Treasure Coast Fishing Report June 2011

Fort Pierce - Port St Lucie - Vero Beach - Jensen Beach
May 29, 2011

Inshore:
May has been a wonderful month for both weather and fishing around the Treasure Coast.  Lots of great action on the flats and lots of fun out on the Indian River.  June should prove to be yet another fantastic fishing month around the area.  Have some fun and get out there fishing!

We had a mix of both redfish and trout the past week.  Most of our action has been north of Fort Pierce on the usual flats around Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Round Island.  We have had our best success with DOA shrimp and live bait for the trout and redfish.  Two colors we have recently added to our arsenal have been the 332 - red glitter/chartreuse and 408 - red/gold glitter.  Both have proved to be great colors for the trout.  Greg and Alan were out on a day where we found trout and redfish on the flats.  Vater and sons, Max and Ludwig, from Sweden had fun with the trout bite.  Ludwig even landed his first redfish on the trip.  Roy and Steve were out to celebrate Steve's birthday (a surprise gift from his wife, Robin) we had to search for the trout bite with the cold water that had moved into the flats, but found them up north and had some good catches to finish off a great day of weather.



June Fishing Forecast
Summer has arrived and you can bet on hot afternoons and lots of great fishing action around the Treasure Coast during June. The mornings will be calm and it is certainly to your benefit to get out early to beat the afternoon heat. Being on the water at first light is worth the effort to watch the sun rise. Expect a chance of afternoon thunderstorms each day…we could sure use some rain around the area this year! It’s a fantastic month to fish.

Inshore will provide lots of redfish, snook and trout action on the flats. Get those top water lures cleaned up and plan an early morning to get some of that explosive action in the shallows. Switch to DOA shrimp or a CAL jerk bait as the sun warms up to continue your success. Watch for bait schools on the flats and you can be assured there are fish nearby. You can expect the fish to be feeding shallow early and move to the edges of the flats as the sun rises. Look for sand holes on the flats! Fish are traditionally lazy and love to sit in a sand hole and wait for the tide to bring the food for them to ambush.

You should be able to find plenty of redfish around the shallows. The population this year has been outstanding and they have been growing all spring. Lots of schools will be feeding on the flats, so be on the lookout for them. Most will be slot size to just over the slot. I love using a DOA shrimp while fishing for reds. Try along the mangroves as well. Lots of fish will move under the mangroves as the sun heats up for the day.

Trout will be on the grassy flats and feeding on the same food out there. Move out to three to five feet of water as the day heats up to continue your action. A Deadly Combo can provide inexperienced anglers with lots of fun learning to fish artificials. Don’t forget to fish the docks around the river. Lots of big fish will be hanging around many of the docks along the Indian River. Live bait, TerrorEyz and DOA shrimp can find some exciting action in June. Harbor Branch, Queens Cove and Bear Point will all be hot spots for action all summer.

Snook will provide lots of action around the bridges and jetties this month. Night anglers will be heading to the jetties for catch and release snook and maybe some tarpon action. Top water lures, feather jigs, TerrorEyz and Bait Busters can all get you in on some fantastic action. Handle the snook carefully and release them quickly and safely so that they will be there this fall. Jacks will also be hanging around the inlets and give you some rod bending activity.

Make sure you take plenty of water with you. It will be hot out there. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated and reduce the risk of heat stroke. Slather on lots of sunscreen! Sunburn isn’t a good feeling at the end of the good day of fishing. A little common sense and a few minutes can a big difference. Make that part of preparations for your adventures on the water. It will just make a great day even better!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,

Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

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

Sarasota Tarpon 5- 2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
5/28/2011


Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had lots of shots at tarpon with both fly and spin tackle during the past week. Tarpon are plentiful and many are in large schools along Sarasota beaches. As is sometimes the case, they become finicky and focused on migrating and spawning rather than eating, especially early in the season. We worked everything from singles, doubles and small schools to a couple of massive schools of hundreds of fish.

Clark Keator and his son, Clark, from Orlando, FL, fished a couple of days with me last week. Young Clark, jumped and landed a 90-lb tarpon on a live crab on Monday. We measured both length and girth to get an accurate weight estimate and took a DNA sample of the fish for Mote Marine Laboratory’s tarpon research program. I had a couple of experienced tarpon anglers who have caught and released numerous tarpon with me in the past, on Wednesday and Thursday. We had lots of good shots at tarpon with both fly and spin tackle but they ignored us.

Conditions were great for sight fishing on Friday and tarpon got in a better mood. We jumped a tarpon on a fly and had a couple of hard follows. We also had a tarpon try to eat a CAL shad tail fished at the surface on a weedless hook. A very exciting strike!

Next week’s tides are great, particularly the outgoing tides in the afternoon, as we approach the new moon on June 1st.  Fishing tarpon along the beaches, trout, reds and more on both shallow and deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and snook in the surf or in the ICW at night should all be good options next week.


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



Clark Keator, from Orlando, FL, caught and released this 90-lb tarpon on a live crab while fishing the coastal gulf off Sarasota with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mosquito Lagoon June 2011 Fishing Outlook

June's Fishing Outlook

Yes, the heat and humidity are rising, and so are fishing prospects along the Indian River Lagoon Coast of Florida. Hot summer days can be brutal, so the prudent angler and the fish will take advantage of the cooler nights and early morning and late evening hours to feed and stock their prey, and then they snooze in the shade and deeper areas once the heat turns up. So adjust your routine in June, July, and August, by fishing at night, during the predawn hours, and in the late afternoon after work and reap the rewards of the summertime fishing prizes.

Look for the tarpon and shark numbers to increase along the beach, and let's not forget about the schools of jumbo jack crevalle and the tripletail as both of these fisheries are cranking up. Remember, snook season closes this week, so let's give them a chance to relax and get jiggie. Try not to target them, and if you do happen to catch one, please handle it gently and release it with extreme care.

When the summer doldrums set in, the waters clears, and the seas flatten out, the window of opportunity opens for smaller boats, so near-shore opportunities are typically the best you'll see all year along the beach. June is the time of year when the kingfish move in close shadowing schools of Atlantic menhaden (pogies) along the beach and in the Port Canaveral buoy line, and slow trolling live pogies can result in some outstanding catches.

Offshore, look for the dolphin bite to slow as the schools begin to spread out. The kingfish concentration will remain good along the inshore reefs and wrecks of 8A Reef and Pelican Flats, so again slow trolling with live pogies will produce the best action. Additionally, bottom fishing will remain good for grouper until the first summer squall (hurricane) blows in and muddies up the water. The cold water currents which arrived early are starting to dissipate and the water is showing a gradual warm-up.

On the flats, focus your efforts between 5am and 9am, and in the late afternoon after the thunderstorms dissipate. Night fishing will also produce descent catches of redfish, snook, and trout. When fishing the flats at night, I prefer fishing real slow with glow in the dark shrimp imitation baits like the DOA Shrimp with a Woodie's Rattle Capsule inserted. If you can only fish during the heat of the day, target the docks with deepwater access. In the early morning look for trout and redfish up in the skinny water around concentration of bait, and toss them your favorite top water plug. Also look for schools of bay anchovies (glass minnows) in deeper waters. These schools can be located by watching for small terns and other sea birds working, and they usually are shadowed by concentrations of small trout and ladyfish. These fast moving schools produce fast and furious action for fly anglers casting small top-water popping bugs.

Remember as the days heat up, long battles will kill fish, so if you plan on targeting large fish, you may want to step up your tackle to shorten the battle. Also, dissolved oxygen levels are low, so leave them in the water as much as possible, and revive them completely before releasing them.

For up to date fishing forecast by all Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando captains visit:

http://coastalanglermag.com/orlando/.


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
(407) 416-1187 on the water

Visit www.mosquitocreek.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!

Tampa Bay Black Drum Under Bridges

The big Black Drum bit has turned on under many of Tampa Bay’s bridges. Targeting these behemoths on light tackle has proved to be a rod and back breaking experience. Anglers aboard the Ms. Guided were treated to double and triple header action all week. Unfortunately Captain Jay only has one set of legs and was forced to make some rough decisions and usually stuck with the biggest fish first. Doc’s Goofy Jigs and a variety of artificial led to hook-ups, but the best and most consistent bite was on free-lined halved blue crab right on the bottom. There may be a few break offs due to the pilings, but you have to love staying in the shade during the middle of the day.





For those not familiar with the Drum Family or saltwater fish in general, several species have a tendency to grunt, croak, and/or chatter a bit when you pull them out of the water. In the middle of taken one gentlemen’s photo this week, the Black Drum he was holding began to grunt in the deepest, lowest resonating vibration, barely in the audible range, which penetrates the body, and in the case, literally scared the color out of his face, as I feared he was going to have a heart attack on the spot. Perhaps I should have told him before hand: Everyone else, consider yourselves warned… To learn more about saltwater fishing in the greater Tampa Bay area or to schedule your next adventure with Captain Jay Schroeder with CJ Flats Saltwater Charters, call 1-877-463-5420, visit www.cjflats.com or email reservations@cjflats.com.

Captain Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jay-Schroeder/541903130

Red Hot Nature Coast Fishing 5-2011

The Monsters of May!!!
Report Date: May 15, 2011



Tarpon Time!!!!

What a great time of year to live in Florida!! With great weather, beautiful sunny days and unbelievable fishing it’s no wonder why people are coming from all over the world to enjoy a little fun in the sun here along the Nature Coast. And with over 20 different species homing in on our local waters right now, the sky’s the limit as far as options and availability.



Here's one slob of a Redfish.

Typically this time of year our mornings are spent either stalking Redfish in knee deep water or patrolling the miles of flats off of our shores in search for Giant Tarpon. May and June have always been prime time for these 2 species and it all has to do with the elevated level of visibility and the close proximity in which both can be targeted. And it’s ironic that we can fish for these fish almost simultaneously at times. It is nothing to work a beautiful mangrove laden shoreline for tailing Redfish, only to notice a far off push or wake of a Giant Tarpon off in the distance. We are using both spin and fly gear right now for both and with most Redfish ranging from 2-15lbs and the Tarpon coming in at 60-180lbs, Life is Good here along the Nature Coast.



Check out Steve with his first TripleTail!!!

Once our search has been exhausted for the Bull Reds and Silver Kings on the flats lately we have been turning our attention to another great sight fishing opportunity in the Tripletail. With the strong tides of May and June comes the arrival of one of the Nature Coasts most sneaky and tastiest pelagic’s. Tripletails are a fantastic challenge to spot and even more of a challenge to catch on light tackle. Normally swimming amongst floating grass or debris, these Tripletail can blend in to look like any type of flotsam. With most Tripletail ranging from 4-15lbs, their hard charging runs and acrobatic jumps makes this one of the most exciting species to target along the Nature Coast.



Mike Dalton did a great job of landing this 30lb Cobia during a recent Red Hot Fishing Charter!!!!

MAY AND JUNE IS PRIME TIME FOR COBIA FISHING

Cobia are in PRIME TIME during these next two months!! With so many ways to target Cobia and a recent abundance in this species the next 2 months could reveal quite the trophy for a lucky angler. Already this year I have had 3 lucky clients land a 20lb, 30lb and a 50lb BEHMOUTH!!! Sight fishing around Sting Rays, Turtles, Manatees, and Markers has provided us with the best luck but chasing a Cobia down while free swimming on the surface has always provided the most success. While looking for Cobia we tend to pack our rods loaded with either an eel pattern or some type of swim bait. Berkley Gulp! 7” JerkBaits have been absolutely deadly along with any type of live baitfish or crabs.

One final note on Cobia fishing. Remember that these fish are as hard of fighting fish as the Nature Coast has to offer. Make sure you are prepared for doing battle with these fish considering most fights average around 30 minutes and can take as long as 2 hours. Light tackle provides my anglers with the most hook ups and because of that this can be considered work, but can also be extremely rewarding.

So if an action packed fishing adventure that will provide you with stories for the rest of the year is what you’re after, Give Red Hot Fishing Charters a call today, we’ll get you Hooked Up!!

Capt. Kyle Messier
(352) 634-4002
kylemessier@yahoo.com
WWW.FLORIDAFISHINGADVENTURES.COM

Tampa Bay Fishing Report 5-25-2011

St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Fishing Charter Report

May 13, 2011
Post image for St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Fishing Charter Report



It’s tarpon season boys and girls and our first full week of tarpon charters has been a great success. To be completely honest, the first tarpon trip 2 weeks ago was a dud but since then, we’ve whacked ‘em. Yesterday was the latest installment of the “Silver King Air Show” as we put 8 fish in the air and landed 4 nice sized tarpon. Zenon Konopka (former Tampa Bay Lightning star and current New York Islander) and his buddy Pat Smith did a great job yesterday. After a few hookups and lost fish, the quickly figured out how to land them and boated 4 out of the last 6 fish they hooked.

Will Parker (pictured), who had fished with me a week ago with his dad and brother, brought Jen Baker with him on a tarpon trip earlier this week. Jen went redfish fishing with Will and I 2 years ago and we wore the redfish out. This time though, she hooked in to a couple of tarpon upwards of 100lbs.  Will hooked into 4 fish and landed 1 nice one.

Other trips this week have produced 4-6 tarpon each and the fish have ranged from 60lbs all the way up to the 140lb range. We’ve put a few fish in the air that were well over the 150lb range but have yet to coax one of those all the way to the boat.

(***Technical note: To put a tarpon “in the air” means hooking a tarpon and fighting it. Tarpon almost always leap into the air once hooked and many time they leap several times during the fight).

The tarpon bite should be good from now through the end of July. So if you’ve ever wanted to catch a big “Silver King” (a.k.a tarpon) you’d better hurry to get one this year.

Best of the rest:



There are some really nice sized redfish around. They’ve been anywhere from 6-15lbs. There aren’t huge numbers of them but we’re getting big ones in the St. Petersburg area. Speckled sea trout remain strong on the grass flats and spanish mackerel are just about everywhere. While tarpon fishing we’re also getting some really fun by-catch. We’ve caught grouper, snapper, spanish mackerel, sharks and cobia.

Sarasota Fishing Report 5-22-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
5/22/2011

 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, bluefish, redfish, a Spanish mackerel and jumped a tarpon during the past week. Last week’s west winds continued into the early part of this week forcing us to fish Sarasota Bay rather than tarpon in the coastal gulf, although action was good in Sarasota Bay.

My friends Russell and Annette Johnson, from Clovis, NM, and son Kyle and fiancée, Becky from Oklahoma City, visited Sarasota last week and fished with me on Tuesday and Wednesday. West winds kept us from tarpon fishing in the coastal gulf but Russell and Kyle had steady action with trout to 3-pounds on CAL jigs with shad tails in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. The best action was on deep grass flats on the west side of the bay. Russell and Annette fished with me on Wednesday and caught and released trout, bluefish, a Spanish mackerel and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. West winds eased up and allowed us to fish the east side of the bay where they had good action at Stephens Point. Later in the week they tarpon fished with my son-in-law, Capt. Andy Cotton. They had a great day, jumping 4 tarpon and leadering 2 of them on live crabs off Siesta Key.

Bill Moore, from Libertyville, IL and his brother, Chris Moore from Coos Bay, OR, tarpon fished with me later in the week. Schools of  little tunny (false albacore) blitzed the beach one day off  of Longboat Key. Chris connected with one on a CAL jig with a shad tail and the fish made a smoking run! We found tarpon very finicky coming off the full moon and they repeatedly swam through our baits and refused them. They were in a better mood by Saturday when Chris jumped an 80-pounder and fought it to the boat after numerous jumps and an hour long battle. A hammerhead shark stalked our fish right at the boat but never attacked, so the fish swam off unharmed.

Tarpon should be in a better mood as we get further away from the full moon. Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week and fishing Sarasota Bay for trout, blues, redfish and more 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



Russell Johnson, from Clovis, NM, caught and released this nice Sarasota Bay trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.



Chris Moore, from Coos Bay, OR, jumped this tarpon in the coastal gulf off Siesta Key while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Panhandle Fishing Report 5-20-2011

Report for 05/20/2011

Salt Water


PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
The flounder caught this week came mostly from under the George C. Tapper Bridge and off the oil docks at PSJ marina. Bull minnows Carolina rigged with a size 1 circle hook using fluorocarbon leader material and a 1 oz or smaller egg weight is the bait of choice. The Spanish Mackerel caught off the oil dock wall is much improved this week and trolling off the tip of Cape San Blas peninsula will be productive too. Pompano are still with us and the hot spots are still the stump hole at Cape San Blas and along the Beach of St Joseph Park and a few at east beach and Mexico Beach. Most fish are being caught using shrimp on a double hook pompano rig. The Trout fishing has picked up with some nice 20” plus fish being caught in 4-6’ water outside the grass flats. A few hot spots are around Black’s island and in the channel by Pigs bayou. Some Redfish schools are working the flats between Eagle harbor and the tip of the cape.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Well the full moon has had an effect on the bite as well as the cooler temperatures. The Kings and Mahi have pushed out further off shore along with the sargassum weed, and the afternoon bite is definitely better than morning. Good reports on Red Grouper out past nine miles on live bottom using pinfish and small squirrel fish. Around your bigger wrecks, a larger live bait or butterflied frozen northern mackerel is the ticket for Gag Grouper. Loads of large Red Snapper are being caught in the process, but this bodes well for our upcoming snapper season (June1st.). Amberjack, Triggerfish, and Bee liners are plentiful in say eighty feet or more. Whether you choose live or frozen bait, or even jigs and artificial, there are some quality fish to be had. So gear up, Snapper season is almost upon us!

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
There are lots of reports of Redfish hitting topwater on a hard running, out going tide. Deep water like the jetties, and even around the Hathaway and Tyndall bridges have been the places to be. Everything from gold spoons to artificial crabs and of course live bait is working. Most will be too large to keep but they sure are fun to catch! Lots of Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish around still, and they have been pretty easy to find. Flounder are being caught pretty dependably on bull minnows and artificial grubs. Seawalls, docks, and any drop offs are good places to try for them. Speckled Trout have no doubt been feeding at night with the recent full moon, but the evening bite is still producing keepers especially on a falling tide. Try a bait that has a glow in the dark ability. Ever look at a shrimp in the water after dark with a light? Their eyes seem to glow or reflect light, either way glow baits work well in low light situations.

PANAMA CITY BEACH SURF & PIER
Reports of Pompano and Whiting catches are pretty good both at the piers and in the surf. Twenty to thirty pound flourocarbon should keep you from losing your jig to a Bluefish or Spanish, but bring some spares just in case. King Mackerel reports have been almost non-existent lately, but warmer weather is coming and with the upcoming high pressure, they should return soon. Some nice sized Jack crevalle have schooled up and are being caught along the beach. They love a fast moving, brightly colored topwater plug or, a free lined bait tossed in with a little live chum. And boy can they give you a run for your money on light tackle! I have even seen some recipes popping up for them lately! I guess I'd try just about anything once.

DESTIN

PIER AND SURF
The pier has been quiet this week, a few Kings in the afternoon, a few Spanish throughout the day, and a few Ladyfish and Hardtails. In the surf the Pompano bite has been quite good fishing with frozen sand fleas.

BAY
Reds, Spanish, and Hardtails jave been caught at the jetties. The Spanish on gotcha lures, Reds on shrimp (live), and Hardtails on Sabiki rigs. In the bay, plenty of Reds around the Coast Guard Station and the Destin Bridge, Trout are on most tidal flats and biting on live shrimp and gulps.

GULF TROLLING
Kings are biting very good on Pink Yozuri lures and live cigar minnows. In the early morning, they are near the Sea Buoy and later in the day the broken bottom and southeast rocks are the best. Offshore in the 25 to 40 mile range, there are some nice Wahoo and small Dolphin.

GULF BOTTOM FISHING
Amberjack and Grouper are biting in wrecks that are in water 150 to 350 feet deep. Triggers and Mingo are biting in the 18’s and the Nickey grounds. Many of the charter boats are reporting more Trigger fish right now than in the last 20 years.

NAVARRE

SURF
The Cobia have just about gone for the season, but there are plenty of King and Spanish Mackerel to keep us busy. The Tarpon have showed up early too. Pompano, Redfish, Bluefish, and Skipjack (ladyfish) are showing up in increasing numbers as the water continues to clear. This week should see an increase in landing if the wind stays mild. The Pompano and Redfish are hitting best on live sand fleas and fresh shrimp just outside of the first sand bar. Silver spoons and Bubble rigs are working best for the fast moving Spanish, Bluefish, and Skipjack.

SOUND AND BAYS
Navarre area anglers can expect to see Redfish and Trout on the flats early and late in the day. They should also see an increase in Flounder landed as they continue to migrate into the shallows to chase bait fish. The Trout are responding best to a popping cork rig with a live or D.O.A. shrimp. Spanish, Blue, and Skipjack are also making a good showing with small schools popping up along the area flats. These fish are feeding on the schools of menhaden and threadfins that have begun to show up in increasing numbers. Speaking of increasing number, Flounder are being caught around docks in the sound with Tiger minnows. Gold spoons are taking their share, but it may be time to break out the 1/4oz jig head with GULP! Shrimp or jerk bait combinations and specifically target the Flounder. These same baits will also take the Redfish, so it’s a win-win situation for you.

NEAR SHORE – GULF
King are biting strong in and around the passes and inshore reefs in 60 to 80 feet of water. Trolling or fly lining live cigar minnows when anchoring up had been the top producer. Dolphin have also started to show up on the few weed lines that have begun to make their way toward shore. 1/2oz to 1oz buck tail jigs or live cigar minnows free lined near the weed line or any floating structure will get the job done. Just remember to leave one hooked fish in the water to keep the school around when you encounter a large school. The near shore reefs and wrecks are also producing good numbers of Grouper, Black Snapper, and Trigger fish. Just remember to have a spinning rod rigged up with a pitch bait in case a Cobia shows up.

OFFSHORE – GULF
Wahoo and Dolphin have been showing up in greater numbers this week. Most of the hoos are being caught while fast trolling between bottom spots. The Dolphin are being caught while trolling the edges of increasing weed lines or by free lining live baits near the weed lines. Tripletail are on the same weed lines as well, so keep an eye out for them. Keep a rod rigged and ready so you can cast a live shrimp or small baitfish to them when the opportunity presents itself. Without a doubt the hottest bite this week has definitely been Red Snapper. Most fish caught have been in the double digits. Just remember that Red Snapper opens June 1, so release them until then. The Grouper bite has remained strong with the larger fish coming in 150 plus feet of water. Fish the largest bait you can find. The blue water bite has exploded this week with the influx of clean water. The Yellowfin bite has been exceptional with most fish being caught during daylight hours. Poppers, jigs and slow trolled ballyhoo will all work. But for the really big fish, a bridled bonito or large blue runner bump trolled around the rigs is the way to go.

Half Hitch Tackle
850-234-2621
2206 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
www.halfhitch.com

Fishing Report prepared by Half Hitch Tackle Staff.

The Captains Corner Fishing Report is provided by local charter captains and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Half Hitch Tackle.

This report is dedicated to the memory of Al Hubbard.
Al Hubbard was a field editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, an outdoor writer for the News Herald and a board member of the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association.
Mr. Hubbard was also the owner of Al's Outdoors Outfitting Services.

Ways Boaters Can Stop Invasive Species

I found this article in the Outdoors section of the StarTribune website, Minneapolis, MN. The article is geared for Minnesota residents, but the tips it gives for ways boaters can reduce the spread of invasive plants and annimals should work anywhere. The idea is to clean everything on your boat that could harbor invasive species after you remove the boat from the water. First, remove any vegitation that sticks to your boat or trailer. Next, be sure to pull your boats drainplug and also drain your livewell. Washing these with hot water will also help. Also remove vegitation from and wash everything that has been in the water. Following these steps will help stop the spread of invasive species. Brought to you by Reel Work, Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/121599969.html

Tampa Bay Fishing Report 5-2011

May 2011 Tampa Fishing Report
Wednesday, 04 May 2011 08:03  Written by Stewart Ames



As spring leans towards summer, many good things begin to happen in the inshore fishing world.  Tampa fishing charters may yield a broad range of fish in May, including seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, kingfish, spanish mackerel, shark and barracuda.  Snook appear to be showing up a little earlier than last year, which is encouraging based on the massive fish kills of two years ago.  First cast redfish on Tampa Fishing CharterAlthough fish are noticeably absent from St Joseph's Sound, they are popping up on the beaches in limited numbers right now.  Look for greater abundance in the next 30 days.  Also, do remember that per current fishing regulations, snook are still closed to harvest until September, at which time a decision will be made as to whether to open the season back up or keep it closed.  Free-lined white baits (pilchards or threadfins), grunts, shad and ladyfish are excellent baits for these early arriving fish.  Expect your best success on moving tides or during low light hours.



The redfishing this spring has left many Tampa fishing guides scratching their heads.  Small and over-slot fish have been making up the bulk of the redfish catches, with slot fish strangely absent off of northern Pinellas County.  In the last week, however, whitebait has shown up in much greater abundance and it would be logical to expect that many inshore species will become much more active in pursuing it.  Bruiser tampa redfish on the flatsHopefully, May will be the month that these larger groups of slot fish show up.  On a recent Tampa fishing charter, several decent slot fish were caught so hopefully this is an indication of things to come.  Larger redfish are eating what they normally do.. .medium sized pinfish fished on bobbers or free-lined as well as a variety of cut baits. In the interest of keeping rods bent however, purchase a few dozen select shrimp as the smaller redfish show a distinct preference for them over larger baits.  Large reds will, of course, eat these shrimp as well, but cut baits will be left alone by pinfish and therefore have a longer "soak" time.



Tampa Fishing for Big SeatroutTampa fishing for seatrout was excellent over the past month with many 24 - 26 inch fish being landed.  Overall numbers were down from the prime winter months, but the trout that were landed definitely were larger than the average "big winter" trout.  As is the case every year, when the whitebait shows up, these big trout go crazy for it and this year was no exception.  Large threadfin herring were being eaten with no problem by these gators.  This action appears to be tapering off to some degree and fish are moving to the beaches before their final farewell for the summer.  Occasional large trout will be landed while fishing for snook and redfish, but their reduced numbers will be apparent by the end of this month.



The near shore bite for kingfish and Spanish mackerel was good for several weeks in April.  A few days of unsettled weather pushed the fish west out to past 10 miles but winds blowing primarily out of the east for the last week seem to be bringing them back.  Tampa Fishing Charter for kingfishStronger tides in the last few days have made Tampa fishing charters for Spanish mackerel much more productive as well.  As with any of these near shore predator species, chumming is the key to getting them behind the boat so make sure to have an adequate amount before heading out. Fly lined white baits are the best bait and will catch just about anything that swims.  Initially, use light gauge steel leaders (31 - 40 lbs test).  If fish won't bite, go to 2X or 3X long shank hooks.  Although this rig will result in more "bite offs", it will improve the odds of hooking wary fish. If a hooked mackerel begins jumping, look for a grey torpedo underneath him as a barracuda is probably on his tail.  Tampa fishing guides are typically prepared with a bigger rod and a bigger bait on a stinger rig when this happens.  A larger fish thrown in front of  a cuda immediately after it has chased a mackerel will usually result in a hook up.



Big Cuda while Tampa Mackerel FishingLastly, tarpon are now being sighted on the beaches.  Hooking these larger fish requires a commitment to fish for only them all day as hours may go by without seeing a single fish.  Certain local areas serve as "Tarpon highways".  Tampa fishing guides will post up in these areas and patiently wait for fish to come to them. As a group of fish approaches, the guide will make small and quiet adjustments to his position to allow the customer a cast into the fish.  Crabs and large threadfin herring are cast into the path of approaching tarpon and, with a little luck, a hundred pound plus fish will inhale the bait. As many times as not, a half dozen fish will swim straight though the bait without touching it but hooking a large fish like this in gin clear water on light tackle is as good as it gets. 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

South Andros Fishing Report 2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Andros South Bonefish Lodge Report for 5/15/2011

I hosted a group of friends and customers at Andros South bonefish lodge on South Andros, Bahamas for my annual trip last week. Norm and Francie Boardman, Joe Bursel, Norm Worthington and Marlowe Bowman, all from Sarasota, Les Fulcher from Longboat Key and Tony Johnson from Venice all were along on the trip. Most of us traveled together to Ft. Lauderdale and had an easy, 1-hour plus flight over to Congotown.

Except for windy conditions one afternoon and thunderstorms the following day, weather conditions were very good. We had sunny conditions most of the time which made good conditions for sight fishing. We spent most of our time fishing protected creeks, inside waters and the west side of the island. Some anglers headed south a few days and Les Fulcher and I had great action with big barracudas and sharks in that area one day. We landed a pair of big ‘cudas to 23-lbs.  I caught one on a fly popper with an Orvis Clearwater III 9-weight fly rod that I am field testing, which casts very nice and has a lot of backbone.  Les caught another one almost as big on a plug. We also caught several smaller ‘cudas and Les hooked up some sharks in the 40 to 50-lb class on flies. It was a nice change to do something different and the action was great!

Les and I fished together most days and had good action with bonefish. He caught and released a 7-pound fish on his first day! There was a slow day or two, but we averaged about 12 bones per day. We also had a shot at an estimated 12-pound bonefish later in the week. Tony Johnson and I fished together one day and caught about a dozen fish. Tony also fished with Joe Bursel for a couple of days and they had good action. They both caught and released numerous bonefish up to about 5-lbs. Norm and Francie Boardman also had good action with flies and jigs. Francie used a spinning rod and cast a light jig that I had tied a shrimp pattern on, which worked well. Fishing became a little more challenging towards the end of the week as tides got higher as we approach a full moon.

We fin clipped more than 15 bonefish for a DNA study for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Bonefish Fin Clip Program. Marine biologists will perform DNA analysis on the tiny fin clip samples to establish a data base to study bonefish migration patterns. The tiny sample removed from the fish doesn’t harm them and will grow back. Most fish averaged 2 to 3-lbs and several in the 4 to 5-lb class. Top producing flies were Mantis Shrimp, Peterson Spawning Shrimp and Gotchas.

This was my 5th trip to Andros South. The staff and guides do a great job and the food and fishing are great! One of the best things about the lodge is that it is only just over an hour flight from Ft. Lauderdale, but it seems like you are a world away. Watermakers Air out of Ft. Lauderdale executive airport makes it easy, you park right at the hanger for the easy flight over on a Cessna Caravan. A small customs office at the airport makes the return trip just as easy as the whole group is in and out in about 15-minutes. This is an annual trip for me, usually the first week of May, so if you are interested contact me for more information or look for info on future trips on my website.


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



Les Fulcher, from Longboat Key, caught and released this estimated 7-pound bonefish on a fly while fish out of Andros South lodge.



Tony Johnson, from Venice, caught and released this nice bonefish on a fly while fishing out of Andros South lodge.

 

Les Fulcher, from Longboat Key, caught this big 'cuda on a plug while fishing out of Andros South lodge.



Capt. Rick Grassett caught this big 'cuda on a fly popper with an Orvis 9-weight fly rod while fishing out of Andros South lodge.

Sarasota Bay And Gulf Fishing 5-2011

Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sarasota Florida Fishing Report
By Capt. Bob Smith
 
 The last few months have been very good for us on the bay and coastal waters, plenty of Spanish mackerel and spotted seatrout on most of the bay grass flats.  The smaller and larger fish have been in separate schools with the larger fish, both mackerel and trout running 3 to 6 pounds.  There has also been a large variety of fish feeding on the grass, small sharks,
bluefish, pompano, flounder, jacks, and ladyfish, etc.   I have been anchoring and using large live shrimp and DOA shrimp on a popping float this year more, than I ever have in past years.   High winds of 20+ mph have not been a deterrent to the fish chewing on the grassflats, as long as you know where to anchor up and wait because it is never a 24/7 chew.

The coastal fishing has also been good.  The larger tarpon are in and a few have been spotted in the passes but most will be running along the beach. The reefs have been active with a variety of fish and sharks most of the time.  We have caught more hogfish this year than ever before but we never caught many before.  A few cobias have been caught, but there has not been a good run yet.  Some king mackerel are being caught and even a sailfish was caught in 55' of water on Capt. Johnny Long's guide boat.

Enjoy & Protect

Thank you!

Capt. Bob Smith
Phone: (941) 366-2159  Cell: (941) 350-8583.
Email: capt.bobsmith@verizon.net
My Website: http://www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 5-16-2011

Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
May 14, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn

Upcoming Seminars and Events

Saturday, May 21st Near-shore Tarpon Fishing
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars", instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, John Kumiski," Summer Tarpon, Fly Fishing and Beach Fishing Tactics ", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com


This Weeks Fishing Report

Well, yesterday we received our first significant rainfall for the season, so water levels are still extremely low both in the St Johns River and inshore on the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons, so please operate with caution, and avoid damaging the sea grass and your boat.

Inshore in the Lagoons, low water conditions have concentrate  redfish into the deeper pockets of water on the flats, making it easier to locate fish, so focus your efforts on the deeper edges and sloughs, and once fish are located, stake out and meticulously work the area over trying not to spook the school out.  This approach can result in catching several fish out of the same area before moving on in search of other fish.  It's also a good practice to watch for concentrations of mullet and then target those areas for redfish.

Another significant target and one of my summertime favorites is catching sea trout on top-water plugs.  Focus your attention again in areas where mullet schools are visible during periods of low light and blind cast top-water plugs, covering as much area as possible.  Once fish are located, slow down and concentrate your efforts until the bite in that area subsides.  Some of my lures of choice are: Rapala Skitterwalks, Storm Chug Bags, and Zara Spooks and Spook Jr's.

Also, with the full moon approaching, do not overlook working top-water plugs on your favorite flat at night for some explosive action, and working dock lights with the night glow DOA Shrimp.

Along the beach, colder water is moving in shutting down the bottom fishing offshore.  The colder water has also made locating bait schools (pogies) along the beach a challenge. So like me, if you enjoy fishing with live bait, try catching you bait inside the Port or in the Lagoon before heading out.  Despite the cold water upwelling which is a bit early this year, the tarpon and large jacks have been a common target these past few weeks, and the kingfish are beginning to move inshore from the near-shore reefs and wrecks, and there are still some cobia around.  This week, the seas are between 3 to 5 feet, but it's a long period ground swell (13 seconds) which actually is not much of a problem as long as you is mindful using caution when working in close to the the surf.

Lastly, we have the final launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor scheduled for Monday morning, so all of the security zones are in place including the south end of Mosquito Lagoon. God's Speed Endeavor!

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 Charter
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water

Visit www.mosquitocreek.com  for your outdoor adventure needs, it's where the adventure begins.

Panhandle Fishing Report 5-13-2011

Report for 05/13/2011


Salt Water




PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
The flounder caught this week came mostly from under the George C. Tapper Bridge and off the oil docks at PSJ marina. Bull minnows Carolina rigged with a size 1 circle hook using fluorocarbon leader material and a 1 oz or smaller egg weight is the bait of choice. The Spanish Mackerel caught off the oil dock wall is much improved this week and trolling off the tip of Cape San Blas peninsula will be productive too. Pompano are still with us and the hot spots are still the stump hole at Cape San Blas and along the Beach of St Joseph Park and a few at east beach and Mexico Beach. Most fish are being caught using shrimp on a double hook pompano rig. The Trout fishing has picked up with some nice 20” plus fish being caught in 4-6’ water outside the grass flats. A few hot spots are around Black’s island and in the channel by Pigs bayou. Some Redfish schools are working the flats between Eagle harbor and the tip of the cape.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
There were several reports of Mahi-Mahi sightings and catches as close in as the Whistle buoy. Further out, anglers have gotten into a few Wahoo as well as the some Mahi high speed trolling, and a lot of King Mackerel on down riggers or flat line. Amberjack and Trigger fish are hanging out over the bridge spans and taller wrecks. Jigs work great on the jacks, and a 4/0 Mustad or Owner circle hook baited with squid will catch the Triggers. Red Grouper and Black Snapper catches over hard bottom have been dependable, and live bait has been easy to find. Inside nine miles Gag Grouper were biting pretty good as well. We finally have had a little relief from the winds that have kept a lot of us from getting out offshore and it's about time!

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Lots of Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish around and pretty easy to find, troll along the edges of the shipping channels with a spec rig, mackerel tree or clark spoon. Flounder are getting caught all over the bay on soft plastics and live bait. They seem to be recovering from their low numbers of the past few years. Redfish are feeding up in the shallow flats at dawn and dusk, a live shrimp or other live bait will definitely get their interest but a spinner bait or soft plastic can work as well. In the deeper channels like the pass and around the bridges drifting a live pinfish or bull minnow will likely get you a Bull Red or Black Drum. Speckled Trout feeding at daybreak just like the Reds and will hit the same baits. Good reports up near the Intra-coastal waterway in West bay. If you have the opportunity to fish a lit up dock at night, you will likely find bigger Trout than during the day (and no sunburn to boot !).

PANAMA CITY BEACH SURF & PIER
The King Mackerel bite slowed a little this week but they are still around, early mornings are best and live bait is what works. Ladyfish are there to entertain you while you wait and Spanish Mackerel are intermingled with them. Pompano and Whiting are getting caught about halfway down the piers and in the surf when you can get past the Ladys and Spanish. Anglers are still seeing Tarpon around and they can be a ball when hooked. They will put on a show launching themselves out of the water trying to shake your hook and they are very good at it. A wide gap SSW owner circle hook does a pretty good job of catching them around their jaw bone but remember you have to cut the line to release them as it is not legal to handle them unless you hold a Tarpon permit. Get a good picture of them while still hooked in the water and you will have all the bragging rights you need!



Blackfin Tuna caught by Lee Jones


DESTIN

PIER AND SURF
The pier has been quiet this week, a few Kings in the afternoon, a few Spanish throughout the day, and a few Ladyfish and Hardtails. In the surf the Pompano bite has been quite good fishing with frozen sand fleas.

BAY
Reds, Spanish, and Hardtails jave been caught at the jetties. The Spanish on gotcha lures, Reds on shrimp (live), and Hardtails on Sabiki rigs. In the bay, plenty of Reds around the Coast Guard Station and the Destin Bridge, Trout are on most tidal flats and biting on live shrimp and gulps.

GULF TROLLING
Kings are biting very good on Pink Yozuri lures and live cigar minnows. In the early morning, they are near the Sea Buoy and later in the day the broken bottom and southeast rocks are the best. Offshore in the 25 to 40 mile range, there are some nice Wahoo and small Dolphin.

GULF BOTTOM FISHING
Amberjack and Grouper are biting in wrecks that are in water 150 to 350 feet deep. Triggers and Mingo are biting in the 18’s and the Nickey grounds. Many of the charter boats are reporting more Trigger fish right now than in the last 20 years.

NAVARRE

PIER
Fishing remains great on the pier. Although the Cobia bite has slowed, there are still some fish being caught. The King Mackerel bite has been going off for a better part of a month. There are still a lot of fish to be caught. Try the live cigar minnow, hard tail, or large spoon for best results. The Spanish Mackerel bite has slowed a little, but there are days when the fishing is great! Try the Gotcha Plugs and Bubble Rigs for the best results, although small live baits work well too. The Pompano can still be caught with sand fleas, fresh dead shrimp, and jigs.

SURF
The Cobia fishing has slowed, but there are still some fish around. The good thing is there are plenty of King and Spanish mackerel to keep us busy. The Tarpon have showed up early to. Pompano, Redfish, Bluefish and Skipjack (ladyfish) are showing up in increasing numbers as the water continues to clear. This week should see an increase in landing if the wind stays mild. The Pompano and Redfish are hitting best on live sand fleas and fresh shrimp just outside of the first sand bar. Silver spoons and Bubble rigs are working best for the fast moving Spanish, Bluefish and Skipjack.

SOUND AND BAYS
Navarre area anglers can expect to see Redfish and Trout on the flats early and late in the day. Lately the Mirro Lure MirrOdine has been a hot bait for both. They should also see an increase in Flounder landed as they continue to migrate into the shallows to chase bait fish. The Trout are responding best to a popping cork rig with a live or D.O.A. shrimp. Spanish, Blue, and Skipjack are also making a good showing with small schools popping up along the area flats. These fish are feeding on the schools of menhaden and threadfins that have begun to show up in increasing numbers. Speaking of increasing numbers, Flounder are being caught around docks in the sound with Tiger minnows. Gold spoons are taking their share, but it may be time to break out the 1/4oz jig head with GULP! Shrimp or jerk bait combinations and specifically target the Flounder. These same baits will also take the Redfish, so it’s a win-win situation for you.

NEAR SHORE – GULF
King are biting strong in and around the passes and inshore reefs in 60 to 80 feet of water. Trolling or fly lining live cigar minnows when anchoring up had been the top producer. Dolphin have also started to show up on the few weed lines that have begun to make their way toward shore. 1/2oz to 1oz buck tail jigs or live cigar minnows free lined near the weed line or any floating structure will get the job done. Just remember to leave one hooked fish in the water to keep the school around when you encounter a large school. The near shore reefs and wrecks are also producing good numbers of Grouper, Black Snapper, and Trigger fish. Just remember to have a spinning rod rigged up with a pitch bait in case a Cobia shows up.

OFFSHORE – GULF
Wahoo and Dolphin have been showing up in greater numbers this week. Most of the hoos are being caught while fast trolling between bottom spots. The Dolphin are being caught while trolling the edges of increasing weed lines or by free lining live baits near the weed lines. Tripletail are on the same weed lines as well, so keep an eye out for them. Keep a rod rigged and ready so you can cast a live shrimp or small baitfish to them when the opportunity presents itself. Without a doubt the hottest bite this week has definitely been Red Snapper. Most fish caught have been in the double digits. Just remember that Red Snapper opens June 1, so release them until then. The Grouper bite has remained strong with the larger fish coming in 150 plus feet of water. Fish the largest bait you can find. The blue water bite has exploded this week with the influx of clean water. The Yellowfin bite has been exceptional with most fish being caught during daylight hours. Poppers, jigs and slow trolled ballyhoo will all work. But for the really big fish, a bridled bonito or large blue runner bump trolled around the rigs is the way to go.

Half Hitch Tackle
850-234-2621
2206 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
www.halfhitch.com

Fishing Report prepared by Half Hitch Tackle Staff.

The Captains Corner Fishing Report is provided by local charter captains and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Half Hitch Tackle.

This report is dedicated to the memory of Al Hubbard.
Al Hubbard was a field editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, an outdoor writer for the News Herald and a board member of the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association.
Mr. Hubbard was also the owner of Al's Outdoors Outfitting Services.

Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report 5-2011

Whiteys Fishing Report
May 2011
    
                                        Sebastian Inlet, Beaches & Offshore

    May is great time for offshore trolling and usually means to head out deep toward the cones or Gulf Stream for some of the best dolphin fishing all year.  The dolphin are migrating back north this month, using the currents of the Gulf Stream to head towards the Carolinas.  Trolled ballyhoo naked or with a skirt will help you cover some ground as you look for dolphin action around a weed line, floating debris, temperature breaks or color changes.  Many boaters will venture to the other side of the Gulf Stream in search of yellow fin tuna, while crossing all that water, an occasional board, tree or weed line will hold some of the best dolphin action around.
Bottom fishing is a good relief from trolling and right now the amberjack have shown up along the deep-water reefs.  Live bait and vertical jigs will set any angler up for a good 10-20 minute tug of war against some 40lb. + reef donkeys. 

    Look for things to heat up on the beach as well, with Greenies and Pogies showing up smoker Kingfish will be right on their heels.  This can be a great alternative to running way offshore and burning lots of fuel, just stay on the beach, you’ll be amazed at what you might find.
Sebastian Inlet anglers should see good numbers of baitfish in the inlet and along the flats in the river the full moon this month.  Schools of good size Mojarras and greenies are keeping the Snook and other game fish active in the inlet for most of the day. Redfish, ladyfish, bluefish and jacks have all been waiting in the channels to feed on the bait as they move through the inlet. Live shrimp is still a good standby option, just in case the bait is out of cast net range.  Look for the mojarras around the catwalks, boat ramp and L-dock on the south side.  Most of the pins and pigfish will be by the bridges and around the steel at the tidal pool.

    Nighttime anglers are catching snook on buck tails and windcheaters during the outgoing tides. Focus on the tide changes and that should help produce a slot-sized fish. The blue fish have been very thick at the inlet and expect to hook a few while trying to bag a snook before the end of season.
With all the bait moving in and out of the inlet, don't let the mangrove snapper fishing go by without exploring it. They love all the Mojarras and other bait fish rushing by them.  The mangroves will hang out under rock ledges waiting for an easy ambush around the channels and catwalks. 

    Fish your baits close to the drop offs with a ¾ oz. lead weight on a light 15-20 lb. fluorocarbon leader and a #1 or even a #2 light gauge hook to minimize the sight of your gear. Fluorocarbon is expensive but in the grand scheme of things it can make the difference between catching and just fishing for the mangroves. 

    It might pay off to also fish the slack tides for a few minutes as the flounder are still returning from offshore through the inlet on their way back into the river.  This time of year most people loose interest in fishing for flounder so getting into the primo spots is easy and not crowded with company.
Flats fishing will remain good throughout most of the month as schools of bait continue to gather on the grass flats.  The trout are up on the flats getting lots of food to fatten up for their spawn. Try to really key in your fishing time early in the mornings or when the bait is up on the surface.  Use soft plastic baits with a light jig head or your favorite top waters to put a few fish on your stringer.  As the weather continues to settle into summer like patterns, the water temperature will rise on the flats and slow down the daytime fishing. 

    For those of you following our Cobia Tournament, the final results are:  First Place: Cliff Schoolmaker, 67 1/4lb, Second Place:  Tyler Foster, 60 lbs. Third Place: DJ Wood, 52 1/4lbs.  Again we would like to thank everyone who entered this year.  There were some heavy fish caught over the last three months, with some brutes in the 60-80 lb ranges.  I only hope next year proves to be as good with lots of fish along the coast.

    As usual stop by Whitey’s to get the latest information or check us out on the web at www.whiteysonline.com.  Until next month…

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

Key West Fishing Report 5-2011

Posted on May 8, 2011 by DrCatcher

Happy Mothers Day

Here in Key West the winds are calm, looks like summer is here. We are high 80′s and variable making it very calm on the waters.

I have been fishing offshore mostly and the boys are holding down the inshore trips very well.

Inshore flats fishing the tarpon are all over the place. Permit are back on the flats and the bonefish are back in town. Whats more.. We have been catching redfish, still, this late in the spring. I do believe we have a new fishery on our hands.

Wrecks and reef we have been hooking up on some nice groupers, mutton snappers, and some permit. fun times

Gulf fishing for tuna behind the shrimp boats is red hot right now. Black fin tunas.

Offshore. the trolling bite is great.. the dolphin are large in scattered weed lines at about 700 ft. not too far to run for some fun times and its not too freakin hot yet.

May is a very busy month for us here at Dream Catcher Charters. Its all happening here for the sport fishing person. Call us to book a trip.. 1-888-362-3474 to get on one of our Mercury Verado powered Yellowfin bay boats or 32′ Center Consoles.

Capt Steven Lamp
5555 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
http://www.fishingkeywest.com
www.dreamcatchercharters.com
captstevenlamp@bellsouth.net
888-362-3474

Indian River Lagoon Fishing Report 5-11-2011

Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
MaY 11, 2011


Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report

 The redfish and trout bite is still excellent in Mosquito Lagoon. Despite some very low water conditions, we have been seeing hundreds of fish each day. The have been more than willing to eat a variety of lures, provided you make a good presentation. The seatrout fishing has also been consistent with CAL jigs and the DOA Deadly Combo bringing in double digit fish each day. Look for schools of mullet in 2-3 feet of water along the outside edge of the flat.

Jeff and Dave had more success seeing redfish than catching them on their first trip to Mosquito Lagoon. Dave managed a redfish on  DOA shrimp and both guys caught plenty of trout on the Deadly Combo.





Cathy and Debra encountered both schools of redfish and some singles during a blustery day on the flats. A 4" CAL tail accounted for both redfish caught including Cathy's 36" fish.



Again, the trout accounted for the most numbers with a few ladyfish mixed in.

Pat brought his son out for his first trip to Mosquito Lagoon. Despite catching his biggest fish ever, a redfish, the young man was much more interested in using the Deadly Combo to catch trout. They landed over 20 fish with countless other bites and long distance releases.



Monday, Jim and Matt had shots at tailing redfish and drum during the first couple hours of the day. After that, there were more opportunities at large redfish that were cruising the shallow flats and the deeper edges of sandbars.

 

Canadian visitors Brian and Greg enjoyed an excellent day yesterday catching trout, ladyfish and big redfish.





With the low water conditions, many of the fish are crawling through the grass with their backs and tails exposed searching for food. While these fish can be easy to catch, they are also very easy to spook. Nothing they eat falls out of the sky or swims towards their mouth. If your bait, lure or fly does either, the fish will flee from it every time. The key to shallow water success is attention to detail. This means noise discipline, always being ready to cast, and making soft and accurate presentations. The number one thing any angler can do to improve their sight fishing success is practice casting.


Fly Casting Class
The casting class this past weekend was another success. Over the four hour course, I saw marked improvement in the attendees casting. The next class is schedules for July. The $75 fee includes both classroom and hands on casting instruction as well as a book by Ed Jaworski. Space is limited to 6 students so call Mosquito Creek Outdoors now to reserve your spot.
 
If you are considering getting in to fly fishing, plan to attend the next Introduction to Fly Fishing class on June 4. This class is free.

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

Northeast Fishing Report 5-10-2011

Amelia Island Fishing Report
Get away from it all and ......let's go fishing!

May 2011

Hello Anglers!

The water has warmed and bait fish are showing up in huge pods.  Some firsts for the year - I cast netted for finger Mullet last week, saw my first manatee of the year, saw my first Pogie pods in the river, and we caught our first large Bonnethead Sharks.   Keeper sized Trout are in the backcountry, some of them rather large.  Cobia are showing up along the beach.    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!

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

Florida Keys Fishing Reports 5-9-2011

Sunday, May 8, 2011
Picture Perfect Permit caught aboard Reel Sharp Charters out of Holiday Isle Resort and Marina in the Florida Keys!!

On April 27, Robert (below) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida caught this beautiful Permit aboard Reel Sharp Charters with Capt. Sam Milazzo. (Robert and his father Phillip with their other catches of the day were featured in an earlier blog). We love to receive these 'offshore pictures' anglers, so keep them coming. There is nothing more beautiful than the waters off the Florida Keys.



Sunday, May 8, 2011
A Mahi Mahi Kind of Day!!!

May 5, 2011 Report: Still playing catch up on the catches. It has been quite busy at Holiday Isle Resort and Marina in Islamorada, Florida Keys. That's why they call Islamorada the 'Sportfishing Capital of the World'!!







5-5 11: Even captains like to do a little fishing of their own!! Capt. J.R. Rudzin, owner of Capt. J.R. Charters, took his wife Phyllis (center) and beautiful daughter Johna out for a day of 'family' fishing. And what a great day they had with catches of Amberjack, Dolphin, Wahoo and Yellowtail. "The Family that Plays together...Stays Together"...



5-5-11: Van Tillman, Jerry Alexander, Glenn Peal, and Bart Turner were part of a 3 Boat Charter. The group, all affiliated with the Bayer (Aspirin) Company, and from different cities around Florida, had a great 'company' outing aboard KILLER WHITE Charters with Capt. Aaron Brower. Van said, "the Seas were fair - we had a great captain, great mate, and a GOOD day". I should say so with that monster catch of Mahi Mahi!!! I'm sure the group enjoyed the 'company' fish fry later that night. Come back and see us again!!!!

5-5-11: The second boat of the 'Bayer' (Aspirin) Company get together was the YABBA DABBA DOO Charters with Capt. Steve Leopold. Enjoying a fishtastic catch of Mahi Mahi was Ellie Dahl, Roy Morris, Ross Woodward, and Richard Buker, also from different cities around Florida.

5-5-11: The third boat rounding out the 'Bayer' Company outing was GOTCHA Charters with Capt. Mel Walker. With more Mahi Mahi to add to the fish dinner were Ryan, Steve, Jeff, Craig, and John, also from various cities around Florida. Ryan said, "We had a great time". That's what we like to hear! Y'all come back and see us again!!!!

If you would like to book a company fishing outing, please give us a call and we can 'hook' you up with the best captains in the Florida Keys. Call today at 305-664-8986, ext. 653 and join us for a great Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) season!!! Visit our website at http://www.holidayisle.com/ and check us out!! Resort room discounts are available with a booked charter!!! See you soon.....
Posted by Let's Fish at Sunday, May 08, 2011

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   

Fort Lauderdale Sailfish Video

Here is a great video sent to me by Captain Wally of  Reel Work Sport Fishing Charters in Fort Lauderdale. This lucky family started there day catching a 74" sailfish and ended it with a 40lb amberjack. Now that is a nice day of fishing!

Reel Work
301 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-522-9399
1-877-524-9377
Email: lauderdalefishing@gmail.com
Website: lauderdalefishing.com
Fort Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing

Panhandle Fishing Report 5-6-2011

Report for 04/29/11

Salt Water

PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
The Pompano catches were great this week and they are biting from Crooked Island all the way down to Indian Pass. The wind and weather curbed the bite until water clarity improved. Anglers are using shrimp on a double hook, pompano rig, or a regular pompano jig tipped with shrimp. Flounder fishing is picking up nicely off the PSJ marina wall using live bull minnows, Carolina rigged. The Spanish Mackerel off the oil dock is intermittent this week with wind keeping anglers at home.

The Trout fishing has improved with some nice 20” plus fish being caught in 10-16” water outside the grass flats. Live shrimp is the bait of choice under a Cajun thunder float or just enough weight to keep it on the bottom. Some nice Redfish schools are working the flats between the city boat launch and Presnell’s. Gold spoons are the top artificial baits, and live shrimp is definitely your best live bait option. The whiting bite is ok, with a few bigger fish caught while anglers are fishing for Pompano.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
The King Mackerel bite has been really good, trolling deep diving plugs or duster rigs with a dead cigar minnow have produced some 30 to 40 pound Kings. If you are drifting a wreck try free lining a live bait out behind the boat while you are bottom fishing. You will more than likely be hollering for the gaff. Amberjack catches have been very good, you may have to weed through some shorts to get a keeper but there are keepers out there. Try really heavy weights or jigs to get past the smaller fish and down where the big ones are. Gag and Red Grouper catches have been pretty good, you just have to fish the Federal water first for the Reds, then State waters for Gags to stay out of trouble if checked. Still hearing about some rather large Bee liner catches, so don’t forget the squid and smaller circle hooks for these guys, they are some of the better tasting fish out there. Fewer Cobia catches reported but I for one will still try to be ready, more than a few have been missed because a pole was not rigged and ready.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
A good Redfish and Trout bite in the bay area, they are hitting well on live shrimp. The best reports have been on a falling tide in about 6 or more feet of water. Most of the Reds have been “pups” but a few upper slot fish are there as well (same for the Trout). Still a lot of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish being caught, best reports for Spanish have been in the Deep water point area and along the shipping channels. For the Blues a hard running current like that at the end of the jetties is home to them. Flounder are on the move, some nice sized flatties have been hauled in around deep water, Hathaway bridge, and Tyndall bridge. It might be time to plan a night trip, better charge up the batteries and sharpen up the gig.

PANAMA CITY BEACH SURF & PIER
King Mackerel are keeping anglers at the piers busy (while hoping to see a Cobia). Plenty of Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Ladyfish are there to occupy your time (and provide cut bait). Redfish, Pompano, and Flounder are making their way down the beach as well. There have been good schools of cigar minnows and tinker mackerel along the coastline and the piers. If you have the opportunity to catch yourself some of these, you will have exactly what the Reds, Kings, and Spanish are looking for. Jack Crevalle and Tarpon are being spotted too, so load up and go when you can, it’s game time!

DESTIN

PIER AND SURF
Kings, Spanish, and Pompano are daily catches. You can throw in a Cobia once in a while. Kings on live or frozen cigar minnows, Spanish on gotchas, and Pompano are caught on sand fleas and jigs.

BAY
Reds are caught on live shrimp around bridges and docks. Trout are caught on Gulps and live shrimp on the flats and around boat docks. Spanish are caught on gotchas and spoons around the jetties and crab island.

GULF TROLLING
Kings are being caught on live or frozen cigar minnows, Yozuri lures, and Bomber lures. You can also get some Bonita and Spanish Mackerel.

GULF BOTTOM FISHING
Mingo Snapper and Trigger fish are a staple, and caught on cut squid and mackerel. Amberjack and Grouper are in water 150 to 300 ft deep and being caught on cigar minnows, thread fin herring, and butterfly jigs.

OFFSHORE TROLLING
Wahoo and Dolphin are in the 25 to 40 mile range and being caught on ballyhoo, Islander lures, and Moldcraft Soft heads. Some Swordfish are in the mouth of the canyon and being caught at night on whole squid and whole Spanish Mackerel.

NAVARRE

PIER
The fishing has been very good on the Navarre Pier this week. The Spanish Mackerel are being caught with the tried and true Gotcha plugs. Although other bright silver spoons will work if they are retrieved extremely fast. Bubble rigs will also get the job done. Don’t forget your leader! The Whiting bite has begun to slow down as the water temp climbs. Live shrimp fished on a fish finder rig is a good way to catch them. Sheepshead are there too, try small live shrimp or fiddler crabs. Redfish and Black Drum are also being caught. They are not too particular this time of year, but cut mullet is hard to beat. The Cobia fishing has been good as well with multiple landing of nice fish each day. The fishing for these gamesters should continue to be good all though April. The King Mackerel have showed up this week. Any live bait you can get to them will produce. I have had some reports of some cigar minnows and speedos starting to show up. Always a good sign! The Pompano bite has been improving this week as well. Small Pompano jigs, sand fleas, and fresh shrimp will do the trick. If you want a serious pull make sure you throw your plug at one of the oversized Jack Crevalle that has been cruising the pier. They aren’t particular what they eat, just get it to them!

SURF
The Pompano bite has been really good this last week. Best baits remain live sand fleas, with live or fresh dead shrimp coming in at a close second choice. Redfish, Bluefish and some Spanish Mackerel have been caught. Redfish will hit the sand fleas and shrimp, although cut mullet will produce fish. The Blues and Spanish prefer small silver spoons or Gotcha plugs traveling at high speed. Be sure to use a heavy mono leader in the 50# range or light 27# wire. Fishing should get better each week as the water temp increases. I expect the Skipjack (Ladyfish) to be on the beach at any time.

SOUND AND BAYS
The Trout have moved up on the grass flats. I have heard there have been dink Trout and nice Trout caught on the flats this week. Bigger fish have been caught around the canal mouths and rock piles throughout the sound and bays. Don’t overlook fishing the drop off edges in the sound and bays. Live shrimp fished with a popping cork will produce on the flats. Live shrimp on a split shot cast around the structure will yield good results. Good articicial baits this week have been the Mirro Lure Mirro Dine, DOA ¼ oz shrimp and GULP shrimp. Redfish can be found cruising the grass flats and stacked up on deep water docks and pilings. Johnson Silver Minnows in gold in ¼ and ½ oz sizes score well. Don’t overlook the top water baits, Gulp!, Mirro Lures, Yozuri's and soft plastic baits for both species.

NEAR SHORE – GULF
Red Snapper are everywhere! Live pinfish and frozen cigar minnows will catch them. Jigging the Shimano and Williamson jigs are also very productive. The season is still closed so make sure you throw them back. Trolling for Spanish Mackerel should only get better. The King Mackerel are here! Try trolling some Mann’s Stretch 25 or 30 baits, Yozuri and Rapala swim baits will work too. Duster rigs with cigar minnows is a very productive method for catching the Kings. The oversized Redfish will hit them, along with Cobia, and big Jack Crevalle as well. The Black Fin and Yellowfin Tuna bite at the rigs has been very good. Butterfly jigs have been producing well. Most fish have been caught in the 60 to 100 foot depths. There have been some Amberjack caught at wrecks in the 300 foot depths. Most have been really nice fish. Jigs and live bait have been producing well.

Half Hitch Tackle
850-234-2621
2206 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
www.halfhitch.com


Fishing Report prepared by Half Hitch Tackle Staff.

The Captains Corner Fishing Report is provided by local charter captains and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Half Hitch Tackle.

This report is dedicated to the memory of Al Hubbard.
Al Hubbard was a field editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, an outdoor writer for the News Herald and a board member of the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association.
Mr. Hubbard was also the owner of Al's Outdoors Outfitting Services.

Sarasota Fishing Report 5-6-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
5/6/2011


With water temperatures in the low 80’s, tarpon are plentiful in the coastal gulf off Sarasota. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, jumped several tarpon and brought one to the boat on flies this week. Although bay fishing was slow, tarpon more than made up for it.

Andy and Drew Hemmert, from Maitland, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Sunday. Andy and Drew are experienced fly casters, but we found the action slow that day. We fished both sides of the bay and caught a few trout on flies and CAL jigs. We had some shots at reds in skinny water, but no takes. We also spent about 1 ½-hours in the coastal gulf where Drew had a couple of shots at tarpon.

Carl Bettinger, from Albuquerque, NM, tarpon fished with me in Sarasota on Monday and Tuesday. We had good action, getting numerous shots at fish each day. Carl jumped a pair of fish, both about 80-pounds, on a black Deceiver fly on Monday. We got numerous jumps and runs from the first fish, which jumped off after we had the fish back on the fly line and close to the boat. Another fish broke off when the fly line wrapped around the butt of the rod as he cleared the fly line.

It all came together for Carl on Tuesday. We saw fewer fish and they were deeper in the water column, but he landed his first tarpon. After seeing fish in slightly deeper water, I repositioned the boat, added some lead wire to his fly and he connected on his first cast. After about a 40-minute battle which included dodging several obstacles, I leadered the fish. We hooked up in the coastal gulf and landed the fish in Sarasota Bay about a mile away!

Next week’s tides are favorable towards the end of the week as we approach the next full moon on May 17. Also, expect significant tarpon schooling activity as we approach the full moon. Fishing should also be good in Sarasota Bay for trout, Spanish mackerel and more on deep grass flats and reds, trout and snook in skinny water.

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

Mahi & Yellow Tail Bite Is On!

Stacey Howell, Steve Kaufman & Jon Eric of South Florida with part of their Mahi catch after fishing on YABBA DABBA DOO with Capt. Steve Leopold.  This group of friends dined on fresh Mahi fillets last night.



Here's another split charter at Holiday Isle Marina, this time on board KILLER WHITE with Capt. Aaron Brower.  Joe Costales (left) & Ray Ansell reeled in Yellow Tail, Mutton Snapper, one large Barracuda, Amber Jack and almost 3 whole Black Grouper.  A big 'ol Bull Shark decided to 'munch' down on Ray's Big Black Grouper. Joe is from Long Island, NY & Ray lives in Liverpool, England.




Fishing REEL SHARP with Capt. Sam Milazzo this trio of Angler's did the 'Variety Pack Catch'.  Brian Rhoades (left), Danny Danziger and Shane Tackett loaded the fish box with a limit of Yellow Tail Snapper, Jack's, a couple of nice Mutton Snapper & Black Grouper.  These 3 are back out on the deep blue with Capt. Sam again today.  A picture perfect day here in Islamorada, FL!!!



Vacationing in The Florida Keys and fishing SASSY LADY with Capt. Butch Green out of Holiday Isle Marina yesterday was Jeff & Vickie.  This couple from Royal Oak, MI had a great time catching Mahi on the water just off Islamorada, FL., 'The Sport Fishing Capital of the World'.

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 Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Tampa Bay Tarpon 2011

Bahia Honda Channel, Boca Grande Pass, and Tampa Bay Bridges all have one thing in common this time of year... Big, bone crushing, rod bending, sky bound jumping Tarpon!!! And the last few weeks have been nothing more than amazing chasing Silver Kings across the state of Florida. Local customs and etiquette vary from place to place, but the underlying tactics of jumping "Megalops Atlanticus" remain the same.



I have found the most effective method is to free-line live baits for a natural presentation that Tarpon can't resist.  As for what kind of bait, the old saying "match the hatch" holds true. Anchored up on a slow incoming tide on a Bahia Honda Channel in the Keys? Pony up and buys some Blue Crabs. Drifting a big hill tide in Boca Grande Pass? Bring along the dip net and use Pass Crabs. Sight fishing rollers along a beach in Tampa? Throw the cast net and pitch Threadfin Herring. Tarpon can be finicky at times, so it pays (literally) to have a couple different bait to choose from to play the odds...




Rods, reels, line, leader, knots, hooks, etc. are all highly debated. Being an independent fishing guide, I have no commitment to sponsor(s) to promote their product(s). With that disclaimer said, I do prefer an 8' Custom Star Rod paired with a Shimano Torium 30 Reel spooled with 30lbs Monofilament Line connected via a uni-to-uni knot to a 40lbs Yozuri Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon Leader with a 5/0 Owner Offset Circle Hook while sporting a pair of Costa Del Mar Switchfoot 580's. You can go with bait casters, braided line, bimini knots, and the like, so if you have something different that works, stick with it and we can discuss the finer points in the winter while regaling stories of summertime Poon chasing. Now with all that commercial name dropping done, if you know the Pro Staff for Star Rods, Shimano, Yozuri, Owner, or Costa Del Mar have them make the check(s) payable to Captain Jay - CJ Flats Saltwater Charters.


Jokes aside, there are some universal Tarpon rules and etiquette that will help you (and everyone else around you) catch more Tarpon now and in the future... The Don'ts: Motoring over rolling Tarpon, running down-current of Anglers drifting live baits for Tarpon, cutting in line/current/direction of boats casting to Tarpon, anchoring in the pass, and pulling Tarpon out of the water for a photo without a kill tag.  The Do's:  Pulling your Tarpon out of the school or away from the bridge or pass, moving out of the way of another angler/boat battling a Tarpon, fighting your Tarpon quickly to avoid overstressing the fish and/or feeding it to the Sharks, properly reviving your Tarpon prior to release to include motoring forward with the Tarpon at the side of the boat to push water across his gills, and most importantly, calling me at 1-877-463-5420 or emailing me at reservations@cjflats.com if you have any questions regarding Tarpon fishing, wish to book a Tarpon trip, or want me to come aboard with you and share with you some of my experiences on catching Tarpon more effectively. As always, tight lines... 


Captain Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jay-Schroeder/541903130