Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
October 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday October 8th, Free Intro to Fly Fishing Class
10 a.m. - 12 noon, free introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified instructor Captain Chris Myers. Class will be held at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 S. Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida. www.mosquitocreel.com.
Saturday October 22nd, Free Fishing Seminar "Lagoon Fall Fishing Tactics"
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Lagoon Fall Fishing Tactics", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
Saturday November 12th, Gumbo Cook Off for Give Kids the World and Anglers for Conservation
12 Noon at Fish on Fire Restaurant in Orlando. For more details, visit www.fishingfloridaradio.com
October's Fishing Outlook
The fall bait migration is in full swing on Florida's Space Coast with good concentrations of migrating baitfish can be found excite both gamefish and angler alike. Triggered by shorter days, cooling water temperatures, and approaching cold fronts, pockets of mullet stream down the beach harassed by hungry predators. As the bait works its way south in the troughs of the surf, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, Spanish mackerel, redfish and snook keep them hemmed up close along the surfs edge, with tarpon, blacktip and spinner sharks lurking in the waves eager to fulfill their position at the top of the food chain. As the baitfish feed out the inlets on the falling tide, breeder redfish, tarpon, snook, take advantage of the easy meal, as the fleeing mullet are forced away from the shelter of the shoreline. Additionally, October and November are the best months to target snook at Sebastian Inlet as long as water temperatures stay above 70 degrees.
Once the water temperatures near the 68 degree mark southern and gulf flounder moving through the inlets usually follow the first major cold front. It's difficult to predict the precise moment of the run, but serious flounder pounders know when the moment is right, and they're often rewarded with doormats from 8 to 14 pounds.
In the deeper water, both tripletail and cobia move into the depths of 40 to 60 feet of water shadowing pods of threadfin herring (greenies) and Spanish sardines (cigar minnows) pushing south along the Canaveral shoals, often hanging just below the abundant flotsam carried inshore by the easterly breezes. Once you locate weeds and other debris, look for tripletail to be hanging just below the floating structure. Live shrimp and small jigs tipped with shrimp work well when targeting these brim on steroids. It helps to fish later in the day keeping the afternoon sun to your back to improve your range of sight, and always keep a medium heavy rod rigged with a one ounce chartreuse or white buck tail jig ready to throw to any cruising cobia. Also, look for the fall kingfish run to commence as well as an occasional sailfish or black fin tuna on the near-shore reefs and wrecks like 8A and Pelican Flats.
In the lagoons, breeder schools of redfish are abundant in deeper water through the north IRL. These schools of oversized redfish are m
schools of pompano will begin forming up and moving thought the inlets invading the beach in search of mole crabs (sand fleas) their favorite winter food. Remember, spotted sea trout are out of season in November and December on Florida's east central coast, so if you manage to catch one please handle and release it with extreme care.
For up to date fishing forecast by all Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando captains visit:
http://coastalanglermag.com/orlando/.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tampa Fishing Charters 9-28-2011
Snook...wow what an excellent opportunity to prove your fish catching skills. These fish make even the most accomplished angler frustrated. In the Tampa, area we have numerous places to catch snook.
But, most local anglers are painfully aware of the devastating freeze of 2009. This is not the first time such a thing has happened. In the 1980s the Tampa Bay area experienced a similar freeze, and yet, the fish recovered in just a few years. The good news is that our fishery is recovering. Snook are still being caught by those who know how to catch them.
The snook in this picture was caught during the middle of the summer in the back country. We caught numerous snook this summer in places I did not expect to see them. When I told Bill Miller of the Hooked On Fishing T.V. what was happening, we decided to do a show and document the health of our up and coming snook fishery.
But that was the summer. It is now fall and the days of catching smaller snook in the back country is coming to an end. The bigger snook are moving into the rivers and canals to prepare for their winter survival. The white bait is every where and easy to catch. This time of year is why fisherman live in FL. If you can not tell by now, I am passionate about catching fish, especially snook. The challenge and reward for mastering these line-siders is not easily matched. I guess the only thing left to do is get out there and catch some.
Captain Rick Reddick
http://www.captainrickreddick.com/
813-787-0249
Tampa Fishing Charters | Tampa Fishing Guides
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Ft Lauderdale Fishing Report 9-27-11
Fort Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Report
King mackerel, (kingfish) and bonita have been the most consistent fish caught while troling aboard the Reel Work over the past week. Bottom fishing the local reefs and wrecks has produced snapper and a shark.
Saturday of last week we had a good day fishing. We caught some snappers and there were a lot of bonito. We also heard of a few kings and a shark around. The next day we had good fishing catching lots of bonito and some kingfish. We also heard of a few sailfish mahis and wahoo being caught.
On Monday we caught more kingfish than bonito and some barracudas. On Wednesday we went looking for mahis but no luck. Went to the reef put out live baits caught a couple bonito. Heard kings and bonito caught. This weekend we got some kingfish and bonito trolling and some bottom fish. Heard kingfish bonito skipjack and more bottom fish.
Reel Work Sport Fishing
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
King mackerel, (kingfish) and bonita have been the most consistent fish caught while troling aboard the Reel Work over the past week. Bottom fishing the local reefs and wrecks has produced snapper and a shark.
Saturday of last week we had a good day fishing. We caught some snappers and there were a lot of bonito. We also heard of a few kings and a shark around. The next day we had good fishing catching lots of bonito and some kingfish. We also heard of a few sailfish mahis and wahoo being caught.
On Monday we caught more kingfish than bonito and some barracudas. On Wednesday we went looking for mahis but no luck. Went to the reef put out live baits caught a couple bonito. Heard kings and bonito caught. This weekend we got some kingfish and bonito trolling and some bottom fish. Heard kingfish bonito skipjack and more bottom fish.
Reel Work Sport Fishing
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
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sarasota Bay Fishing Report 9-26-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report for 9/24/2011
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay and the coastal gulf during the past week. Spin anglers scored on reds, snook, trout, flounder, blues and Spanish mackerel. Fly anglers had great action with little tunny (false albacore).
Tom and Mary Howard, from Bradenton, Fl, fished north Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We focused on skinny water and the action wasn’t fast, but they caught and released a slam including a red, a couple of snook and several trout and flounder on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, FL, and I scouted the coastal gulf off Siesta and Casey Keys and had great action with little tunny and Spanish mackerel on Tuesday. Little tunny were “surfing”, eating tiny baits with their heads and backs out of the water, which made for some exciting top water strikes! We landed 7 or 8 little tunny to 10-lbs and about 6 Spanish mackerel to 2 ½-lbs on my Grassett Snook Minnow, Clouser and Bubblehead fly poppers.
Jerry Roth, from Longwood, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. He also had a slam including 3 reds, a snook and several trout on a Zara Spook, Jr. and CAL jigs with shad tails. Greg and Patty Pratt, from Cincinnati, OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. They had good action with trout, blues and Spanish mackerel on DOA Deadly Combos and Ultra Hair Clouser flies.
Next week’s tides are good as we approach a new moon on Sept. 27th. Bay water is still warm enough that mornings are fishing better. Snook are moving onto shallow flats and staging around sand bars in Sarasota Bay. Coastal gulf action should only get better as water cools and bait becomes more plentiful in the coastal gulf.
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
Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, FL, caught and released this little tunny in the coastal gulf off Sarasota on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Mary Howard, from Bradenton, FL, caught this nice flounder out of a Sarasota Bay pothole on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in Sarasota Bay and the coastal gulf during the past week. Spin anglers scored on reds, snook, trout, flounder, blues and Spanish mackerel. Fly anglers had great action with little tunny (false albacore).
Tom and Mary Howard, from Bradenton, Fl, fished north Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We focused on skinny water and the action wasn’t fast, but they caught and released a slam including a red, a couple of snook and several trout and flounder on CAL jigs with shad tails.
Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, FL, and I scouted the coastal gulf off Siesta and Casey Keys and had great action with little tunny and Spanish mackerel on Tuesday. Little tunny were “surfing”, eating tiny baits with their heads and backs out of the water, which made for some exciting top water strikes! We landed 7 or 8 little tunny to 10-lbs and about 6 Spanish mackerel to 2 ½-lbs on my Grassett Snook Minnow, Clouser and Bubblehead fly poppers.
Jerry Roth, from Longwood, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. He also had a slam including 3 reds, a snook and several trout on a Zara Spook, Jr. and CAL jigs with shad tails. Greg and Patty Pratt, from Cincinnati, OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. They had good action with trout, blues and Spanish mackerel on DOA Deadly Combos and Ultra Hair Clouser flies.
Next week’s tides are good as we approach a new moon on Sept. 27th. Bay water is still warm enough that mornings are fishing better. Snook are moving onto shallow flats and staging around sand bars in Sarasota Bay. Coastal gulf action should only get better as water cools and bait becomes more plentiful in the coastal gulf.
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
Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, FL, caught and released this little tunny in the coastal gulf off Sarasota on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Mary Howard, from Bradenton, FL, caught this nice flounder out of a Sarasota Bay pothole on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Amelia Island Fishing Report 9-18-2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Team W
Friends Tim and Wes Parker were in town for the Amelia Island Blues Festival this weekend and we had set up to do some Amelia Island backcountry fishing. Thursday afternoon we met at the Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina and made a run up to the Lanceford Creek docks to fish the outgoing tide. I thought the timing was almost perfect with the oysters showing. Tim used one of his artificial baits and caught a fiesty Redfish and Wes tossed a live shrimp under float, catching a couple of Trout. Although everything was "right", the fish just seemed slow to bite, so we headed up to the Jolley River for some real backwater fishing! The oyster beds were almost fully exposed and the bite seemed to pick up - we caught a 3-4 Redfish at the first stop and another Trout, then crossed the river to pick up another Red or two. When the tide changed and started back in, we fished Jolley Bank, catching more hard biting Redfish. Then Wes's float went under with a vengeance and his rod bent, drag ripped and FISH ON! I thought for sure it was slot Red. But after Wes worked the fish expertly to the boat, letting it take drag as needed, the fish came to the surface and we all saw that it was a large Seatrout! Tim netted the fish for his son, "Team W"! Wow, what a fish!
We eventually moved around to Tiger Island and wrapped up the evening with two Flounder, one of which would provide some exceptional fillets! The next morning I picked up Wes and his buddy James and we headed to the south end early, launching and motoring up to Broward Island to fish the first of an incoming tide. Again, the tide and conditions were almost perfect and the two anglers were making excellent casts to the bank, working their jig and artificial lures back slowly. On one cast, "Team W" Wes felt a strong "bump" just after his chartreuse Juicy Lucey hit the water and the fish followed it and bit strong, FISH ON! Wes worked the fish up off the bottom and into the net, a nice 19" Flounder! We had few bites along the bank but it just didn't seem to be a fish bite'n day so we move on to the Horsehead area where we picked up a few Trout on some artificial shrimp under float rigs. With that, we called it a day, another great one to be 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 12:27 PM
Team W
Friends Tim and Wes Parker were in town for the Amelia Island Blues Festival this weekend and we had set up to do some Amelia Island backcountry fishing. Thursday afternoon we met at the Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina and made a run up to the Lanceford Creek docks to fish the outgoing tide. I thought the timing was almost perfect with the oysters showing. Tim used one of his artificial baits and caught a fiesty Redfish and Wes tossed a live shrimp under float, catching a couple of Trout. Although everything was "right", the fish just seemed slow to bite, so we headed up to the Jolley River for some real backwater fishing! The oyster beds were almost fully exposed and the bite seemed to pick up - we caught a 3-4 Redfish at the first stop and another Trout, then crossed the river to pick up another Red or two. When the tide changed and started back in, we fished Jolley Bank, catching more hard biting Redfish. Then Wes's float went under with a vengeance and his rod bent, drag ripped and FISH ON! I thought for sure it was slot Red. But after Wes worked the fish expertly to the boat, letting it take drag as needed, the fish came to the surface and we all saw that it was a large Seatrout! Tim netted the fish for his son, "Team W"! Wow, what a fish!
We eventually moved around to Tiger Island and wrapped up the evening with two Flounder, one of which would provide some exceptional fillets! The next morning I picked up Wes and his buddy James and we headed to the south end early, launching and motoring up to Broward Island to fish the first of an incoming tide. Again, the tide and conditions were almost perfect and the two anglers were making excellent casts to the bank, working their jig and artificial lures back slowly. On one cast, "Team W" Wes felt a strong "bump" just after his chartreuse Juicy Lucey hit the water and the fish followed it and bit strong, FISH ON! Wes worked the fish up off the bottom and into the net, a nice 19" Flounder! We had few bites along the bank but it just didn't seem to be a fish bite'n day so we move on to the Horsehead area where we picked up a few Trout on some artificial shrimp under float rigs. With that, we called it a day, another great one to be 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 12:27 PM
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tampa Fishing Charters 9-16-2011
Fishing over the last few weeks has been getting better and better as the water begins to cool down. We are now seeing temperatures in the mid to low 80s. The reports of schools of red fish are very good right now. Fish are consistently being caught around Fort Desoto and the entire south shore of Tampa Bay.
The Spanish mackerel have shown up around the Skyway Bridge in good numbers with reports of 3 to 6 lb fish being caught.
Also, around the Skyway the tarpon bite has been good. The tarpon are spread out from the mouth of Tampa Bay and the beaches all the way up to Old Tampa Bay. We have seen some large fish in front of Safety Harbor.
The snook bite is really starting to heat up. Slot snook are being caught in there transitional places as the move into the back country. I look for the snook fishing to be very good for the next few months.
The trout bite in upper Tampa Bay has been very good. Trout can be caught while throwing MirrOdines to lady fish.
Gag grouper season is now open. I look for October to be a very good grouper month in Tampa Bay.
The white bait is getting bigger and you are able to now sight cast over the schools on the grass flats and around the bridges. It has been a long and hard bait summer. I am very thankful that the bait is getting bigger and easier to catch. Fall fishing is here!
Captain Rick Reddick
www.captainrickreddick.com
813-787-0249
The Spanish mackerel have shown up around the Skyway Bridge in good numbers with reports of 3 to 6 lb fish being caught.
Also, around the Skyway the tarpon bite has been good. The tarpon are spread out from the mouth of Tampa Bay and the beaches all the way up to Old Tampa Bay. We have seen some large fish in front of Safety Harbor.
The snook bite is really starting to heat up. Slot snook are being caught in there transitional places as the move into the back country. I look for the snook fishing to be very good for the next few months.
The trout bite in upper Tampa Bay has been very good. Trout can be caught while throwing MirrOdines to lady fish.
Gag grouper season is now open. I look for October to be a very good grouper month in Tampa Bay.
The white bait is getting bigger and you are able to now sight cast over the schools on the grass flats and around the bridges. It has been a long and hard bait summer. I am very thankful that the bait is getting bigger and easier to catch. Fall fishing is here!
Captain Rick Reddick
www.captainrickreddick.com
813-787-0249
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 9-15- 2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
September 14, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday, September 24th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
09.00 - 15.00 National Public Lands Day at Bill Frederick Park in Orlando. The free kids event is sponsored by the City of Orlando, Anglers for Conservation, Teen Sportsfishing Association, FWC, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Bass Pro and Mud Hole Custom Tackle. The first 250 kids signed up get a free rod, reel and tackle box.
Volunteers are needed to help man learning stations and sign up kids, so if you have Saturday open, we will be meeting at the Bill Frederick Park on Turkey Lake at 9 a.m., so come join in the fun and help a kid catch a memory that will last them a lifetime.
Last Weeks Fishing Report
Well folks, with all the doom and gloom you been hearing from me over the last few weeks, I can finally say that conditions are changing for the better. If you haven't noticed, the fall love bug hatch is on, the goldenrods are in full bloom and the acorns are starting to drop. All of these are signs of fall, and the signify the commencement of the fall mullet run and the time of year breeder redfish school form up for their spawn in the north Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons. During the full moon phase last week all I heard was reports of no significant redfish schools being sighted, well all of that has changed these last few days. The schools are starting to appear in many of their traditional locations from the south end of the Mosquito Lagoon to Sebastian Inlet, so don't hesitate. During these breeding periods, the redfish become very aggressive striking well presented swim baits like the DOA Bait Buster and the Gulp Ripple Mullet, and top-water plugs like the Rapala Skitterwalk. Remember, these are breeder schools of trophy redfish, so please don't pound them. Catch yourself a couple nice fish, practice CPR, and then let the school do its thing.
Along the beach, the mullet run is on, but heavy seas have made fishing outside the inlets in shallow water boats a bit challenging, but as Maria move away, thing will start to settle down and fishing will improve.
As always, if you need information of have any questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
September 14, 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday, September 24th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
09.00 - 15.00 National Public Lands Day at Bill Frederick Park in Orlando. The free kids event is sponsored by the City of Orlando, Anglers for Conservation, Teen Sportsfishing Association, FWC, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Bass Pro and Mud Hole Custom Tackle. The first 250 kids signed up get a free rod, reel and tackle box.
Volunteers are needed to help man learning stations and sign up kids, so if you have Saturday open, we will be meeting at the Bill Frederick Park on Turkey Lake at 9 a.m., so come join in the fun and help a kid catch a memory that will last them a lifetime.
Last Weeks Fishing Report
Well folks, with all the doom and gloom you been hearing from me over the last few weeks, I can finally say that conditions are changing for the better. If you haven't noticed, the fall love bug hatch is on, the goldenrods are in full bloom and the acorns are starting to drop. All of these are signs of fall, and the signify the commencement of the fall mullet run and the time of year breeder redfish school form up for their spawn in the north Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons. During the full moon phase last week all I heard was reports of no significant redfish schools being sighted, well all of that has changed these last few days. The schools are starting to appear in many of their traditional locations from the south end of the Mosquito Lagoon to Sebastian Inlet, so don't hesitate. During these breeding periods, the redfish become very aggressive striking well presented swim baits like the DOA Bait Buster and the Gulp Ripple Mullet, and top-water plugs like the Rapala Skitterwalk. Remember, these are breeder schools of trophy redfish, so please don't pound them. Catch yourself a couple nice fish, practice CPR, and then let the school do its thing.
Along the beach, the mullet run is on, but heavy seas have made fishing outside the inlets in shallow water boats a bit challenging, but as Maria move away, thing will start to settle down and fishing will improve.
As always, if you need information of have any questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Ft Lauderdale Offshore Report 9-12-2011
Trolling offshore on the weekend of the 3rd was producing good catches of bonita and kingmackerel when I spotted a school of dolphin. We gave chase and ended up landing 10 nice size mahi and releasing several undersized fish. After loosing the fast moving mahi-mahi we continued trolling and started catching some big wahoo. We ended the trip with a 20lb wahoo, a 35lb wahoo and a 40lb wahoo.
This weekend while trolling live bait in 800ft of water when I spotted a floating piece of bamboo. Trolling around the bamboo produced 10 nice dolphin before the fish disappeared. A short while later we came across a floating pallet. We caught 22 more dolphin off of that pallet and ended the day with the dolphin, 8 wahoo, several kingmackerel and 3 tripletail. Now that's a good day of fishing!
Reel Work Sport Fishing
301 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-522-9399
1-877-524-9377
Email: lauderdalefishing@gmail.com
Website: lauderdalefishing.com
Sarasota Bay Fishing Report 9-12-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett's Fishing report for 9/11/2011
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay 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 to 19" and reds to 22" on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos during the past week. Bill and Sally Wester, from Cincinnati, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday, 9/7. They caught and released trout to 19" on DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens Point, Marina Jack flats and near ICW markers 5 and 7.
Keith McClintock, from Lake forest, IL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday, 9/8. We fished skinny water along the east side of the bay from the Ringling flats to Long Bar. Keith caught and released a pair of reds to 22" and several trout on a MirrOlure Top Dog, Jr.and a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Tides are good next week and action should be good as we head away from Monday's full moon. Action may be better early or late in the day since fish may feed more at night under clear skies close to the full moon.
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
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay 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 to 19" and reds to 22" on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos during the past week. Bill and Sally Wester, from Cincinnati, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday, 9/7. They caught and released trout to 19" on DOA Deadly Combos at Stephens Point, Marina Jack flats and near ICW markers 5 and 7.
Keith McClintock, from Lake forest, IL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday, 9/8. We fished skinny water along the east side of the bay from the Ringling flats to Long Bar. Keith caught and released a pair of reds to 22" and several trout on a MirrOlure Top Dog, Jr.and a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Tides are good next week and action should be good as we head away from Monday's full moon. Action may be better early or late in the day since fish may feed more at night under clear skies close to the full moon.
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
Friday, September 09, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 9-8- 2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, September 8,2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday, September 24th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
09.00 - 15.00 National Public Lands Day at Bill Federick Park in Orlando. The free kis event is sponsored by the City of Orlando, Anglers for Conservation, Teen Sportsfishing Association, FWC, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Bass Pro and Mud Hole Custom Tackle. The first 250 kids signed up get a free rod, reel and tackle box.
Last Weeks Fishing Report
I wish I could tell you that fishing has been great, but that would be stretching it a bit. On the inshore waters of the lagoons, the water is still high and dirty. There are a ton of big mullet everywhere, but finding the schools of smaller bait has been challenging. Because of the nasty water conditions, sight fishing has not been too successful. Luckily, fish locate their prey using sight, sent and sound, so some decent fish can still be taken if you are willing to offer bait, and have the patience to wait them out.
Along the beach and offshore this week, heavy seas have kept most anglers in port. The bait, silver mullet, are in the surf and once the seas settle down and become fishable, he bite should be on. Squally weather has been the dominate factor this week, but we do live in the tropics and it is hurricane season, but things look like they are shaping up for some good fishing, so I'll see you on the water.
As always, if you need information of have any questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Saturday, September 24th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
09.00 - 15.00 National Public Lands Day at Bill Federick Park in Orlando. The free kis event is sponsored by the City of Orlando, Anglers for Conservation, Teen Sportsfishing Association, FWC, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Bass Pro and Mud Hole Custom Tackle. The first 250 kids signed up get a free rod, reel and tackle box.
Last Weeks Fishing Report
I wish I could tell you that fishing has been great, but that would be stretching it a bit. On the inshore waters of the lagoons, the water is still high and dirty. There are a ton of big mullet everywhere, but finding the schools of smaller bait has been challenging. Because of the nasty water conditions, sight fishing has not been too successful. Luckily, fish locate their prey using sight, sent and sound, so some decent fish can still be taken if you are willing to offer bait, and have the patience to wait them out.
Along the beach and offshore this week, heavy seas have kept most anglers in port. The bait, silver mullet, are in the surf and once the seas settle down and become fishable, he bite should be on. Squally weather has been the dominate factor this week, but we do live in the tropics and it is hurricane season, but things look like they are shaping up for some good fishing, so I'll see you on the water.
As always, if you need information of have any questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com
http://www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187
For all of your outdoor needs, visit www.mosquitocreek.com, it's where your adventure begins.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Amelia Island Fishing Report 9-8-2011
Amelia Island Fishing Report
September 2011
Hello Anglers!
There's a lot of information here so make sure you scroll all the way down. Please forward to friends and family who love to fish! The Amelia Island Fishing Report is kept up to date so visit regularly during the month to see what's biting! Get away from it all, book a trip, and Let's Go Fishing on The Angler's Mark!
August Report/September Forecast:
Fishing was super hot in August in more ways than one! During the earlier part of the month anglers had to work through "baitstealers" to get quality fish. But as
August progressed, the Redfish and Flounder began to get bigger in the backcountry. See the complete and up to date Amelia Island Fishing Report.
September fishing should be outstanding! Air temps should be somewhat cooler and last year's journal notes indicate there will be more Redfish to be caught! FALL fishing is the best! Smaller crowds, More Fish, Cooler temps! Plan to book a trip on The Anglers Mark!
Flood Tides in September
Tides should be high enough to flood the grass and give anglers a shot at tailing Redfish. Good dates would be the evenings of Sept 6,7 and 8th and mornings of Sept 27, 28, 29, and 30th. Fishing out of The Anglers Mark, we'll plan to ease up to the flooded grass and get out and wade to tailing fish.
Revamped "Kids Fishing" Page:
I've been working on a new page for those who have kids and want to get them out fishing. More than one refferal has come with the comment, "I hear you're the Kids Captain". I love to see kids catching fish and having fun! See Kids Captain.
Also, see the guest article written by Adam Coholan titled Teaching Children to Fish.
And see the Mote Marine video on their Teach a Kid to Fish event coming up!
The Anglers Mark First Video!
I've often thought of switching the camera to video mode and finally did. Luckily, Mike's wife Shannon was on board and did an excellent job of filming this oversized Redfish. We couldn't do anything about the glare - sorry - the sun was right in our eyes and we were fighting a fish!
Trade a Trip for Football Tickets
Florida Georgia Football
Hooray! College football is here! I make it a point not to show my Gator allegiance while fishing but, alas, I'm Gator down to the bone!
My wife and I love to go to the Florida/Georgia game, so if you have Two Gator tickets to the Florida/Georgia game, I'll trade a 1/2 day fishing trip. I can produce a gift certificate if you'd like to gift the trip. Contact me!
Amelia Island Blues Festival
Plan to visit Amelia Island during the Amelia Island Blues Festival September 16-17th. Get some fishing in while you're here! We'll fish early then you can get back and kick back to some great music out at the beach. Book your trip now!
Salty Feather Fall Fly Fishing Tournament
The Salty Feather fly fishing shop will be hosting a Fly Flishing Tournament on Florida's inshore waters Saturday October 1, 2011. This will be a catch-photo-release tournament with two divisions. Division 1 will be total length of legal Redfish and Division 2 will be total length of legal (Redfish, Trout and Flounder) slam. Visit here for more information.
FFF Florida Fly Fishing EXPO
Plan to visit Kissimmee, Florida October 21-22 for the Federation of Fly Fishers Florida Council's "Florida Fly Fishing Expo 2011" You'll find a whole host of fly fishing activities ranging from expert fly tying, casting instruction, seminars and more. Carol and I have attended a few of these and we're always amazed at how much fly fishing information is packed into one of these expo's.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
September 2011
Hello Anglers!
There's a lot of information here so make sure you scroll all the way down. Please forward to friends and family who love to fish! The Amelia Island Fishing Report is kept up to date so visit regularly during the month to see what's biting! Get away from it all, book a trip, and Let's Go Fishing on The Angler's Mark!
August Report/September Forecast:
Fishing was super hot in August in more ways than one! During the earlier part of the month anglers had to work through "baitstealers" to get quality fish. But as
August progressed, the Redfish and Flounder began to get bigger in the backcountry. See the complete and up to date Amelia Island Fishing Report.
September fishing should be outstanding! Air temps should be somewhat cooler and last year's journal notes indicate there will be more Redfish to be caught! FALL fishing is the best! Smaller crowds, More Fish, Cooler temps! Plan to book a trip on The Anglers Mark!
Flood Tides in September
Tides should be high enough to flood the grass and give anglers a shot at tailing Redfish. Good dates would be the evenings of Sept 6,7 and 8th and mornings of Sept 27, 28, 29, and 30th. Fishing out of The Anglers Mark, we'll plan to ease up to the flooded grass and get out and wade to tailing fish.
Revamped "Kids Fishing" Page:
I've been working on a new page for those who have kids and want to get them out fishing. More than one refferal has come with the comment, "I hear you're the Kids Captain". I love to see kids catching fish and having fun! See Kids Captain.
Also, see the guest article written by Adam Coholan titled Teaching Children to Fish.
And see the Mote Marine video on their Teach a Kid to Fish event coming up!
The Anglers Mark First Video!
I've often thought of switching the camera to video mode and finally did. Luckily, Mike's wife Shannon was on board and did an excellent job of filming this oversized Redfish. We couldn't do anything about the glare - sorry - the sun was right in our eyes and we were fighting a fish!
Trade a Trip for Football Tickets
Florida Georgia Football
Hooray! College football is here! I make it a point not to show my Gator allegiance while fishing but, alas, I'm Gator down to the bone!
My wife and I love to go to the Florida/Georgia game, so if you have Two Gator tickets to the Florida/Georgia game, I'll trade a 1/2 day fishing trip. I can produce a gift certificate if you'd like to gift the trip. Contact me!
Amelia Island Blues Festival
Plan to visit Amelia Island during the Amelia Island Blues Festival September 16-17th. Get some fishing in while you're here! We'll fish early then you can get back and kick back to some great music out at the beach. Book your trip now!
Salty Feather Fall Fly Fishing Tournament
The Salty Feather fly fishing shop will be hosting a Fly Flishing Tournament on Florida's inshore waters Saturday October 1, 2011. This will be a catch-photo-release tournament with two divisions. Division 1 will be total length of legal Redfish and Division 2 will be total length of legal (Redfish, Trout and Flounder) slam. Visit here for more information.
FFF Florida Fly Fishing EXPO
Plan to visit Kissimmee, Florida October 21-22 for the Federation of Fly Fishers Florida Council's "Florida Fly Fishing Expo 2011" You'll find a whole host of fly fishing activities ranging from expert fly tying, casting instruction, seminars and more. Carol and I have attended a few of these and we're always amazed at how much fly fishing information is packed into one of these expo's.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Report 9-6-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Report
9/4/2011
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, blues and sheepshead in Sarasota Bay and jumped several tarpon in the Peace River during the past week. The best action was with trout on deep grass flats and juvenile tarpon in the Peace River.
Steve Gibson, of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, fished the Peace River and residential canals of Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda with me on Tuesday. We found plenty of tarpon in the 15 to 30-pound class and jumped 3 tarpon to 20-pounds on rootbeer DOA TerrorEyz. These mini torpedoes are great fun, jumping higher and more frequently than larger fish. They should continue to be a good option for the next couple of months.
Jerry Roth, from the Orlando, FL area, fished north Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. He connected with a pair of over slot reds, one on a surface walking top water plug and the other, a 9 ½ lb fish, on a weedless-rigged CAL shad tail. Ken Alexander and Steve Johns, from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. The action wasn’t fast but was steady. They caught and released trout to 17” and a bluefish on DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs with shad tails. The best action was near Whale Key.
Fly angler Mark Torkos, from St. Augustine, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Saturday. We checked the coastal gulf for little tunny (false albacore) and Spanish mackerel but didn’t find anything. With plentiful baitfish in the coastal gulf, it is only a matter of time before the albie fishing takes off. We caught a few trout on Clouser flies at the Middleground flat and Stephens Point before moving to shallow water where Mark caught and released a sheepshead on a Clouser fly near Long Bar. Sheepshead are very challenging with flies and lures, since they feed mainly with their nose, and this was the first sheepshead on a fly for Mark.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a full moon on Sept. 12th. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay, little tunny and Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf or juvenile tarpon in the Peace River should all be good options depending on conditions.
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
Jerry Roth, from the Orlando, FL area, caught and released this over slot, 9 1/2-pound red, on a weedless-rigged CAL shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Mark Torkos, from St. Augustine, FL, caught and released this sheepshead on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
9/4/2011
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, blues and sheepshead in Sarasota Bay and jumped several tarpon in the Peace River during the past week. The best action was with trout on deep grass flats and juvenile tarpon in the Peace River.
Steve Gibson, of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, fished the Peace River and residential canals of Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda with me on Tuesday. We found plenty of tarpon in the 15 to 30-pound class and jumped 3 tarpon to 20-pounds on rootbeer DOA TerrorEyz. These mini torpedoes are great fun, jumping higher and more frequently than larger fish. They should continue to be a good option for the next couple of months.
Jerry Roth, from the Orlando, FL area, fished north Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. He connected with a pair of over slot reds, one on a surface walking top water plug and the other, a 9 ½ lb fish, on a weedless-rigged CAL shad tail. Ken Alexander and Steve Johns, from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. The action wasn’t fast but was steady. They caught and released trout to 17” and a bluefish on DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs with shad tails. The best action was near Whale Key.
Fly angler Mark Torkos, from St. Augustine, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Saturday. We checked the coastal gulf for little tunny (false albacore) and Spanish mackerel but didn’t find anything. With plentiful baitfish in the coastal gulf, it is only a matter of time before the albie fishing takes off. We caught a few trout on Clouser flies at the Middleground flat and Stephens Point before moving to shallow water where Mark caught and released a sheepshead on a Clouser fly near Long Bar. Sheepshead are very challenging with flies and lures, since they feed mainly with their nose, and this was the first sheepshead on a fly for Mark.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a full moon on Sept. 12th. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay, little tunny and Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf or juvenile tarpon in the Peace River should all be good options depending on conditions.
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
Jerry Roth, from the Orlando, FL area, caught and released this over slot, 9 1/2-pound red, on a weedless-rigged CAL shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Mark Torkos, from St. Augustine, FL, caught and released this sheepshead on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Indian River Lagoon Fishing 9-5-2011
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers
September 2, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
August was a tough month for sight fishing in Mosquito Lagoon. High dirty water and a lack of tailing fish made it extremely difficult to spot any targets. It was definitely a big change from the last few years. The trout fishing was nearly non-existent and there were no tarpon ladyfish, bluefish, or sail cats like we commonly see this time of year. While nobody knows for sure, it seems as if a lack of glass minnows is responsible. The huge schools of redfish that were easily found the last couple summers have also been in hiding. While I have heard some blame it on the heat, it is no hotter than any other summer and the average water temperature has been a bit cooler than we have seen in past years.
With the passing of hurricane Irene along the east coast, the water levels have risen even higher. Many of the redfish have vacated the flats leaving anglers with two options, blind casting or fishing with cut or live baits.
Despite the tough conditions, we did manage some quality redfish last month. Lilly landed several of them on a trip with her father Scott.
Canadian anglers Shawn and Angela landed numerous redfish during their trip to Mosquito Lagoon all of which were bigger than any fish they had ever caught.
During a trip with Brett and his son Ollie last week, they hooked several large redfish, had a few more come off, and had shots and dozens of huge fish crashing mullet.
I went back to the same spot with my wife the following day hoping to find the big reds still crashing the bait. As luck would have it, there were none to be found. Julie did manage to land one nice redfish on what was otherwise an unproductive day.
While September is normally one of my favorite months of the year, it is difficult to predict how the fishing will be this month. Unless the water clears up, sight fishing will be nearly impossible. With a lot of hunting, you can find some areas where you can see the bottom, and fish, during the middle of the day when the skies are clear. If you can find the fish, they will eat nearly anything you throw but this is the prime time for a topwater bite. I always have a DOA Baitbuster on my rod whenever I am fishing this time of year. Retrieve it just fast enough to keep it on the surface for some spectacular surface bites.
Upcoming Seminars
Saturday, September 3rd - 10am - Fishing the Fall Mullet Run
Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka
Saturday, October 8- 10am - Introduction to Fly Fishing
Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Saturday, October 22 - 10am - Fall Flats Fishing Tactics
Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Saturday, November 12 - 9am - Fly Casting Class
Mosquito Creek Outdoors - $75 pre-registration required
Call 800-250-5191 to sign up
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Capt. Chris Myers
September 2, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
August was a tough month for sight fishing in Mosquito Lagoon. High dirty water and a lack of tailing fish made it extremely difficult to spot any targets. It was definitely a big change from the last few years. The trout fishing was nearly non-existent and there were no tarpon ladyfish, bluefish, or sail cats like we commonly see this time of year. While nobody knows for sure, it seems as if a lack of glass minnows is responsible. The huge schools of redfish that were easily found the last couple summers have also been in hiding. While I have heard some blame it on the heat, it is no hotter than any other summer and the average water temperature has been a bit cooler than we have seen in past years.
With the passing of hurricane Irene along the east coast, the water levels have risen even higher. Many of the redfish have vacated the flats leaving anglers with two options, blind casting or fishing with cut or live baits.
Despite the tough conditions, we did manage some quality redfish last month. Lilly landed several of them on a trip with her father Scott.
Canadian anglers Shawn and Angela landed numerous redfish during their trip to Mosquito Lagoon all of which were bigger than any fish they had ever caught.
During a trip with Brett and his son Ollie last week, they hooked several large redfish, had a few more come off, and had shots and dozens of huge fish crashing mullet.
I went back to the same spot with my wife the following day hoping to find the big reds still crashing the bait. As luck would have it, there were none to be found. Julie did manage to land one nice redfish on what was otherwise an unproductive day.
While September is normally one of my favorite months of the year, it is difficult to predict how the fishing will be this month. Unless the water clears up, sight fishing will be nearly impossible. With a lot of hunting, you can find some areas where you can see the bottom, and fish, during the middle of the day when the skies are clear. If you can find the fish, they will eat nearly anything you throw but this is the prime time for a topwater bite. I always have a DOA Baitbuster on my rod whenever I am fishing this time of year. Retrieve it just fast enough to keep it on the surface for some spectacular surface bites.
Upcoming Seminars
Saturday, September 3rd - 10am - Fishing the Fall Mullet Run
Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka
Saturday, October 8- 10am - Introduction to Fly Fishing
Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Saturday, October 22 - 10am - Fall Flats Fishing Tactics
Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Saturday, November 12 - 9am - Fly Casting Class
Mosquito Creek Outdoors - $75 pre-registration required
Call 800-250-5191 to sign up
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Friday, September 02, 2011
Jensen beach Fishing Report 9-1-2011
FISHING 8/30/11
Just another beautiful week in south Florida and the fishing has been spectacular. If you are planning a trip opening night your mouth should be watering for a fried Snook sandwich, the Snook have moved in to all the area bridges to pick and bully the first wave of mullet with the Tarpon joining in as well. Fishing the Jensen causeway one angler was cursing the Snook, “every time is cast to a Tarpon a pesky Snook would snatch my mullet”, I am sure his attitude will change come Thursday. Trout have stayed consistent between the Jensen and Stuart causeway on both sides of the river. Fish early, before sun up cast a top water then switch to something that works below the surface, bend a rod for a couple of hours and then go have breakfast.
Causeways are not only place to find these fish; anglers fishing the surf from Walton Rocks to Shuckers have found plenty. These fish are feeding on Glass Minnows tight to the shore line; look for the birds they are the biggest tattle tails on where these fish are hiding. Plenty of Whiting, Croakers and Sand Perch to fill your bucket as well, a small piece of shrimp will do the trick, keep it close, short cast is all you need they are at your toes.
Off shore conditions have shaped up nicely with nothing but a little roll to deal with. King Fish bite remains steady from 30’ to 60’, but the Bonita are there in force. Try getting you bait down deeper in the water column to avoid these pesky bait stealers, the fish you want are below the Bonita any way. Dolphin bite has been steady since the storm passed, start looking I 80’, but do not get stuck in one area look for debris and weed lines, find that and you will find them. Few Sails but no pattern, anglers fishing to the south get a bait down, 24oz trolling lead and blue and white Islander with a ballyhoo or strip bait and see “Hoo” might make that reel scream. ………………………….Capt. Justin
Next week we will find that Snook, I promise……………………………………..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
Just another beautiful week in south Florida and the fishing has been spectacular. If you are planning a trip opening night your mouth should be watering for a fried Snook sandwich, the Snook have moved in to all the area bridges to pick and bully the first wave of mullet with the Tarpon joining in as well. Fishing the Jensen causeway one angler was cursing the Snook, “every time is cast to a Tarpon a pesky Snook would snatch my mullet”, I am sure his attitude will change come Thursday. Trout have stayed consistent between the Jensen and Stuart causeway on both sides of the river. Fish early, before sun up cast a top water then switch to something that works below the surface, bend a rod for a couple of hours and then go have breakfast.
Causeways are not only place to find these fish; anglers fishing the surf from Walton Rocks to Shuckers have found plenty. These fish are feeding on Glass Minnows tight to the shore line; look for the birds they are the biggest tattle tails on where these fish are hiding. Plenty of Whiting, Croakers and Sand Perch to fill your bucket as well, a small piece of shrimp will do the trick, keep it close, short cast is all you need they are at your toes.
Off shore conditions have shaped up nicely with nothing but a little roll to deal with. King Fish bite remains steady from 30’ to 60’, but the Bonita are there in force. Try getting you bait down deeper in the water column to avoid these pesky bait stealers, the fish you want are below the Bonita any way. Dolphin bite has been steady since the storm passed, start looking I 80’, but do not get stuck in one area look for debris and weed lines, find that and you will find them. Few Sails but no pattern, anglers fishing to the south get a bait down, 24oz trolling lead and blue and white Islander with a ballyhoo or strip bait and see “Hoo” might make that reel scream. ………………………….Capt. Justin
Next week we will find that Snook, I promise……………………………………..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
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Outlook 9-2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
September 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Please note that the September 10th Fly Fishing class was posted in error. The class is currently full. For details on upcoming fly fishing events, contact Rory Roush of Mosquito Creek Outdoors at (407) 464-2000.
Saturday, September 3rd Fishing the Mullet Run
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Preparing for the Fall Mullet Run", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
Saturday, September 24th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
09:00 - 15:00 National Public Lands Day at Bill Frederick Park in Orlando. The free kids event is sponsored by the City of Orlando, Anglers for Conservation, Teen Sportsfishing Association, FWC, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Bass Pro and Mud Hole Custom Tackle. The first 250 kids signed up get a free rod, reel and tackle box.
September's Fishing Outlook
It's 4am, and I find myself standing on my front deck gazing off into the early morning darkness. With south easterly breeze in my face, I take in a deep breath of moist tropical air. Once again I'm overpowered by the sensation and influence the forces of nature convey upon us as the summer squalls build in the Atlantic. It's that squally feeling which charges us with energy and intrigue, drawing us to the edge of the sea like a bug to a light. As the summer squalls move north, the prevailing summer breezes will soon begin to switch from the southeast to the northeast, and the fishing will begin to improve with the southerly migration of all scaly critters that prefer warmer climates.
September marks the beginning of the fall bait migration, primarily silver mullet, which increase as we progress into October and November. It is hard to predict precisely when and how strong the run will be, but along with the arrival of the bait, come the predatory species we love so much.
Look for snook, tarpon, jack crevalle, sharks, and large kingfish crushing bait pods along the beach. The pods are easily located by watching for fish and birds busting the bait. Once you've determined the direction of fish movement, usually south, simply set up in front and let them come to you. This is my preferred time of year for targeting snook and tarpon along the beach.
The beach snook run started last month with a few fish already showing up, and it will began to pick up substantially, just in time for the opening of snook season on September 1st. The technique I like use for beach fishing is to simply slide a ½ to 1 once barrel sinker onto your line, next attach a swivel which will serve as a stop for the weight, and help keep your line from twisting as it rolls down the beach. I use about 24 inches of heavy leader, 30 to 50 pound test, and a large circle hook. You'll need to step up both the hook and leader size if tarpon are present. My favorite bait is a live finger mullet, fishing the very edge of the surf, casting just beyond the white water. Walk slowly along with the direction of tidal flow, so your bait does not wash in with the waves. The same system will work for poons, just cast it out further, and make sure you have adequate tackle and line capacity to handle these mighty fish.
Near-shore, good numbers of kingfish will continue to work the beaches, wrecks and reefs. When fishing for kings, slow trolling live pogies is one of the most productive methods.
In-shore, seatrout are sill plentiful on the deeper edges of the grass flats, with the best bite happening at first light or sunset. Look for ladyfish, tarpon, slot size reds, and jack crevalle to be mixed in. Fish with top water plugs for explosive action, or work ¼ ounce DOA CAL jigs with white or darker colored CAL Tails for the subsurface strike. Near the end of the month, start looking for the pompano and flounder to begin moving out of the lagoon through the inlets and into the inshore waters along the beach. Also look for the larger redfish to begin to form up just outside the inlets, feeding on baitfish and small crabs carried out by the tide, and for Spanish mackerel and bluefish devouring schools of glass minnows (bay anchovies) in the same areas.
September is also the time of year the breeder redfish school up for the spawn in the north IRL and inlet passes of Ponce and Sebastian, so it's a good time to target these schools.
For up to date fishing forecast by all Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando captains visit: http://coastalanglermag.com/orlando/.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
(407) 416-1187 on the water
September 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
Please note that the September 10th Fly Fishing class was posted in error. The class is currently full. For details on upcoming fly fishing events, contact Rory Roush of Mosquito Creek Outdoors at (407) 464-2000.
Saturday, September 3rd Fishing the Mullet Run
10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Preparing for the Fall Mullet Run", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.
Saturday, September 24th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program
09:00 - 15:00 National Public Lands Day at Bill Frederick Park in Orlando. The free kids event is sponsored by the City of Orlando, Anglers for Conservation, Teen Sportsfishing Association, FWC, Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Bass Pro and Mud Hole Custom Tackle. The first 250 kids signed up get a free rod, reel and tackle box.
September's Fishing Outlook
It's 4am, and I find myself standing on my front deck gazing off into the early morning darkness. With south easterly breeze in my face, I take in a deep breath of moist tropical air. Once again I'm overpowered by the sensation and influence the forces of nature convey upon us as the summer squalls build in the Atlantic. It's that squally feeling which charges us with energy and intrigue, drawing us to the edge of the sea like a bug to a light. As the summer squalls move north, the prevailing summer breezes will soon begin to switch from the southeast to the northeast, and the fishing will begin to improve with the southerly migration of all scaly critters that prefer warmer climates.
September marks the beginning of the fall bait migration, primarily silver mullet, which increase as we progress into October and November. It is hard to predict precisely when and how strong the run will be, but along with the arrival of the bait, come the predatory species we love so much.
Look for snook, tarpon, jack crevalle, sharks, and large kingfish crushing bait pods along the beach. The pods are easily located by watching for fish and birds busting the bait. Once you've determined the direction of fish movement, usually south, simply set up in front and let them come to you. This is my preferred time of year for targeting snook and tarpon along the beach.
The beach snook run started last month with a few fish already showing up, and it will began to pick up substantially, just in time for the opening of snook season on September 1st. The technique I like use for beach fishing is to simply slide a ½ to 1 once barrel sinker onto your line, next attach a swivel which will serve as a stop for the weight, and help keep your line from twisting as it rolls down the beach. I use about 24 inches of heavy leader, 30 to 50 pound test, and a large circle hook. You'll need to step up both the hook and leader size if tarpon are present. My favorite bait is a live finger mullet, fishing the very edge of the surf, casting just beyond the white water. Walk slowly along with the direction of tidal flow, so your bait does not wash in with the waves. The same system will work for poons, just cast it out further, and make sure you have adequate tackle and line capacity to handle these mighty fish.
Near-shore, good numbers of kingfish will continue to work the beaches, wrecks and reefs. When fishing for kings, slow trolling live pogies is one of the most productive methods.
In-shore, seatrout are sill plentiful on the deeper edges of the grass flats, with the best bite happening at first light or sunset. Look for ladyfish, tarpon, slot size reds, and jack crevalle to be mixed in. Fish with top water plugs for explosive action, or work ¼ ounce DOA CAL jigs with white or darker colored CAL Tails for the subsurface strike. Near the end of the month, start looking for the pompano and flounder to begin moving out of the lagoon through the inlets and into the inshore waters along the beach. Also look for the larger redfish to begin to form up just outside the inlets, feeding on baitfish and small crabs carried out by the tide, and for Spanish mackerel and bluefish devouring schools of glass minnows (bay anchovies) in the same areas.
September is also the time of year the breeder redfish school up for the spawn in the north IRL and inlet passes of Ponce and Sebastian, so it's a good time to target these schools.
For up to date fishing forecast by all Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando captains visit: http://coastalanglermag.com/orlando/.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
(407) 416-1187 on the water