WEEKLY FORECAST
2.13.2024 – 2.19.2024
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BEST FISHING REPORT
![swordfish swordfish](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/swordfish.jpg)
Capt. Joey of Sea Leveler Charters fishing aboard the Sea Trident scored BIG for his customers Don & Steve this weekend. How about a 206 pound swordfish and a pomfret to brag about!
One may assume that the most effective way to fish a speedworm is implied in the name, but, NOT SO FAST, says Knox Robinson, in his writeup on Headwaters this week. Also in this week’s forecast, we got another new giveaway courtesy of Carroll Distributing — this time it’s a sweeeeet Goose Island themed cooler…
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
BITE OPPORTUNITY INDEX
OFFSHORE
INSHORE
SURF
FRESHWATER
![aa-small american air and heat of brevard](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/aa-small.jpg)
WEATHER OVERVIEW: This week we will experience the wind shifting back and forth as small fronts move in and out of the area. Tuesday, the wind will be out of the WNW as the next cool down starts to work its way into the area. Wednesday the wind will be out of the N. Thursday it switches out of the ESE. Friday and Saturday are projecting NW winds and Sunday is showing it switching out of the NE. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are the days currently showing the lowest winds. Wednesday & Sunday the high temps are projected in the upper 60’s. The rest of the week is showing lower 70’s. Rain chances remain low all week until Saturday evening when it’s calling for a 65% chance of rain and Sunday which is projecting a 75% chance of rain.
GIVEAWAYS
Strike-Zone Shimano Symetre Spinning Rod and Reel Combo Giveaway
This month, we’re giving away a Shimano Symetre Spinning Rod and Reel Combo, courtesy of Strike-Zone Fishing. One winner will be randomly drawn from all entries and be announced in the weekly fishing forecast on Tuesday, March 5. Enter below for your chance to win!
CONTEST RULES
- Eligibility
Spacefish Giveaway Contest (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of Spacefish and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. - Sponsor
The Contest is sponsored by Strike-Zone Fishing. - Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Contest constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein. - Contest Period
The Contest runs from Feb 6 – Mar 5, 2024 - How to Enter
Online entry will be available by visiting the latest fishing report on our website (spacefishreport.com) and following the directions provided to fill out the entry information, and submit. Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Contest Period, regardless of method of entry. Entries received from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. - Prize Drawing
One winner will be selected among all Spacefish email subscribers. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will publish the winner’s name in its weekly fishing report on March 5 2024 and the winner will be contacted via email. If the potential winner does not claim their prize by responding within five (5) days, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries. - Winner Notification The potential winner will announced in the weekly fishing report on Mar 5 2024. The winner (parent/legal guardian if a minor in his/her state of residence) will be required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within five (5) days of the date notice or attempted notice is sent, in order to claim his/her prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, or fails to submit the Declaration of Compliance within the required time period (if applicable), or prize is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. If the potential winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian, who will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance on the potential winners behalf and fulfill any other requirements imposed on winner set forth herein. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Contest.
- Prizes
(1) Shimano Symetre Spinning Rod and Reel Combo - General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Contest and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. - Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto), including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d) application downloads, (e) any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the cancellation or postponement of the event and/or the flyover, if applicable, the incorrect downloading of the application, the processing of entries application downloads or in any Contest-related materials; or (f) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Contest or acceptance, receipt or misuse of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto). Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. - Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Florida. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Florida. - Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to sponsor’s privacy policy.
Shimano Symetre Spinning Rod and Reel Combo Contest Entry
Goose Island Giveaway
Since 1960, Carroll Distributing has been keeping the local shelves stocked and taps flowing for a long list of everybody’s favorite beverages. Now, they are going to be distributing some awesome prizes to Spacefish readers every month. This month, the prize is a Goose Island themed cooler. One winner will randomly drawn and selected in the weekly forecast on March 12th!
CONTEST RULES
- Eligibility
Spacefish Giveaway Contest (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of Spacefish and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. - Sponsor
The Contest is sponsored by Carroll Distributing. - Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Contest constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein. - Contest Feb 12 – March 12, 2024
- How to Enter
Online entry will be available by visiting the latest fishing report on our website (spacefishreport.com) and following the directions provided to fill out the entry information, and submit. Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Contest Period, regardless of method of entry. Entries received from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. - Prize Drawing
One winner will be selected among all Spacefish email subscribers. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will publish the winner’s name in its weekly fishing report on July 4, 2023 and the winner will be contacted via email. If the potential winner does not claim their prize by responding within five (5) days, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries. - Winner Notification The potential winner will announced in the weekly fishing report on June 15 2021. The winner (parent/legal guardian if a minor in his/her state of residence) will be required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within five (5) days of the date notice or attempted notice is sent, in order to claim his/her prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, or fails to submit the Declaration of Compliance within the required time period (if applicable), or prize is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. If the potential winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian, who will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance on the potential winners behalf and fulfill any other requirements imposed on winner set forth herein. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Contest.
- Prizes
(1) 50qt Fold of Honor Cooler - General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Contest and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. - Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto), including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d) application downloads, (e) any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the cancellation or postponement of the event and/or the flyover, if applicable, the incorrect downloading of the application, the processing of entries application downloads or in any Contest-related materials; or (f) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Contest or acceptance, receipt or misuse of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto). Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. - Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Florida. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Florida. - Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to sponsor’s privacy policy.
Folds of Honor Contest Entry
"*" indicates required fields
Weekly Strike-Zone Giveaway
Each week, we’ll randomly draw a name from our email subscriber list to award a $20 Strike-Zone Fishing Gift Card. To enter, all you need to do is subscribe to our weekly forecast email (once subscribed, you’re eligible to win EVERY week).
Congrats to this week's winner,
NOTICE: If you are announced as a winner, you must EMAIL US within 5 days to claim your prize (please include your phone number and mailing address), or your prize will be forfeited and added back into the giveaway pool for future winners.
Subscribe for Contest Entry
To enter the WEEKLY giveaway contest for a $20 Strike-Zone Fishing Gift Card, all you need to do is subscribe to our fishing report via email. One winner will be drawn from all current subscribers, every week.
"*" indicates required fields
CONTEST RULES
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
- Eligibility
Spacefish Giveaway Contest (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of Spacefish and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. - Sponsor
The Contest is sponsored by Spacefish, located at 745 Hibiscus Dr, Satellite Beach, Florida 32937. - Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Contest constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein. - Contest Period
The Contest runs in definitely, every week from Tuesday to the following Monday (the “Contest Period”). - How to Enter
Online entry will be available by visiting the latest fishing report on our website (spacefishreport.com) and following the directions provided to fill out the entry information, and submit. Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Contest Period, regardless of method of entry. Entries received from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. - Prize Drawing
Every Tuesday, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will publish the winner’s name in its weekly fishing report on May 1, 2018. If the potential winner does not claim their prize by emailing info@spacefishreport.com within five (5) days, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries. - Winner Notification The potential winners will announced in the weekly fishing report. Each potential Grand and First Prize winner (parent/legal guardian if a minor in his/her state of residence) will be required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within five (5) days of the date notice or attempted notice is sent, in order to claim his/her prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, or fails to submit the Declaration of Compliance within the required time period (if applicable), or prize is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. If the potential winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian, who will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance on the potential winners behalf and fulfill any other requirements imposed on winner set forth herein. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Contest.
- Prizes
(1) Strike-Zone Fishing $20 Gift Card - General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Contest and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. - Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto), including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d) application downloads, (e) any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the cancellation or postponement of the event and/or the flyover, if applicable, the incorrect downloading of the application, the processing of entries application downloads or in any Contest-related materials; or (f) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Contest or acceptance, receipt or misuse of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto). Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. - Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Florida. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Florida. - Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to sponsor’s privacy policy.
LATEST Reports
![Bass mania](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/spacefish.jpg)
Bass mania
Big fish were on the move this week one 9.7 2 over 8 and one at 7.15
Top water whopper plopping got the biggest in shallow water on hydrilla clumps others came in 5 to 7 feet.
Fluke bite found some girls as did the wacky worm
Water is way up moving and cooler
3 forks is way up
Headwaters near pool
Kenansville is way up not full
Running water holds alot of fish drifting worms
Haulinbass
by haulinbass
![Lock Jaw Snook Open Season](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-3c7bf0cf4633f03ef9e2a163dc95efb4/2023/05/snooman.jpg)
Lock Jaw Snook Open Season
Good morning all my Sebastian Inlet fishing friends! I hope you all had a great holiday weekend, and were able to dodge all the rain storms we had over the weekend, with whatever you were doing! Well we now have the first two days of the fall snook season under our belts, and I have to say, just like always, it was a very dismal start to the season with not very many fish being caught.
I have learned over the years that they may be biting like gangbusters just before the season, as they did, then when it opens up, they’re gone! Happens every year in the fall. They go to school to learn this and how NOT to be around when all the anglers come from out of the woodwork to throw junk at them, plus all the boats anchored up around them, they just tense up and get “lock jaw.” They will be back on track in a week or so when the water cleans back up some. It did get pretty dirty over the weekend. There was plenty of mullet, greenies and pilchards around for food for all the other species to keep us entertained. Monster jacks, some reds and a few tarpon were around crashing the mullet schools on Friday and Saturday when I was down then, all throughout the inlet. Spanish mackerel, mutton snappers, mangrove snappers, and lookdowns and blue runners were keeping folks active. So with out further ado, here are your action spots.
North jetty
All weekend the winds had picked up and blew SSE 10-20 and just really dirtied up the water, but it remained warm at around 84-85, which it needs to cool down some to really spark the action we had a couple weeks ago when it was that temp. The last of the incoming tide over the weekend did produce some snook hookups, but not like it was a week ago. Most fish caught were either too big, or too small to keep, and had to go back. There were just a couple slot fish caught that I know of. Outgoing tide at the tip there were some big snook being hooked up on live mullet, but again, too big to keep. Along with them were also a few big redfish caught, same bait, live mullet. But you still CAN NOT keep reds. On the beach side of the jetty, both tides the spanish mackerel were biting pretty good on live greenies fished either on a float line, or freelining them. Most fish were in the 14-16 inch range, and several limits of 15 were caught by some anglers. Around the pilings of the jetty, and the rock shoreline from the jetty to the bridge they were catching some nice mangrove snapper in the 11-13 inch range on either live or dead greenies, or the tiny majorra, and shrimp. The muttom snappers that were around have seemed to slowed down a bit, but they are still catching them, but again, all short of the 18 inches they need to be.
South Jetty
Over on this side the action on the outgoing tide has been at the tip with cut bait. Blue runners, small jack crevalle, black margates, and some small mangrove snappers were being caught, along with plenty of those pesky kitty fish, as the water has been so dirty from the wind switch, and big surf. Incoming tide, all along the shoreline from the tip to the bridge, once it gets going a bit the snook and redfish bite has been pretty good on this side all along the shoreline. Any live bait is producing fish, but again, most of them are either too big, or too small, most have been too small the guys said. This side is notorious for the smaller snook. You might catch a bunch, but there are usually some slots in with them, ya just have to weed through them. Also being caught over here are the mangrove snapper, small live baits, or cut bait such as shrimp and greenies will work for them.
T-Dock area
Back here around the dock pilings the small snappers are keeping folks busy, muttons and mangroves. Small live bait, and cut dead baits are the baits of choice. The incoming tide, if you get some cleaner water back here, the snook and reds are biting live mullet, croakers, and flair jigs at night. Also, back here on both tides when the big schools of mullet are around, you can toss one out to the channel area, or large silver spoons, and mix it up with the huge 15–20-pound jack crevalles that are chasing them through the inlet. You might even get hooked up with a tarpon, I have seen them around, and they usually show up in the fall to feed on the schools of mullet.
Surf Area, both sides
The surf on the south side has been pretty much blown out with the winds and big waves making the water pretty muddy. The north side surf for the most part has been pretty clean all along the state park shoreline. For the cut bait anglers using shrimp or fish bites, expect to catch some whiting and croakers, and possibly a small black drum or two. I saw a couple caught on the jetty last week, so they are around. And for the heavy-duty bait guys, the mullet are still coming down the coastline, but not like they were last week. If you see them, either fish a medium swim bait in and around them, or cast net some and fish them in the wash. Big snook, big reds, tarpon and jacks, not to mention the sharks all possibly could be there for some action.
Well guys and gals, that’s it for this weeks report, the action has slowed a tad on the snook, but everything else is still on target for this time of the year. So grab your gear, and some bait, water, and get out and enjoy the inlet, and catch some dinner, or a trophy!! Snookman.
by Wayne "Snookman" Landry
Sebastian Inlet State Park
| (321) 724-5175
![Kayak Fishing: Crane Creek](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-a574855916bea6dc2226e7b9286ea37c/2024/03/IMG_7951.jpg)
Kayak Fishing: Crane Creek
KAYAK FISHING REPORT
![Crane Creek Crane Creek Kayak Fishing Report](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Crane-Creek-Header-1030x597.jpg)
Crane Creek
Happy Monday Spacefish!
Today I hope everyone has enjoyed their Labor Day weekend! The weekend started on a high note for me, as my football team, the Melbourne Central Catholic Hustlers went up to Ocala and beat the team that knocked us out of the Regional Finals last year, Trinity Catholic, 38-6. Great win for the Hustlers to knock off the back to back state runner ups on the road. I got out and fished yesterday; it was an “ok” day – I discovered a new Tarpon hole, and ended up jumping 4, but struggled in tight quarters to maneuver and keep them on; but I had Tarpon jumping over my kayak and making runs under, and despite getting my you know what kicked, I had a ball doing it. I caught some dinky Snook, and lost a monster over slot, that came unbuttoned after blowing up my topwater at daybreak.
So that being said, I am going that spot again, and hoping to get some redemption! So I am going to write about Crane Creek, which I was going to do last week, but ended up writing about the state park fiasco. Which I am happy to report, has been called off after a week of outrage expressed from politicians all the way down to grass roots style protests. So if you ended up reading last weeks report, and going online and doing the petition, THANK YOU!
Launch Spot
For this trip on Crane Creek, I launched from Scurrah’s Landing just south of downton Melbourne. This is one of my favorite local launch spots, it is for non-motorized craft only, and the parking is close to the launch, which makes for quick and easy loading/unloading. Also, if you get there early, it is never crowded.
Tarpon Report:
There are plenty of Tarpon in Crane Creek, they are in the deep water of the harbor/marina, but as you move westward up the creek, they are there aplenty. I did not land a Tarpon on this trip unfortunately, I ended up jumping 3. The first was near the lone dock on the south bank of the creek, about halfway down between the railroad, and the water treatment plant. I also jumped off two smaller ones further up creek at the point where the creek gets narrow and has two smaller forks that go around an island. I was able to make good casts to rolling Tarpon back in there because it tightend up. I saw a lot of rolling fish in the main part of the creek that were out of casting range. Crane Creek is very wide in the main stretch, trying to stalk, and cast to rolling fish can be very difficult, so if you are a live bait angler, trolling or casting and soaking a small live finger mullet may be a better method for getting on the Tarpon here. I ended up with 3 eats, but couldn’t execute to land the fish, all of my eats came from casting the Tsunami Swim Shad (2 inch) in front of the face of rolling Tarpon.
Snook Report
While I spent most of the morning on the move looking for rolling Tarpon, I had another rod rigged with a weedless swim bait, so when I saw fish eating in the shallows next to hard structure on the banks, I’d make a move over and cast the weedless bait in and around the area where bait fish had been harassed. I was able to pick up a few Snook doing this.
I didn’t land any monster sized Snook but I caught a few in the fun sized range. I was using the Fish, or Die Minutemen in Independence (Pearl) on a ⅛ oz, Owner Twistlock (3/0). I ended up catching more on the main part of the creek because this is where I spent most of my morning. But on my way back out, I was able to target Snook in the marina.
I was able to land some smaller ones by skip casting under docks. The marina is a great place to target Snook when it is really hot outside, and also when it is cold because they like to get up under the docks and lay up in the deeper water which offers relief from severe heat, but also provides warmer water during cold snaps. Finding the Snook here has never been my issue, but landing quality ones is difficult because a lot of the areas to target are pretty tight with all of the yachts in the harbour, so even with the pedal drive kayak I can’t back pedal out like I could with a big Snook out in the wild on a mangrove shoreline. So while I landed a few small ones, I ended up having my leader broken off on a dock piling because I couldn’d get the fish out. I was using a heavier than normal set up – 4000 series Penn Reel, 15 pound braid, and 30 pound leader, but it was no match for a big powerful Snook and a dock piling with shells. I ended up retying 40 pound, but never got any bites.
Sea Trout
After striking out on Tarpon, but finding some Snook success, I decided to move out of Crane Creek and go fish the docks just south of Scurrah’s landing. I have had success here before with Snook, Trout, and Redfish. I was hoping I could catch at least one Trout, and one Red so I could get an inshore slam. Unfortunately a Red was not in the cards for me on this trip; but I ended up having a blast catching a bunch of Sea Trout. None of them were brag worthy size, but being able to catch a dozen plus Trout in an hour can definitely provide some fun and make a long hot morning of fishing end on a high note. I stayed with the Fish, or Die paddle tail. I caught some hanging in the shade under docks, and others outside of the docks, in that depth change area just outside of the ends of the docks, I slowed down my retrieve, moved the weight up as far to the nose of the hook as I could and bottom bounced the paddle tail like it was on a jig head. I usually would use an actual jig head, but I thought my best chance for a red would be under the docks, so I kept the weedless presentation to be able to skip deep under the shaded areas of the docks. But alas, no Red on this day, but still a fun and exciting day of fishing.
Conclusion
I was really hoping to land a Tarpon so I could go 4/4 on South Brevard’s Tarpon tributaries, fingers crossed I get a chance to go back on Crane Creek before the Tarpon bite dies off in the fall. My goal this year was to catch a Tarpon on the St. Sebastian and Eau Gallie Rivers (check, and check), Turkey Creek (check), Crane Creek (X), and Sam’s Creek (haven’t been yet). Right now I am going to do my best in my limited time during football season to get the Crane and Sam’s Creek boxes checked. Once that happens I am going to shift my attention to kayak Bass fishing for a while because I know I have been slacking there. Tarpon failure aside, I love Crane Creek, even when the Tarpon frustrate me, I can usually salvage the day with Snook and Trout.
I hope everyone had an awesome Labor Day weekend, and I hope that you all get a chance to get out and fish this coming week/weekend and find some tight lines. Thanks for reading, and a huge thank you to Kayaks By Bo for being our paddle partner!
Right now they have an awesome, “End of Summer Sale” from now until September 30th. Every kayak in the store is marked down, and you get a free PFD with a purchase of a new kayak – go check them out at their new location in Cocoa!
by Knox Robinson
Spacefish Prostaff
![Indian River Report](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-a574855916bea6dc2226e7b9286ea37c/2024/05/sheepshead-20in1111.jpg)
Indian River Report
Despite only making two trips this week, the fishing was productive and showed promising signs for the upcoming weeks.
On my first trip, windy conditions led me to seek shelter on the protected sides of spoil islands. This decision paid off, and I was able to find:
– Smaller snook on the windblown points of the islands
– An abundance of bait and a healthy number of trout on the protected sides, with the largest measuring up to 20 inches
The Mirrolure Lil John was the lure of choice, and I noticed that long pauses triggered many hits.
My second trip, which took place early this morning, focused on fishing docks. Getting out just before sunrise proved to be beneficial, as most of my catches occurred before 7:30 am. The fish showed a strong preference for the 4″ paddle tail.
Additionally, I’ve been observing:
– Good schools of mullet moving through the river, indicating that the fishing should start heating up shortly
Look for another update next Tuesday!
by John Page
JP Kayak Fishing and Tours
| (321) 345-8388
![3 Areas Over 3 Days](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-3c7bf0cf4633f03ef9e2a163dc95efb4/2020/03/14993558_1246655505393266_5322550287609243358_n1.jpg)
3 Areas Over 3 Days
Three days on the water last week targeting different areas. My first trip was on the lagoon. Started off getting rained on very early. I made a short trip to my first spot to run from it for a few minutes. I had little hope of catching anything due to no bait in this area. I was right, no fish but the rain caught up with me anyway. I hit another spot and the same scenario, no bait.
My third spot was better with finally finding some bait activity. This area is a very shallow spot and with nothing showing any feeding activity I decided to throw a YO ZURI 3D Inshore surface lure “wake bait.” This lure when retrieved at a faster rate will swim just under the surface. It wasn’t long before I had two upper slot snook charge the lure but was scared away by being too close to my boat. I did manage to later catch a 24” snook and a small trout using this pattern. The next morning I fished Headwaters. Same scenario as past posts. First hour in the morning and after that time frame the bite was slower and slower. The following morning I fished 3 Forks and right away when putting the boat in the water the water was way up and had a smell to it. They were moving water into it. We never had a bite but the highlight of this morning was watching a group of guys pulling in a 11’6” gator into their boat.
Didn’t fish anymore after this day as the check engine light came on in my truck. I’m sure it will be at the dealership most of the week.
by Terry Lamielle
| (321) 537-5346
![Mullet Run Just Getting Started!](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-e3f19cf0db97285dfa6db8d499f558f4/2018/01/capt-glyn-austin111.jpg)
Mullet Run Just Getting Started!
![snook](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/glynsnoooook09-773x1030.jpg)
Adam with his first Snook
The mullet run is just getting started. That said, we still have a long way to go for the big schools lining up and down the beach and in the lagoon. We have found a few schools running the beach with tarpon and a ton of sharks. The beach has been a little rough but if you aren’t having to make long runs, it’s not too bad but if the mullet and fish are tight to the beach, be careful.
![seatrout](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/hlyntrout77-773x1030.jpg)
Michael with a nice trout
Inshore, the mullet were absent most of the week but a few started showing up during the weekend. The bite was slow but there has been some snook and jacks mostly with a few nice trout mixed in. There have also been some big tarpon and sharks on the pogie pods in the channel as well with some jacks and sail cats you will have to deal with while trying to get the tarpon to eat.
If we get some north winds or another tropical storm north of us the next few weeks, we will get more mullet and predators migrating down. Should be a good week of fishing in the lagoon!
by Capt. Glyn Austin
Going Coastal Charters
| (321) 863-8085
![Mullet Running Thick Off the Beach](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-e3f19cf0db97285dfa6db8d499f558f4/2018/01/capt-chris-fired-up-charters1.png)
Mullet Running Thick Off the Beach
Happy Labor Day to everybody. Hope y’all got a day off to enjoy a nice day out on the water. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our trip once again due to offshore weather being bad. Go figure the slow season comes. Weekends are always booked and the weather always comes in on weekends. We did quite a few shark fishing trips this week and all were very successful with an abundance of variety type of sharks black nose Black tip, sharpies, small hammer heads.
The Mullet Run is in full swing right now. So the sharks are actively feeding making the near short bite very productive. Fishing down towards the pier in about 35 foot of water has been doing just fine. Keeping the kids happy. Offshore fishing is also in full swing. The local reefs is the father. She needs to go mahi and kingfish. Plenty of those fish out there. They are eating mullet near shore as well as bunker that have also been schooling up everywhere.
by Capt. Chris Cameron
Fired Up Charters
| (407) 222-3573
Weekend Report
Get the latest word on the bite with Damon from Spacefish on the Mark Moses Show. We talk local fishing every Friday on the air at 4pm.
by Damon
![July & August Inshore Recap](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-e3f19cf0db97285dfa6db8d499f558f4/2018/01/53437_153418081346626_4903935_o11.jpg)
July & August Inshore Recap
Our fishing in July and August has been very interesting this year. We have had some very good days and also some very slow days. This isn’t what I would consider to be the normal pattern for these two months. For some reason this year we have had unusually high ocean water temperatures along the Space Coast which has pushed much of our summertime baitfish out of the area. In fact, it seems that most of our usual baitfish schools are spending the summer up along the coast of Georgia and south Carolina according to some of my contacts in those areas.
Because of this lack of bait and predators along the near-coastal waters, captain Justin and I are targeting fish in our lagoons. We have had many families with young children out for a fun morning before they returned to school for the fall. They’ve experienced some ‘ve really good action in these waters, especially over the last week after Hurricane Deby passed by the west coast of Florida. Redfish, tripletail, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, and snook are all in play right now as we fish these protected waters in the Indian and Banana River lagoons.
Snook season opens September 1st! The inlet snook action remains good through the summer months. The snook season opens in two weeks and we should continue to have great action on this species. Plus, the fall mullet run will start right around the first two weeks of September, so now is the time to get yourself locked in to a day or two to go out and experience this amazing phenomenon. Book directly on our website at (put link to reservation page here) Or give Captain Justin or myself a call at 321-505-8217 to get included in this years fall time fishing action.
by Capt. Jim Ross
Fine Line Fishing Charters
| (321) 636-3728
![Headwaters](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/spacefish.jpg)
Headwaters
Fished Headwaters 2 days after parking lot was finished. Water temperature is low 80s. Water level is up right at full pool. Lots of topped out grass all over north side water is clear to stained.
Stick baits, jerk baits, weedless, and top water all gave up some good fish. Zillions of small to medium bait fish everywhere. A whole bunch of crappie are stacked up in deep water. A lot of nice schools of medium to large bass roaming chasing crappie and bait pods
Go get em!
by haulinbass
![Kayak Fishing: State Parks in Danger](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-a574855916bea6dc2226e7b9286ea37c/2024/03/IMG_7951.jpg)
Kayak Fishing: State Parks in Danger
KAYAK FISHING REPORT
![JD State Park JD State Park](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/parkspolitics-845x1030.jpg)
Jonathan Dickinson State Park, on the Loxahatchee River, is one of 8 parks impacted by the FL DEP's "Great Outdoors" Initiative.
Happy Monday Spacefish!
So this week, my “report” is a little different. Instead of breaking down a specific spot, I am going to talk about an issue that arose over the past week. It is an issue that as a Florida Kayak Angler concerns me on a deep level – it is the recent proposal by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to alter some of Florida’s most iconic State Parks. This past winter I was able to travel south to Jonathon Dickinson State Park, and fish for different subspecies of Snook on a truly wild, brackish river – the Loxahatchee. It was a magical experience where I traveled a stretch of the river where Mangroves gave way to Cypress, and for a few hours I was lost in a spell of enchantment in an area of Florida that has yet to be bulldozed and developed. That is why I chose the picture for the cover, because this is one of the proposed state parks to be altered. So without futher ado, let’s dive in.
So What is the Issue?
Last week the FL DEP announced they were planning to build resorts, golf courses, pickleball courses, glamping facilities, and disc golf courses on eight state parks. I do not have a singular issue with any of those activities…but Florida is already home to countless numbers of golf courses, pickleball courts, and disc golf courses. Why do they need to build them on pristine state park lands? Here is a brief summary of the proposals:
Jonathan Dickinson State Park – Two 18-hole gold courses, one 9-hole golf course, removal of Hobe Mountain Observation Tower, total area of renovation over 1000 acres.
Anastasia State Park – Park lodge of up to 350 rooms built in maritime hammock, a disc golf course built in maritime hammock, pickleball courts built in maritime hammock.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – Park lodge of up to 350 rooms, disc golf course built in the scrub flatwoods south of the cabin area, pickleball courts
Grayton Beach State Park – 10 new cabins, disc golf course, pickleball courts
Camp Helen State Park – New cabins and/or “glamping” sites located at the northern end of the park on Lake Howell, within the coastal scrub
Hillsborough River State Park – Disc golf course, pickleball courts
Honeymoon Island State Park – Pickleball courts
Dr. Von Mizell – Eula Johnson State Park – Pickleball courts
Oleta River State Park – Disc golf course, pickleball courts
Why should we care?
So first off I think we have to ask what the purpose of state parks should be. According to the National Recreation and Park Association it is in “preserving natural resources and wildlife habitats, protecting clean water and clean air, and providing open space for current and future generations.” Secondly, let’s ask how are state parks funded. According to the Property and Environment Research Center, they are funded by “government appropriations and user fees.” User fees are the admissions fees paid to enter the parks, and government appropriations are a fancy way of saying taxes. So Florida taxpayers have been paying for state parks whose purpose is to preserve clean water amongst other things. I am confused how building multiple golf courses next to the Loxahatchee River, one of America’s wild and scenic rivers fits in to that role and purpose.
As a kayak angler, and I like to think Florida anglers in general can all agree that our waters and our fisheries have dealt with enough human development. We have certain places that have been protected, and those are areas typically are much better places to fish – not just in water quality, and in the quality and quantity of fish that can be caught there, but also, in the scenery, in the aesthetic, in the habitats and wildlife that all factor into the experience of fishing in places that still seem like you are in wild, old Florida.
My other concern is if this proposal goes forward, and these eight state parks are altered, what kind of precedent will it set? Will there be a luxury resort built along Sebastian Inlet State Park or Indian River Lagoon State Park? Will they bulldoze mangroves and important nursery habitat for juvenile Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Sea Trout? What about a golf course along the banks of St. Sebastian Preserve State Park? Will toxic fertilizer and runoff to keep fairways green wash down into the river that serves as one of our top Tarpon fisheries? I have only fished one of the proposed eight state parks on the list; but there are so many on the list that I haven’t mentioned above that I fear for… Tomoka, Lake Kissimmee, Silver Springs, just to name a few. Some of Florida’s most beautiful places, some of its best water are found in areas that are protected under their state park status. If they are allowed to do this to Jonathon Dickinson or Oleta River, then what will stop them from doing it to other cherished State Parks?
What can we do?
So when this was first announced last week, there were a series of meetings to be held to voice concerns. It honestly felt like a plot from a Carl Hiassen novel the way it played out. All of these meetings were to be held on Tuesday – six days after the initial announcement. Opposition to the proposals was loud, and it happened quickly. In the wake of social media outrage exploding late last week, the FL DEP posted this tweet announcing they were pushing the meeting dates back. The announcement made via X (formerly known as twitter) is pictured below.
If you are inclined to take action I suggest following the FL DEP on social media, as well as advocacy groups like the Florida Wildlife Federation.
To voice your concerns, you can send an email directly to the Governor, the Secretary of FDEP, and your state representatives. For more information on how to do this, visit the Florida Wildlife Federation website to sign the petition at this link – https://floridawildlifefederation.org/action-state-parks-threat/?
Conclusion
If you are disappointed that I did not give an actual fishing report, I apologize. But what happened last week shook me up a bit. It already feels like we are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to protecting Florida’s waterways, and fisheries. If state parks become prime development grounds for resorts, golf courses, pickleball courts, and disc golf – then I fear that we will be saying goodbye to many special kayak fishing places – I believe we owe it to our kids, our grandkids, the water, the fish, mother nature, and to ourselves to voice our concerns to our politicians and the state department of environmental protection to make sure that our parks stay wild, and that the protect and conserve the small pieces of Florida that have remained wild, and beautiful. May they stay that way forever.
Thank you for taking the time to read my rantings, and thank you to Kayaks By Bo for being our paddle partner. Whether you are looking for a new kayak, Yak Attack accessories, or Fish Skinz apparel; Kayaks By Bo has you covered! Check out their new location in Cocoa.
Until next time!
by Knox Robinson
Spacefish Prostaff
![Fish Are Biting Better At Inlet!](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/17-3c7bf0cf4633f03ef9e2a163dc95efb4/2023/05/snooman.jpg)
Fish Are Biting Better At Inlet!
![fernando](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fernando-1030x601.jpg)
Fernando with a very nice 10-pound cubera snapper he caught on the north jetty on Saturday on live mullet on the high tide.
Good morning, all my Sebastian Inlet fishing junkies; I hope you all had a great weekend, despite the rain and humidity. Good news! The fish are biting better than they had been. I feel that the water temperatures and quality PLUS the influx of baitfish have sparked things up considerably. There are still quite a bit of mullet of all sorts of sizes around the inlet and the surf area, along with a lot of greenies and pilchards all around the north jetty. Also, in the back of the inlet the small and bigger mojarra are around the t-dock area and along the shoreline, so getting bait isn’t a problem. The bait shops are starting to get some bigger shrimp for a change. I knew the day was coming when the fishing would pick up; it was just a matter of timing. There were a variety of species caught throughout the inlet on both tides, but the incoming tide was the better time to fish. The outgoing tide at first turn is clean, but the freshwater runoff from the Sebastian River that follows is murky.
Here’s where the action is:
North jetty
Over here all, or MOST of the action has been on the incoming tide on both sides of the jetty. Last week (Wednesday through Friday), the snook bite on live shrimp and mojarra was outstanding! Quite a few snook were hooked, but most were broken off on the rocks and dead lines around the jetty; the resident monster goliaths ate many, but several were landed and released. Along with the snook were catch-and-release redfish. Spanish mackerel were caught on freelined greenies on the beach side of the jetty. Quite a few nice fish were caught, with several anglers getting their limits of 15 per person. Also, the mangrove snapper bite has picked up as well, but the majority of them are smaller at 10 to 10.5 inches; however, I did see a few in the 12 to 13 inch range. Another species making a showing are the mutton snapper. Many were caught on the jetty, but most are just short of the 18-inch minimum to keep. They have been biting a bit in the previous weeks, but last week and over the weekend they bit better. Cooler water temperatures and that last offshore storm blew them in from the inshore reefs, along with the baitfish schools. Also, small numbers of cubera snappers were caught on live mullet at the tip of the jetty. Those I have seen and heard about have been in the 22 to 28 inch range. Nice fish, and a bear to deal with when you hook one! The outgoing tide has been a little slower due to the fish moving out further and the water quality going down, but snook and reds have been caught, along with the snappers. Live shrimp, live mullet and live greenies have been the baits of choice. And the good news is that the action continued through last weekend. It hasn’t been as action-packed as last week, but it was still on the up and upside with everything being caught that I mentioned.
South jetty
Over here it has been the same thing: The incoming tide was a bit wild as well, with snook, redfish, jacks and mutton and mangrove snapper playing well! Live shrimp, mojarra and small croakers for the snook and reds, small live or dead greenies and mojarra for the snappers. Just a little note about the mutton snappers I have seen caught by myself and others, they prefer dead bait over live bait. Outgoing tide at the tip of the south jetty is all about the black margates, blue runners, jacks, and the mutton and mangrove snappers. Again, over here too, most are under the legal size to go home, but several nice ones have been caught, the mangroves that is, the muttons are too small over here too. Dead and live shrimp, cut bait are the key to success over at the tip. Also there have been a few bonnethead sharks caught in the beach/surf area on all baits.
T-Dock area
Back here the fishing hasn’t really picked up much, even though the bait is all around — just not a lot of folks back here fishing. Either tide, fishing around the dock pilings they are still catching the smaller mangrove snapper on live and dead cut greenies, and also some of the small mutton snapper as well. Most of the muttons caught, though, have been in the area about 20 to 30 feet away from the dock. With all the tiny minnows around the dock there are some nice Spanish mackerel for those fishing small white or green feather jigs, and freelining live greenies. With the mullet coming into the inlet, expect some big jack crevalle to be following them. Use large silver spoons tossed out to the channel or fish the big mullet freelined on a 4-5/0 hook. The snook bite has been hit-or-miss, depending on the water quality. The incoming tide around the area has held some clean water along the shoreline east and west of the dock, and some of the guys fishing live croakers and mojarra have been catching a few, most of which have been over the 32-inch maximum to keep. The arrival of cooler water and the spawning season ending soon should wake them up and get them to bite better. You just have to be there when they decide to have a party!
Surf area, both sides
The mullet are coming from the north surf area, down the beach. The bigger swells from last week were hampering the action, but has calmed down greatly, so look for schools of mullet in the surf. If you find some, fish it with either a medium-sized swim bait, or if you have a cast net, net some and fish them! As autumn and the mullet run nears — and snook season opens on September 1 — it could get pretty ‘fishy’ out there with snook, reds, tarpon and sharks and the BIG jack crevalle. For those fishing the beach for the small fare, whiting and croakers are being caught on live and dead shrimp. South side surf has been dirty due to the outgoing water flowing south along the coast. It gets roughed up from the surf and sucked back in on the incoming tide. The day use area of the park has been producing mangroves snapper, black margates and some of the small mutton snappers, along with lots of catfish and bonnet head sharks.
So, there we go, my friends, a really good report for a change. I knew that when we enter this season with cleaner and a bit cooler water, AND the baitfish showing up, the fishing would improve. Please note, snook season opens up on Sunday, September 1, and closes December 15. One fish per person daily can be kept with the size limit min 28 inches to max 32 inches, with the tail pinched. Expect big crowds this holiday weekend. Try to be courteous and patient when you visit the inlet. Please adhere to the posted rules and regulations. Fishing at the jetty is a privilege, not a right, and can be taken away at any time by the park management! Get out there, catch dinner or a memory, but above all, have fun and be safe.
by Wayne "Snookman" Landry
Sebastian Inlet State Park
| (321) 724-5175
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
CATCH A BIG SMILE WITH JASIN YOUMANS DMD!
![youmans-dentistry jasin youmans DMD](https://spacefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/youmans-dentistry.jpg)
LOCAL EVENTS
FSFA South Chapter Meeting
Feb 13
The FSFA South Chapter meeting is Tuesday, Feb 13, at Front Street Civic Center, Melbourne (2205 Front Street, in Melbourne, next to the Front Street boat ramps, across from Harry Goode’s). Social time starts at 6:30. Meeting starts at 7:00. Capt. Glyn Austin will be talking tactics for inshore and nearshore spring time fishing.
FSFA North Chapter Meeting
February 27
The FSFA North Chapter Meeting is at Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island (behind Merritt Square Mall). Guest speaker TBD. Social time starts at 6:30. Meeting starts at 7:00. Food and drink available for a donation.
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!
Don’t forget, if you’ve been fishing, we’d love to hear from you!
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.