwater adventure, call Captain Jay at 1-877-463-5420 or email reservations@cjflats.com.
Captain Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Florida Keys Fishing Reports 3-17--2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
CAPT.EASY & HUGE WARSAW GROUPER
Last Sunday Capt. Bruce Anderson with 11yr.old Kevin from Coral Springs had a brief encounter with this 75lb. Warsaw Grouper.Way to go Kevin.
Wednesday was busy for the offshore boats here at Holiday Isle.The 'DEE CEE'and the Ray family Bob,Lara and Jim from Massachusetts and Rhode Island with a bunch of Kings.On the GOLD RESERVE' down from Miami Alan,Ryan and David Lang had a great day and came in with Kings,Yellow Tails and some Tuna.The GOTCHA with Joe,Bo,Hary and Bob from Philadelphia with allot of Yellow Tails,Amber jack and Bar jack.THE HUNTER and Capt. Chris Barth with anglers Taylor And Chris hooked some beautiful Dolphin.
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 Thursday, March 17, 2011
CAPT.EASY & HUGE WARSAW GROUPER
Last Sunday Capt. Bruce Anderson with 11yr.old Kevin from Coral Springs had a brief encounter with this 75lb. Warsaw Grouper.Way to go Kevin.
Wednesday was busy for the offshore boats here at Holiday Isle.The 'DEE CEE'and the Ray family Bob,Lara and Jim from Massachusetts and Rhode Island with a bunch of Kings.On the GOLD RESERVE' down from Miami Alan,Ryan and David Lang had a great day and came in with Kings,Yellow Tails and some Tuna.The GOTCHA with Joe,Bo,Hary and Bob from Philadelphia with allot of Yellow Tails,Amber jack and Bar jack.THE HUNTER and Capt. Chris Barth with anglers Taylor And Chris hooked some beautiful Dolphin.
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 Thursday, March 17, 2011
Amelia Island Fish On Structure
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Find the Structure, Find the Fish
Mark McDonald and his two friends Kevin and Derrick were visiting Amelia Island for some R&R and contacted me to do some Amelia Island backcountry fishing on The Anglers Mark. We left the Atlantic Seafood boat ramp in downtown Fernandina Beach at daybreak and headed up to the docks on Lanceford Creek and anchored upstream from one. It wasn't long before the anglers were getting bites then Derrick started off the catching with a live shrimp under a float rig. FISH ON! He pulled in a nice Trout, then Mark hooked up to a feisty Redfish on a jig/shrimp combo. From then on it was fish catch'n time as the trio reeled in Trout and Redfish almost non stop for an hour. There was a couple of times when we had "doubles" and it was nice to see that a few of the Trout making keeper size, with one just a little over 19". Kevin caught his share of Reds but also added a nice keeper sized flounder, the first I've seen in a while. The bite eventually slowed so we moved on, hitting a 2-3 more areas of flooded oyster beds, but we had no luck. Our last stop was behind Tiger Island and it wasn't long before the guys were catching fish again.
Redfish, Redfish, Trout, and Redfish was kinda how it went. A couple of the Trout made keeper size. We all noticed that both stops that produced fish were near some sort of structure. With a full day of catching and fish in the box, we headed in, counting it as another great day 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 5:25 PM
Find the Structure, Find the Fish
Mark McDonald and his two friends Kevin and Derrick were visiting Amelia Island for some R&R and contacted me to do some Amelia Island backcountry fishing on The Anglers Mark. We left the Atlantic Seafood boat ramp in downtown Fernandina Beach at daybreak and headed up to the docks on Lanceford Creek and anchored upstream from one. It wasn't long before the anglers were getting bites then Derrick started off the catching with a live shrimp under a float rig. FISH ON! He pulled in a nice Trout, then Mark hooked up to a feisty Redfish on a jig/shrimp combo. From then on it was fish catch'n time as the trio reeled in Trout and Redfish almost non stop for an hour. There was a couple of times when we had "doubles" and it was nice to see that a few of the Trout making keeper size, with one just a little over 19". Kevin caught his share of Reds but also added a nice keeper sized flounder, the first I've seen in a while. The bite eventually slowed so we moved on, hitting a 2-3 more areas of flooded oyster beds, but we had no luck. Our last stop was behind Tiger Island and it wasn't long before the guys were catching fish again.
Redfish, Redfish, Trout, and Redfish was kinda how it went. A couple of the Trout made keeper size. We all noticed that both stops that produced fish were near some sort of structure. With a full day of catching and fish in the box, we headed in, counting it as another great day 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 5:25 PM
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Amelia Island Fishing Report 3-16-2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Slow Start ends in Big Finish
I'll post pictures tomorrow! John Allan and his son, Andrew had arranged an Amelia Island backcountry fishing trip on The Anglers Mark so we met at the Sawpit Creek boat ramp early this morning. Boy, what a beautiful morning it was! The skies were clear, the temperatures were mild, and there was only a slight breeze. We headed up the Nassau River, making a brief stop at Black Hammock to fish some dock pilings, with little luck. Our next stop was at Leon's Spanish Drop where we anchored upstream of the run out. Andrew was bumping a jig/shrimp combo while John fished the marsh grass with a live shrimp under a float and it wasn't long before John found a "sweet spot" and began hauling in Trout after Trout. Andrew joined in with a float rig and he too began to catch Trout. After a while we headed further up the river to Bubblegum Reef where the anglers caught a few Redfish, a Drum, and a Sheepshead. Even with a few fish it still seemed kinda slow so we headed around to the mouth of Jackstaff and fished the oyster lined banks. John added another fish to the Trout total, but that was it. We hit one dock on the other end of Jackstaff where John pulled in a feisty Redfish, the we move on to Seymore's Pointe with the tide just starting to come back in. This proved to be a good move as both John and Andrew caught Redfish after Redfish, one being a slot sized, along with a few more Sheepshead. Our last stop was Broward Island where the anglers caught a few more Redfish, a Sheepshead and then Andrew contributed to the dinner table with a nice keeper sized Trout. With that, we headed in, counting it as another great day to be 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 8:17 PM
Slow Start ends in Big Finish
I'll post pictures tomorrow! John Allan and his son, Andrew had arranged an Amelia Island backcountry fishing trip on The Anglers Mark so we met at the Sawpit Creek boat ramp early this morning. Boy, what a beautiful morning it was! The skies were clear, the temperatures were mild, and there was only a slight breeze. We headed up the Nassau River, making a brief stop at Black Hammock to fish some dock pilings, with little luck. Our next stop was at Leon's Spanish Drop where we anchored upstream of the run out. Andrew was bumping a jig/shrimp combo while John fished the marsh grass with a live shrimp under a float and it wasn't long before John found a "sweet spot" and began hauling in Trout after Trout. Andrew joined in with a float rig and he too began to catch Trout. After a while we headed further up the river to Bubblegum Reef where the anglers caught a few Redfish, a Drum, and a Sheepshead. Even with a few fish it still seemed kinda slow so we headed around to the mouth of Jackstaff and fished the oyster lined banks. John added another fish to the Trout total, but that was it. We hit one dock on the other end of Jackstaff where John pulled in a feisty Redfish, the we move on to Seymore's Pointe with the tide just starting to come back in. This proved to be a good move as both John and Andrew caught Redfish after Redfish, one being a slot sized, along with a few more Sheepshead. Our last stop was Broward Island where the anglers caught a few more Redfish, a Sheepshead and then Andrew contributed to the dinner table with a nice keeper sized Trout. With that, we headed in, counting it as another great day to be 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 8:17 PM
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Canaveral Cobia & Dolphin
Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
March 8, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday, March 19th 10: 00 - 12:00 Cobia and Dolphin
"Free Seminars" instructed by Rapala Pro Staffer Rodney Sahr, "Spring Tactics for Cobia and Dolphin", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
This Weeks Fishing Report
The Brown Clowns are in Town
If you haven't heard, the brown clowns (cobia) are in town. Fishing conditions this past week have shown significant improvement, especially for March. Yesterday was a chamber of commerce day with blue bird skies, low winds and calm seas, and the cobia and manta rays have moved offshore of Port Canaveral schedule.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of fishing with my longtime client 82 year old Roland Van Arsdale and good friend Captain Rodney Smith. Over the years I've had many memorable fishing trips with both Roland and Rodney, and I was very enthusiastic about our opportunities. We loaded the boat and departed the Port around 10 am and headed south. When looking for cobia and rays in the spring, I like to head south, and then return in the afternoon when the sun in high and to my back, which affords the best visibility for sight fishing.
Roland and Rodney With There Cobia
Well, yesterday we did just that, traveling south to just offshore of Melbourne, and began working our way back. Although we did see a lot of rays jumping out of the water, we didn't find any on the surface until about 3pm. We knew the rays and cobia were there, so we waited them out and were rewarded when several giant manta rays popped up with big cobia all over them. Within an hour we had triple hook-ups landing two big fish in the 40 pound range with Roland catching the largest one. Between the two cobia we kept, we couldn't zip up my fish bag, so we headed back to the port with enough fish to feed three families. We located the rays offshore of Patrick AFB in 70 feet of water, so if you like cobia fishing you might want to take a day off and join the circus while the getting is good and the clowns are in town.
Inshore on the flats, the redfish bite has been good on calmer days when the wind lets you find fish, and then very tough on those windy cloudy days. The water levels in the lagoon are up making navigation and access better. Most of the redfish have been schooled up, so you will need to cover a large area looking for fish.
On the freshwater scene, the American shad run is still producing some fish, so if you are still interested in catching a few shad, try fishing in the backwaters of the Econ and south of Puzzle Lake.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, 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 outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Report 3-14-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 3/12/2011
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, Spanish mackerel, flounder, redfish and snook during the past week.
Dave Reinhart, from Richmond, VA and his son, Daniel, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. The morning was slow and windy, but the wind laid down in the afternoon and they had good action with trout and Spanish mackerel to 2-pounds and an 18” flounder at Stephens Point. Daniel ended the day with an 8-pound red near Buttonwood Harbor. All fish were caught on CAL jigs with shad tails.
My clients fished skinny water for reds and trout with flies and jigs in both Sarasota and the Terra Ceia Bay areas on a couple of other trips. We had some shots at reds, had some follows on a fly and caught one on a CAL jig with a shad tail. We also caught a few trout along the way. A front pushed through on Thursday with rain and wind, forcing the cancellation of Thursday’s trip. Ron Hagemeyer and Gary Paulson, both from MN, fished Gasparilla Sound with me on Friday. It was a very windy, especially in the afternoon, but they had good action in the morning with trout to 18” on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
My brother, Kirk Grassett from Middletown, DE, came down for a short visit on the weekend. We fished deep grass flats on the east and west sides of Sarasota Bay on Saturday and had steady action with trout, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish on Grassett Flats Bunny and Clouser flies. We also fished the ICW that evening near Venice and found snook feeding aggressively, despite cooler water. We caught and released more than 25 snook to 24” and 10 trout to 18” on my Grassett Snook Minnow and Gurgler flies.
If you are interested in learning to fly fish or improving your skills, I will be the instructor for another CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday, Mar. 19, 2011. Located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL the school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. I will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 9 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact me or CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or cbsoutfitters@verizon.net to make reservations.
Next week’s tides are good, particularly towards the end of the week, as we approach a full moon on the 19th. Action should be good on deep grass flats for trout and Spanish mackerel. Look for reds and big trout in potholes and edges of flats and bars when the tide is low and on shallow grass when the tide is high. Fish peak tidal flows in the ICW at night for catch and release snook 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
Daniel Reinhart, from Richmond, VA, caught and released this 8-lb red on a CALjig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, caught and released this nice trout on a Grassett Flats Bunny fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with his brother, Capt. Rick Grassett.
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, Spanish mackerel, flounder, redfish and snook during the past week.
Dave Reinhart, from Richmond, VA and his son, Daniel, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. The morning was slow and windy, but the wind laid down in the afternoon and they had good action with trout and Spanish mackerel to 2-pounds and an 18” flounder at Stephens Point. Daniel ended the day with an 8-pound red near Buttonwood Harbor. All fish were caught on CAL jigs with shad tails.
My clients fished skinny water for reds and trout with flies and jigs in both Sarasota and the Terra Ceia Bay areas on a couple of other trips. We had some shots at reds, had some follows on a fly and caught one on a CAL jig with a shad tail. We also caught a few trout along the way. A front pushed through on Thursday with rain and wind, forcing the cancellation of Thursday’s trip. Ron Hagemeyer and Gary Paulson, both from MN, fished Gasparilla Sound with me on Friday. It was a very windy, especially in the afternoon, but they had good action in the morning with trout to 18” on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
My brother, Kirk Grassett from Middletown, DE, came down for a short visit on the weekend. We fished deep grass flats on the east and west sides of Sarasota Bay on Saturday and had steady action with trout, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish on Grassett Flats Bunny and Clouser flies. We also fished the ICW that evening near Venice and found snook feeding aggressively, despite cooler water. We caught and released more than 25 snook to 24” and 10 trout to 18” on my Grassett Snook Minnow and Gurgler flies.
If you are interested in learning to fly fish or improving your skills, I will be the instructor for another CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday, Mar. 19, 2011. Located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL the school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. I will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 9 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact me or CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or cbsoutfitters@verizon.net to make reservations.
Next week’s tides are good, particularly towards the end of the week, as we approach a full moon on the 19th. Action should be good on deep grass flats for trout and Spanish mackerel. Look for reds and big trout in potholes and edges of flats and bars when the tide is low and on shallow grass when the tide is high. Fish peak tidal flows in the ICW at night for catch and release snook 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
Daniel Reinhart, from Richmond, VA, caught and released this 8-lb red on a CALjig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, caught and released this nice trout on a Grassett Flats Bunny fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with his brother, Capt. Rick Grassett.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Florida Keys Kings And Dolphin Biting
Last week on the Capt. Easy,Capt. Bruce Anderson along with his mate Ross and Mike down from New York had a good time with a bull shark,Mike and Ross with some nice yellow tails and Mike with some king fish.
Two of Holiday Isle fleet went out on Wednesday and had a great day with the Dolphin.The Hunter with Captain Chris Barth and anglers Rita,Chris and Donna from Marysville,MI.came in with some nice ones and over on The Gold Reserve Seth,Will,Emily and Bob from Vero Beach had good luck also.
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
Two of Holiday Isle fleet went out on Wednesday and had a great day with the Dolphin.The Hunter with Captain Chris Barth and anglers Rita,Chris and Donna from Marysville,MI.came in with some nice ones and over on The Gold Reserve Seth,Will,Emily and Bob from Vero Beach had good luck also.
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
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Mosqueto Lagoon Fishing Report 3-10-11
Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report,
March 8, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday March 12th 10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class
Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida ww.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, March 12th -12 Noon, Second Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby Awards Presentation at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 S. Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida. www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, March 19th 10: 00 - 12:00 Cobia and Dolphin
"Free Seminars" instructed by Rapala Pro Staffer Rodney Sahr, "Spring Tactics for Cobia and Dolphin", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
This Weeks Fishing Report
It's easy to tell spring has arrived on the Indian River Lagoon Coast of Florida. Currently, my Formosa azaleas are in full bloom, the fragrance of orange blossoms is in the air, the trees are all budding out and the fishing is showing significant improvement. That is of course if the winds of March settle down enough to present anglers with fishable conditions.
Although the fish are out there in good numbers, this past week passing cold fronts kept most anglers off of the water, especially out in the Atlantic where seas were as high as 7 feet. 15 to 20 knot winds were the norm last week, and when combined with overcast skies, fishing is tough.
Out of Port Canaveral, water temperatures are just right for our spring invasion of brown clowns (cobia) which were just starting to show up before the last cold front passed. Most of the cobia were caught south of Sebastian, but by the time the winds settle down, they should be thick right off Canaveral and New Smyrna. Sight fishing for cobia is great fun and very rewarding when the run is on, and it's currently looking like the seas won't be settling down until Sunday.
Inshore on the flats, the redfish bite has been excellent on calmer days when the wind lets you find fish, and then very tough on those windy cloudy days. The water levels in the lagoon are up as much as 10 inches in the past week making navigation and access better. Most of the redfish have been schooled up, so you will need to cover a large area looking for fish, but once you have located school, the catching is easy.
On the freshwater scene, the American shad run is still going strong on the upper St Johns River, but should be winding down soon, so if the wind makes the flats unfishable try the river instead.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, 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 outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.
March 8, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday March 12th 10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class
Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida ww.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, March 12th -12 Noon, Second Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby Awards Presentation at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 S. Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida. www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday, March 19th 10: 00 - 12:00 Cobia and Dolphin
"Free Seminars" instructed by Rapala Pro Staffer Rodney Sahr, "Spring Tactics for Cobia and Dolphin", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
This Weeks Fishing Report
It's easy to tell spring has arrived on the Indian River Lagoon Coast of Florida. Currently, my Formosa azaleas are in full bloom, the fragrance of orange blossoms is in the air, the trees are all budding out and the fishing is showing significant improvement. That is of course if the winds of March settle down enough to present anglers with fishable conditions.
Although the fish are out there in good numbers, this past week passing cold fronts kept most anglers off of the water, especially out in the Atlantic where seas were as high as 7 feet. 15 to 20 knot winds were the norm last week, and when combined with overcast skies, fishing is tough.
Out of Port Canaveral, water temperatures are just right for our spring invasion of brown clowns (cobia) which were just starting to show up before the last cold front passed. Most of the cobia were caught south of Sebastian, but by the time the winds settle down, they should be thick right off Canaveral and New Smyrna. Sight fishing for cobia is great fun and very rewarding when the run is on, and it's currently looking like the seas won't be settling down until Sunday.
Inshore on the flats, the redfish bite has been excellent on calmer days when the wind lets you find fish, and then very tough on those windy cloudy days. The water levels in the lagoon are up as much as 10 inches in the past week making navigation and access better. Most of the redfish have been schooled up, so you will need to cover a large area looking for fish, but once you have located school, the catching is easy.
On the freshwater scene, the American shad run is still going strong on the upper St Johns River, but should be winding down soon, so if the wind makes the flats unfishable try the river instead.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, 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 outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report 3-2011
Whiteys Fishing Report
March 2011
Sebastian Inlet, Beaches & Offshore
It is time to get out of the house and go fishing. We enjoyed some of the best weather we have seen in a long time in February and hopefully that will remain the same through March. With the warmer weather spring has surely sprung. The waters are turning on with fish so get out and go catch some.
March is definitely time to go running the beach looking for Manta Rays and free swimming Cobia. There has already been a lot of Cobia caught along the reefs and bait pods scattered outside the Inlet and along the beaches. If the weather holds, it could be one of the best Cobia runs we have had in a long time. Keep a watchful eye out around the boat and have a buck tail or live bait rigged and ready to pitch a surface wake or a dark shallow boat side. If you are too slow to present a bait/lure, the opportunity will be gone in a flash. There goes your chance at Cobia for dinner. Whitey’s is having its Annual Cobia tournament so stop in before you go and sign-up.
Dolphin should also start making there way back through in good numbers soon. It will be nice to put some color back in the box when they show. Also expect Kingfish and other migrants in tow.
In case you haven’t heard of the new ruling for Sea Bass from the oh so wise National Fishery scientists you might want to sit down before continuing to read……….O.K. are you sitting, ready? They have closed Sea Bass for recreational and commercial fishing. That’s like putting a ban on the harvest of Cockroaches. These people need to be stopped. With this latest ruling any credibility that they had left is gone. If anything Sea Bass numbers are on the rise. You can’t put a piece of squid on bottom without catching a pesky Sea Bass. This is more proof that their data collection is flawed and the population estimates are way off. Somebody please help them come to their senses before they shut down everything. What’s next a 30-year ban on Hardhead Catfish?
Sebastian Inlet has had some great fishing recently. Tons of Bluefish have been reported on out-going tides. Large spoons have been the lure of choice, cast into the inlet and retrieved just off bottom. Black drum and Pompano are being caught on both Jetties using Clams and Sand Fleas. The Flounder are making their way back into the river and have been a fairly consistent catch off the south jetty. Live Mud Minnows or Finger Mullet have accounted for most of the Flounder.
I am pretty sure you heard or smelt the bad fish kill that occurred at Sebastian Inlet a few weeks back. The rumor mill was churning with that one. I heard rumors of toxic waste out of the Sebastian River and C-54 canal to oil disbursements from the Deep Water Horizon spill in the Gulf. To set the record straight the reason why they all died was simple lack of oxygen. A large school of Pogies came into the Inlet filled up the channel with fish and simply sucked all of the oxygen out of the water. It is hard to believe that that could happen, but according to the FWC research people that responded that is what happened. If any of you have ever tried to keep Pogies alive in a bait well before you can attest they are hard to keep alive. You put more than a dozen in there and they all go belly-up. Hey, don’t let NOAA know that might close down the whole east coast due to too many fish in one area.
The Lagoon has been producing good numbers of trout and redfish on the flats. Warmer weather brings the fish back to the shallow water areas of the lagoon. Live shrimp, small baitfish or your favorite top water plug can bring some exciting fishing. Fire up that boat or put on the waders and go have some fun.
Surf fishing has been the best it has been for years recently. Good numbers of Pompano are being caught mostly around the Inlet. Clams have been the number one bait, mainly due to lack of Sand fleas. Whiting and the occasional Black Drum are also being reported as a tasty by-catch.
As usual stop into Whitey’s to get the latest scoop on what’s going on out there. While you are there don’t forget to sign up for the Cobia tournament. Winter is over so get out and enjoy this weather and have some fun.
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-14409030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
captstovall@whiteysonline.comwww.whiteysonline.com/
March 2011
Sebastian Inlet, Beaches & Offshore
It is time to get out of the house and go fishing. We enjoyed some of the best weather we have seen in a long time in February and hopefully that will remain the same through March. With the warmer weather spring has surely sprung. The waters are turning on with fish so get out and go catch some.
March is definitely time to go running the beach looking for Manta Rays and free swimming Cobia. There has already been a lot of Cobia caught along the reefs and bait pods scattered outside the Inlet and along the beaches. If the weather holds, it could be one of the best Cobia runs we have had in a long time. Keep a watchful eye out around the boat and have a buck tail or live bait rigged and ready to pitch a surface wake or a dark shallow boat side. If you are too slow to present a bait/lure, the opportunity will be gone in a flash. There goes your chance at Cobia for dinner. Whitey’s is having its Annual Cobia tournament so stop in before you go and sign-up.
Dolphin should also start making there way back through in good numbers soon. It will be nice to put some color back in the box when they show. Also expect Kingfish and other migrants in tow.
In case you haven’t heard of the new ruling for Sea Bass from the oh so wise National Fishery scientists you might want to sit down before continuing to read……….O.K. are you sitting, ready? They have closed Sea Bass for recreational and commercial fishing. That’s like putting a ban on the harvest of Cockroaches. These people need to be stopped. With this latest ruling any credibility that they had left is gone. If anything Sea Bass numbers are on the rise. You can’t put a piece of squid on bottom without catching a pesky Sea Bass. This is more proof that their data collection is flawed and the population estimates are way off. Somebody please help them come to their senses before they shut down everything. What’s next a 30-year ban on Hardhead Catfish?
Sebastian Inlet has had some great fishing recently. Tons of Bluefish have been reported on out-going tides. Large spoons have been the lure of choice, cast into the inlet and retrieved just off bottom. Black drum and Pompano are being caught on both Jetties using Clams and Sand Fleas. The Flounder are making their way back into the river and have been a fairly consistent catch off the south jetty. Live Mud Minnows or Finger Mullet have accounted for most of the Flounder.
I am pretty sure you heard or smelt the bad fish kill that occurred at Sebastian Inlet a few weeks back. The rumor mill was churning with that one. I heard rumors of toxic waste out of the Sebastian River and C-54 canal to oil disbursements from the Deep Water Horizon spill in the Gulf. To set the record straight the reason why they all died was simple lack of oxygen. A large school of Pogies came into the Inlet filled up the channel with fish and simply sucked all of the oxygen out of the water. It is hard to believe that that could happen, but according to the FWC research people that responded that is what happened. If any of you have ever tried to keep Pogies alive in a bait well before you can attest they are hard to keep alive. You put more than a dozen in there and they all go belly-up. Hey, don’t let NOAA know that might close down the whole east coast due to too many fish in one area.
The Lagoon has been producing good numbers of trout and redfish on the flats. Warmer weather brings the fish back to the shallow water areas of the lagoon. Live shrimp, small baitfish or your favorite top water plug can bring some exciting fishing. Fire up that boat or put on the waders and go have some fun.
Surf fishing has been the best it has been for years recently. Good numbers of Pompano are being caught mostly around the Inlet. Clams have been the number one bait, mainly due to lack of Sand fleas. Whiting and the occasional Black Drum are also being reported as a tasty by-catch.
As usual stop into Whitey’s to get the latest scoop on what’s going on out there. While you are there don’t forget to sign up for the Cobia tournament. Winter is over so get out and enjoy this weather and have some fun.
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-14409030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
captstovall@whiteysonline.comwww.whiteysonline.com/
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Jacksonville Fishing Report 3-2011
March 2011
Ahoy there Anglers,
Some anglers voiced concern at the last two meetings about the wisdom of doubling the bag limit in northern Florida counties, Northwest and Northeast. FWC commissioners Bryan Yablonski, Kathy Barco, and Rodney Barreto argued convincingly today to honor FWRI scientists' recommendation for historic Red Drum rule changes. In a lively debate they convinced Dwight Stephenson and 'Aligator' Ron Bergeron to swing the vote to allow an increase in bag limit for northern Florida regions, a statewide vessel limit of 8 fish, and other changes. "Government has a tendency to keep what it gets, even if it has gotten too much," said Yablonski. "We don't want to do that." The draft rule proposed by the Commission will have a final public hearing in April. A statewide 8-fish boat limit and off-the-water possession limit changes are also part of the draft proposal. Jessica McCawley, FWC Marine Fisheries Management Administrator said "The redfish population has recovered from severe overfishing in the 1970s and 80s, and for the first time in 20 years we are suggesting a change in Red Drum regulations."
The South Region, Southeast and Southwest, would retain a one fish bag limit."With escapement levels as high as 70%, which is 30% above targeted levels, this is one area where we can give back to anglers who have sacrificed so much to keep Florida fisheries healthy," said FWC Commissioner, Kathy Barco. Since the Federal Fisheries Councils are trying to close all types of fishing all over the U.S. the Florida Fish and Wildlife are trying to "give back" to the anglers of Florida and help keep Florida "The Fishing Capitol of the World". The proposal and all information from from the meetings will be given to the Commission in April. We'll probably get to see sometime later in April, what the final outcome will be of all the meetings and the new regulations and if any changes are made, could be effective by July 1st of this year. It's a shame more anglers of Jacksonville didn't take the time to show up at these meetings and let the Commission know what their feelings and opinions were on this important subject. Anglers NEED to show that they're interested in what happens to our fisheries and the changes to our regulations.
JETTIES:
Black drum, redfish, whiting and sheepshead are the main players that are biting out at the rock these days. Black drum from 3 to 14 pounds are biting fresh dead shrimp and /or quartered up blue crab and it's been real crazy as to why they are biting the two separate baits. Cut blue crab seems to work better throughout the areas beside the South Jetty and dead shrimp is what makes them eat on the North Jetty. I think it has to do with what's plentiful naturally in those areas. I can't believe it'd be anything else that would make the difference. Along with the black drum are a few redfish. Mostly oversized reds but there has been a few slot-sized ones also. Most of the reds are right at the tips of the rocks. Nice sized whiting are in the sandier areas around the rocks now. My three guys caught some nice sized ones yesterday on the inside of the North. The sheepshead are doing real good along the rocks on either tide, outgoing and incoming. Seems when you find a little group of them you can stay right there and catch several then move along until you find another group. Big female sheepshead in the deep water, 7 to 12 pounders, have now showed up. Look for 'hard bottom' spots along the inside of the rocks out in the sand and you can find them there. The giant drum run will begin about the last week of March so please release these guys so they can spawn. We'll start looking for the flounder to show up along the outside of the South rocks in about 4 to 6 weeks. If they show up like they usually do then it'll be better than the last two years. The last two years have been really slow on the spring run as they're coming in from the offshore reefs.
RIVERS:
The main thing happening in the rivers are speckled trout, whiting and big female sheepshead. The big sheepshead were biting real good at the Little Jetty but in the last few weeks there has been loads of boats hammering them and now they've moved along to other areas. A few still left there but not near as many as there was. Look for any hard bottom structure just about anywhere in the river from the Mayport rocks to Trout River. Speckled trout/spotted sea trout are feeding a little high in the water columns now that the water temperatures have risen slightly. They've started hitting lures better and soon will crash a top water faster than they're doing now. Whiting are biting dead shrimp in the sandier areas of the St. Johns River from Mill Cove entrance to the Mayport rocks. Whiting are biting pretty good now in Nassau River and most of them are in the little trough area on the North side of the river East of the A1A bridge and right at the ocean out between the two Bird Islands. A few black drum are in the rivers but most of them will move inshore more along with the giant drum run just after the full moon in March. PLEASE RELEASE the giant drum that you catch as they are NOT good to eat that big and they can have millions of young to restock our rivers again for the years to come. The giant drum will be from 20 to 90 pounds each and you can catch a few 4 to 12 pounders mixed in with them. Those are to eatable-sized ones to keep. The giant drum will be feeding on all the hard bottom areas and also a few of the mud bars where they'll dig up blue crabs. Use suitable tackle, no small spinners/light tackle so you can vent if need be, revive thoroughly and release them. This is the time to learn how to vent a fish if you don't know how to yet because just when the end of the giant drum run the third week of April we'll have the bull redfish come back into the rivers again and you'll need to vent some of these guys also at times.
CREEKS:
A few flounder have actually showed up and this is real early for them. No big ones but a couple here and there is a nice surprise. Redfish in the creeks are feeding a little better but I'm afraid this little cool spat may keep them kinda slow a little while longer. We're catching some nice redfish and a few oversized ones in the shallows but I can't wait until the last week of March/first week of April because that's when you'll see the redfish really start hitting the banks, grass lines and chasing baits, top waters, etc. I love that time of the year. The water temperatures are warming up during that time and much more action is seen everywhere. Spotted trout are hitting lures better and better but there are still quite a few small ones around. I love the Bomber Long A's, MirrOlure's MR19, quarter oz. jig heads with the white Cocohoe Minnows with the red paddle tail, same jig head with the pink Sea Shad in the glow and same jig head with Gulp's chartreuse curly tail minnows.
MILL COVE:
Some whiting in the entrance to the Cove, redfish and spotted trout along the grass edges on the higher ends of the tides using a live shrimp, 2/0 Eagle Claw Kayle hook, 14 to 16" leader under a Cajun Thumder float. The Bombers work great along the grass edges during the higher ends of the tides also. Redfish in the shallows during the lower ends of the tides and a few black drum at the end of the huge public dock at the West end of the Cove. The flounder should show up in there soon also.
SURF:
The surf fishing reports have been really good from Ponte Vedra South to St. Augustine Beach for nice sized whiting. The whiting have now turned on at the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Joe Dionne has done wonders with the Jacksonville Beach Pier web site. Check it out here at this link: http://www.jacksonvillebeachpier.com/ for great information, fishing reports and actually see what the ocean is doing live at anytime on the web cam. If you don't have a boat be sure to take the family out to the Jax. Beach Pier for some fishing fun. Stop at Rick's Bait & Tackle at 224 N. 20th Street Jacksonville Beach on your way to the pier and Rick will tell you all you need to know about fishing the pier, what tackle will work and he sells all the bait you'll need right there.
Well, that's it for another month my friends. Please remember to take a trash bag on the boat with you to put your paper, bottles, cans in so they won't blow out of the boat when traveling from spot to spot. There are trash cans at all the ramp so please bring it back with you.
Good fishing to you all !!!
You can say what you want about the South but,
you never hear of anyone retiring and moving up North,,,
><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>
Captain Vic Tison
Co-Host of WOKV's 'Just Fishing' Radio Show, Saturdays 6:00am to 8:00am
United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain
International Game Fish Assoc. Certified Captain
Regional Director for the Florida Guides Assoc.
Member of the National Assoc. of Charterboat Operators
Member of the American Professional Captain's Association
Member of the Recreational Fishing Alliance
Member of The Inshore Saltwater Anglers Club
Member of the Florida Lures Anglers Club
Vic2Fish & Adventures, Inc.
P O Box 28208
Jax., Fl. 32226
904-699-2285
Web Site http://vic2fish.com
Neither Captain Vic nor Vic2Fish & Adventures, Inc. claims any responsibility for any injury or loss of property arising out of any party using these Fishing Reports.
Ahoy there Anglers,
Some anglers voiced concern at the last two meetings about the wisdom of doubling the bag limit in northern Florida counties, Northwest and Northeast. FWC commissioners Bryan Yablonski, Kathy Barco, and Rodney Barreto argued convincingly today to honor FWRI scientists' recommendation for historic Red Drum rule changes. In a lively debate they convinced Dwight Stephenson and 'Aligator' Ron Bergeron to swing the vote to allow an increase in bag limit for northern Florida regions, a statewide vessel limit of 8 fish, and other changes. "Government has a tendency to keep what it gets, even if it has gotten too much," said Yablonski. "We don't want to do that." The draft rule proposed by the Commission will have a final public hearing in April. A statewide 8-fish boat limit and off-the-water possession limit changes are also part of the draft proposal. Jessica McCawley, FWC Marine Fisheries Management Administrator said "The redfish population has recovered from severe overfishing in the 1970s and 80s, and for the first time in 20 years we are suggesting a change in Red Drum regulations."
The South Region, Southeast and Southwest, would retain a one fish bag limit."With escapement levels as high as 70%, which is 30% above targeted levels, this is one area where we can give back to anglers who have sacrificed so much to keep Florida fisheries healthy," said FWC Commissioner, Kathy Barco. Since the Federal Fisheries Councils are trying to close all types of fishing all over the U.S. the Florida Fish and Wildlife are trying to "give back" to the anglers of Florida and help keep Florida "The Fishing Capitol of the World". The proposal and all information from from the meetings will be given to the Commission in April. We'll probably get to see sometime later in April, what the final outcome will be of all the meetings and the new regulations and if any changes are made, could be effective by July 1st of this year. It's a shame more anglers of Jacksonville didn't take the time to show up at these meetings and let the Commission know what their feelings and opinions were on this important subject. Anglers NEED to show that they're interested in what happens to our fisheries and the changes to our regulations.
JETTIES:
Black drum, redfish, whiting and sheepshead are the main players that are biting out at the rock these days. Black drum from 3 to 14 pounds are biting fresh dead shrimp and /or quartered up blue crab and it's been real crazy as to why they are biting the two separate baits. Cut blue crab seems to work better throughout the areas beside the South Jetty and dead shrimp is what makes them eat on the North Jetty. I think it has to do with what's plentiful naturally in those areas. I can't believe it'd be anything else that would make the difference. Along with the black drum are a few redfish. Mostly oversized reds but there has been a few slot-sized ones also. Most of the reds are right at the tips of the rocks. Nice sized whiting are in the sandier areas around the rocks now. My three guys caught some nice sized ones yesterday on the inside of the North. The sheepshead are doing real good along the rocks on either tide, outgoing and incoming. Seems when you find a little group of them you can stay right there and catch several then move along until you find another group. Big female sheepshead in the deep water, 7 to 12 pounders, have now showed up. Look for 'hard bottom' spots along the inside of the rocks out in the sand and you can find them there. The giant drum run will begin about the last week of March so please release these guys so they can spawn. We'll start looking for the flounder to show up along the outside of the South rocks in about 4 to 6 weeks. If they show up like they usually do then it'll be better than the last two years. The last two years have been really slow on the spring run as they're coming in from the offshore reefs.
RIVERS:
The main thing happening in the rivers are speckled trout, whiting and big female sheepshead. The big sheepshead were biting real good at the Little Jetty but in the last few weeks there has been loads of boats hammering them and now they've moved along to other areas. A few still left there but not near as many as there was. Look for any hard bottom structure just about anywhere in the river from the Mayport rocks to Trout River. Speckled trout/spotted sea trout are feeding a little high in the water columns now that the water temperatures have risen slightly. They've started hitting lures better and soon will crash a top water faster than they're doing now. Whiting are biting dead shrimp in the sandier areas of the St. Johns River from Mill Cove entrance to the Mayport rocks. Whiting are biting pretty good now in Nassau River and most of them are in the little trough area on the North side of the river East of the A1A bridge and right at the ocean out between the two Bird Islands. A few black drum are in the rivers but most of them will move inshore more along with the giant drum run just after the full moon in March. PLEASE RELEASE the giant drum that you catch as they are NOT good to eat that big and they can have millions of young to restock our rivers again for the years to come. The giant drum will be from 20 to 90 pounds each and you can catch a few 4 to 12 pounders mixed in with them. Those are to eatable-sized ones to keep. The giant drum will be feeding on all the hard bottom areas and also a few of the mud bars where they'll dig up blue crabs. Use suitable tackle, no small spinners/light tackle so you can vent if need be, revive thoroughly and release them. This is the time to learn how to vent a fish if you don't know how to yet because just when the end of the giant drum run the third week of April we'll have the bull redfish come back into the rivers again and you'll need to vent some of these guys also at times.
CREEKS:
A few flounder have actually showed up and this is real early for them. No big ones but a couple here and there is a nice surprise. Redfish in the creeks are feeding a little better but I'm afraid this little cool spat may keep them kinda slow a little while longer. We're catching some nice redfish and a few oversized ones in the shallows but I can't wait until the last week of March/first week of April because that's when you'll see the redfish really start hitting the banks, grass lines and chasing baits, top waters, etc. I love that time of the year. The water temperatures are warming up during that time and much more action is seen everywhere. Spotted trout are hitting lures better and better but there are still quite a few small ones around. I love the Bomber Long A's, MirrOlure's MR19, quarter oz. jig heads with the white Cocohoe Minnows with the red paddle tail, same jig head with the pink Sea Shad in the glow and same jig head with Gulp's chartreuse curly tail minnows.
MILL COVE:
Some whiting in the entrance to the Cove, redfish and spotted trout along the grass edges on the higher ends of the tides using a live shrimp, 2/0 Eagle Claw Kayle hook, 14 to 16" leader under a Cajun Thumder float. The Bombers work great along the grass edges during the higher ends of the tides also. Redfish in the shallows during the lower ends of the tides and a few black drum at the end of the huge public dock at the West end of the Cove. The flounder should show up in there soon also.
SURF:
The surf fishing reports have been really good from Ponte Vedra South to St. Augustine Beach for nice sized whiting. The whiting have now turned on at the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Joe Dionne has done wonders with the Jacksonville Beach Pier web site. Check it out here at this link: http://www.jacksonvillebeachpier.com/ for great information, fishing reports and actually see what the ocean is doing live at anytime on the web cam. If you don't have a boat be sure to take the family out to the Jax. Beach Pier for some fishing fun. Stop at Rick's Bait & Tackle at 224 N. 20th Street Jacksonville Beach on your way to the pier and Rick will tell you all you need to know about fishing the pier, what tackle will work and he sells all the bait you'll need right there.
Well, that's it for another month my friends. Please remember to take a trash bag on the boat with you to put your paper, bottles, cans in so they won't blow out of the boat when traveling from spot to spot. There are trash cans at all the ramp so please bring it back with you.
Good fishing to you all !!!
You can say what you want about the South but,
you never hear of anyone retiring and moving up North,,,
><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>
Captain Vic Tison
Co-Host of WOKV's 'Just Fishing' Radio Show, Saturdays 6:00am to 8:00am
United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain
International Game Fish Assoc. Certified Captain
Regional Director for the Florida Guides Assoc.
Member of the National Assoc. of Charterboat Operators
Member of the American Professional Captain's Association
Member of the Recreational Fishing Alliance
Member of The Inshore Saltwater Anglers Club
Member of the Florida Lures Anglers Club
Vic2Fish & Adventures, Inc.
P O Box 28208
Jax., Fl. 32226
904-699-2285
Web Site http://vic2fish.com
Neither Captain Vic nor Vic2Fish & Adventures, Inc. claims any responsibility for any injury or loss of property arising out of any party using these Fishing Reports.
Charlotte Harbor Fishing Report 3-2011
THIS MONTHS FISHING REPORT
Spring has finally arrived and good fishing has started. Redfish are in the backcountry and tributaries. Trout are on the deeper grass flats and there are some early season tarpon around. Last week three anglers caught over 100 trout in about 3 hours, they had triples 14 times. Snook are getting ready to come out of the backcountry and head for the passes.
Tripletail, Cobia and Kingfish are available just off shore, Mackerel are already in the Harbor
as the bait has started to flush in.
It is the magic time of the year as all species enter the area and are on the feed.
Don't miss out... now is the time.
Good fishing
Capt. Al White
Boca On The Fly
Captain Al White
(941) 697-0320 Cell (941) 830-1375
e-mail: BocaOnTheFly@yahoo.com
Spring has finally arrived and good fishing has started. Redfish are in the backcountry and tributaries. Trout are on the deeper grass flats and there are some early season tarpon around. Last week three anglers caught over 100 trout in about 3 hours, they had triples 14 times. Snook are getting ready to come out of the backcountry and head for the passes.
Tripletail, Cobia and Kingfish are available just off shore, Mackerel are already in the Harbor
as the bait has started to flush in.
It is the magic time of the year as all species enter the area and are on the feed.
Don't miss out... now is the time.
Good fishing
Capt. Al White
Boca On The Fly
Captain Al White
(941) 697-0320 Cell (941) 830-1375
e-mail: BocaOnTheFly@yahoo.com
Monday, March 07, 2011
Egans Creek Greenway
If I were a visitor to Amelia Island I would want to include in my itinerary a visit and walk on the Fernandina Beach Egans Creek Greenway! I took a break from fishing on The Anglers Mark and joined my wife, her mother, sisters and niece for a walk on the Greenway yesterday and had a great time, seeing Cranes, Egrets, Osprey seeking their morning meal in the marshes. The waterway's that paralleled the walk had turtles, mud-minnows and we even came across a 7' alligator sunning herself on the bank of a pond. There's no cost to use the Greenway so plan to visit the Egans Creek Greenway when you're on Amelia Island.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Sarasota Fishing Report 3-7-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
3/5/2011
Action has been good with small reds, trout and Spanish mackerel on the flats of Sarasota Bay during the past week. An angler 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 reds and trout on flies and jigs last week.
Martin Marlowe, from NY, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We fished an area that held big trout recently, but the big girls had moved on. However, he caught and released several small trout on a Clouser fly. We also fished a shallow flat on the west side of the bay where he caught and released 3 reds on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
I spent another day scouting from Longboat Pass to the mouth of the Manatee River. We found a few Spanish mackerel in Longboat Pass and got them to eat a fly popper. We also found a few reds and trout in skinny water mixed with mullet schools. Wind cranked up to the mid 20 mph range on Thursday forcing the cancellation of an afternoon fly fishing trip.
I was at the Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Friday speaking on “Saltwater Fly Fishing” at 4:30 PM on the casting pond. I will also be speaking on “Fly Fishing for Tarpon” on the “Wear It Florida” Safe Boating stage on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
If you are interested in learning to fly fish or improving your skills, Capt. Ed Hurst or I will be the instructors for another CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Mar. 19, 2011. Located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL the school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. I will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 9 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact me or CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or cbsoutfitters@verizon.net to make reservations.
Action with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano on deep grass flats and reds, trout and snook in skinny water should continue to improve as days get longer and water continues to warm. Also, check the coastal gulf when conditions are good for Spanish mackerel, little tunny, tripletail and more. Tides will still be good early next week as head away from last week’s new moon.
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
3/5/2011
Action has been good with small reds, trout and Spanish mackerel on the flats of Sarasota Bay during the past week. An angler 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 reds and trout on flies and jigs last week.
Martin Marlowe, from NY, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We fished an area that held big trout recently, but the big girls had moved on. However, he caught and released several small trout on a Clouser fly. We also fished a shallow flat on the west side of the bay where he caught and released 3 reds on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
I spent another day scouting from Longboat Pass to the mouth of the Manatee River. We found a few Spanish mackerel in Longboat Pass and got them to eat a fly popper. We also found a few reds and trout in skinny water mixed with mullet schools. Wind cranked up to the mid 20 mph range on Thursday forcing the cancellation of an afternoon fly fishing trip.
I was at the Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Friday speaking on “Saltwater Fly Fishing” at 4:30 PM on the casting pond. I will also be speaking on “Fly Fishing for Tarpon” on the “Wear It Florida” Safe Boating stage on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
If you are interested in learning to fly fish or improving your skills, Capt. Ed Hurst or I will be the instructors for another CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Mar. 19, 2011. Located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL the school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. I will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 9 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact me or CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or cbsoutfitters@verizon.net to make reservations.
Action with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano on deep grass flats and reds, trout and snook in skinny water should continue to improve as days get longer and water continues to warm. Also, check the coastal gulf when conditions are good for Spanish mackerel, little tunny, tripletail and more. Tides will still be good early next week as head away from last week’s new moon.
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
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Fort Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing 3-2011
Fishing has been pretty good the past month and is still getting better. Just about everything has been biting. Trolling for kingfish, bonita, and blackfin tuna has been fairly good lately. The sailfish and mahi-mahi have been biting on live baits while kite fishing. There are some sharks being caught as well. There are some big barracuda and a few amberjack around some of the ship wrecks and artificial reefs too. A few of the boats have been giving reports of white and blue marlin, swordfish, cobia, and wahoo. All in all fishing has been really good and there have been a lot of trips going out. Well, that's all for now. Hope to see you soon.
Reel Work Sport Fishing
301 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-522-9399
1-877-524-9377
Email: lauderdalefishing@gmail.com
Website: lauderdalefishing.com
Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
Reel Work Sport Fishing
301 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-522-9399
1-877-524-9377
Email: lauderdalefishing@gmail.com
Website: lauderdalefishing.com
Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
Federal Commercial King Mackerel Closure
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service has closed commercial harvesting of Gulf group king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone through March 31, 2011. The Florida east coast subzone is federal waters from the Flagler/Volusia County line to the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line. Beginning April 1, the boundary between Atlantic and Gulf groups of king
mackerel shifts south and west to the Monroe/Collier County boundary on the Florida west coast. From April 1 through October 31, fish harvested along east coast of Florida, including all of Monroe County, are considered
to be Atlantic group king mackerel.
Closure of the commercial king mackerel sector in the Florida east coast subzone complies with regulations implemented under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic and is necessary to protect the Gulf group king mackerel resource.
In cooperative actions, the state of Florida is expected to close commercial harvest of king mackerel concurrently in
adjoining state waters.
During the closure period, no person aboard a vessel for which a commercial permit for king mackerel has been issued may fish for or retain king mackerel in or from federal waters of the closed subzone. There is one exception for a person aboard a charter vessel or headboat. A person aboard a vessel that has a valid charter/headboat permit for coastal migratory pelagic fish and a commercial king mackerel permit may continue to retain king mackerel in or from the closed subzone under the 2-fish daily bag limit, provided the vessel is operating as a charter vessel or headboat. Charter vessels or headboats that hold a commercial king mackerel permit are considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat when they carry a passenger who pays a fee or when more than three persons are aboard, including operator and crew.
During the closure, no king mackerel caught in the closed subzone may be purchased, bartered, traded, or sold. This includes recreational and tournament-caught fish. The prohibition of sale, however, does not apply to trade in king mackerel that were harvested, landed ashore and bartered, traded, or sold before the closure and held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
Thanks to Underwater-Lights USA, Underwater LED Boat Lights For This Report.
mackerel shifts south and west to the Monroe/Collier County boundary on the Florida west coast. From April 1 through October 31, fish harvested along east coast of Florida, including all of Monroe County, are considered
to be Atlantic group king mackerel.
Closure of the commercial king mackerel sector in the Florida east coast subzone complies with regulations implemented under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic and is necessary to protect the Gulf group king mackerel resource.
In cooperative actions, the state of Florida is expected to close commercial harvest of king mackerel concurrently in
adjoining state waters.
During the closure period, no person aboard a vessel for which a commercial permit for king mackerel has been issued may fish for or retain king mackerel in or from federal waters of the closed subzone. There is one exception for a person aboard a charter vessel or headboat. A person aboard a vessel that has a valid charter/headboat permit for coastal migratory pelagic fish and a commercial king mackerel permit may continue to retain king mackerel in or from the closed subzone under the 2-fish daily bag limit, provided the vessel is operating as a charter vessel or headboat. Charter vessels or headboats that hold a commercial king mackerel permit are considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat when they carry a passenger who pays a fee or when more than three persons are aboard, including operator and crew.
During the closure, no king mackerel caught in the closed subzone may be purchased, bartered, traded, or sold. This includes recreational and tournament-caught fish. The prohibition of sale, however, does not apply to trade in king mackerel that were harvested, landed ashore and bartered, traded, or sold before the closure and held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
Thanks to Underwater-Lights USA, Underwater LED Boat Lights For This Report.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
New Circle Hook Regulations For Atlantic
New fishing regulations took effect this month in the Atlantic. As of March 3, 2011, all vessels fishing for snapper and grouper in federal waters of the South Atlantic, north of 28 degrees, will be required to use non-stainless steel circle hooks (offset or non-offset) when using hook-and-line gear with natural baits to fish. It will be unlawful to possess snapper or grouper north of 28 degrees N. latitude without possessing non-stainless steel circle hooks. The use of circle hooks is expected to reduce the mortality rate of incidentally caught red snapper and other non-target fish.
Thanks to Reel Work Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters for this report.
Thanks to Reel Work Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters for this report.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Report 3-1-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
2/26/2011
Action continues to improve in Sarasota Bay as water temperatures have warmed to the high 60’s. 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 big trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano during the past week. The best action was with big “gator” trout in skinny water early in the week.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL, and his son, Steve McClintock from Pittsburgh, PA, fished Sarasota Bay with me last Sunday. They had good action at Stephens Point and on the west side of the bay near Buttonwood Harbor with trout, Spanish mackerel and a couple of reds on CAL jigs with shad tails. Fly anglers Reagan Whitlock, mom Amy Whitlock and Reagan’s friend Lewis Steele, all from GA, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They had good action with trout, including a 26”, almost 6-lb “gator” that Louie caught and released, and Spanish mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad and grub tails.
One of the best trips of the week was when Longboat Key winter resident, Nick Reding and I, waded a couple of sand bars in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. He caught and released a redfish and about 20 trout, most over the slot, including several in the 4 to 6-pound class on a crab Clouser fly (olive, tan and white). It is some of the best fly fishing action for “gator” trout that I have seen in quite a while!
Tides shifted to 2 tides towards the end of the week and action slowed a little. Sarasota winter resident, Harry Beaty, and his grandson Ryan, from Ontario, Canada, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. They had steady action with trout and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails on deep grass flats on both sides of the bay.
Bill Cody and sons, Will and Ned, from Syracuse, NY, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. They caught trout to 18”, Spanish mackerel, and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails fishing deep grass flats on both sides of Sarasota Bay. Fly anglers John and Linda Baker, from Anchorage, AK, fished the Terra Ceia area with me on Friday. We were on a redfish mission and although we saw a few, we didn’t get them to eat our flies. They caught and released trout and ladyfish on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly and a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Tides improve next week as head towards a new moon on March 4th. Fish shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay for “gator” trout and reds or snook at night in the ICW for the best action. Also, check the coastal gulf when conditions are good for Spanish mackerel, little tunny, tripletail and more.
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
Lewis Steele, from GA, caught and released this 26" (almost 6-pounds) trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Longboat Key winter resident, Nick Reding, waded a flat in Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett and caught and released this big trout on a Clouser fly.
2/26/2011
Action continues to improve in Sarasota Bay as water temperatures have warmed to the high 60’s. 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 big trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano during the past week. The best action was with big “gator” trout in skinny water early in the week.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL, and his son, Steve McClintock from Pittsburgh, PA, fished Sarasota Bay with me last Sunday. They had good action at Stephens Point and on the west side of the bay near Buttonwood Harbor with trout, Spanish mackerel and a couple of reds on CAL jigs with shad tails. Fly anglers Reagan Whitlock, mom Amy Whitlock and Reagan’s friend Lewis Steele, all from GA, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. They had good action with trout, including a 26”, almost 6-lb “gator” that Louie caught and released, and Spanish mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad and grub tails.
One of the best trips of the week was when Longboat Key winter resident, Nick Reding and I, waded a couple of sand bars in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. He caught and released a redfish and about 20 trout, most over the slot, including several in the 4 to 6-pound class on a crab Clouser fly (olive, tan and white). It is some of the best fly fishing action for “gator” trout that I have seen in quite a while!
Tides shifted to 2 tides towards the end of the week and action slowed a little. Sarasota winter resident, Harry Beaty, and his grandson Ryan, from Ontario, Canada, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. They had steady action with trout and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails on deep grass flats on both sides of the bay.
Bill Cody and sons, Will and Ned, from Syracuse, NY, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. They caught trout to 18”, Spanish mackerel, and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails fishing deep grass flats on both sides of Sarasota Bay. Fly anglers John and Linda Baker, from Anchorage, AK, fished the Terra Ceia area with me on Friday. We were on a redfish mission and although we saw a few, we didn’t get them to eat our flies. They caught and released trout and ladyfish on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly and a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Tides improve next week as head towards a new moon on March 4th. Fish shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay for “gator” trout and reds or snook at night in the ICW for the best action. Also, check the coastal gulf when conditions are good for Spanish mackerel, little tunny, tripletail and more.
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
Lewis Steele, from GA, caught and released this 26" (almost 6-pounds) trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Longboat Key winter resident, Nick Reding, waded a flat in Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett and caught and released this big trout on a Clouser fly.
Indian RiverLagoon Fishing Reports 3-1-2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, February 24, 2011
Capt. Chris Myers
Significant changes have taken place over the last few weeks but the one thing that has remained consistent is the excellent fishing on the flats. Just ten days ago, we were still experiencing frost in the morning and water temperatures in the low 50's. This week, the water was reaching 70 with air temperatures hitting 80. The white pelicans are flying off signaling an end to winter and the baitfish are getting more plentiful by the day. Huge schools of redfish can be found roaming the flats with some having over 500 fish in them. There have been few, if any, days in recent weeks when we have not seen nearly one thousand redfish per day.
On one of those aforementioned frosty mornings, Canadian anglers Juha and Linden joined me on Mosquito Lagoon. Despite the cool temperatures, the fish seemed happy and they landed twenty redfish between 5 and 8 pounds on three inch DOA CAL jigs.
The following day, Don joined me for a solo trip. He started off with the fly rod and within minutes, Don hooked up with his first redfish on a black crab.
It was a great start to the day and it only got better. Don switched to a CAL jig to get a bit more distance and battled ten more redfish from 8-15 pounds.
The fishing was so good I couldn't resist grabbing the flyrod and hooking into one myself.Don ended the day with some shots at 20-30 pound fish but was unable to convince them to play.
The next day brought clouds and rain. Fletcher started off hooking up with a black drum from a school of tailing fish. Our second spot held lots of tailing redfish. He had several bites but was unable to hook up. Near the end of the day, the sun made an appearance and we spent an hour following a school of giant redfish. Unfortunately, the casts never quite landed in front of the school.
Bob and Darryl were with me the next day, We had more clouds but at least it did not rain. We had tailing redfish in the morning and fish to 30 pounds late in the day when the sun came out. Both guys landed a few reds on CALs but visibility was tough much of the day.
Last Friday was picture perfect. Light winds, clear skies and warm temperatures made for some excellent sight fishing conditions. Everywhere we went the fish were happy and hungry. Will caught around twenty redfish on a variety of lures including DOA shrimp, CAL's, and even had a few bites on a Baitbuster. His first fish of the day was around 15 pounds and his last weighed in at 19.
Sunday I had a fly fishing trip with Jed and Joan. We encountered some huge schools of redfish in the morning. Even with large schools, cast placement can still be very important. Coming from small trout streams at home. Jed was not able to quite reach in front of the schools. They soon spooked and fled the flat. We moved to another spot holding a slightly smaller school and hooked up with a few fish on the spinning gear. Near the end of the day, we had some shots at some slightly larger fish and got one of them to eat.
Russ and Judy had some fly fishing shots at schools of redfish over 500 strong first thing in the morning. We could get within 50 feet of them but the casts did not quite reach far enough and the fish soon took off for deeper water. We had one large redfish hooked up momentarily but it came off. We tried some trout fishing along the deeper edges of the flats. It was not red hot action as it will be in a couple months but they did land several.
Ray and Linda had shots at the giant schools of redfish early Tuesday morning. Ray landed one on a black crab fly. Our second stop produced a couple more fish and then we spent the final hour targeting large reds which they saw but did not catch.
Wednesday's trip brought clouds, fog, and high winds to Mosquito Lagoon. Kacy and Jessica quickly landed three redfish before the wind really began to kick up.
We briefly considered packing it in but decided to bundle up and keep going. That decision paid off with Kacy landing two redfish between 15 and 20 pounds and Jessica catching the biggest fish so far this year, a 48 inch redfish weighing 32 pounds.
The next day, we were back to the perfect weather, Sunny, warm, and calm. The big schools of fish eluded us in the beginning of the day but John jr. finally broke the ice with a beautiful redfish with a 7 weight rod and a black #4 Clauser Minnow.
A couple hours later, we hit the gold mine with some huge schools of happy redfish all to ourselves. Every cast that landed in front of the fish resulted in a bite and both father and son had some fast and furious action. A prior commitment forced them to have to leave the fish biting.
Hopefully, we have seen the last of the cold weather for this year. The fishing for redfish will remain excellent and the trout bite should get better each week. This is still an excellent time for fly fishing as the redfish are still eating small crabs and shrimp. Spin fishing anglers should stick with the smaller three inch baits for the most consistent bite.
Upcoming Seminars
Tampa Tribune Fishing and Outdoors Expo - I will be giving two seminars this Friday, March 4. The first at 3:30 on common fly casting erroros and how to correct them. The second will be at 5:30 on Fly Fishing for Redfish. This is one of the largest fishing shows in the state and is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Hwy 301. Friday admission is free.
Saturday- March 5 - Womens Introduction to Fly Fishing -
Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka will be hosting this event which will include fly casting demos, fly trying demos, and a free wine tasting. Call the store to resgister at 407-464-2000
Saturday, March 19 - Mosquito Creek Outdoors - Catching Dolphin and Cobia
Saturday, April 9 - Introduction to Fly Fishing - Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Free Hotel Room
I still have several one night stay at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Orlando. Located near Disney World, this offer is available to clinets from outside the orlando area who book a fishing charter.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Capt. Chris Myers
Significant changes have taken place over the last few weeks but the one thing that has remained consistent is the excellent fishing on the flats. Just ten days ago, we were still experiencing frost in the morning and water temperatures in the low 50's. This week, the water was reaching 70 with air temperatures hitting 80. The white pelicans are flying off signaling an end to winter and the baitfish are getting more plentiful by the day. Huge schools of redfish can be found roaming the flats with some having over 500 fish in them. There have been few, if any, days in recent weeks when we have not seen nearly one thousand redfish per day.
On one of those aforementioned frosty mornings, Canadian anglers Juha and Linden joined me on Mosquito Lagoon. Despite the cool temperatures, the fish seemed happy and they landed twenty redfish between 5 and 8 pounds on three inch DOA CAL jigs.
The following day, Don joined me for a solo trip. He started off with the fly rod and within minutes, Don hooked up with his first redfish on a black crab.
It was a great start to the day and it only got better. Don switched to a CAL jig to get a bit more distance and battled ten more redfish from 8-15 pounds.
The fishing was so good I couldn't resist grabbing the flyrod and hooking into one myself.Don ended the day with some shots at 20-30 pound fish but was unable to convince them to play.
The next day brought clouds and rain. Fletcher started off hooking up with a black drum from a school of tailing fish. Our second spot held lots of tailing redfish. He had several bites but was unable to hook up. Near the end of the day, the sun made an appearance and we spent an hour following a school of giant redfish. Unfortunately, the casts never quite landed in front of the school.
Bob and Darryl were with me the next day, We had more clouds but at least it did not rain. We had tailing redfish in the morning and fish to 30 pounds late in the day when the sun came out. Both guys landed a few reds on CALs but visibility was tough much of the day.
Last Friday was picture perfect. Light winds, clear skies and warm temperatures made for some excellent sight fishing conditions. Everywhere we went the fish were happy and hungry. Will caught around twenty redfish on a variety of lures including DOA shrimp, CAL's, and even had a few bites on a Baitbuster. His first fish of the day was around 15 pounds and his last weighed in at 19.
Sunday I had a fly fishing trip with Jed and Joan. We encountered some huge schools of redfish in the morning. Even with large schools, cast placement can still be very important. Coming from small trout streams at home. Jed was not able to quite reach in front of the schools. They soon spooked and fled the flat. We moved to another spot holding a slightly smaller school and hooked up with a few fish on the spinning gear. Near the end of the day, we had some shots at some slightly larger fish and got one of them to eat.
Russ and Judy had some fly fishing shots at schools of redfish over 500 strong first thing in the morning. We could get within 50 feet of them but the casts did not quite reach far enough and the fish soon took off for deeper water. We had one large redfish hooked up momentarily but it came off. We tried some trout fishing along the deeper edges of the flats. It was not red hot action as it will be in a couple months but they did land several.
Ray and Linda had shots at the giant schools of redfish early Tuesday morning. Ray landed one on a black crab fly. Our second stop produced a couple more fish and then we spent the final hour targeting large reds which they saw but did not catch.
Wednesday's trip brought clouds, fog, and high winds to Mosquito Lagoon. Kacy and Jessica quickly landed three redfish before the wind really began to kick up.
We briefly considered packing it in but decided to bundle up and keep going. That decision paid off with Kacy landing two redfish between 15 and 20 pounds and Jessica catching the biggest fish so far this year, a 48 inch redfish weighing 32 pounds.
The next day, we were back to the perfect weather, Sunny, warm, and calm. The big schools of fish eluded us in the beginning of the day but John jr. finally broke the ice with a beautiful redfish with a 7 weight rod and a black #4 Clauser Minnow.
A couple hours later, we hit the gold mine with some huge schools of happy redfish all to ourselves. Every cast that landed in front of the fish resulted in a bite and both father and son had some fast and furious action. A prior commitment forced them to have to leave the fish biting.
Hopefully, we have seen the last of the cold weather for this year. The fishing for redfish will remain excellent and the trout bite should get better each week. This is still an excellent time for fly fishing as the redfish are still eating small crabs and shrimp. Spin fishing anglers should stick with the smaller three inch baits for the most consistent bite.
Upcoming Seminars
Tampa Tribune Fishing and Outdoors Expo - I will be giving two seminars this Friday, March 4. The first at 3:30 on common fly casting erroros and how to correct them. The second will be at 5:30 on Fly Fishing for Redfish. This is one of the largest fishing shows in the state and is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Hwy 301. Friday admission is free.
Saturday- March 5 - Womens Introduction to Fly Fishing -
Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka will be hosting this event which will include fly casting demos, fly trying demos, and a free wine tasting. Call the store to resgister at 407-464-2000
Saturday, March 19 - Mosquito Creek Outdoors - Catching Dolphin and Cobia
Saturday, April 9 - Introduction to Fly Fishing - Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Free Hotel Room
I still have several one night stay at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Orlando. Located near Disney World, this offer is available to clinets from outside the orlando area who book a fishing charter.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
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