Fort Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing has been good for the last week and a half. Anglers aboard the Reel Work have been catching mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, tuna, tilefish, skipjack, snapper and sharks. Fishing slowed a bit at the end of last week but has picked back up since.
Last week started strong with a fun day of catching good sized dolphin and some skipjacks. Our anglers had a blast and took home some tasty mahi filets. Tuesday and Wednesday our anglers were treated to a nice variety of fish. Our clients caught mahi-mahi, a few tuna and even hooked into a few drag screaming kingfish. Fishing slowed a little on Thursday and Friday. Hard work payed off though with a nice wahoo and a tiger shark. My first mate Adam ran the boat on Sunday and our crew had a really cool day of shark fishing. They got some blackfin tuna, a hammerhead, silky, and thresher shark. I was back at the controls for 2 trips yesterday. Our anglers landed a few tuna and some tilefish in the morning, then on the afternoon trip my anglers caught a big sandbar shark and some bottom fish.
Fish On!
Reel Work Sport Fishing Charters
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
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Indian River Sight Fishing 2-18-2012
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
2-18-2012
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Fishing Report
The past couple weeks have brought some changes to the Mosquito Lagoon which include a sudden rise in the water level along with some long awaited clear water. Since the water has cleared, the sun has been in hiding which has made the sight fishing difficult but not impossible. On days when it has been too windy to fish the flats, the St. Johns River has been providing some excellent fishing for American Shad on light tackle and fly. Shad are the freshwater version of a mini tarpon. They fight hard and jump high. In addition to the shad, the bluegill, sunfish, bass, and crappie also help keep the rod consistently bent.
It was one of those cloudy and windy days last week that I took John to the St. Johns after we decided fly fishing for redfish would be futile. John proceeded to catch dozens of fish throughout the day on a variety of flies in sizes 10-12.
A few days later, another client named John was faced with the same situation. He wanted to fly fish the flats but the weather was going to make it difficult. Again we hit the river and, armed with my new 3wt flyrod, John enjoyed some spectacular catch and release action on both shad and panfish.
Most of the day he used lightly weighted flies tied on barbless size 12 hooks in gold, chartreuse, or pink. When throwing into a feeding frenzy, color made no difference.
Karen joined me on the river for some shad fishing this week. She used an ultralight spinning rod and the DOA Tiny TerrorEyz to land an assortment of shad and panfish. I used both the fly and spin rods to catch a bunch of shad, bluegill, redbreast, and a nice bass.
The next day Paul and I fished the river. While the shad were not biting quite as fast as the day before, we still tallied over 20 with dozens more panfish mixed in. We saw lots of alligators, tons of birds, and even some swimming cows.
Returning to Mosquito Lagoon Thursday, I found the cold snap over the weekend had caused the water to clear up dramatically. Many areas had the cleanest water I have seen since last spring. The redfish were not tailing, however, and Todd and Steve had a difficult time spotting the few we came across. They managed to landed several trout and a flounder on a CAL bait.
Friday's trip with Roger and Annie brought more clouds. We encountered plenty of redfish, most of which were in schools of 25-100 fish. In addition to the reds, there were lots of large seatrout on the shallow flats. Both Roger and Annie landed trout and reds on the DOA shrimp in watermelon holographic, and the 5.5 inch CAL in golden bream with a Woodies Rattle.
With the water clear, the redfish schooled up, and the big trout up shallow, all we need is some sunny days and we will get some excellent sight fishing action on Mosquito Lagoon. Fly anglers should stick to crab and shrimp patterns for redfish and drum, and bendback or topwater sliders for big trout. The DOA shrimp will continue to work well for sight fishing both species and the CAL bait will cover lots of water if you need to blind cast. The Shad run should continue for several more weeks in the St. Johns River.
Upcoming Seminars
Saturday, February 25th - 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp, phone (407) 349-5554, on Hwy 46 adjacent to CS Lee Park in Geneva, Florida. Free Seminars instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers For Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program. For more details on the Shad Rally visit www.cfshadderby.com
Friday March 2, 5:30pm Common Fly Casting Errors and Solutions
Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo - Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. Free Entry on Friday.
Saturday, March 17 9am-1 - Fly Casting
Capt Chris Myers instructs a 4 hour class on fly casting at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka. Pre-registration is required. $75
321-229-2848
Thursday March 22 - 6:30-8:30 "Spring Cobia" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors,170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida
Saturday, March 31 10:00 to 12 Noon "Free Seminar" Class 2 of Fundamentals of Flats Fishing series, "Saltwater Flats Fishing Tackle" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Captain Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida
Captain Chris Myers
321-229-2848
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
cmyers@floridafishinglessons.com
2-18-2012
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Fishing Report
The past couple weeks have brought some changes to the Mosquito Lagoon which include a sudden rise in the water level along with some long awaited clear water. Since the water has cleared, the sun has been in hiding which has made the sight fishing difficult but not impossible. On days when it has been too windy to fish the flats, the St. Johns River has been providing some excellent fishing for American Shad on light tackle and fly. Shad are the freshwater version of a mini tarpon. They fight hard and jump high. In addition to the shad, the bluegill, sunfish, bass, and crappie also help keep the rod consistently bent.
It was one of those cloudy and windy days last week that I took John to the St. Johns after we decided fly fishing for redfish would be futile. John proceeded to catch dozens of fish throughout the day on a variety of flies in sizes 10-12.
A few days later, another client named John was faced with the same situation. He wanted to fly fish the flats but the weather was going to make it difficult. Again we hit the river and, armed with my new 3wt flyrod, John enjoyed some spectacular catch and release action on both shad and panfish.
Most of the day he used lightly weighted flies tied on barbless size 12 hooks in gold, chartreuse, or pink. When throwing into a feeding frenzy, color made no difference.
Karen joined me on the river for some shad fishing this week. She used an ultralight spinning rod and the DOA Tiny TerrorEyz to land an assortment of shad and panfish. I used both the fly and spin rods to catch a bunch of shad, bluegill, redbreast, and a nice bass.
The next day Paul and I fished the river. While the shad were not biting quite as fast as the day before, we still tallied over 20 with dozens more panfish mixed in. We saw lots of alligators, tons of birds, and even some swimming cows.
Returning to Mosquito Lagoon Thursday, I found the cold snap over the weekend had caused the water to clear up dramatically. Many areas had the cleanest water I have seen since last spring. The redfish were not tailing, however, and Todd and Steve had a difficult time spotting the few we came across. They managed to landed several trout and a flounder on a CAL bait.
Friday's trip with Roger and Annie brought more clouds. We encountered plenty of redfish, most of which were in schools of 25-100 fish. In addition to the reds, there were lots of large seatrout on the shallow flats. Both Roger and Annie landed trout and reds on the DOA shrimp in watermelon holographic, and the 5.5 inch CAL in golden bream with a Woodies Rattle.
With the water clear, the redfish schooled up, and the big trout up shallow, all we need is some sunny days and we will get some excellent sight fishing action on Mosquito Lagoon. Fly anglers should stick to crab and shrimp patterns for redfish and drum, and bendback or topwater sliders for big trout. The DOA shrimp will continue to work well for sight fishing both species and the CAL bait will cover lots of water if you need to blind cast. The Shad run should continue for several more weeks in the St. Johns River.
Upcoming Seminars
Saturday, February 25th - 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp, phone (407) 349-5554, on Hwy 46 adjacent to CS Lee Park in Geneva, Florida. Free Seminars instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers For Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program. For more details on the Shad Rally visit www.cfshadderby.com
Friday March 2, 5:30pm Common Fly Casting Errors and Solutions
Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo - Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. Free Entry on Friday.
Saturday, March 17 9am-1 - Fly Casting
Capt Chris Myers instructs a 4 hour class on fly casting at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka. Pre-registration is required. $75
321-229-2848
Thursday March 22 - 6:30-8:30 "Spring Cobia" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors,170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida
Saturday, March 31 10:00 to 12 Noon "Free Seminar" Class 2 of Fundamentals of Flats Fishing series, "Saltwater Flats Fishing Tackle" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Captain Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida
Captain Chris Myers
321-229-2848
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
cmyers@floridafishinglessons.com
Friday, February 17, 2012
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 2-17- 2012
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
February 16, 2012
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcomming Events and Seminars
February 2012
Saturday, February 25th - 11:00 to 2:00 p.m., Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp, phone (407) 349-5554, on Hwy 46 adjacent to CS Lee Park in Geneva, Florida. Visit: www.thejollygator.com. "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers For Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program. For more details on the Shad Rally, visit www.cfshadderby.com
March 2012
Thursday March 22nd - 6:30 P.m. to 8:30 p.m. "Free Seminars" "Spring Cobia" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors,
170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida,
www.mosquitocreek.com.
Saturday March 31st, 10:00 to 12 Noon "Free Seminar" Class 2 of Fundamentals of Flats Fishing series, "Saltwater Flats Fishing Tackle" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
Saturday March 31st, 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Shad and Crappie Derby Awards, located at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka, Florida. For more details visit www.cfshadderby.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
My angling adventures this past week once again carried me away from the water in support of the Orlando angling community and production week in developing the March issue of Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando. Fortunately, there are many aspects to being a successful fishing guide and magazine publisher besides fishing, and I enjoy all of them. Through the years, Orlando has developed an extremely tight outdoor community consisting of numerous fishing clubs and conservation groups who have recognized the value of our outdoor resources and have stepped up to the plate in promoting and protecting our outdoor assets.
This commitment was evident this past weekend at the First Annual Old Florida Outdoor Festival held by the City of Apopka. Like many, my expectations of this event were not high as it was a first time occurrence, but I was presently surprised by great turnout and how well it came together. In support of the event, our angling leaders for across the state attended, and it was great to visit and spend time with them. With that said, I would like to thank Mark Sosin, Patrick Sebile, Mark Nichols, Jerry McBride, Blair Wiggins, Ron Presely, Rodney Smith, and many others for stepping up to the plate to attend this event. I would also like to thank our CAM Orlando partners and advertisers like Fishing Florida Radio, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Orlando Outfitters, Travel Country, GT Marine Outdoors, Kel's Rod and Reel and Fish on Fire for supporting this event, and I'm already looking forward to next year.
As stated earlier, my adventures this past week were off the water, so the content of this report was provided by my angling friends and colleague. The weather this past week held the upper hand as passing and approaching cold fronts brought rough and cloudy conditions to Central Florida making angling a challenge, and this coming weekend doesn't look any better.
The seas offshore will remain in the 3 to 7 foot range, so be careful if you're heading outside. The cobia are starting to show up in the 40 to 60 foot depths, and they are popping up and holding near bait pods well south of Port Canaveral, and others are staging on the wrecks in these same depths. Once the water settles down, look for free swimmers around mid day and late afternoon. On the near-shore reefs and wrecks, kingfish have been hitting slow trolled live and dead baits on the 70 to 90 foot reef line.
Inshore, the poor weather conditions have made sight fishing tough this week, but there are still some good reports coming from those willing to challenge the conditions. It's always tougher blind casting for redfish and sea trout, but in cloudy and windy conditions it's often your only option. If conditions are tough, consider fishing in protected areas along the edges of the flats and drop-offs and exercise caution when venturing out into the open water.
Last but not least, on windy days target those freshwater fishing holes on the St Johns River. Earlier this month, good catches of American shad, speckled perch, and sunshine bass were being reported, but this past week reports indicate that the bite has slowed down some in the main river channels, so it might be prudent to check out the creeks and backwaters from Puzzle Lake south.
In closing, be sure to sign up for the Shad and Crappie Derby (www.cfshadderby.com) and attend the Shad Rally on February 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. were I will be raffling off a free fishing charter to one lucky angler, but there is a catch. To receive your free raffle ticket, you will need to bring me some trash from the river bank. So, I'm looking forward to seeing you at the rally with some trash in hand, and then taking you fishing.
As always, if you have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
February 16, 2012
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcomming Events and Seminars
February 2012
Saturday, February 25th - 11:00 to 2:00 p.m., Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp, phone (407) 349-5554, on Hwy 46 adjacent to CS Lee Park in Geneva, Florida. Visit: www.thejollygator.com. "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers For Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program. For more details on the Shad Rally, visit www.cfshadderby.com
March 2012
Thursday March 22nd - 6:30 P.m. to 8:30 p.m. "Free Seminars" "Spring Cobia" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors,
170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida,
www.mosquitocreek.com.
Saturday March 31st, 10:00 to 12 Noon "Free Seminar" Class 2 of Fundamentals of Flats Fishing series, "Saltwater Flats Fishing Tackle" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
Saturday March 31st, 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Shad and Crappie Derby Awards, located at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka, Florida. For more details visit www.cfshadderby.com
This Weeks Fishing Report
My angling adventures this past week once again carried me away from the water in support of the Orlando angling community and production week in developing the March issue of Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando. Fortunately, there are many aspects to being a successful fishing guide and magazine publisher besides fishing, and I enjoy all of them. Through the years, Orlando has developed an extremely tight outdoor community consisting of numerous fishing clubs and conservation groups who have recognized the value of our outdoor resources and have stepped up to the plate in promoting and protecting our outdoor assets.
This commitment was evident this past weekend at the First Annual Old Florida Outdoor Festival held by the City of Apopka. Like many, my expectations of this event were not high as it was a first time occurrence, but I was presently surprised by great turnout and how well it came together. In support of the event, our angling leaders for across the state attended, and it was great to visit and spend time with them. With that said, I would like to thank Mark Sosin, Patrick Sebile, Mark Nichols, Jerry McBride, Blair Wiggins, Ron Presely, Rodney Smith, and many others for stepping up to the plate to attend this event. I would also like to thank our CAM Orlando partners and advertisers like Fishing Florida Radio, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Orlando Outfitters, Travel Country, GT Marine Outdoors, Kel's Rod and Reel and Fish on Fire for supporting this event, and I'm already looking forward to next year.
As stated earlier, my adventures this past week were off the water, so the content of this report was provided by my angling friends and colleague. The weather this past week held the upper hand as passing and approaching cold fronts brought rough and cloudy conditions to Central Florida making angling a challenge, and this coming weekend doesn't look any better.
The seas offshore will remain in the 3 to 7 foot range, so be careful if you're heading outside. The cobia are starting to show up in the 40 to 60 foot depths, and they are popping up and holding near bait pods well south of Port Canaveral, and others are staging on the wrecks in these same depths. Once the water settles down, look for free swimmers around mid day and late afternoon. On the near-shore reefs and wrecks, kingfish have been hitting slow trolled live and dead baits on the 70 to 90 foot reef line.
Inshore, the poor weather conditions have made sight fishing tough this week, but there are still some good reports coming from those willing to challenge the conditions. It's always tougher blind casting for redfish and sea trout, but in cloudy and windy conditions it's often your only option. If conditions are tough, consider fishing in protected areas along the edges of the flats and drop-offs and exercise caution when venturing out into the open water.
Last but not least, on windy days target those freshwater fishing holes on the St Johns River. Earlier this month, good catches of American shad, speckled perch, and sunshine bass were being reported, but this past week reports indicate that the bite has slowed down some in the main river channels, so it might be prudent to check out the creeks and backwaters from Puzzle Lake south.
In closing, be sure to sign up for the Shad and Crappie Derby (www.cfshadderby.com) and attend the Shad Rally on February 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. were I will be raffling off a free fishing charter to one lucky angler, but there is a catch. To receive your free raffle ticket, you will need to bring me some trash from the river bank. So, I'm looking forward to seeing you at the rally with some trash in hand, and then taking you fishing.
As always, if you have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Sarasota Fishing Report 2-14-2012
Sarasota & Gasparilla Sound, FL Fishing Report
2/11/2012
by 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, reds and snook on flies and jigs during the past week.
Keith McClintock and Barry Slee, both from Lake Forest, IL, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Monday. They had a good day catching and releasing 5 reds to 5-pounds and numerous trout to 3 ½-pounds on CAL jigs with shad tails. Action was best in the afternoon when they caught most of their reds in shallow backcountry areas. Dick Striano, from MA, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. Action was slow to start but I found some fish on the windy side of the bay near Whale Key where Dick caught and released about a dozen trout and a sharpnose shark on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly.
It was breezy on Wednesday when Parrish winter resident, Dave Wahl, fished Sarasota Bay with me. Dave caught and released a few trout and a couple of jacks on my Grassett Deep Flats Bunny and Ultra Hair Clouser flies. I poled some very skinny water at the top of the tide where he got some shots at trout in potholes and connected with a nice red on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Sarasota winter resident, Phil Rever, and his brother, Jack Rever, from VA, fished the ICW near Venice with me on Thursday night. They caught and released 8 or 10 snook to 28” and about a dozen trout on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. With the forecast of a front with windy conditions for Saturday, I was able to rearrange my schedule to take advantage of favorable conditions ahead of the front. It paid off when Terry Antoniuk, from Calgary, Alberta, and his brother, David Antoniuk from Sarasota, fished north Sarasota Bay with me on Friday afternoon. Terry caught and released 2 reds on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly and he and David caught 8 or 10 trout to 3 ½-pounds, with most fish in the slot or above, on the same fly and a weedless rigged CAL shad tail. We found the fish in skinny water in potholes and over shallow grass at the top of the tide.
Fishing should be better in the afternoon next week due to better tides and warmer water. Fishing protected, shallow grass flats for reds and trout on sunny afternoons and deep grass flats for trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano should be good options. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW should also be good.
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
Barry Slee, from Lake Forest, IL, caught and released this red with 15 spots on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Sarasota winter resident, Phil Rever, caught and released this 28" snook on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW near Venice at night with Capt. Rick Grassett.
David Antoniuk, from Sarasota, caught and released this over slot trout on a weedless rigged CAL shad tail while fishing potholes and shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
2/11/2012
by 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, reds and snook on flies and jigs during the past week.
Keith McClintock and Barry Slee, both from Lake Forest, IL, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Monday. They had a good day catching and releasing 5 reds to 5-pounds and numerous trout to 3 ½-pounds on CAL jigs with shad tails. Action was best in the afternoon when they caught most of their reds in shallow backcountry areas. Dick Striano, from MA, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. Action was slow to start but I found some fish on the windy side of the bay near Whale Key where Dick caught and released about a dozen trout and a sharpnose shark on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly.
It was breezy on Wednesday when Parrish winter resident, Dave Wahl, fished Sarasota Bay with me. Dave caught and released a few trout and a couple of jacks on my Grassett Deep Flats Bunny and Ultra Hair Clouser flies. I poled some very skinny water at the top of the tide where he got some shots at trout in potholes and connected with a nice red on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Sarasota winter resident, Phil Rever, and his brother, Jack Rever, from VA, fished the ICW near Venice with me on Thursday night. They caught and released 8 or 10 snook to 28” and about a dozen trout on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. With the forecast of a front with windy conditions for Saturday, I was able to rearrange my schedule to take advantage of favorable conditions ahead of the front. It paid off when Terry Antoniuk, from Calgary, Alberta, and his brother, David Antoniuk from Sarasota, fished north Sarasota Bay with me on Friday afternoon. Terry caught and released 2 reds on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly and he and David caught 8 or 10 trout to 3 ½-pounds, with most fish in the slot or above, on the same fly and a weedless rigged CAL shad tail. We found the fish in skinny water in potholes and over shallow grass at the top of the tide.
Fishing should be better in the afternoon next week due to better tides and warmer water. Fishing protected, shallow grass flats for reds and trout on sunny afternoons and deep grass flats for trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano should be good options. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW should also be good.
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
Barry Slee, from Lake Forest, IL, caught and released this red with 15 spots on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Sarasota winter resident, Phil Rever, caught and released this 28" snook on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW near Venice at night with Capt. Rick Grassett.
David Antoniuk, from Sarasota, caught and released this over slot trout on a weedless rigged CAL shad tail while fishing potholes and shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 2-5-2012
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
February 2012
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
February 4th, 10 a.m. to Noon, Fundamentals of Flats Fishing Series, Class 1 of 8, instructed by Captains Chris Myers and Tom Van Horn. Located at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 south Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida. Visit www.mosquitocreek.com for more details.
February 11th and 12th, Old Florida Outdoor Festival in Apopka, Florida. Come out and spend some time visiting with the Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando Captains and writers. We will also have a meet and greet on Friday February 10th from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka where we will welcome Mark Sosin, Mark Nichols, Jerry McBride, Patrick Sebile, Blair Wiggins and our local celebrity captain and professional anglers to Central Florida.
Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby Dates
Saturday February 25th, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Shad Rally and Seminar at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp on the St. Johns River and HWY 46 east of Geneva. This event features free fishing seminars on both crappie and shad fishing by local pros, food, raffles sponsor booths and more. Come out and join in the fun, and learn how easy it is to catch these two species.
Saturday March 17th, Shad and Crappie Derby ends at dusk.
February Fishing Forecast
As winters go here in Central Florida, we certainly can't complain about the great weather we experienced thus far. With the exception of a few cold days, gorgeous fishing condition has prevailed and we experienced so excellent fishing as well.
Tad Derr and Mike Skinner with A nice St. Johns River catfish.
Dave McGaha's Lake Harney Speck
The fresh water bite on the St. Johns River has been on fire, with excellent catches of American shad, crappie, sunshine and largemouth bass, catfish and much more. In addition, redfish, black drum and sea trout have been off the hook in the Lagoons.
Bill Yingling's No-Motor Zone Redfish
Inshore on the flats, water levels have fallen to our winter lows, and it's starting to clear up some. These low water levels force the redfish, black drum, and sea trout into the deeper pockets on the flats where they become trapped in some cases. These concentrations make for a good number of tight schools, but shallow conditions also make access both difficult and dangerous for those not familiar to the area. Also on colder days, falling water temperatures force most fish to seek deeper locations in search the warmest water they can find and they become very sluggish. As the sun warms the water, all it takes is a degree or two of change, and the fish will begin to move and feed in the shallows. On the sunny mornings, it is not uncommon to find redfish and trout holding in the sand pockets or potholes within the shallow flats where water temperatures raise faster. Additionally, warming water temperatures combined with sunny spring days and crystal clear water make February one of the best months to site fish for redfish, large sea trout, and black drum on the lagoon flats. Also, now is the time to target tailing black drum in the Banana River Lagoon "No Motor Zone". For larger sea trout, fish at first light, sunset, or at night with natural baits, and target areas where mangrove edges, docks, and other structure are adjacent to deep water dredge holes, sloughs, or canals. These same areas will also hold concentrations of small trout which can be caught throughout the day on small jigs and shrimp imitation baits like DOA Shrimp fished very slowly along the bottom. Also, when fishing in deeper darker water try using nightglow colors with Woodies Rattles inserted in them to add the element of sound.
Offshore, kingfish will be active along the inshore reefs and wrecks, and they will remain there as long as the water temperature stays above 68 degrees. When targeting kingfish this month focus your efforts on the areas of 8A Reef, Pelican Flats, and Bethel Shoals to the south for best results. Look for cobia and amberjack to be present on the inshore wrecks like the Carol Lee, Dutch, and Sub Wreck out of Port Canaveral. Additionally, live bait is tough to find this time of year, so always carry a box of frozen Spanish sardines with you as backup.
Near-shore, look for tripletail concentrations to improve greatly along the Port Canaveral buoy line and under floating weeds and structures, and for cobia to move in shadowing manta rays if the surface water temperatures reach the upper sixties. Now is also the time for shore fisherman to target pompano, bluefish, weakfish, small black drum, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel and whiting in the surf and larger redfish and flounder around the inlets and jetties.
Last but not least, windy days in February are a great time to check out those freshwater fishing holes on the St Johns River. Currently good catches of American shad, speckled perch, warmouth perch, and largemouth bass are being reported. The shad run has been really kicking this year with more fish then we have seen in years. This past week, good reports of shad came from the Marina Isles to Mullet Lake section of the St. Johns River, as well as a good number shad being taken south of Lake Harney. As the run progresses the shad are moving into the shallows flats south of Hwy 46, so fly anglers don't haste.
In closing, be sure to sign up for the Shad and Crappie Derby (www.cfshadderby.com) and I'll see you at the Shad Rally on February 25th were I will be raffling off a free fishing charter to one lucky angler, but there is a catch. To receive your free raffle ticket, you will need to bring me some trash from the river bank. So, I'm looking forward to seeing you at the rally with some trash in hand, and then taking you fishing.
As always, if you have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
February 2012
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
February 4th, 10 a.m. to Noon, Fundamentals of Flats Fishing Series, Class 1 of 8, instructed by Captains Chris Myers and Tom Van Horn. Located at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 south Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida. Visit www.mosquitocreek.com for more details.
February 11th and 12th, Old Florida Outdoor Festival in Apopka, Florida. Come out and spend some time visiting with the Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando Captains and writers. We will also have a meet and greet on Friday February 10th from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka where we will welcome Mark Sosin, Mark Nichols, Jerry McBride, Patrick Sebile, Blair Wiggins and our local celebrity captain and professional anglers to Central Florida.
Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby Dates
Saturday February 25th, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Shad Rally and Seminar at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp on the St. Johns River and HWY 46 east of Geneva. This event features free fishing seminars on both crappie and shad fishing by local pros, food, raffles sponsor booths and more. Come out and join in the fun, and learn how easy it is to catch these two species.
Saturday March 17th, Shad and Crappie Derby ends at dusk.
February Fishing Forecast
As winters go here in Central Florida, we certainly can't complain about the great weather we experienced thus far. With the exception of a few cold days, gorgeous fishing condition has prevailed and we experienced so excellent fishing as well.
Tad Derr and Mike Skinner with A nice St. Johns River catfish.
Dave McGaha's Lake Harney Speck
The fresh water bite on the St. Johns River has been on fire, with excellent catches of American shad, crappie, sunshine and largemouth bass, catfish and much more. In addition, redfish, black drum and sea trout have been off the hook in the Lagoons.
Bill Yingling's No-Motor Zone Redfish
Inshore on the flats, water levels have fallen to our winter lows, and it's starting to clear up some. These low water levels force the redfish, black drum, and sea trout into the deeper pockets on the flats where they become trapped in some cases. These concentrations make for a good number of tight schools, but shallow conditions also make access both difficult and dangerous for those not familiar to the area. Also on colder days, falling water temperatures force most fish to seek deeper locations in search the warmest water they can find and they become very sluggish. As the sun warms the water, all it takes is a degree or two of change, and the fish will begin to move and feed in the shallows. On the sunny mornings, it is not uncommon to find redfish and trout holding in the sand pockets or potholes within the shallow flats where water temperatures raise faster. Additionally, warming water temperatures combined with sunny spring days and crystal clear water make February one of the best months to site fish for redfish, large sea trout, and black drum on the lagoon flats. Also, now is the time to target tailing black drum in the Banana River Lagoon "No Motor Zone". For larger sea trout, fish at first light, sunset, or at night with natural baits, and target areas where mangrove edges, docks, and other structure are adjacent to deep water dredge holes, sloughs, or canals. These same areas will also hold concentrations of small trout which can be caught throughout the day on small jigs and shrimp imitation baits like DOA Shrimp fished very slowly along the bottom. Also, when fishing in deeper darker water try using nightglow colors with Woodies Rattles inserted in them to add the element of sound.
Offshore, kingfish will be active along the inshore reefs and wrecks, and they will remain there as long as the water temperature stays above 68 degrees. When targeting kingfish this month focus your efforts on the areas of 8A Reef, Pelican Flats, and Bethel Shoals to the south for best results. Look for cobia and amberjack to be present on the inshore wrecks like the Carol Lee, Dutch, and Sub Wreck out of Port Canaveral. Additionally, live bait is tough to find this time of year, so always carry a box of frozen Spanish sardines with you as backup.
Near-shore, look for tripletail concentrations to improve greatly along the Port Canaveral buoy line and under floating weeds and structures, and for cobia to move in shadowing manta rays if the surface water temperatures reach the upper sixties. Now is also the time for shore fisherman to target pompano, bluefish, weakfish, small black drum, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel and whiting in the surf and larger redfish and flounder around the inlets and jetties.
Last but not least, windy days in February are a great time to check out those freshwater fishing holes on the St Johns River. Currently good catches of American shad, speckled perch, warmouth perch, and largemouth bass are being reported. The shad run has been really kicking this year with more fish then we have seen in years. This past week, good reports of shad came from the Marina Isles to Mullet Lake section of the St. Johns River, as well as a good number shad being taken south of Lake Harney. As the run progresses the shad are moving into the shallows flats south of Hwy 46, so fly anglers don't haste.
In closing, be sure to sign up for the Shad and Crappie Derby (www.cfshadderby.com) and I'll see you at the Shad Rally on February 25th were I will be raffling off a free fishing charter to one lucky angler, but there is a catch. To receive your free raffle ticket, you will need to bring me some trash from the river bank. So, I'm looking forward to seeing you at the rally with some trash in hand, and then taking you fishing.
As always, if you have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Amelia Island Fishing Report 2-2012
Amelia Island Fishing Report
Get away from it all and ......let's go fishing!
February 2012
by Cpt. Lawrence Piper
Who Said it Was Going to be a Cold Winter?
We have only had a couple of days where we covered plants to protect them from the cold and most of the time we're getting temperatures into the 70's, making it great weather to be fishing the waters of Amelia Island! Plan to follow along with what's biting at the Amelia Island Fishing Report. Bookings are slow this time of year so if you have a window, give me a call and book a trip. Get away from it all and...Let's Go Fishing on The Angler's Mark!
January Report/February Forecasts
You just can't beat this great weather! According to the radio, today's a "pefect 10" with a high expected to be 70! The fishing that we did in January was simply Outstanding! Even though we had some wind blowing on one trip in early January, we had non stop action for a while, picking up some Puppy Drum and Sheepshead. A group of guys out of Atlanta had about as much fun as you can have catching large slot Redfish, keeper sized Trout, and hard fighting Drum. The fish are here, fishing pressure is minimal, and the cool outdoors is a refreshing place to be this time of year. In February you'll find the Whiting biting at the south end and Redfish, Sheepshead, and Drum biting near dock pilings and downed trees. Stay up to date by following the Amelia Island Fishing Report. If you get the fishing fever and want to get out on the water, give me a shout and we'll go fishing!
Big Amelia Island Redfish Wraps Up The Day.mov
Big Amelia Island Redfish Wraps Up The Day.mov
The Anglers Mark 2012 Backwater Fishing Tournament
Big Trout
Fish The Anglers Mark and earn bragging rights and recognition that will last the whole year! I've got an electronic scale and will begin to weigh each large Redfish, Trout and Flounder and post who is in the lead each month until the end of the year. Right now, we have:
Michael Purser - Redfish 26" 6lbs
Andy Hall - Trout 22" 3lbs
Contact me to get in on the brag'n!
Spoonfly Blues
What does a Spoon flies fishing guide do in the winter time with a lot of time on his hands? Make a mess* of spoonflies! These are a batch that I just completed using a method I found off of the internet. You can go to this link to find directions. Spring will be here before you know it and we'll have a shot at those tailing Redfish for a month or so.
Boat Ramp Closure Updates:
Fernandina Harbor Marina: There has been no noticeable start to the City of Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina dredging and the ramp is still usable. I talked to one Marina employee the other day and he said the equipment was due and dredging should begin soon. Again, the ramp will be closed intermittently with no notice.
Sawpit Creek on Big Talbot Island is still closed for repairs. Work was to be completed by JanuarySawpit Boat Ramp 9th but now a sign has been posted that it will be February 17th before it is finished. It appears the ramp is almost back to normal with the new retaining wall in place, decking replaced, and new pavement down. No work had been started on the old dock on the south side of the ramp.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Get away from it all and ......let's go fishing!
February 2012
by Cpt. Lawrence Piper
Who Said it Was Going to be a Cold Winter?
We have only had a couple of days where we covered plants to protect them from the cold and most of the time we're getting temperatures into the 70's, making it great weather to be fishing the waters of Amelia Island! Plan to follow along with what's biting at the Amelia Island Fishing Report. Bookings are slow this time of year so if you have a window, give me a call and book a trip. Get away from it all and...Let's Go Fishing on The Angler's Mark!
January Report/February Forecasts
You just can't beat this great weather! According to the radio, today's a "pefect 10" with a high expected to be 70! The fishing that we did in January was simply Outstanding! Even though we had some wind blowing on one trip in early January, we had non stop action for a while, picking up some Puppy Drum and Sheepshead. A group of guys out of Atlanta had about as much fun as you can have catching large slot Redfish, keeper sized Trout, and hard fighting Drum. The fish are here, fishing pressure is minimal, and the cool outdoors is a refreshing place to be this time of year. In February you'll find the Whiting biting at the south end and Redfish, Sheepshead, and Drum biting near dock pilings and downed trees. Stay up to date by following the Amelia Island Fishing Report. If you get the fishing fever and want to get out on the water, give me a shout and we'll go fishing!
Big Amelia Island Redfish Wraps Up The Day.mov
Big Amelia Island Redfish Wraps Up The Day.mov
The Anglers Mark 2012 Backwater Fishing Tournament
Big Trout
Fish The Anglers Mark and earn bragging rights and recognition that will last the whole year! I've got an electronic scale and will begin to weigh each large Redfish, Trout and Flounder and post who is in the lead each month until the end of the year. Right now, we have:
Michael Purser - Redfish 26" 6lbs
Andy Hall - Trout 22" 3lbs
Contact me to get in on the brag'n!
Spoonfly Blues
What does a Spoon flies fishing guide do in the winter time with a lot of time on his hands? Make a mess* of spoonflies! These are a batch that I just completed using a method I found off of the internet. You can go to this link to find directions. Spring will be here before you know it and we'll have a shot at those tailing Redfish for a month or so.
Boat Ramp Closure Updates:
Fernandina Harbor Marina: There has been no noticeable start to the City of Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina dredging and the ramp is still usable. I talked to one Marina employee the other day and he said the equipment was due and dredging should begin soon. Again, the ramp will be closed intermittently with no notice.
Sawpit Creek on Big Talbot Island is still closed for repairs. Work was to be completed by JanuarySawpit Boat Ramp 9th but now a sign has been posted that it will be February 17th before it is finished. It appears the ramp is almost back to normal with the new retaining wall in place, decking replaced, and new pavement down. No work had been started on the old dock on the south side of the ramp.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Sarasota Fishing Report 1-31-2012
Sarasota Bay & Gasparilla Sound, FL Fishing Report
1/27/2012
by 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, snook and Spanish mackerel on jigs and flies during the past week. Nick Reding, from Longboat Key, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We waded and fly fished several bars on both sides of the bay. Reds were elusive for us that day, but Nick caught and released a few trout on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL and Gary Roberts, from Bradenton, FL fished Gasparilla Sound with me on Tuesday. They caught and released more than 40 trout to 17” and a snook on CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Deadly Combos and DOA Deadly Duos. With shallow water temperatures reaching close to 70 degrees in backcountry areas, we saw a few snook moving onto the flats to feed in the afternoon.
Tom Newman, from Oakton, VA, fished the coastal gulf and Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. We found a few false albacore (little tunny) working off Siesta Key, but they were up and down very fast. Tom got a fly in them a couple of times, but we couldn’t get right with them before they disappeared. We went back into Sarasota Bay where he caught and released about a dozen trout and a 4-pound Spanish mackerel on my Grassett Deep Flats Bunny fly at Stephens Point and Bishop Point. The biggest trout came out of a pothole in skinny water.
Pete Walocko and Richard Ives, both from MI, fished the same areas with me on Thursday. With an approaching front wind was an issue, but they managed to catch and release a few trout and ladyfish on Ultra Hair Clouser flies.
Look for false albacore, tripletail and Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf when sea conditions are good. Fishing shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay for trout and reds and deep grass flats for trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano should be good options. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW 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
Gary Roberts, from Bradenton, FL, caught and released this snook on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing a sand bar in Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Tom Newman, from Oakton, VA, caught and released this 4-pound Spanish mackerel on a Grassett Deep Flats Bunny fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
1/27/2012
by 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, snook and Spanish mackerel on jigs and flies during the past week. Nick Reding, from Longboat Key, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We waded and fly fished several bars on both sides of the bay. Reds were elusive for us that day, but Nick caught and released a few trout on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL and Gary Roberts, from Bradenton, FL fished Gasparilla Sound with me on Tuesday. They caught and released more than 40 trout to 17” and a snook on CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Deadly Combos and DOA Deadly Duos. With shallow water temperatures reaching close to 70 degrees in backcountry areas, we saw a few snook moving onto the flats to feed in the afternoon.
Tom Newman, from Oakton, VA, fished the coastal gulf and Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. We found a few false albacore (little tunny) working off Siesta Key, but they were up and down very fast. Tom got a fly in them a couple of times, but we couldn’t get right with them before they disappeared. We went back into Sarasota Bay where he caught and released about a dozen trout and a 4-pound Spanish mackerel on my Grassett Deep Flats Bunny fly at Stephens Point and Bishop Point. The biggest trout came out of a pothole in skinny water.
Pete Walocko and Richard Ives, both from MI, fished the same areas with me on Thursday. With an approaching front wind was an issue, but they managed to catch and release a few trout and ladyfish on Ultra Hair Clouser flies.
Look for false albacore, tripletail and Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf when sea conditions are good. Fishing shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay for trout and reds and deep grass flats for trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano should be good options. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW 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
Gary Roberts, from Bradenton, FL, caught and released this snook on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing a sand bar in Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Tom Newman, from Oakton, VA, caught and released this 4-pound Spanish mackerel on a Grassett Deep Flats Bunny fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
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