The month of March was awesome with unseasonabley great weather and fantastic fishing. I noted in my journal, "fish the dock pilings, wrecks, downed trees" because that's where we were finding the Redfish. Keeper sized Trout are showing up and we're seeing a few Flounder, too! Don't forget, I keep my Amelia Island Fishing Report up to date so check it out 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!
Amelia Island April Fishing Forecast
If you're in to catching the big Bull Black Drum then the bite ought to be in full swing. Look for the Drummers to be anchored off main beach, the jetties and down at the breakers and pines of Nassau Sound, then up in the Nassau River at Black Hammock and Middle Marsh. Most will be fishing 1/2 Blue Crab on the bottom. In the backcountry, Trout and Flounder will be biting. Use floats and live shrimp for the Trout near the docks and over oyster beds or get down deep with jig and grub for possible larger Trout. Trout will be up in the keeper-sized range. Use jig and shrimp or Gulp fished slow on the bottom for Flounder. Speaking of shrimp, the bait shops are getting them from the west coast so you may want to call before planning to use live shrimp! Rat Reds will be getting bigger with more chance of Slot fish. Aggressive Blues will be showing up. Sheepshead are still around, fish the oyster beds in the backcountry. If you've been thinking of getting out on the water, give me a shout and we'll launch The Angler's Mark!
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report 3-30-2011
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
April 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
April 9th Free Fly Fishing Class
Saturday, April 16th Free Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
"Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program 10:00 - 12:00
Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
Volunteers are still needed for the April 30th Hook Kids on Fishing Program.
April's Fishing Outlook
Some of highlights of fishing on Florida's east central coast during the spring are the weather is still cool and enjoyable, and as the water's warm up, the fish begin to shift into their prespawning feeding mood. Some examples of this behavior are the cobia moving north up the coast, and the spotted sea trout moving into their traditional spawning areas on the inshore flats. Like many saltwater species, the cobia and sea trout spawn in aggregations or groups, not on beds. In the case of the cobia, traditional spawning areas are off of the central east coast of the US, and in the northern Gulf of Mexico. As the fish migrate north, they burn energy and feed heavily along the way, hence the cobia run we experienced this year so far. On the flats, the smaller male sea trout move up into the shallow flats first, and then call the females in to spawn by drumming loudly just after dusk when the conditions are right, usually around the beginning on the first new moon or full moon in April, and then again on the new and full moons throughout the summer.
Roland and Rodney
On the lagoon flats, fish the early morning and late evening with your favorite top water plugs for extreme trout and redfish action, and soft plastics and jigs in deeper water, 2 to 3 feet after the midday sun settles in. April is one of the months when trout are egg laden for the spawn, so it's very important to handle and release the larger females with great care. If you are looking for snook and tarpon action inside, the Sebastian River will be the place to go.
Fredrick's respactable seatrout
Offshore, April marks the beginning of the fishing season for most blue water anglers. It represents the start of the April/May northern migration of dolphin in deeper water, 120 feet and beyond and usually brings in some of the largest bulls taken all year. April also marks the beginning of the Easter kingfish run on the near-shore reef outside Port Canaveral. It's the time of year when most of the larger kings, 30 to 50 pounds, are taken off 8A Reef, and Pelican Flats.
As we move in near-shore, tripletail should become more dependable, and look for late season cobia as well. The cobia run thus far has been realy good; with bait pods (Atlantic menhaden or pogies) starting to arrive. As the bait pod move in, look for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, redfish, giant jack crevalle, sharks, and smoker kings. Concentrate your efforts in areas of bait pods. When you see areas of bait balled up and pushed to the surface, there is a high probability that feeding gamefish are pressuring the bait from underneath.
In the inlets, look for good numbers of flounder, sheepshead and black drum around structure such as jetties and docks, and Spanish mackerel, blues, and large jacks in open water. Also look for the nighttime snook and tarpon action to heat up in the Sebastian Inlet.
Larry Carter with a large St. Johns River catfish.
Last but not least, freshwater largemouth and striped bass action has will be heating up on the St Johns River. Look for schooling bass at first light feeding on pilchards from the Osteen Bridge to Lake Harney. My favorite locations are in the river bends near the power lines at Lemmon Bluff and at the south end of Lake Harney were the river dumps in. A good way to locate these schooling fish is to look for white pelicans and other wading birds congregating along the shore. When in the feeding mode, these fish will take most swim plugs, and small live shiners. Also, last year we caught southern flounder in Lake Harney fishing pilchards on the bottom under the schooling bass, and the breeder catfish will be moving upstream to spawn as the spring rainfall elevates the water levels and increases the current.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!
April 2011
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Upcoming Seminars and Events
April 9th Free Fly Fishing Class
Saturday, April 16th Free Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish
"Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com
Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program 10:00 - 12:00
Hook Kids on Fishing Program
Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com
Volunteers are still needed for the April 30th Hook Kids on Fishing Program.
April's Fishing Outlook
Some of highlights of fishing on Florida's east central coast during the spring are the weather is still cool and enjoyable, and as the water's warm up, the fish begin to shift into their prespawning feeding mood. Some examples of this behavior are the cobia moving north up the coast, and the spotted sea trout moving into their traditional spawning areas on the inshore flats. Like many saltwater species, the cobia and sea trout spawn in aggregations or groups, not on beds. In the case of the cobia, traditional spawning areas are off of the central east coast of the US, and in the northern Gulf of Mexico. As the fish migrate north, they burn energy and feed heavily along the way, hence the cobia run we experienced this year so far. On the flats, the smaller male sea trout move up into the shallow flats first, and then call the females in to spawn by drumming loudly just after dusk when the conditions are right, usually around the beginning on the first new moon or full moon in April, and then again on the new and full moons throughout the summer.
Roland and Rodney
On the lagoon flats, fish the early morning and late evening with your favorite top water plugs for extreme trout and redfish action, and soft plastics and jigs in deeper water, 2 to 3 feet after the midday sun settles in. April is one of the months when trout are egg laden for the spawn, so it's very important to handle and release the larger females with great care. If you are looking for snook and tarpon action inside, the Sebastian River will be the place to go.
Fredrick's respactable seatrout
Offshore, April marks the beginning of the fishing season for most blue water anglers. It represents the start of the April/May northern migration of dolphin in deeper water, 120 feet and beyond and usually brings in some of the largest bulls taken all year. April also marks the beginning of the Easter kingfish run on the near-shore reef outside Port Canaveral. It's the time of year when most of the larger kings, 30 to 50 pounds, are taken off 8A Reef, and Pelican Flats.
As we move in near-shore, tripletail should become more dependable, and look for late season cobia as well. The cobia run thus far has been realy good; with bait pods (Atlantic menhaden or pogies) starting to arrive. As the bait pod move in, look for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, redfish, giant jack crevalle, sharks, and smoker kings. Concentrate your efforts in areas of bait pods. When you see areas of bait balled up and pushed to the surface, there is a high probability that feeding gamefish are pressuring the bait from underneath.
In the inlets, look for good numbers of flounder, sheepshead and black drum around structure such as jetties and docks, and Spanish mackerel, blues, and large jacks in open water. Also look for the nighttime snook and tarpon action to heat up in the Sebastian Inlet.
Larry Carter with a large St. Johns River catfish.
Last but not least, freshwater largemouth and striped bass action has will be heating up on the St Johns River. Look for schooling bass at first light feeding on pilchards from the Osteen Bridge to Lake Harney. My favorite locations are in the river bends near the power lines at Lemmon Bluff and at the south end of Lake Harney were the river dumps in. A good way to locate these schooling fish is to look for white pelicans and other wading birds congregating along the shore. When in the feeding mode, these fish will take most swim plugs, and small live shiners. Also, last year we caught southern flounder in Lake Harney fishing pilchards on the bottom under the schooling bass, and the breeder catfish will be moving upstream to spawn as the spring rainfall elevates the water levels and increases the current.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
(407) 416-1187 on the water
Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Clearwater Fishing Report 3-2011
Spring is Springing, and the Fish are too!
3/15/2011
Hello everyone! I have been so busy on the water, that I have gotten a little behind on my fishing report. The weather has been great and the fishing has too for the most part. We have had a cold blast here and there, but I think we are beyond those and looking forward to a warm spring. Here is what we've been up to out here...
Redfish, Redfish, Redfish! This has been one of the best times for Reds in recent years. They have been everywhere! On every oyster bar around, especially when the tides are up high. I have had unbelievable days with a Red hooked up every few seconds if we are in the right position. I had a trip recently with Chuck and Chris Baur. We moved up to a mangrove shoreline, and with a south wind, were able to make long casts with our live shrimp right to the bushes. The Reds were on fire. It only took a few seconds to get one on the line. But I must stress, the tides have all been high on the most successful days. It seems like they want to eat the baits that are attracted to the oyster bars on the high water. Also, there have been plenty of Reds under the deeper docks in Clearwater, Dunedin and Palm Harbor. Make sure to skip your shrimp all the way under the docks for the best chance at a hook up.
Sheepshead have also been a great fish for me lately. The have really schooled up along the jetties and bridge pilings. Cutting the shrimp in half and using a split shot allows the bait to get down to the bottom where they like to eat. The smaller portion will ensure that they get the whole bait in their smaller mouths. These fish are very good to eat so don't overlook them for a great meal!
Trout are not as strong as we have seen the past few years. They started out well on the spoil islands in Dunedin but have begun to fall apart. I think when the sardines show up again, the fishing in that area will get better. I have had the most success either drifting the adjacent grass flats in Dunedin, pitching small tails with a 1/8 ounce jighead, or putting a live shrimp about four feet under a cork and popping it back to the boat while slowly drifting along. The bigger Trout seem to always be along an edge or in the white sandy holes.
Reports of Mackerel being caught are coming in every day. I have hooked a few on the flats and around the passes, but larger fish are being caught offshore. That means the bait we have been waiting for is very close behind. We will put away the shrimp and begin to net sardines in the morning and hopefully see the fishing really explode! I love spring in Florida!
Dates are filling up, so don't wait too long to call or e-mail for a trip. I want to take you out and have a great day on the water! And don't forget to book a Tarpon charter with me in Boca Grande, the Tarpon capitol! Mid May through June is the hot time for that exciting fish! Let's go fishing...
Capt. Brian
Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
3/15/2011
Hello everyone! I have been so busy on the water, that I have gotten a little behind on my fishing report. The weather has been great and the fishing has too for the most part. We have had a cold blast here and there, but I think we are beyond those and looking forward to a warm spring. Here is what we've been up to out here...
Redfish, Redfish, Redfish! This has been one of the best times for Reds in recent years. They have been everywhere! On every oyster bar around, especially when the tides are up high. I have had unbelievable days with a Red hooked up every few seconds if we are in the right position. I had a trip recently with Chuck and Chris Baur. We moved up to a mangrove shoreline, and with a south wind, were able to make long casts with our live shrimp right to the bushes. The Reds were on fire. It only took a few seconds to get one on the line. But I must stress, the tides have all been high on the most successful days. It seems like they want to eat the baits that are attracted to the oyster bars on the high water. Also, there have been plenty of Reds under the deeper docks in Clearwater, Dunedin and Palm Harbor. Make sure to skip your shrimp all the way under the docks for the best chance at a hook up.
Sheepshead have also been a great fish for me lately. The have really schooled up along the jetties and bridge pilings. Cutting the shrimp in half and using a split shot allows the bait to get down to the bottom where they like to eat. The smaller portion will ensure that they get the whole bait in their smaller mouths. These fish are very good to eat so don't overlook them for a great meal!
Trout are not as strong as we have seen the past few years. They started out well on the spoil islands in Dunedin but have begun to fall apart. I think when the sardines show up again, the fishing in that area will get better. I have had the most success either drifting the adjacent grass flats in Dunedin, pitching small tails with a 1/8 ounce jighead, or putting a live shrimp about four feet under a cork and popping it back to the boat while slowly drifting along. The bigger Trout seem to always be along an edge or in the white sandy holes.
Reports of Mackerel being caught are coming in every day. I have hooked a few on the flats and around the passes, but larger fish are being caught offshore. That means the bait we have been waiting for is very close behind. We will put away the shrimp and begin to net sardines in the morning and hopefully see the fishing really explode! I love spring in Florida!
Dates are filling up, so don't wait too long to call or e-mail for a trip. I want to take you out and have a great day on the water! And don't forget to book a Tarpon charter with me in Boca Grande, the Tarpon capitol! Mid May through June is the hot time for that exciting fish! Let's go fishing...
Capt. Brian
Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
Monday, March 28, 2011
2011 Redfish Roundup
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Times Union Redfish Roundup
Plan to fish the Times Union Redfish Roundup tournament on April 16, 2011. This tournament is a great family event where whoever catches a legal Redfish with the most spots will win the first prize of $7500!
The tournament benefits the Safe Harbor Boys Home and is in its 11th year and will be held at the Sisters Creek/Jim King Boat Ramp.
Deadline for entries is April 8, 2011 at 6:30pm or 500 confirmed entries. Tournament is April 16, 2011, 7 a.m. - 2p.m. or Safe Light after 7a.m. Cash prizes will be paid to the top 50 anglers. (Payout based on 500 paid entries.)
A mandatory meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at The Florida Times-Union building, 1 Riverside Ave, on Thursday April 14, 2011.
Entry Fee is $60.00 per boat. If you can't make the tournament, give me a call and we'll launch The Anglers Mark!
Since 2001, The Florida Times-Union has sponsored and produced the Times-Union Redfish Roundup "The Spot Tournament for Charity." Responding to the fishing community's interest in a local charity tournament, the Times-Union created the family-friendly, one-day catch and release tournament to benefit local youth organizations
The Times-Union presents the tournament by providing staffing, financial and advertising resources. In the tournament's first year, the capacity of 225 boats quickly filled. Because of the tournament’s popularity, registrants grew to 350 and then to 425 boats. In 2006, the capacity was raised to 500 boats with approximately 1,500 participants. The ready acceptance of our spot tournament produced 100% pay-back in registration fees, a deep prize structure and community-wide support from sponsors, anglers and volunteers. More than $100,000 raised at the tournament has gone to the Safe Harbor Boys Home, the benefiting charity. Click here to find more about Safe Harbor Boys Home, a residential academic and voicational education program serving troubled, at-risk, teenage boys.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Times Union Redfish Roundup
Plan to fish the Times Union Redfish Roundup tournament on April 16, 2011. This tournament is a great family event where whoever catches a legal Redfish with the most spots will win the first prize of $7500!
The tournament benefits the Safe Harbor Boys Home and is in its 11th year and will be held at the Sisters Creek/Jim King Boat Ramp.
Deadline for entries is April 8, 2011 at 6:30pm or 500 confirmed entries. Tournament is April 16, 2011, 7 a.m. - 2p.m. or Safe Light after 7a.m. Cash prizes will be paid to the top 50 anglers. (Payout based on 500 paid entries.)
A mandatory meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at The Florida Times-Union building, 1 Riverside Ave, on Thursday April 14, 2011.
Entry Fee is $60.00 per boat. If you can't make the tournament, give me a call and we'll launch The Anglers Mark!
Since 2001, The Florida Times-Union has sponsored and produced the Times-Union Redfish Roundup "The Spot Tournament for Charity." Responding to the fishing community's interest in a local charity tournament, the Times-Union created the family-friendly, one-day catch and release tournament to benefit local youth organizations
The Times-Union presents the tournament by providing staffing, financial and advertising resources. In the tournament's first year, the capacity of 225 boats quickly filled. Because of the tournament’s popularity, registrants grew to 350 and then to 425 boats. In 2006, the capacity was raised to 500 boats with approximately 1,500 participants. The ready acceptance of our spot tournament produced 100% pay-back in registration fees, a deep prize structure and community-wide support from sponsors, anglers and volunteers. More than $100,000 raised at the tournament has gone to the Safe Harbor Boys Home, the benefiting charity. Click here to find more about Safe Harbor Boys Home, a residential academic and voicational education program serving troubled, at-risk, teenage boys.
Capt. Lawrence Piper
The Anglers Mark
Amelia Island, Florida
904-557-1027
lwpiper@comcast.net
theanglersmark.com
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sarasota Fishing Report 3-26-2011
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 3/25/2011
Action exploded in skinny water this week. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had great action with reds and trout on shallow grass flats during the past week. In addition, we also caught and released Spanish mackerel, blues, trout and pompano on deep grass flats.
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Monday and had a great day! He caught trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails in a few spots in the morning. We waded a flat and fished potholes in the afternoon and caught and released 4 reds to 28” on an olive Enrico Puglisi crab pattern and my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Bill Moore, from Libertyville, IL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. He had steady action with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and a pompano on CAL jigs with shad and grub tails. We fished the west side of the bay from the Middleground flat to Buttonwood Harbor.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday and had a banner day. Scotty is an accomplished angler who has been fishing with me for 11 years-since he was 5-years old! We fished skinny water all day long where he caught and released more than 50 trout to 5 ½-pounds, 15 reds and a 4-pound pompano. The action heated up in the afternoon when he caught numerous trout and reds on CAL jigs with grubs, shad tails and jerk worms. Although the reds weren’t big, some of the trout were huge. About a dozen of the trout were more than 3-pounds with several in the 4 to 6-pound class. A great day!
Betsy and Julian Miraglia, from Bryn Mawr, PA, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Thursday. They caught and released a few trout and ladyfish on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with grub tails. We fished potholes in the afternoon and had some shots at reds, but no bites.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon next weekend. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water or Spanish mackerel, trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. Night snook fishing should also be a good option.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, caught and released this big red on a fly while wading a flat in Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, caught and released this 5 1/2-pound trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Action exploded in skinny water this week. Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had great action with reds and trout on shallow grass flats during the past week. In addition, we also caught and released Spanish mackerel, blues, trout and pompano on deep grass flats.
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Monday and had a great day! He caught trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails in a few spots in the morning. We waded a flat and fished potholes in the afternoon and caught and released 4 reds to 28” on an olive Enrico Puglisi crab pattern and my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
Bill Moore, from Libertyville, IL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. He had steady action with trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and a pompano on CAL jigs with shad and grub tails. We fished the west side of the bay from the Middleground flat to Buttonwood Harbor.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday and had a banner day. Scotty is an accomplished angler who has been fishing with me for 11 years-since he was 5-years old! We fished skinny water all day long where he caught and released more than 50 trout to 5 ½-pounds, 15 reds and a 4-pound pompano. The action heated up in the afternoon when he caught numerous trout and reds on CAL jigs with grubs, shad tails and jerk worms. Although the reds weren’t big, some of the trout were huge. About a dozen of the trout were more than 3-pounds with several in the 4 to 6-pound class. A great day!
Betsy and Julian Miraglia, from Bryn Mawr, PA, fished Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor with me on Thursday. They caught and released a few trout and ladyfish on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with grub tails. We fished potholes in the afternoon and had some shots at reds, but no bites.
Next week’s tides will improve towards the end of the week as we approach a new moon next weekend. Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water or Spanish mackerel, trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. Night snook fishing should also be a good option.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
E-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com
Sarasota winter resident, Mike Perez, caught and released this big red on a fly while wading a flat in Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett.
Scotty Heidler, from Hudson, OH, caught and released this 5 1/2-pound trout on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.
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