HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE INDEPENDANCE DAY WEEEKEND ON THE WATER!!!!!
DAYTONA BEACH- PONCE INLET -NORTHEAST ORLANDO
DAYTONA BEACH-OFFSHORE- Before the seas got rough from tropical storm Arthur reports of scattered dolphin were coming in. These fish were hitting trolled baits on the
western side of the Gulf Stream. Most of these fish are running under 8 pound
and they’re holding in the 140 to 240-foot depths. For larger dolphin up to 35
pounds anglers are crossing to the east side of the stream where they are
finding floating debris that will hold good numbers of these fish. Bottom
fishing has been fair with vermillion snapper (aka beeliners or red eyes),
triggerfish, mangrove snapper, and gag grouper. There have also been a few
cobia showing up on the bottom structures in the 70 to 140-foot depths this
week.
DAYTONA BEACH-INSHORE- Over-sized redfish seemed to be a fixture at the inlet this week with the heavy wave action we’ve had from tropical storm Arthur. Live pinfish,
mullet, and croakers or cut baits are the best way to get hooked up to one.
Bluefish, flounder, redfish, and speckled trout have been hitting jigs and plugs
worked around oyster bars and live baits presented on a standard bottom rig. A
few tarpon are showing up in the river this week. Look for fish rolling in the
current on most mornings or evenings. Live and cut mullet are working best on
them.
COCOA BEACH-PORT CANAVERAL-EAST ORLANDO
COCOA BEACH-OFFSHORE-A mixed bag of bottom species is available this week. A variety of grouper and snapper, triggerfish, cobia, and sea bass are possible for anglers
using live or cut baits on a two drop “chicken rig” or standard bottom rig.
Tarpon, kingfish, bonito, shark and jack are striking live pogies that are being
slow trolled on wire stinger rigs.
COCOA BEACH-INSHORE-Speckled trout catches in all three lagoons has been fairly good on most days this week. Rapala Shad Rap Shallow or Scatter Rap shallow plugs are
working very well at this time. If there is too much floating grass to use one
of these lures try using a rattling float like the Saltwater Assassin Kwik Cork
with one of there Cajun Croaker or sliver Phantom colored Sea Shad rigged on a
jig head beneath it. This combo has been deadly for me this week allowing my
charter clients to catch trout to 24 inches in the 2-4 foot grass flats. Top
water plugs are working first thing in the morning or during overcast periods
like we’ve had this week. Redfish have also taken an interest in our top water
lures, but they will opt for a piece of cut bait throughout the day with the
water temperatures running in the mid to upper 80’s on most days. Snook, redfish and pompano are also possible for anglers working the surf.
Until next week….Catch a memory!!!!!
Captain Jim Ross-Fineline Fishing Charters
