Wahoo And Mahi Invade The Keys

Sunday, June 27, 2010
"ROUGH' was the Word" and "DOLPHIN' was the Fish" of the day out of Holiday Isle Marina in Islamorada, Florida Keys!!!
It was a beautiful day for offshore fishing out of Holiday Isle Resort and Marina in the beautiful Florida Keys!! However, the word of the day was 'Rough', but the fish of the day was 'Dolphin'. Anglers Julian and Lazaro of Miami were happy with the catch of Tuna and one nice-sized Dolphin aboard the Vagabond with Capt. Tom Gallaher. They took the tuna home whole. Sushi anyone? Capt. Tom said it was not as rough as yesterday, but the waves were closer together. He also said that there were 'plenty of fish out there!'.



Anglers Bob, and his son Tim, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, had a "Rough but great time' aboard the Dee Cee with Capt.Chuck Schimmelman. Plenty of 'Mahi Mahi' for dinner and dinners to come.



This happy group of anglers from Miami had a great time aboard the Killer White with Capt. Aaron Brower. At left, Lisa, Ron, David, and Tammy hold 2 great Wahoo. 'Kiss the fish honey!' At right, Gary and Selena were late for the first picture, but made it back in time before all the fish were filleted. Tammy (in red dress) said that it was 'Rough...but then I drank everybody's beer and it turned out to be a great day"!!!!



We have several captains out fishing tomorrow, so visit our fishing report at http://www.holidayisle.com/ to read all about it. Also, you can 'Meet our Captains' on this site, read all about them, and view their great pictures. If it is Backcountry Fishing or Offshore Fishing that you desire, we have the Captains for you. If you would like to join in the fun, sun, and fishing at Holiday Isle Resort and Marina, book your trip now at the Isle that has it all. Check out our fishing packages online or give us a call at 305-433-9942 direct. There is a room discount with a booked trip. So come on down and join us. Our waters are crystal clear and waiting for you!!!!!

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 4:00 PM

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast, July 2010

July's Fishing Outlook

The mid summer doldrums are currently upon us and there is no mistaking, summer has arrived on the Indian River Lagoon Coast of Florida. July is also the time of year when summer squalls (tropical weather systems) and offshore water temperatures are unpredictable. Just when the bite is on and you think you've got things figured out, a summer squall will blow in and kick up the seas, or the cold water Labrador Current will move in and shut down the seaward bite. Setting these possibilities aside, many opportunities for angling adventures exist for us both inshore and offshore on the lagoon coast in July.

For those who are equipped and willing to venture offshore into the Gulf Stream and beyond, the yellow fin tuna bite has been and will continue be exceptional. These expeditions require dependable equipment, a sea worthy vessel, and a knowledgeable and skillful skipper, and it's prudent to make sure all of your safety equipment is in order before even considering a tuna trip.



Lisa's First Tarpon

On the Port Canaveral buoy line and along the beaches, an assorted mixed beach bag is available with smoker kings (large king mackerel), silver kings (tarpon), cobia, sharks, barracuda, and colossal jacks (school busses) all available at any given time. To target these species, focus your attention in areas of bait concentrations. This past week, pods of large tarpon and sharks were located between Patrick AFB and Satellite Beach, and some nice fish were taken on the Port Canaveral buoy line. As the month progresses, these fish should begin moving north along the beach to their favorite summertime haunt off the bight of the Cape.

In the Port and inlets, Spanish mackerel, summer flounder and mangrove snapper numbers should remain steady. To target the flounder and snapper, try using DOA shrimp or CAL Tail on a ¼ to ½ ounce jig head in the areas of structure and along sandy drop-offs. Cast the jig as close to the structure as possible without getting snagged, and let it sink to the bottom. Once it's reached the bottom, slowly drag it back letting it rest every foot or so.

Inshore, July is the best time of the year to catch redfish in shallow water. Large redfish schools have already started forming up for their late summer spawn, and the sight of 200 feeding redfish is incredible. Also, look for snook and mangrove snapper along shoreline edges, docks, and other structure, and juvenile tarpon in the creeks, canals and backwaters where water is flowing out of impoundments and creeks. In deeper water, look for ladyfish and small trout to be shadowing schools of bay anchovies (glass minnows) under clouds of feeding terns, and let us not forget the early morning and late evening sea trout bite on top-water.

As the days heat up, remember that long battles will kill your fish, so if you plan on targeting large fish, you may want to step up your tackle to shorten the battle. Also, warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, so leave your catch in the water as much as possible, and revive them completely before releasing them.



In closing, let us be respectfully of the resource, the fishery, and each other while on the water over the holiday, and let's be thankful for those who have and are serving this great country of ours in the name of freedom.

As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
(407) 366-8085 landline


For all you outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com.

Tampa Bay Macks And Cobia

Tampa Bay Fishing Report
Courtesy of CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
27 June 2010

Normally I do not fish for Spanish Mackerel, but when I do, I prefer to catch Cobia. You just never know what will show up in your chum line when fishing in Tampa Bay. This week anglers aboard the Ms. Guided participated in a Spanish Mackerel tournament. They weren’t thick like we see during the springtime migration, but the ones we did catch were very large. Overall we pulled 5 nice Mackerel across the gunnels and had several more break-offs, cut leaders, and other various missed opportunities. These fish were very leader shy; 30lbs Ohero Fluorocarbon Leader coupled with Eagle Claw 2X Long Size 1 Hooks with whitebait got the job done.

The Cobia hit the exact same rig and somehow knew which rod and reel combo is the geared the lightest. The little Shimano Stradic 3000 reel was only sporting 10lbs Ohero Braided Line. After 30 minutes of repeated runs, the Cobia got close enough for the net and measure 40+ inches at the fork. On the way back in, we made a quick stop at one of my favorite docks and pitched up a few shrimp: Bam! Instantly hooked-up and landed a slot-sized Redfish. All and all, not a bad a fishing Spanish Mackerel… To learn more about fishing in Tampa Bay or to schedule you next saltwater adventure, call Captain Jay Schroeder at 1-877-463-5420 or visit www.cjflats.com.


Respectfully,

Capt Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420

Apalachicola Fishing Report 6-28-10

July 4th Week‏



THIS is what we've been catching all month!

Captains fishing the Bay have repeatedly reported to me that the speckled trout their anglers are catching regularly weigh in the 3 to 5 pound range. When you hook one of these big guys, they open their mouth wide & are some kind of work to reel in to the boat. They are also some kind of good eating! Capt. Jr. & Tommy Holland & Kelly Butler are hoping to be able to fish every day!

Tarpon fishing from flats boats has been above average so far this year and doesn't seem to be slowing down. Currently we do not have boats available that can carry more than 2 anglers for tarpon fishing, however we DO have trips available for the next several weeks or so. Call or email for availability.

If you're thinking about an offshore trip before snapper season closes, Capt. Charlie still has some open dates but he owns just about the last offshore boat available locally who hasn't gone to work for BP.

And here's some slightly belated updates from the area for you.

6/24/10 APALACHICOLA— Current conditions in Franklin County are favorable. As yet there have been no adverse effects from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill confirmed in Franklin County. Currently Coast Guard and State of Florida vessels and aircraft are actively monitoring Franklin County and the entire Panhandle. In addition at least 57 boats and crew involved in the Vessels of Opportunity program are also monitoring our waters. As yet, no confirmations of oil from Deepwater Horizon have occurred in Franklin County.

In recent days it has been circulated that the passes between Dog, St. George, and St. Vincent Islands, including Bob Sikes Cut, are scheduled to be closed. For the record, plans are being made to keep any oil spill contaminants out of our bays, which might require the temporary closing these points by order of the Coast Guard's Captain of the Port, there is no plan to do so unless oil contamination becomes imminent. At present conditions for the next few days are forecast to be favorable for our area, and no closures are foreseen at this time.


MEDIA ADVISORY #17: JUNE 16, 2010 APALACHICOLA—From Agriculture Commissioner's office at 3:00 PM EDST, the following message was received at the Franklin County EOC office. "Apalachicola Bay has not been shut down nor are there any immediate plans to do such. There has not been any shut down of any shellfish harvesting in this area." (note: Scallop Season opened on June 19th!!! so if you were waiting for next weekends normal July 1st opening, you're late!)

Our prayers & thoughts are with everyone affected by the BP Oil Spill.

Kathy Robinson
Robinson Brothers Guide Service
118 Commerce St.
Apalachicola, FL 32320
850-653-8896 or 877-6-REDFISH (the H is silent!)
www.FloridaRedfish.com

Indian River Lagoon Fishing Report 6-25-10

Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, June 24, 2010

By Captain Tom Van Horn

Upcomming Classes and Seminars
Saturday June 26th from 10 a. m. to noon at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 S. Washington Ave. in Apopka Florida. Free seminar on "Lines Leaders and Practical Knots" instructed by Captains Chris Myers and Tom Van Horn. Come learn the knot systems that work for us, and become a more sucessful angler.

This Week's Report

Just like the tide, fishing conditions near-shore along the beach out of Port Canaveral has changed. In my last report the water was warm, the seas were flat and the fish were happy and hungry. Well, although we did manage to catch some respectable fish this week, the water temperatures are dropping from the low 80's to the mid 70's, live bait (pogies) was harder to find, and the kingfish have disappeared. In addition, the sea state has increased from the flat calm summer doldrums to a steady 3 to 4 feet which is forecasted through Saturday. There are still some good reports of tarpon and big jacks along the beach, and hopefully conditions will settle down in time for the holiday weekend.

Becky's Mega Jack

Mikes Beach Bonito

On Sunday I had the pleasure of fishing with my good friends Mike and Becky from Orlando, and although the bite was slow, the quality of the fish we caught and the gorgeous weather made the day worthwhile.

Be sure to check out the June 2010 Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando in print and online for free at www.coastalanglermagazine.com.

As always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
407-366-8085 office 407-416-1187 on the water


For all you outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com.

No Oil In The Everglades!

June 2010 FISHING REPORT BY CAPT. BECKY CAMPBELL 239-695-2029 Everglades City, Florida

Oil Spill....seems to be on everybody's mind lately and so it should.

Has it affected the Everglades? NO
Can we smell the oil? NO
Can we see it on the water? NO
Is it effecting the fishing? NO

Remember Florida is a long way from Louisiana and we are down at the southern part of the state and 100+ miles from the gulf stream.
So with this in mind....how is the fishing? It is catching as usual, with Permit, Cobia, Redfish, Trout, Pompano, Mackerel, Snook, Shark and there are still some Tarpon around. The bait is here for the summer which also helps keep the larger fish here and makes summer fishing good.
The Snook are in the Passes, Around the Islands, in the River Mouths and out on the Near-Shore wrecks/reefs.
The Redfish are Around the Islands, Along the Beaches and in the River Mouths.
The Trout, Pompano, Cobia, Permit Sharks, Mackerel are on the Flats and also out on the Near-Shore wrecks/reefs.
The Tarpon are in the Passes, Backwater Bays, and off the Outside Beaches.
We all are concerned about how this catastrophe will affect our beautiful natural habitat in the Everglades and how it will affect the fishing. It is still an unknown but what is known is that we are open for fishing, open for fun and open for charters!
So, come on and give me (Capt Becky) a call (239-695-2029) and we will get your reservations made for that fishing experience of a lifetime.

Best Fishes,

Captain Becky Campbell
239-695-2029
www.evergladesfishingcharters.com/
CaptainBecky709@aol.com

Panhandle Fishing Report 6-18-10

Report for 06/18/2010 Salt Water

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
There is a very good Snapper and Grouper bite on. All it takes is getting over a wreck or reef and dropping down your favorite bait. A few Cobia are getting caught while bottom fishing (how cool is that?) so keep your eyes open and have a rod rigged with that in mind. Amberjack are waiting to test your tackle over any of your larger wrecks and bridge spans, the deeper the better. How about a nice screaming run from a King mackerel? Free line a live bait while drifting, or troll a deep diving plug or duster with a cigar minnow, I’m sure one will find your offering irresistible. Beeliners, Triggerfish and White Snapper (Porgy) can help you fill the box, try in the 120 ft range and use frozen squid. Be sure to look close at any weed lines or floating debris for Mahi Mahi, they can be a nice addition to your day out on the water. There have been some large Threadfin Herring as well as Cigar minnows in and around the pass (great offshore baits). A Sabiki rig will catch all you need. It is a short Snapper season unfortunately so don’t miss out, get out there and get ‘em up!



Austin Morris with a 46" King Mackerel caught on flat line while fishing bridge decks 10 miles from pass out of Panama City!



ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Spanish mackerel and Bluefish are still here, and you’ll find them following the large schools of Menhaden. Troll Mackerel trees or cast Gotcha Plugs and Spec rigs for them. Of course you will probably get “bycatch” of some Ladyfish but hey they make a good cut bait. The Bull Reds and Black Drum are still being caught with live shrimp and pinfish around the jetties and bridges, even better baits would be LY’s or Pilchards (lots of which have shown up recently). Lots of Speckled Trout and younger Redfish are moving onto the flats especially at daybreak. If throwing a topwater wears you out, use shrimp under a popping cork or free line a live minnow. Good numbers of Flounder are being caught, look for a mottled bottom (a mix of grass and sand). Shrimp and bull minnows make good baits as well as a Gulp! bait on a jig head. A good way to fish for Flounder is to retrieve them real slow on the bottom.

PANAMA CITY BEACH SURF & PIER
Good numbers of King mackerel being caught especially when bait is schooling around the pier. Spanish mackerel, Bluefish, and Ladyfish can also be found harassing bait schools and will hit a good spoon or Gotcha plug. Cobia have been seen cruising with schools of Tarpon, either of which would make your day. Large Sharks have been the cause of a few anglers night sweats. Surf fishing has been pretty good if you can stand the heat, daybreak and dusk are good ideas for two reasons (better bite and less heat). You could find some Pompano, Whiting, Ladyfish, Spanish, Bluefish and you may hook into a Jack Crevalle or the occasional Redfish cruising the beach. There have been a lot of small Sharks getting caught too, so don’t forget the pliers!

DESTIN
Here is what we know about Oil, where you can fish and the pass as of 11:30am Thursday morning. State waters are open out to nine miles, federal waters are closed. Some tar balls have washed up west of the pass and some ribbons of oil spotted to the southwest of the pass. The county is working on a plan to close the pass during times of incoming tide but it will remain open on the outgoing tide for now.

Fishing,
Red snapper are as good as I have ever seen on most all the near shore reefs.
Kings are good trolling the same area as the snapper and are also being caught drifting a cigar minnow while bottom fishing.
The boats that fished Wednesday had nice catches of grouper, black snapper and amberjack also.
In the bay the reds and trout are very good and numerous reports of flounder.
On the pier they have been getting kings, Spanish, hard tails, and ladyfish.
A few tarpon have started to show up along the coast also.


NAVARRE

SURF
We are now into June. Hopefully the weather will stabilize a little this month and offer some fishing opportunities. Area fishermen have been experiencing some of the best fishing in recent memory. We should see good numbers of Jack Crevalle in the 20# range as well as small schools of bull Redfish. The Jacks are hitting best on top water poppers and Rapala Skitterwalks. The Black Tip Shark bite is also heating up. Live Hard tails or cut mullet have been the go to bait. The Pompano bite has remained steady with most fish being landed on fresh dead shrimp and live sand fleas when you can find them. On calmer days Kayak fisherman can reach the King Mackerel just at the drop off in 20’ of water. Look for the schools of threadfins and cigar minnows and troll with deep diving hard baits. Try trolling live baits around these baitfish schools as well.

SOUND AND BAYS
Area anglers can expect to see great Trout fishing around the grass flats from Tiger Point to the grass flats just east of the bridge. Redfish and Flounder are also in the same waters with most of the fish caught on live shrimp under a popping cork. Also try using a ¼ oz jig tipped with a GULP! shrimp or jerk shad under the same popping cork. There have also been plenty of Trout and Redfish landed in East Bay from the Garcon Point bridge up to the power lines crossing the entrance to the East River.

NEAR SHORE – GULF
King Mackerel are still the hot bite near shore and continue to bite strong in and around the passes and inshore reefs in 60 to 80 feet of water. Trolling or fly lining live cigar minnows when anchored up has been the top producer. Dolphin continue to show up in increasing numbers especially around anglers fishing for bottom species. Just remember to have a rod ready and rigged with a pitch bait when they do show up. The near shore reefs and wrecks are also producing good numbers of Amberjack, Grouper, Black Snapper, Lane Snapper and Triggerfish. The Grouper are being caught on large pinfish, threadfins or hardtails with their tail clipped to make it easier for the grouper to catch them.

OFFSHORE – GULF
Red Snapper has been the top predator on most reefs and wrecks this week and we should continue to see more of the same this upcoming week. They are hitting jigs, live bait and deep running hard baits trolled over shallow reefs and wrecks. Amberjack are almost on every wreck from 60’ on out with the largest fish being caught in deeper water of 100’ or more. With all the bad weather last month the Grouper have almost been left alone. Look for them on the near shore reefs and wrecks. Fish in the 10# to 15# range will hit pinfish, threadfins and hard tails. You will have to remove the tails from the Hard tails; otherwise they are next to impossible to get to the bottom on a light weight. The amount of debris in the water has also increased this last week. So has the amount of Dolphin and Triple Tail on it. King mackerel are being caught daily around the mouth of the passes and buoy lines on cigar minnows slow trolled or free lined.



Fresh Water

No Report This Week!

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.

Treasure Coast Fishing 6-18-2010

June 18, 2010 - Fisherman's Paradise

Ah, summertime fishing along the Space and Treasure Coasts is so much fun! Quality, quantity and variety … everywhere … a true fisherman’s paradise.

Our first individual report features Capt. Peter along with his good friends Bob and Robert Rohmann of Satellite Beach. Taking advantage of the slick calm offshore seas, the trio slipped out Sebastian Inlet earlier this week to do a little tarpon and shark fishing. They did catch several of the large poons and black tip sharks roaming just offshore which would have made for a fine trip on any other day ... however 'fine' went to 'fantastic' when a rare beachside SAILFISH was spotted, stalked, stuck, landed and released. Pictured below are Bob and Capt. Peter with this beautiful billfish.





Capt. Roland, with dreams of leaping billfish dancing through his head, took fellow captain Chuck Lloyd and son Charlie out the inlet on the next day. Pulling along side of the first massive bait pod Oceanside, they found three rolling tarpon feeding just in front of their boat. Still without live bait, they tried tossing plugs to the huge silver kings before parting company. Returning to catching bait, the trio next discovered other competition within the pods, toothy competition from sharks and Bonita. Pictured below is Capt. Chuck with one of the two sharks caught by his young son Charlie.



Our next report moves from offshore/nearshore action to the Indian River in Titusville. This is a favorite stretch of water for Native Sons guides and clients during the summer months. After months of murky water and few fish we can finally report big numbers of reds, trout and drum residing in the now clear, shallow, grassy flats. Capt. Rocky was up there three times this week with each of his charters scoring well into double digits. The smallest red of the week was 24 inches while the largest measured a hefty 42. The fish are aggressively eating anything thrown to them, except, of course, for foul tasting sprigs of broccoli. We’ll have more reports from Titusville in a special follow-up segment.

Traveling south down the Indian River Lagoon system from Titusville to Merritt Island, our next report comes from this past Monday. Capt. Rocky guided good friend Joe Schneider, his nephew Tom and his son Joseph Schmitz from Denver, Colorado. Launching from Kiwanis Park in Merritt Island, the foursome fished the Sykes Creek stretch of the Banana River in order to stay close to home because of a lousy weather forecast. The rain held off long enough for the crew to catch nine redfish and a rare Merritt Island snook. Most of the fish measured well over the 27 inch slot limited. Since finger mullet have been almost impossible to find, poggies were used as the bait for the charter. Pictured below are Tom and ‘Little’ Joe with one of their bigger reds followed by a photo of Joe holding his snook.





We stay in the Banana River of Merritt Island for our next report. Mike Foytek from Orlando teamed with Capt. Rocky to form Team Got Milk for the recent Riverside Café Inshore Fishing Classic held in Vero Beach. Making the long run back to the Banana River in Merritt Island, Team Got Milk weighed a solid redfish (5.99 lbs) and trout (4.89 lbs) to finish fourth and fifth respectively. Ironically, their two fish ‘slam’ wound up being bumped out of first place by Native Sons’ Capt. Peter and Capt. Robert Rohmann who regularly fish the Florida Flatsfishing Association circuit. Team Got Milk also caught several redfish just over-sized on the day. Pictured below is Mike holding twin 31 inch redfish which were released back into the wild.



Heading south again, we travel to the Melbourne Beach stretch of the Indian River for our next stop. This time the guide is Capt. Roland and his client is Prof. Ralph Cummings who returned to the area for a visit and some fishing. Launching from Front Street Ramp in Melbourne, the charter started with an intent to sight-fish snook on the flats. And although the big linesiders were there every time a bait was cast near them a more aggressive gator trout bolted in and ate it. After several trout over 25 inches were landed and released the duo decided to switch to targets to schooling black drum. Several drums were beaten before the charter concluded by chasing tarpon in one of the creek tributaries to the IR. The picture below is Prof. Ralph holding a nice 40 inch fish caught using 10lb test spinning tackle. It was a great end to a fun trip.



Our final report concerns a charter which covered over 200 miles on the day – a Native Sons record incidentally. The trip involved Capt. Rocky and his good friend Tom Seaman of Melbourne. Fishing the Strike Zone Inshore Tournament last Saturday, the duo decided to target the giant trout of Ft. Pierce to start the day. After spending and hour and half unsuccessfully stalking the big trout at dawn, the team opted to radically alter strategies and locations by making a long run to Merritt Island. The strategy worked as Tom pulled four redfish, one with four spots, and a big black drum off a dock on the Indian River (Tom and the drum are pictured below). Rushing back to Grant to weigh the fish added another 40 miles to the odometer. The day ended with Tom and Rocky chasing tarpon up Crane Creek … from predawn in Ballard Park of Eua Galle to Ft. Pierce to Merritt Island to Grant to Crane Creek in Melbourne/Palm Bay, that’s a long day of fishing … that’s a fantastic day of fishing!



Native Sons Fishing Guides

Captain Rocky Van Hoose
321-986-9588
rvanhoose@cfl.rr.com
Captain Brad Jones
321-626-5072
jonesmelb7@bellsouth.net

Posted by Rocky Van Hoose on June 19, 2010 at 01:17:16 PM

Banana River Fishing Report 6-10

Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island Fishing Report, June 2010

Good fishing on the Banana River near Cocoa Beach

Water temperatures are above 80 and all species of fish are chewing in the Cocoa Beach area. Recent fishing trips have produced redfish, trout, sheepshead, snook, snapper and more.



Anglers Cliff and Ed scored on trout, jacks and snappers before chasing rolling tarpon to no avail. The pesky tarpon were feeding on small baits on the surface but refused everything Cliff and Ed offered them.

The next day Jim and Tommy fished the Banana river and added a golden memory to their fishing chronicles. Each angler had caught quite a few fish during the day, but nothing to brag about. Trout, snapper, pinfish and jacks provides some fishing fun, but the real fun was yet to come.

As the fishing day neared its end Jim hooked into something big. The drag on his 2500 series reel was screaming and the pole was bending. The big fish was hooked between two Banana River docks giving the fish plenty of opportunities to escape the landing net. Jim worked the fish our from under the first dock only to have it swim under the second. The 10 pound Liquid Braid fishing line was rubbing on the barnacle encrusted pilings and I quickly moved the boat forward to change the angler of attack. Jim fought the fish out from under the second dock and it passed in front of the boat returning to dock number 1 and then out through the end of the dock with pilings on both sides of the line.

We could see the Liquid Braid rubbing again on the barnacles. Thinking quickly, Jim laid down on the bow of the boat as I moved it closer to the dock. He stuck the rod between the pilings and out the front of the dock to remove the possibility of further abrasion to the line. Using the trolling motor I continued to move the boat along side the dock (in reverse I might add) as Jim laid on the bow facing the back of the boat. When we got close enough I instructed Jim to grab the rod with his left hand in front of the pilings while holding on to the rod with his right hand. Once he had the rod firmly with the left hand he released the right hand and grabbed the rod again, clear of the pilings. What we now knew was a nice redfish, was swimming in open water. Jim lifted his head and guided the big red into the landing net.

With all this going on we had little time to see Tommy aiding in our struggle. He was pushing the boat off docks, shouting encouragement to Jim and commenting, “That’s a big fish.” All the team work paid off and Jim had a true memory of fishing on the Banana River near Cocoa Beach.





Personally, I still can’t believe the Liquid Braid held up to all that abuse. It was a combination of good tackle, good fish fighting techniques and maybe a little bit of pure luck but Jim landed the biggest redfish of his life.

The next day I had the great fortune to take my grandson and his friend out, again on the Banana River. Live shrimp and popping corks was the tackle of the day. My advice about taking kids fishing has always been to just be sure they catch something and popping corks with shrimp are a sure way to do it. They had a blast catching pinfish, snappers, catfish, jacks, sheepshead and trout. It could not have been a better day for hooking some future anglers on the sport.



Jessie's Sheepshead



Robert and Jessie Double on Trout



Robert says, "It's his!"

That’s what it’s all about. Good fishin’.

Captain Ron Presley
www.inshorefishingadventures.com
presleyr@bellsouth.net

You can purchase my book, Secrets from Florida’s Master Anglers on the Snook Foundations website with proceeds going to the foundation.

http://www.snookfoundation.org/support/147-secrets-from-floridas-master-anglers.html

Florida Keys Offshore Report 6-22-10

Monday, June 21, 2010
Islamorada. Sportsfish Capital of the U.S.A.



Today the winds began to pick up coming out of the southeast gusting 10 knots with the waves very close together. We had A Pirate's Choice coming back with a bunch of rose porgy's, a few hakes, and a blue marlin that got away...





We also had the Yabba Dabba Do having a nice day. Their photo is a deck shot of Ellie Leopold catching her 22 pounder...way to go girl. And then we have Capt. J.R. with two fine southern gentlemen bringing back lots of schoolies as well...They said it was a little rough out there but a blast...Other boats out but no pictures available were the Vagabond and Sassy Lady. If you would like to catch your dinner tonight call us. We offer half days, 3/4 days, and full days. Please call us here at Holiday Isle Marina at 305-433-9942...Have a great Summer..

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 4:08 PM

Sarasota Fishing Report 6-21-10

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 6/7 through 6/20/2010


Tarpon fishing continues to be good along Sarasota beaches. Anglers fishing with me on the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action the last couple of weeks along Siesta and Longboat Keys. The DOA Baitbuster has been a hot bait!

Dickie Herbst, from Bradenton, FL, fished a couple of days with me during the week of 6/7. Wind was out of the west on Monday, so we chose to fish more protected water in Tampa Bay near Terra Ceia. Rob Brady, from Sarasota, joined Dickie that day and caught and released a 115-pound tarpon on a live crab. Dickie also fished with me on Thursday, 6/10 with a guest. They jumped a pair of fish, one on a DOA Baitbuster and another on a live crab. One fish was fought to the boat after 20 to 30-minutes only to have a hook break.

John Isard and his son, Jesse, from Osprey, FL, tarpon fished with me on Tuesday, 6/8. They fought an estimated 90-pound fish to the boat along Longboat Key after about 45 minutes on a DOA Baitbuster. It was a hot fish, almost spooling us on its initial run! Fly anglers had lots of shots and several hard follows on a couple of trips, but no eats. When fly fishing for tarpon it is a matter of the right presentation to the right fish.

Don Moberg and sons, Dave and Doug, from MN, fished with me on Monday and Tuesday, 6/14 and 15. They had a great day casting live crabs on Monday along Siesta Key. They had 4 bites, jumping and bringing 3 fish to 110-pounds to the boat. The next day had plenty of shots but no bites. Newlyweds Kyle and Sarah Maddox, from Mobile, AL, fished Longboat Key with me on Wednesday, 6/16. They had 3 bites, jumped 2 of them and brought one about 90-pounds to the boat.

Tarpon stayed in deep water towards the end of the week making it tougher for fly anglers to get a fly in front of fish. Action should continue to be good next week as we head towards a full moon on June 26th.

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


Capt. Rick Grassett with a 115-lb tarpon caught and released by Rob Brady, from Sarasota, FL, in Tampa Bay.

Don Moberg and his son Doug, both from MN, double teamed this 110-lb tarpon that they caught and released off Siesta Key while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 6-21-10

Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, June 18, 2010 By Captain Tom Van Horn



This Week's Report
As anglers, we are always dreaming of adventures where the fish are both happy and hungry, and for the most part these dreams are only expectations of grander and if we only catch a few quality fish, we are happy. Well, on all of my charters this past week, we experienced memorable adventures where it was tough to keep more than one bait in the water at a time, which is a good problem to have.

Currently, the near-shore fishing along the beach is as good as it gets. Live bait (pogies) have been plentiful and easy to catch, and the predators have been eager to devour them. In the early morning before sunrise, big tarpon have been crashing bait schools in the surf break, and free lining live bait on a large circle hook resulted in some explosive hook-ups with tarpon over 100 pounds.



As the morning grows and the tarpon bite slows down, the large jacks move in and continue to harass the bait pods. As you move out to depths between 30 and 40 feet of water, slow trolling live bait on steel stinger rigs was very productive as it was difficult to keep more than one bait in the water at a time. The water is currently both warm and clean, and the kingfish, large jacks, bonito, sharks, and cobia are enjoying life, that is until they feel the sting of my hooks. Although most of my charters were south of Port Canaveral this week, comparable reports have been coming from numerous anglers from Ponce De Leon inlet to Sebastian.


Inshore, the top water redfish and sea trout bite has been good in the early morning, and reports of massive schools of glass minnow (bay anchovies) in deeper water (4 to 8 feet) are resulting in nonstop action from ladyfish, jacks, bluefish, sea trout and gafftop sail catfish. To locate these schools, simply look for the terns and gulls feeding, and set up a drift ahead of the frenzy and let them come to you. These massive schools of fish are great fun for kids and light tackle spin and fly anglers looking for continuous action.

In closing, although the fishing is as good as it gets the extreme heat of the summer doldrums will punish you if you are complacent. My advice is to fish as early as you can and start hydrating before you reach the water, and continue drinking water throughout the day. Also, be prepared to be off of the water in time to avoid the afternoon heat and adverse weather.

As I stated in my last report, the near-shore fishing bonanza can be here one day and gone the next, because once the cold water upwellings or a tropical weather systems move in the extreme fishing can shut down completely in just a matter of days.


Be sure to check out the June 2010 Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando in print and online for free at www.coastalanglermagazine.com.

As always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
407-366-8085 office
407-416-1187 on the water

For all you outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com.

Tampa Fishing Report 6- 2010

Tampa Fishing Report
Tuesday, 01 June 2010 14:48
Written by Stewart Ames

Although spring was late, summer has arrived right on schedule and the fish are behaving accordingly. The majority of our large seatrout have exited the shallow grass flats. Some still reside along our beaches but many of these fish will soon depart. With that said, that does not mean that lunker trout aren't around. Large fish are still present in reduced numbers. White bait is preferred but several out-sized trout were caught last month on cut bait laid out on a flat for redfish. Smaller trout will remain a common catch through the summer. Larger fish will tend to congregate in the deeper potholes and near channel edges.



More snook have been seem over the last 30 days but it is now clear that this last winter's cold spell had a major impact. These snook are simply nowhere to be seen in some of their normal haunts and when groups of fish are sighted, the numbers of fish per group is much less than in the past. Catching one is not out of the questions but it is best to pursue these fish only when your chances are best...the low light periods of dawn and dusk and on strong outgoing tides. White bait, small ladyfish and grass grunts remain the baits of choice. Fly line these offerings (un-weighted) unless the tide is really ripping through the area being fished. In this case, a light split shot may increase your odds of hooking up.



Redfish have been a dependable catch on any day with a decent tide. Like any animal during the summer months, these fish want to be out of the sun and will seek the shade of an overhanging mangrove or residential dock, if available. Both usually are on the higher phases of the tide. During summer, redfish seem to be much less discriminating in regards to what they will eat....shrimp, crabs, pinfish, grunts, whitebait, and cut bait of all flavors will suffice...so use whatever is readily available. Although a few fish in the twenty two to twenty three inch range were caught over the last month, the majority of fish are still on the larger end of the slot or over. Good redfishing is being reported from Anclote all the way south to Clearwater Bay so there are plenty of fish around.



On near shore reefs, action has started to wind down a little bit on species such as kingfish and bonita, although some will likely stay in residence through this month. Both of these can still be found as summer's heat settles in, but they'll push to deeper water. Spanish mackerel should remain and, as we get another month or two deeper into the summer, mangrove snapper should start to show as well.



Good numbers of tarpon can now be found off of local beaches. East winds and calm seas greatly enhance opportunities to spot these fish. Although finicky on some days and not available in the numbers found in such places as the Skyway or Boca Grande, there are enough fish locally to have a shot at hooking a fish on any given day. Although tarpon can be seen crossing the near shore sand bars that lie just west of our barrier islands, these fish are extremely spooky. For this reason, an easier approach for the inexperienced tarpon angler would be to either fish the channel edges of these flats or set up 100 yards off of the beach in an area where tarpon have been seen rolling. Baits such as large threadfin herring or pilchards work well. Pass crabs are also an excellent choice if you can get your hands on them. Fish all of these baits with no weight to approaching fish . The pilchards or threadfins can be fished on the bottom in these areas as well. Plan on setting up for a few hours and being patient. If it was easy to hook a hundred pound plus fish, everyone would be doing it. Also, understand the power of these fish and tackle up accordingly. A heavy 7.5 foot spinning rods with a minimum of 40 lbs test and eighty pound flourocarbon leader would be a good starting point. Do make sure your reel has plenty of line capacity as well (300 - 400 yards) as the first run of a tarpon will easily take several hundred yards of line. Lastly, tie an anchor ball to your anchor line so you can simply "thow it and go" when you hook a fish.



In summary, June provides a great deal of fishing opportunities so pick your target, get out on the water and get after it. 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

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 6-18-10

FISHING 6/12/10



Bright sun and warm temps it is summer, anglers need to fish early or late for the best bite. Please be on location as the sun comes up. The coolest part of the day, the coolest water and that is when the fish are feeding. Off shore the king fish bite has been excellent if you are fishing early or late, low light, big Kings. These fish have been in the thirty pound class, sixty to eighty feet of water using sardines, cut, dead, whole and live are all getting attention. A few Cobia but most anglers are not targeting them, twenty to forty feet of depth and most are fishing from eighty feet out. Small boaters looking for the Permit have found both from the inlet to the power plant. Dolphin, small and plenty of them, run baits deep the reason they are all up is because something big is under them. Big Dolphin eat little Dolphin and they did find a few bigger fish lurking below the schoolies. These fish were found in the hundred to one hundred and fifty feet, the deeper one fished the bigger the fish but far less numbers. Plenty of Bonita and some good size Black Fin Tuna kept most busy and yes the pesky Sail fish were every where. When releasing these fish bring them in the boat then put them back, you will not see the Shark that wants your catch and he can not see your hand, careful.

For the surf anglers it was Whiting, Croakers, Jacks and Snook, the Tarpon are still just out of casting distance. Whiting and Croakers do not mind the sun, they like the warm water so they are around all day. No special time for these but the Snook and Jacks like them also, the Jacks are big and the Snook are out of season, Release them as quick as possible. Be sure to bring that bucket of ice to keep your catch as fresh as possible. Now if you want to wade into the surf and cast a live mullet out you will stand up a Tarpon or two, bring the right equipment, no knife to a gun fight.

River anglers timing is every thing, wading or boating early is the key. Watch the shallows you will see the action zones, top water early. Zara Spooks, Top Dog, Skitter walk to name a few, as long as it rattles and splashes it will get attention. Bigger Trout and good size Reds are the target and there is plenty of good catch’s reported. After the sun is up and the water has warmed look to the shaded or dark waters, the fish want out of the sun. Docks, bridges, treed shore lines and deep water is where they will be. Now is the time to get the soft rubber baits out of the box and put them to work, slow presentation. Be sure to check out the channel markers, drift up, motor off, the Triple tale love the sun shine and channel markers, a live shrimp will get them. Tarpon at the power lines, at the Stuart causeway, the channel at the Dolphin Grill are all favorite hang out for these fish and small baits are getting their attention. That little Pompano jigging spoon is the one.

Till next week, lots of water on the boat, sun screen, long sleeves and polarized sun glasses, mandatory………………..HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Central Florida Sight Fishing 614-10

Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
June 14, 2010

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report

The fishing has been outstanding here in central Florida the past several weeks. Schools of big redfish have been providing some drag screaming action along the flats. Find the schools of bait in the deeper water and it can be a bite on every cast from ladyfish, trout, jacks, bluefish, sail cats, and more. Along the Atlantic coast beaches, tarpon, jack crevalle, kingfish, and cobia are feeding around schools of menhaden. Both the fishing and the weather do not get much better.
While the gulf oil spill is nearing northwest Florida, we are fortunate that the east coast is oil free and full of happy fish.



BJ and Brian enjoyed a good morning of fishing for large redfish recently. Several of the fish were pushing the 25 pound mark. We had steady action throughout the morning until we were run off the water by a thunderstorm.






Joe took his son Mitchell fishing in Mosquito Lagoon to celebrate graduation. We saw lots of redfish during the day but landed only one. Fortunately, is was a trophy sized fish. Plenty of ladyfish and bluefish provided some rod bending action as well.

Last Friday, I took a trip to Mosquito Lagoon to check some places I have not fished lately. I saw numerous schools of large redfish and used a shallow running DOA Baitbuster to catch several. I had a few bites on the fly as well but did not hook up. There were huge schools of fish busting in deeper waters that would hit anything that moved including surface flies, topwater plugs, and jigs.





Sunday, I fished with Mark and his son Trevor. We had excellent weather and even better fishing. The pair landed at least ten large redfish from various schools and had several more hookups.

Now is a great time to catch a trophy redfish. With water temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees, it is important to land these large fish quickly to insure a successful release. Using 10-15 pound braided line with a properly set drag, you can keep the battle to under ten minutes. Have the camera ready before removing the fish from the water and make sure it is revived before letting it go.

For a change of pace and some nonstop action, watch for diving terns in 6-9 feet of water. There are a variety of fish under the birds with ladyfish being the most plentiful. Lots of bluefish are present as well so a short piece of wire will prevent them from cutting your line. If you enjoy topwater bites, use a surface plug with a single circle hook on the back. This prevents your plug from collecting the floating grass and makes the release safer and quicker. I have been using the single circle hook on spoons as well with great success.

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