What can I say… The bite has been as hot as the weather this summer. Captain Justin Ross and I have been catching just about every species imaginable in the lagoons and ocean waters east of Orlando this July. In the Indian and Banana River Lagoons redfish, trout, black drum, and ladyfish have been the most prevalent species we have been encountering. Saltwater Assassin Jigs and Rapala Lures are working best for the Speckled trout, ladyfish, and redfish. We are fishing the shallow grass flats at first light, and then dropping of into the deeper edges and channel as the sun gets higher in the sky. The Black drum have been a blast as well this month. We are targeting them in the Indian River lagoon near Cocoa Beach and also in the waters south of Daytona Beach this month. Most of the drum are running 15 to 30 pounds, so if you are looking for a hard fighting fish without getting out on the oceans waters where the possibility of getting sea sick exists then these tough customers are just the thing you’ve been looking for.
In the Atlantic Ocean waters outside of Port Canaveral near Cocoa Beach Justin and I have been running trips for a variety of Species. The tarpon, sharks, bonito, jack, barracuda, cobia and a variety of reefs species are possible on most days. Live baitfish like pilchards, and menhaden have been scarce his summer so in many cases we have resorted to chumming with cut frozen baits. This fish have been responding surprisingly well to our efforts. The other thing we have really had fun with has been to have our customers cast large Williamson or Rapala lures for these species. Talk about a blast! When a 15 pound bonito or 25 pound jack blow up on your topwater plugs it is an incredible sight. If that doesn’t get you going, then the tug will. Both of these species typically strip 50 to 100-yards of line off your reel on their initial run. We’re not talking walleye here folks. These fish are big, angry, and ready to fight. Throw a 100-plus pounds shark or tarpon on top of this action, and most of the time your strength will give out before your fishing time expires. All in all July 2018 has shown us some really good fishing. Captain Justin Ross and I want to invite you to try a fishing excursion with us in August or September before this summertime fishing goes away for another year.
Until Next time… Catch a memory!!!
Captain Jim Ross and Captain Justin Ross
Fineline Fishing Charters
