Florida Keys Fishing Reports 1-30-2011

Black Grouper in the Keys



On 30th of January 2011, onboard the Gold Reserve this 25lb. Black Grouper was caught by Sheila and Jeff Peart.

Friday, January 28, 2011
CAPT. J.R. with a Canada crew
The bunch from Alberta,Canada went out Thursday and got a sail then lost the next one but did end up with some mutton snapper,barracuda and cero's.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The YABBA DABBA DOO was HOT
The gang down from Connecticut with Capt. Steve Leopold on the YABBA DABBA DOO went out Saturday and had one Sailfish and released a dozen Kings ranging up to 35 lbs.

Good Tournament For The GOTCHA
Capt. Mel Walker and angler Les Dunson had a great Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament with a 2nd place daily finish and 3rd.overall finish.Way to go GOTCHA.

Sarasota Fishing Report 1-29-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Bay & Gasparilla Sound, FL Fishing Report
1/29/2011

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout during the past week. In addition to trout, we also caught and released reds on one trip. A front moved through early in the week forcing the cancellation of a couple of days due to winds in the mid 20 mph range.

Tom Wright, from Sarasota, FL, and his brother, Frank Wright, from Columbus, OH, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on Monday afternoon. They had steady action with trout, catching and releasing more than 30 trout to 17” on CAL jigs with shad tails. We fished a trough along a spoil bar to catch most of the fish. The next couple of days were blown out as 20 to 25-mph winds whipped the water. On Thursday the water looked like coffee with cream in Gasparilla Sound when Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL, and his cousin, Jack McCulloch from Englewood, FL fished with me. Although the water was churned up in open areas, it was very clear in the backcountry. They caught and released more than 20 trout to 18”, with about half of them in the slot, and five small reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Sarasota winter residents Nick Reding and Mike Perez fished north Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. We waded all day, fishing potholes and drop offs and it was slow due to cold water. However, they did catch and release a few quality trout on my Grassett Flats Minnow and Clouser flies.

Next week’s negative low tides as we approach a new moon on Feb. 3rd should concentrate reds and trout in potholes and deep areas. However, afternoons may fish better due to warmer water.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com



Longboat Key winter resident, Nick Reding, waded a flat in north Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett and caught and released this nice trout on a Grassett Flats Minnow fly.

Marine VHF Radio

I found this post on the Fla-Guide blog that gives good information about the basics of marine VHF radios. Read it and enjoy!

Marine Radio Basics

The most essential and one of the most inexpensive pieces of safety equipment you can have on any boat is a VHF marine radio. VHF marine radios are designed with safety in mind. In case of an emergency you have direct communication with the Coast Guard and other vessels in your area. You also have instant access to storm warnings and other urgent marine warnings. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a safety feature available on newer marine radios. When a special button on the radio is pressed, the radio broadcasts an automatic distress signal to the Coast Guard and other vessels in the area. The DSC radio identifies the vessel and also, when connected to a GPS, can send the vessels location. A DSC radio will continue sending the emergency signal even if you are disabled or have to abandon ship.

Transmission power of marine radios range between 1 and 25 watts, giving a maximum range of up to 5 nautical miles (9 km) between aerials mounted on boats at sea-level. Marine VHF radios combine transmitter and receiver together and operate on standard, international frequencies, between 156 to 174 MHz, known as channels. They use simplex transmission allowing communication to take place in only one direction at a time. A microphone mounted button switches the radio between broadcasting and receiving modes.

Marine radios can be fixed or portable. Fixed sets have many advantages over portable units and are a good choice for most boat owners. Fixed units are wired directly to your boats electrical system letting you use your boats battery for power. They also give you more transmitting power and use a larger fixed antenna giving you greater range. Portable marine radios are basically waterproof walkie-talkies. They have a battery as there power supply, limited power and a small on board antenna. Portable marine radios are best used as emergency radio systems on kayaks and life boats.

Underwater LED Dock Lights attract fish to your dock while beautifying your waterfront.

Tampa Bay Fishing Report 1-28-2011

Tarpon Springs Fishing Report/Forecast


January 15, 2011



It looked like old man winter wanted to spoil our fun for a while but he’s let go of his grip here recently and the trout bite has really turned on.

Fish from 15-26″ (1-6 lbs)  have come in the boat and they’ve been coming in good numbers. We’ve caught as many as 30 in a single half day trip this week.

trout

The trout have been readily taking live shrimp under a cork but the most fun has been catching them on artificial lures such as Mirr-O-Lure soft plastic baits fished either on Slayer Inc. jig heads or Mustad weightless plastic worm hooks.  If you’re proficient at throwing lures with spinning tackle, I suspect you could out fish someone throwing live shrimp as the bites have been aggressive on the lures and you can cover more water with them than you can with live shrimp.

Redfish are beginning to get back into their normal patterns and we’re seeing several fish each trip. Look for this bite to keep getting better as winter wanes.

Don’t forget that tarpon season is just around the corner. Check out this year’s Tarpon Planning Guide and make sure you book early so that you can get the best dates.


Tampa Bay Fishing
Captain Clay Eavenson
813-300-2147
http://www.captainclay.com/
gofishing@captainclay.com

Apalachicola Fishing Report 1-2011

This pic is of a 20lb class red that Ann Cherrette caught with Capt. Chris in December

In the last week or so I've had at least 3 people ask me what I do this time of year, since there's not any fishing here now. ??? Oh misinformed ones, let me explain to you how it's not all about cleaning closets & emptying the recycling bin in the winter time, although that's been done. This is the time of year when we're nagging people to get their deposits in or lose their days this summer, plus there's always the IRS to keep happy.  And I'm happy to report that less than a week ago Capt. Nathan Donahoe caught 10 redfish over 20 lbs (like the one above) and 5 keeper sized Reds. IS there fishing this time of year? Oh, Heck Yeah!! Some days are warmer than others and some fish like it cold - like stripers, but you actually CAN have a successful day of fishing here in the winter time. Believe it or not!

In just a few weeks, Spring Breakers will be heading our way and fishing from our boats and our beaches for trout & spanish mackerel and many other species of inshore fish. Just a heads up to those of you who are planning to be here for your spring break to make sure to reserve your favorite Captain before someone else gets to them. If you can't remember their name, check out our Captains Bios on the Guide Service website. Or you can call me or Valerie - we can hook you up!

Tommy & Chris leave for the Keys around the first weekend in February to start fishing there for permit, bonefish, barracudas & maybe even some tarpon. If you're thinking about heading to even warmer climes in March or early April, they do still have some trips available.

Would you believe that the Keys real estate market is seemingly on fire right now? Things are a shakin there these days, at least from my Apalachicola point of view. You can access both the Franklin/Gulf County MLS listings as well as the Key West/Lower Keys MLS listings from our "sister" website www.robinsonrealestatecompany.com  or contact Joan Kelley in the Keys or myself in NW FL.

Hope to see you soon!
Happy (what's the next holiday? Oh, yeah!) Groundhog Day!

Kathy Robinson
Robinson Brothers Guide Service
Apalachicola, Florida
www.floridaredfish.com
1-877-6-Redfish or 850-653-8896

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 1-25-2011

FISHING 1/22/11


Cool, warm, wind and sun shine it has been a week for the weather.  Changing temperatures has changed the way we plan our fishing days, it pays to wait till the sun warms our waters, and it is Florida and our fish like it warm.

To the beach it has been more Pompano than I can remember, from Ft. Pierce to Hobe Sound the talk is Pompano.  Interesting part is the fish have been up close, Sundays surf made it difficult but the fish were there.  Angler’s reports were limit catches and all big fish not one call on the minimum size.  Favored baits were clams and sand fleas and yes the bite started mid morning, as soon as the edge warmed the fish moved in. Plenty of Blues on cut baits, a little longer cast to locate these fish unless you were fishing the inlets, these areas were covered up with Blues, Macs and Jacks.

From the bridges was Pompano, plenty of Pompano.  That little jig was the preferred bait, but we had anglers catch them on shrimp, clams and sand fleas, the good part was it was an all day bite.  If you waited for the water to warm it was Snapper, Black Drum and some real nice Trout, mix in the Blues, Macs and yes more Pompano. River anglers had their fill of Trout and Red Fish from north to south it has been a strong bite.  Reds on small spoons and shrimp from late morning to late afternoon mix in all good size Trout and what can I say other than fishing has been excellent.

Off shore the week started with Sails and Dolphin and mix of Kings and Cobia then the weather man got involved, north wind and cold. By the week end the water temps had move the fish.  Tuna at Push Button are the only guarantee; trolling small feathers will get them but eh rest?

Anglers fishing deep have found a few, but I would look shallow like 80’ being the deepest.  The live bait reported has been in shallow water, so why would the fish be deep.  In these times of changing temps look for the warm water, let the sun warm what it can and that would be the zone I would be looking in.  Plenty of Spanish Mac’s south of the inlet to bend a rod but it is time for some big Kings to show, and maybe the Cobia will make another appearance  and it will be shallow, what we really need is some cooperation from the weather man.

Till next week lets keep our fingers crossed for some south Florida weather, the fish and I can hardly wait……….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     

Sarasota Fishing Report 1-24-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Bay & Gasparilla Sound Fishing Report 
1/23/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, reds and ladyfish on several trips last week. Action was good with trout in Gasparilla Sound and Little Sarasota Bay. In addition, we also caught and released several reds and ladyfish in the same areas.

Isaac Humphrey, from Dayton, OH, and his brother-in-law, Jason, from Buffalo, NY, fished Little Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. They caught and released more than 25 trout to 18”, several ladyfish and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails. However, a trip on Wednesday in Sarasota Bay near the downtown area was slow. We caught and released only a few trout on Clouser and Grassett Flats Bunny flies.

The action picked up on Thursday when Tom Lamb, from Geneva, Switzerland and John Freeman, Jr., from Venice, FL, fished Gasparilla Sound with me. They caught and released numerous trout to 19”, with almost all trout in the slot, and 4 reds to 20” on CAL jigs with shad tails. A front pushed through on Friday and cold air rushed in behind it on Saturday morning, but that didn’t stop Sarasota winter resident, Nick Reding, and his guest, Greg Geoffroy, from Ames, Iowa, from catching fish on flies. Conditions were challenging that day with winds whipping up into the mid 20 mph range and air temperature dropping throughout the afternoon. We waded a flat in north Sarasota Bay where they caught and released 6 or 8 nice trout to 20” and a small red on Grassett Flats Minnow flies.

The pattern should remain the same with low tides concentrating trout and reds in potholes and along bars. Afternoons may fish better due to warmer water.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com



Longboat Key winter resident, Nick Reding, waded a flat in north Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett on a blustery day and caught and released this nice trout on a Grassett Flats Minnow fly.



Siesta Key winter resident, Tom Lamb, caught this red on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 1-24-2011

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report,
January 23, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn

Upcoming Seminars and Events
Shad and Crappie Derby registration materials are available at all sign-up locations, so visit http:www.cfshadderby.com for details on the nearest sign-up location to you. Also, be sure to sign up for the free 2 months of Sea Tow, courtesy of Sea Tow Central Florida Lakes.

Saturday, February 5th, 10: 00 - 12:00 Winter Lagoon Fishing Tactics
www.mosquitocreek.com.

February 12, 2011 Shad
Rally 11:00 - 2 PM at the Jolly Gatot Fish Camp next to CS Lee Park, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Preparing for the Shad Run ". Event also features sponsor displays, giveaways, boat displays and demos, and a raffle to support the Hook Kids on Fishing Program."Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Winter Tactics for Redfish, Black Drum and Sea Trout", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida,


This Week's Fishing Report
Along with the arrival of last week's full moon, the crappie moved up into their shallow shoreline spawning locations.  Once concentrations were located, many anglers limited out in less than an hour with many large females taken.

As always the case this time of year, a passing cold front made fishing challenging bringing plenty of wind, rain and colder conditions.  As the weather settles this week, the larger females will move off of the beds and return to their deeper staging locations as the smaller males will remain shallow guarding the beds.  As the full moon wanes, spawning activity should settle down until the arrival of new moon phase.

As for shad, good concentrations of hickory shad have arrived in the St Johns River sections between Lake Monroe and Puzzle Lake.  Many anglers are reporting excellent catches with Steve Chapman, host of Fishing Florida Radio, reported catching 18 hickory shad on fly on one trip last week.  It was also reported that some larger American Shad are starting to show up with good concentrations being reported in the Lake Woodruff area.

My plans are to spend the next few days on the river pursuing shad on fly, so I'll keep you informed on the progress of the run.

On the Lagoons, water levels are up a little from last week before the front, and sight fishing for redfish will be good, especially when the wind settles down.  Also, good numbers of sea trout are coming from those deeper dark mucky bottom locations adjacent to shallow flats, and anglers I talked to are having their best success on niteglow DOA Shrimp fished extremely slow.

In closing, I would like to encourage everyone to join me in fishing the Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby.  The derby is free for anglers and we have some great prizes, so visit www.cfshadderby.com to view the current leaders and locate the nearest sign-up location.

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

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast fishing Charters
(407) 416-1187 on the water
http://www.irl-fishing.com

For all of your holiday shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida.  For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek. always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me.As

Amelia Island Fishing Report 1-2011

Redfish School'in


I had a report called in from two buddies, Leon and Charlie, who fished the Horsehead area today.  They got out late morning and began fishing the first of an incoming tide.  We had a very sunny day today, but the water temperature was still holding at 49 degrees.  They ended up anchoring at Bubblegum Reef and fished deep to  catch their limit of slot Redfish.  Charlie said they started off catching Rat reds but they soon began to pick up fish in the slot (18"-27") and even had a few over the slot.  Leon guessed that they caught around 30 fish and could have had 70 if they'd have stayed longer.

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

Stuart Florida Fishing Report 1-2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
First Meeting



First MeetingA great experience when young Snook meets young Man for the first time.  Fished around quite a bit looking for this guy but finally met up by the end of the trip.  The water is fairly chilly at 61 and the wind kept us from effectively working some of the best spots, but these waters are full of Snook and they’re available to those with the right tools to catch them.  As usual, on my boat, this one was seduced by a DOA shrimp.  At 21 inches and well out of the slot this one when back to the water quickly after the picture as all others must until September.

Capt. Duber Winters
Capt. Raymond Winters

Green Water Charters

772-631-1023

http://www.greenwatercharters.com/

duber@wintersnet.com

Fort Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing 1-2011

Fishing has been pretty good for the past month or so. The sailfish have been biting fairly consistently on live bait. We have had some good days trolling and catching kingfish and a few mahi-mahi mixed in with them. There have also been some smaller blackfin tuna and a few bigger ones with both bonita and the occasional wahoo while trolling too. The sharks have been around and fishing for them should really start heating up in the next month or so. The amberjack and barracuda have been around some of the wrecks and reefs when the conditions have been right for them. All in all fishing has been pretty good and should be getting better as the season progresses. Well, that's all for now, hope to see you soon.


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 Fishing Charters

Charlotte Harbor Fishing Report 1-2011

THIS MONTHS FISHING REPORT

Back country fishing has been good for Redfish and Snook.Plenty of action on topwater flies and plugs with a 34' Red leading the pack.  Trout are good in the grass flats early morning and then moving out to deeper water in the afternoon as the sun warms the water.  The Gulf has been sporadic with occasional Mackerel showing up, but the Bonito are not here yet.  Plenty of Bonita action out in front of Sarasota Bay.  Plenty of big sharks in the bays at present. One client had a 5ft. Blacktip on for 20minutes before he chewed through the leader.  Cooler temperatures have fish starting to work early in the day.....

Great time of year to fish with so much available....

Good Luck

Capt. Al White

Boca On The Fly
Captain Al White
(941) 697-0320 Cell (941) 830-1375
e-mail: BocaOnTheFly@yahoo.com

Cold Gulf Grouper Still Biting

Talk about cold! WE Floridians are not used to fishing in sub degree temperatures but on the coldest morning in December off Hudson a group of us decided to go out as the fishing bug was greater than our num hands. Bite was slow but this nice gag was boated. We all had a good time and look forward to warmer weather.

B&G Fishing Charters Inc.
Land O' Lakes, FL
813-996-1815
Hudson Fishing Charters
bilga57@verizon.net

Sarasota Fishing Report 1-17-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 1/16/2011

Action picked up early in the week with water temperatures up to 60 degrees. Another blast of cold air by mid week dropped water temperatures back to the mid 50’s, although it didn’t affect the trout and redfish bite that much. 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 reds, snook and trout during the past week.

 Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL, and Ted West, also from IL, fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound with me on Monday. They caught more than 25 trout to 19” and several reds to 31” on CAL jigs with shad tails. Most of the trout were in the slot and the 31” red, which weighed 11-pounds, was one of the larger reds we have caught recently. Keith and Victor Feldman, from Champagne, IL, also fished the same area with me on Friday. With water considerably colder following a couple of cold nights, they still had good action. Although not as fast as Monday, they caught 15 to 20 trout to 19”, with all of the fish in the slot, and a couple of reds on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Fly angler Chris Cunis, from CO, and his uncle, Venice winter resident Lynn Stuhldreher, fished the ICW near Venice with me on Tuesday evening. I monitored water temperature for several days before deciding to move forward with this trip. I am cautious to not target snook during cold snaps when water temperatures plummet. However, during warm ups between fronts, snook may feed aggressively. This was the case on Tuesday evening, with water temperature up to 60 degrees, we caught and released more than 25 snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly and a CAL jig with a glow shad tail.

This time of the year you can be successful if you fish smart. Fish the windows of good weather between fronts or fish afternoons following fronts for the best action. Next week’s negative low tides in the morning, as we approach a full moon on Jan. 19th, should concentrate trout and reds in potholes, channels and along drop offs. Afternoons may fish better if it is cold.

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


Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, IL, caught and released this nice red on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report 1-2011

Whiteys Fishing Report
January 2011
Sebastian Inlet, Beaches & Offshore

    Kingfish numbers are back along the high bar area and around the Pines, which is North of Sebastian Inlet in about 50-60 ft of water.  The kings are mostly 8-12 lbs with an occasional 20lb smoker sneaking through your baits and leaving you with a racing heartbeat and usually a bird’s nest on the spool.  Make sure if you use live baits to run them with a stinger hook to help keep the short strikes down.  Live bait is very scarce and you need to make everyone count!  Cobia have been mixed in with the bag and most of the fish are being caught on the reefs, so be ready with a buck tail or live bait if one shows up.

    Also look for a few Bonita or Spanish mackerel along the surface popping baits.  If you want to troll some spoons, keep a watch out for a bill slicing thought the water behind you ballyhoo, as a few sailfish are being picked up on the troll.  Most of the deep blue water trolling has been tough with North East winds blowing this month.  The days to get out will be few and far between, so if the flags drop, turn the bow east and drag the new lures you got from Santa.

    Good numbers of blue fish are coming over the rails at Sebastian Inlet as the water temperature continues to drop.  Silver spoons, shiny mackerel jigs or gotcha jigs need to be tied on with a wire leader and swivel to keep a financial loss of tackle to a minimum.  Seems like any thing with teeth will find the mono leader and next thing you know, you are left with an empty tackle box, while the other anglers are pulling fish in left and right.

    The surf fishing has been pretty good to start this year.  The lack of sand fleas is really slowing things down.  Even the live bait calms are hard to come by with all the freezing cold weather up north freezing the water and keeping them from harvesting the live clams on a regular basis.  Pompano have been fairly regular on the beach and have been coming mostly on the tide changes.  Whiting and bluefish has also been a mainstay and are taking clams and shrimp.

    The Whitey’s Flounder Tournament has come to an end with Brian Banchy of Melbourne Beach holding first place since early November with a 10lb flounder, Second Place was Phillip Nungesser of Palm Bay, with a 9- 3/4 lbs. flounder and Greg Kirschner, from Indian Harbor Beach with the Third place fish at 7- 3/4 lbs.  Thanks again to all the anglers who got involved this year.  There were a good number of participants signed up for the tournament this year and we also saw the most fish brought to the scales then years past.  The flounder run seemed very steady for the last few months, starting back in November and still continuing to date.  It is not over yet, the fish are still moving through the inlet.  So pack up the new gear and drive on down to the inlet to fish a tide change and see what is biting.

    Hope every one has a wonderful New Year and that 2011 is much warmer……….

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

Stuart Fishing Report 1-2011

Sunday, January 9, 2011
Wintertime Action

Fishing during the Winter months on the Treasure Coast is more active than you might think.  The big fish, Tarpon, Snook and Jacks are less active but hard fighting schooling fish like Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Ladyfish and Pompano are around in large numbers.  If we can get to the fish, we can usually catch plenty.  All are great fighters and can generally be found in predictable locations.  Wind is the primary adversary as rain seldom interferes during winter months.

That’s not all.  Snook are around, of course, but most are less active and need some considerable effort to catch.  And don’t forget that season is closed until this fall.  If the water warms up, however, the Snook action will pick up as well.  Trout can be found on the flats and nearby troughs and holes when the sun gets high and winds are low.   Redfish are in the waters north of the power plant but not so much around Stuart.

Capt. Duber Winters
Capt. Raymond Winters

Green Water Charters

772-631-1023

http://www.greenwatercharters.com/

duber@wintersnet.com

Tampa Bay Fishing Report 1-2011

January Tampa Fishing Report
07 January 2011 09:15
by Stewart Ames



December was a difficult month to fish.  Persistent cold fronts pushed through every four to five days, keeping water temperatures unseasonably cold.  Although these colder temperatures are required to initially bring these larger seatrout into St Joseph's Sound, warmer weather after the fronts allow fish to get comfortable and school up in their normal haunts.  This did happen for a short time at the beginning of December as some Tampa fishing charters produced quality fish, but then the fronts rolled in.  Longer term forecasts are that our weather will moderate so, with a little luck, January and February will produce some of the stellar large trout fishing that this area is known for.  The best methods for landing these big trout are bobber fishing with large select shrimp, positioned about a foot off the bottom.  Another highly effective approach, especially when fish are scattered is throwing swim tail jigs. When preparing for a day of jig fishing, rig two rods.  On one rod, put a 3/8 ounce jig head with a 3 to 4 inch "shad type" swim tail.  Rig another with a 1/8 ounce jig head and a long worm like jig with a split tail, like those made by Pumpkin Jigs, the slammer.  The first is used in water over three feet deep.  The other set up is used in water less than three feet deep.  Both are fished using standard jigging technique...raising the rod tip, then lowering it while reeling in the slack.  Almost all fish will be felt on the "lift".  When resistance is felt, quickly reel down while lowering the rod and set the hook. Advantages of this approach are that a lot of water can be covered in a short time and getting a hit on a jig is a lot more exciting than hooking a fish on bobbered shrimp. 



Amidst these cooler temperatures, there are certainly other fishing opportunities. On the coldest of days, when water temperatures flirt with fifty degrees or below, it's time to target sheepshead.  Oyster bars with deeper water immediately adjacent or oyster encrusted dock or bridge piling are structures that these fish call home.  To set the stage to catch them, most Tampa fishing guidesput out some free dinner to start.  When fishing bridges, this is easy.  Just bring along your trusty hoe and scrape the oyster and barnacles from the pilings.  The buffet table has now been set.  Rig your rod in the following fashion: use a four foot length of 20 lbs flourocarbon leader, a number one hook and a split shot tied about 6 inches above the hook. Bait this with a chunk of shrimp, brined oyster, small crab or sand flea  and lower it to the bottom.  Wait for the tell tale sheepshead bite...a sharp thump.  Two approaches are used to hook these effective bait stealers.  One is to immediately try and set the hook on the first tug.  The second is to reel down to see if resistance is felt...indicating that the fish is still there...and then set the hook.  If fishing an oyster bar, bring some extra frozen shrimp and scatter it off the deep edge of the bar.  Take a small piece of live shrimp, or a whole small live shrimp, and place it on the same rig mentioned above.  Cast it into the area where them chum has been broadcast and wait for the bite.  On days when you just want to be on the water, a Tampa Fishing Charter targeting sheepshead can be quite enjoyable.



Redfish are also still a viable target although the fish tend to be smaller in size.  Many times, when reds are found, it is a small schools of "rat" reds....14 to 17 inches long.  Although these fish won't serve up any drag screaming runs, or provide dinner as they are smaller than the regulationsallow, they do pull well for their size, Also, there can be 50 of them in one area, providing fast action.  That is not to say that larger redfish are an impossibility.  Religiously working docks and oyster bars on the higher phases of the tide will produce occasional larger fish, but expect to earn them through hard work.  Slot fish are typically found swimming alone or with one or two other fish in the winter...a far cry from the large schools available in summer.

Tampa fishing during winter can be challenging but, on warmer days, large trout can be caught in amazing numbers.  By watching the weather and tides, there are some great days to be had on the water before spring arrives.  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

Tarpon Springs Fishing Report 1-2011

Fishing in the New Year!
1/8/2011



Happy New Year everyone! It's going to be a great one!
I just hope that our roller coaster ride of cold fronts dipping into the sunshine state, are fewer than last year. So far we have had some pretty strong fronts come through. I keep hearing about the mild winter they forecast so let's hope for the best. The fishing has been pretty good in between the windy and cooler days. I have focused on a fish usually left alone by many, Sheepshead! Let's look at what all we've been doing out here.

Trout fishing is our staple activity through winter. They are here but not yet in great numbers we expect to see in late January into March. There are pockets of larger numbers but you really have to work to find them. I have been using jerkworms from Pumpkin Jigs, turtle grass colored, to help locate a few fish. Then, I may anchor and bomb large live shrimp, either under a cork or freelined depending on the terrain. If it is cold, I like to put them right on the bottom. The cold water keeps the Trout from wanting to come up to eat one under a cork. Pinfish can be merciless though, so bring plenty of shrimp. Shallow water flats have held some of the biggest fish. 24 plus inches! Our spoil islands in Dunedin are starting to see a few Trout as well, you just need to move around a bit to locate them. Higher tides will push them up tight to the islands. Don't underestimate how close these fish get. I've seen them in just a few inches at times.

Redfishing has really improved lately. However, most of the fish are on the small side, typical of winter fishing. Some oyster bars have held several Reds, 50 - 100 and more! We don't catch them all, but it is fun trying. Sometimes we get one over 18 inches but most are undersized. Some larger Reds have been caught under deeper water docks. I use a split shot, down to the hook, with the largest shrimp you can find. You will get picked on by pinfish and Sheepshead but the reward can be worth it!

Speaking of Sheepshead, some of you may have seen me on 'The Average Angler' TV show on Brighthouse Networks. We had a cold day to catch something so I decided to do some Sheepshead fishing. They are typically around oyster bars, under docks and around larger rock jetties. Their diet is mainly crustaceans, shrimp, sand fleas, mussels etc. On a quiet night, you can even walk on a dock and sometimes hear them crunch the barnacles on the pilings in search of food. Really! I've done that! Once located, I will pinch a shrimp into two pieces, thread a 1/0 or smaller hook through the meat to hide the hook, place a split shot about a foot up and cast towards them. You really need to find your patience and DO NOT set the hook with every little bite. They will eventually get the whole piece in their mouth. You will feel the heaviness of them pulling away, start reeling along with a light hook set and you should have a nice tussle. We caught a dozen or more on that episode using this technique. The meat on these fish is very good, often overlooked by many. Be careful handling them though. Large dorsal spines can do some damage as well as their large teeth!
Well that's what is going on out here and I am looking forward to a great season! I would like to thank all of those who fished with me last year, even through the dreaded oil spill tragedy. Even though the number of trips were way down, luckily we didn't get any oil here. I have a great base of clients and am anxious to meet many new ones this year. I hope to get you out on the water, having a great time. Let's go fishing!

Capt. Brian

Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/

2011 American Shad Derby

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report,
January 10, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn

Upcoming Seminars and Events
Shad and Crappie Derby registration materials are available at all sign-up locations, so visit http:www.cfshadderby.com for details on the nearest sign-up location to you. Also, be sure to sign up for the free 2 months of Sea Tow, courtesy of Sea Tow Central Florida Lakes.

January 22, 2011 Crappie Rally 11:00 - 2 PM at Boat Tree Marina at the Port of Sanford, "Free Seminar" Fishing with the Pros instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, Basic fishing open forum, followed by "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season". Event also features sponsor displays, giveaways, boat displays and demos, food, and a raffle to support the Hook Kids on Fishing Program.

This Week's Fishing Report
Well folk, just in time for the Shad and Crappie Derby, the American shad run has begun with good reports of shad being caught from the I-4 Bridge in Lake Monroe to Puzzle Lake.


Captain Tom's first shad of the 2011 run.
Captain Tom with his first American shad of the 2011 Derby

Yesterday I fished the stretch of water from Lake Harney to the Jolly Gator Fish Camp with my good friends Becky, Mike and Fred, and we ended the day with 10 American shad and one speckled perch (crappie).  The bite was consistent, but not heavy, and all fish were caught slow trolling darts, spoons and crappie jigs.  The hot lures were gold and silver spoons and a white curly tail crappie grub on a 16th ounce red jig head.  I also took the grand champion prize with the super trashcan slam consisting of a dead armored catfish, an old beer can, a rather large gar and a needle fish.


Fred Rambo's first shad of the Derby.
Fred's first 17 inch American Shad of the Derby

In another shad report, Bill Eury from BMC Boats in Longwood reported catching 20 American shad yesterday between Mullet Lake Park and the old Lemmon Bluff Fish Camp.  All of Bill fish were caught slow trolling shad rigs as well.
Lastly, Charlie McCullough reported catching a 16 inch American shad on a Road Runner while crappie fishing down stream fro the I-4 Bridge in Lake Monroe.

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

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast fishing Charters
(407) 416-1187 on the water
http://www.irl-fishing.com

For all of your holiday shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida.  For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek. always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me.As

Sarasota Bay Fishing Report 1-10-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 1/8/2011

Action improved last week as Sarasota Bay waters warmed to near 60 degrees. Trout moved into shallow water and fed more aggressively due to the warmer water. 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 flounder on jigs.

Keith McClintock, Rick Andersen and Victor Feldman, all from IL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We fished both shallow and deep areas and found the best action in 2’ to 3’ of water. We fished shallow grass and potholes along sand bars on the east side of the bay from Stephens Point to Long Bar and near Bishop Point on the west side where they caught and released more than 25 trout to 19”, 3 small reds and several flounder on CAL jigs with grub and shad tails. We used 1/16 ounce CAL jig heads to work our plastic baits over the shallow grass. We caught and released the flounder and a few ladyfish in deep channels.
I was the guest of my friend, Capt. Rick DePaiva (www.saltwaterflyfishing.org), on Tuesday to fish the fertile waters of Pine Island Sound. The lush grass flats, sand and oyster bars and mangrove shorelines are breathtaking. The only thing better is the amount of shots we had at tailing, cruising and laid up reds. An amazing fishery! If you are in the Ft. Myers, Sanibel or Captiva area give Capt. Rick a call at 239-246-8726 or e-mail flynutt@aol.com .

If you are interested in learning to fly fish or improving your skills, I will be the instructor for a CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Jan. 15, 2011. Located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd., on Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL the school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. I will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 9 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of premium Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact me or CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or cbsoutfitters@verizon.net to make reservations.
Look for reds and trout in potholes and on shallow grass along sand bars next week, especially on sunny afternoons. Following a front, you might find fish in deeper water such as creeks and channels.

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

Keys Fishing report- 1-7-2011

Thursday, January 6, 2011
GOTCHA with a good mix



Capt. Mel Walker on the "Gotcha"had a good day on the first Thursday of 2011 with a group that included Larry & Pete (95 years young) Pons from Franklin,NC. Chan Pons Chareston,SC.and Kevin Beckett Avon,Ohio.They came in with a king,cero ,and a bunch of yellow tails.



Just some of the fun on the CAPT.EASY the last few days.The couple with the sailfish is Norm & Laura from Minnesota,the guy with the sailfish is Joe from Chicago,and the lady with the mutton is Consuala from Montana.





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

Key West Tarpon 1-2011

It’s January. The 3rd to be exact. Here in Key West a summer weather tarpon fishing window has appeared this week.



What does this mean?

Possibility of some tarpon here in Key West. Don’t go calling your bookie yet. Understand that this may not happen. I think that there is a good chance if the weather stays like this for the next couple days. We are IN.. The beasts will be here and ready to eat.

For the last couple days South easterly have been prevailing bringing warm air and water from the Atlantic basin. The next couple days are calling for oily calm waters and warm temps as the few front on their way are falling apart.

Book a tarpon fishing trip in Key West this week? Well- thats up to you. I wont guarantee it but they may be here and ready to eat. I would definitely make sure you book a well rounded trip and guide that can offer something else if the Silver King is not here and ready.

We have a regular cast of local little guy tarpon here this week already and they will show  a good time. But many of you have been calling for the big guys of spring.. I am just trying to keep you updated… Boats are out this morning- An interim report may follow stay posted..

Call My Office and Speak to Island Gen For booking details, rates and schedule. She can help you with all things here in Key West.

Good luck and Bow…!!!

Dr Catcher

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

N.E. Florida Fishing Report 1-11

Happy New Year at Marie Island



I started the New Year off right by fishing with Don and Kelly Tesiero and their kids, Trey and Marie, on  Saturday, New Year's day.  We left the Atlantic Seafood boat ramp at 8am after a brief safety orientation and headed up the Amelia River to the mouth of Tiger Island.  Dolphins were rolling in the river as we rounded the inlet at Tiger Island and we pulled up at a grassy point to drop anchor and unlimber our fishing lines. Both Trey and Marie proclaimed "no instruction needed" and they begin to cast their light spinning tackle to the shore line with a live shrimp under a Cajun Thunder float.  Bites were few and far between, with water temperature at 49 degrees,  so we pulled anchor and headed up to the Jolley River to fish some creek runouts.  Although we had a few bites, the fish just weren't eating so we headed back to Tiger Island, which last year we had renamed "Trey Island".  We anchored just off the bank and the kids were now casting 1/4oz jigs with shrimp to the shore line and downed trees.  Both kids were making good casts, but Marie put one right next to a log and before we knew it, she was yelling "FISH ON"!  She battled the 18" Redfish to the net for pictures and release, then she proclaimed the island was now "Marie Island"!  We all agreed that the name should stick....at least until next time!  To wrap up the trip we toured Cumberland Island and beach creek, seeing great Blue Herons roosting in the trees, then we eased along the south shore to spot some wild horses grazing in the marsh grass, before heading in to the dock, counting it as another great day to be out on the water!

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

Posted by Cpt. Lawrence Piper at 12:44 PM

How T Catch Cold Water Redfish

How To Catch Cold Water Redfish



We had some extremely cold water last month but the redfishing was still excellent most days. The majority of the fish are in schools of 10-200 fish. Stealth is extremely important. I watched hundreds and hundreds of fish last month spooked by squeaky shoes or footsteps on the deck. We can never control how the fish will bite but we can always control our approach and presentation.

Cold fish have a slower metabolism and will be easier to feed with small lures or flies. Work lures slowly keeping them on our near the bottom. Over sandy bottom, try a 3" paddle tail CAL on a jighead. On the grass flats, the DOA shrimp is your best bet. If you try a variety of lures but the fish do not seem to be eating, move to a different location. You will often find fish acting totally different on various flats.

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

Indian River Fishing Reports 1-2-2011

Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
January 2. 2011


Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
December turned out to be the coldest in recorded history here in central Florida but we still managed to have some excellent fishing. While the cold snaps were frequent and severe, they were not as prolonged as last January and I have not seen any significant fish kills. The water is crystal clear and redfish, black drum and huge seatrout can be found in schools throughout the Mosquito Lagoon. Both fly and light tackle anglers can expect some spectacular days on the water.

During mid December, I made a trip to Mosquito Lagoon with fellow guide Capt. John Kumiski on a frigid morning. With the water temperature at 46, we did not expect to find any happy fish. To our surprise, the fish we found were a bit sluggish but happy to eat our flies. During several hours of fishing, we landed 18 redfish with 13 of them on fly. We used mostly black or olive redfish worms or crab type patterns.



The following day, the weather had warmed significantly and I took a canoe trip with friend Capt. Charlie Imwalle. We had an excellent day targeting redfish and black drum on fly.





Mid-month charters brought varying levels of success. We saw plenty of redfish on each trip but they were very shallow and required quick accurate casts to get a bite. The past week, another strong cold front drove many of the fish off the shallow flats and into deeper channel, sloughs and edges. Even with water temperatures at the beginning of the week in the lower 40's, the fish were often fighting over the baits.

Malcolm and Wayne were visiting from South Africa and wanted to try targeting some redfish. They had an outstanding day of catch and release action landing at least twenty redfish and several nice trout on 3" DOA CAL jigs.





The following day, I was joined my Maureen with her son Michael, 12, and Brittany, 17. It was another banner day with thirty redfish landed and released.





The following two days were a bit tougher due to thick cloud cover. We saw plenty of fish but many were nearly under the boat by the time we noticed them. At the end of the day on Thursday the clouds finally parted but the wind began picking up. At our last stop before heading in, Fred talked me in to making a few casts with him. A nice trout was willing to eat my 3" CAL.



Friday, we barely saw the sun all day but we did see hundreds of fish. Ray got a Mosquito Lagoon slam landed several redfish and drum, along with a couple seatrout.



This month, anglers should expect more top notch sight fishing. Weather is the most influential factor during the winter. Because of the shallow depths of the Lagoon system, water temperatures can go up or down significantly in a short time. Sudden drops will chase most of the fish off the shallows but they will return as soon as the water warms. Small lures and flies are the key to success. The colder the water, the slower the presentation should be.


Free Fly Fishing Classes
Mosquito Creek Outdoors will be offering a free Introduction to Fly Fishing class each month. The first class will be January 8 at the new fly shop inside Mosquito Creek Outdoors Outback. The class begins at 10am.

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

Sarasota Bay Fishing Report 1-3-2011

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota, Gasparilla Sound, FL Fishing Report 
1/1/2011


Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout on jigs and flies during the past week. A strong front with high winds came roaring through last Sunday morning, dropping water temperatures back into the low 50’s and forcing the cancellation of a couple of trips. Cold water kept fish concentrated in channels, creeks and deep edges of flats. By the end of the week, conditions improved and water warmed back to the mid to high 50’s.
Brian Glock, from Portland, OR, and his dad, Tim Glock from Cincinnati, OH, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Wednesday. We fished the edges of bars, creeks and potholes and they caught and released more than 15 trout to 18” on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Everette Howell, from Nashville, TN, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday morning. Action was slow to start, but he caught and released about 6 trout on Clouser flies near Long Bar. Action improved that afternoon when Greg Smith and his son, Alex, from MI, fished the same areas with me and caught and released about 15 trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails.
Andy Rotherham, from Alexandria, VA, caught and released about 15 trout to 18” near Cortez with me on Friday. He fished a channel with a 300-grain Orvis Depth Charge fly line and a heavily weighted olive Clouser fly to stay in the strike zone.

Trout season reopens today in the south region after a 2-month closure. Next week’s negative low tides should concentrate trout and reds in channels, creeks and potholes. Look for big trout and reds on shallow flats on sunny afternoons. Happy New Year and special thanks to all of my customers that fished with me during the past year!

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

Brian Glock, from the Portland, OR area, caught and released this trout on a Clouser fly while fishing Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Forecast 1-2011

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast, 
January 2011
by Captain Tom Van Horn


Upcoming Seminars and Events

January 1, 2011 Shad and Crappie Derby starts at safe light. (Both shad and crappie derbies)

Saturday, January 22nd 11:00 - 2:00 PM, Free Crappie Rally at Boat Tree Marina Sanford, "Free Seminar" Instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Catching American Shad & Crappie". Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program.

Saturday, February 12th 11:00 - 2:00 PM, Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp adjacent to CS Lee Park in Geneva, Florida - "Free Seminar" 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.

February 28th 2011 Derby ends at sunset. (Both shad and crappie derbies)

Saturday, March 5th at 12 Noon: Shad and Crappie Derby Awards Ceremony at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

For more details on the 2011 Central Florida Shad Derby, go to http://www.cfshadderby.com.


January's Fishing Outlook

First, let me start this forecast by wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

As always, angling opportunities in the winter are influenced by strength of passing cold fronts as they cycle through Florida, typically highlighted by a few days of strong easterly breezes followed by several really nice days. It's just a matter of keeping in touch with the weather, and being prepared to take advantage of the nice days, no excuses.

As water levels and temperatures drop, clear and shallow conditions on the Mosquito, Indian River Lagoon, and Banana River Lagoon flats facilitate some of the best sight fishing experienced all year. On clear sunny days, successful anglers' focus on quietly polling the flats is search of redfish and sea trout holding in the sandy potholes soaking up the suns warmth. An early start is not necessary, so read the paper and have an extra cup of coffee before heading to the lagoon. Additionally, mullet and other finfish have migrated out of the area for the winter, so as the predators feeding habits switch to smaller shrimp and crabs, and anglers should switch to smaller baits and a slower presentation. When targeting redfish, black drum, and sea trout during the colder months, I like to downsize my bait and fish with a shrimp or crab imitation baits like the DOA Shrimp or Crab on a Woodie's Rattle Hook. January and February are also key months for targeting tailing black drum on the exclusive Banana River No-Motor Zone. The zone is one of the only locations I know of where a well-presented black Clouser fly can land you a 25-pound drum on the flats.



Offshore, kingfish will still be consistent along the inshore reefs and wrecks, and they will remain there as long as the water temperature stays above 68 degrees. When targeting kings in January, focus your attention on bottom structure (wrecks) in the areas of 8A reef, Pelican Flats, and Bethel Shoals and the Pines to the south. Also look for cobia on the inshore wrecks like the Carol Lee, Dutch, and Sub Wreck out of Port Canaveral. Additionally, live bait is sometimes 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 structure, and for cobia to move in shadowing manta rays if the surface water temperatures reach the upper sixties. If we expedience an extended period of warm weather, mid-winter thaw, look for a mid-winter cobia run to commence.

Now is also the time for shore anglers 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. As the water temperatures cool, the pompano will move out of the lagoon and gather in the troughs along the beach in search of mole crabs, sand fleas.



In addition to the saltwater bite, the American shad run will be improving on the St Johns River as we progress into the New Year. These aerobatic fish are great fun on fly rod or light tackle spinning gear, and they are easily targeted on blustery days when coastal fishing is tough.  Water levels on the St Johns are extremely low this year, so please be careful when operating your boat

Happy New Year and 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 office

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