As most of us here in Florida know the weather is pretty hot right now. But the speckled trout fishing has remained just as hot during certain portions of the day in the Indian River. WE are targeting the trout in the waters east of Orlando from first light until about 8 am with topwater plugs. The Rapala Skitterwalk and Storm Chug Bug have been working really well when we work them near mullet pods on the shallow grass flats. Saltwater Assassin 4-inch sea shad in the new Pimp Daddy color (purple back with a chartreuse belly), or chicken on a chain are extremely productive as well for my anglers that are not as proficient with a top water lure as they would like to be. “Walking the dog” is like patting your head and rubbing your belly and not everyone can master this technique. This is where the Assassin shad become a difference maker. Anglers can simply cast them out and real them in and catch fish. Later in the morning, the sun pushes the trout off the tops of the flats and they head out to deeper water. Here we use the same types of Saltwater assassin tails, but I will often rig them under a rattling float. The rattle helps the trout locate our lure by the commotion they raise, and then they can key in on the jig being pulled behind the float and get hooked up. The black drum are another species that we have been targeting and they are still schooling in the deeper areas near structures like bridges, docks, and the edge of the channel where rocks or limestone are present. Most of these fish are running in the 12 to 25-pound class. On some days they are very cooperative and we get some really great action out of them, but like all fish, this time of the year can put them off their feed in the middle of the day, and they can get a little fussy.
Offshore is offering a mixed bag of species. On most days we can plan on getting king mackerel, barracuda, shark, red snapper, mangrove snapper, and even a cobia or two. Along the near-shore waters of Cocoa Beach Tarpon redfish, and snook are often landed while we work baits or lures around bait pods in the area just outside of the surf break. Some of the tarpon are running not the 100 pound range and most of the other species can easily get into the 15 to 25-pound class. So this time of year its important to get out and back before the heat beats us up and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while pulling on some big fish. Hopefully you can join us, and we can go out and catch your next memory.
Captain Jim Ross
Fineline Fish
ing Charters
