Fishing Report
Reported by Capt. Sherrie Stovall on
June 4, 2008
Offshore Sebastian Inlet
Summer weather is here, but the offshore seas do not agree. Strong winds from the west are not what we are hoping for because that forces the warm surface waters out and draws in the cooler waters inshore. The ocean does a rolling temperature change from warm Gulf Stream highs on the surface and colder Labrador currents on bottom. The cooler water will affect the fishing conditions by slowing the activity to a stand still. All the bottom fish will hold tight to their holes and not move to save body energy. The colder water will start about 15-20 feet below the surface and extend all the way to the ocean floor. Let’s hope the west winds stay at bay a few more weeks and we can get offshore to do some Dolphin and Wahoo fishing.
The dolphin have been hanging out in 120 ft. of water and continuing on out further towards the Gulf Steam. Many of the fish seem to be feeding early to mid morning on the troll. If you can locate a weed line or a current change on the surface, the fish will come. Rig some medium ballyhoo on a 7/0 or 8/0 Mustad #3407 hook with monofilament or wire, followed by a colorful skirt or all natural. The dolphin are ranging been 15-20 lbs and a few over 30 lbs have been caught.
Several Wahoo are also adding color to the fish box. Trolling baits around the deeper water cones in 250+ ft. of water and locating current rips are the hot spots. Wahoo like the baits deeper in the water and with a bit more speed than the dolphin. Kick up the engine rpms 2-3 knots above your normal trolling speed, drop back a heavy cone head rigged with an inline weight or on a downrigger and you are sure to get a hit.
If you get a short hit on the outriggers keep an eye behind the lure for a bill slicing through the water. Many sailfish are shadowing the weed lines and feeding in the same waters as the mahi. The sails are taking short swipes at the baits and you need to drop the lure back to them sometimes to help them take the hook. Summer time conditions are great for live baiting sails. Hook up some blue runners or goggle eyes and free line them behind the boat to get the show started on the surface. The sails are best known for their aerial displays by leaping out of the water and jumping multiple times called greyhounding.
Grouper and snapper catches have been sporadic. Things on the bottom have been slow, but if you reel up about 20 feet off the bottom, get ready to have your rod bend over and jerk you out of your shoes because the AJ’s are in. The amberjack are loaded up offshore on the 130-220 ft. rocks. Most of the fish are 30+ lbs with an exception of a 103 lb. Amberjack caught by Pete Turner of Melbourne Beach. Pete caught the huge beast in 15 minutes on a Shimano Trevally Jigging Rod loaded up with #50 braid on spinning tackle. My back is already in knots just thinking about catching that fish.
The vertical jigs are definitely heating up the action when it comes to bottom fishing. Live baits are very hard to come by right now and the reefs are not holding any shiny baitfish. There are several manufactures of jigs that will work like Braid, Williamson and Shimano’s Butterfly Jigs. The jigs can be expensive and the hooks are sold separately, trust me on this one and buy the Owner hooks! They have earned their stars with me. I have donated several expensive jigs due to hook failure from the cheaper hook systems. The new Jigging rods will speak for themselves. The rods are around $100 and have all the backbone you will need to hoist your own monster from the deep. Any serious bottom enthusiast should get one of the jigging rods and give it a try, you will be impressed. The jig rods are also good for live baiting or pitching jigs at cobia.
The full moon in June is also one of the best moons for nighttime snapper fishing. The mangrove snapper is a sly and weary fish, but under the light of the full moon, you can chum them right up to the back of the boat. Mangroves are along the 60 - 80 foot offshore bars. Go to your favorite bottom rock and throw the hook. Long 5-8 ft. fluorocarbon leaders and egg weights are the trick. Dead sardines will work for bait on the hook, but chumming is the key. Drop a chum block or two down on the reef and give it 20-30 minutes to start attracting the fish. Your old fish carcasses will work to, keep those in the freezer after your next fishing trip and take them snapper fishing for added chum in the water.
Sebastian Inlet & River
The action at Sebastian Inlet will be slowing down this month as snook season is closed for the summer, but the fishing remains strong. Grab some lighter gear and hit the rocks and catwalks to chase the mangrove snapper. The mangroves start to stage in the inlet along with some mutton snapper and lanes. Shrimp will work, but the smaller shiny baitfish like mojarras and pins are what they are really after. Tie up a rig with #25-30 lb. Fluorocarbon leader to help keep you visibility down in the water. The snapper are crafty guys and will take you under the small ledges in a hurry. Try using the lightest weight to hold bottom and stay ready for the hit.
The summer kingfish bite is on right outside of the inlet. Most of the kings are 20 lbs+ and some smokers in the 40 lb. range have been landed. The kings are taking live baits like croakers, mullet and greenies. A few large hammerheads have been spotted in with the kingfish and have also been helping themselves to a free meal here and there.
The surf is great for whiting as long as the water stays warm. Use cut shrimp and clam for the whiting and sand fleas if available. Some Spanish mackerel has been out by the second sandbars. Light silver spoons and Gotcha Jigs will work in the early morning light and later in the evenings before dusk.
Spotted sea trout have been very prolific along the lagoon flats. Shrimp on a cork and top water plugs are the easiest way to cover some ground and find the fish. The redfish are also roaming around looking for a meal. Look to start fishing early in the mornings and later in the evenings to beat the heat of the day.
Don’t let the gas prices get you down and take the time to enjoy the things that make you happy…….. Get Out & Go Fishing!
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-1440
9030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
www.whiteysonline.com/
Visit our new Whitey's Photo Album site for loads of pictures new and old.
More information, or wish to book an Offshore Charter, please call us on 321-724-1440, or email us: captstovall@whiteysonline.com
No comments:
Post a Comment