WEEKLY FORECAST
4.30.2024 – 5.6.2024
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BEST FISHING REPORT
Grouper season kicks off May 1st! Meanwhile, in this week’s forecast we’re doubling down on great kayak fishing reads — Paul MacInnis writes about fishing remote waters in pursuit of secret gold; plus, Knox Robinson finds the fish, sea grass, and a little bit of history on his trip to the Mosquito Lagoon…
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
BITE OPPORTUNITY INDEX
OFFSHORE
INSHORE
SURF
FRESHWATER
WEATHER OVERVIEW: This week looks like it’s going to be a good one overall. Tuesday starts a bit breezy with winds out of the SE. Wednesday(SE), Thursday(SW/SE), Friday(S/SE) and Saturday(ESE) all look pretty good with lower winds predominantly out of the SE/ESE. Sunday (ESE) the wind is projected to increase some. Rain chances remain low this week and our high temperatures will creep up into the mid to upper 80’s with mostly sunny skies. It’s looking pretty good so get out there and Make It Happen Captain!
GIVEAWAYS
Strike-Zone Costa Giveaway
This month, Strike-Zone Fishing is giving away a free pair of Costa sunglasses, of the winner’s choice (up to $250 in value). The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries and announced on Tuesday, May 7th. The winner must pick out their pair of Costas, locally, from the HUGE selection at the Strike-Zone Fishing store in Melbourne.
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 April 2, 2024 – May 7, 2024 - How to Enter
Online entry will be available by visiting the latest fishing report on our website (spacefish.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 May 7 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 May 7 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) Costa Sunglasses (up to $250 in value) of choice from Strike-Zone Melbourne’s in-store selection. - 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.
SZ Costa Sunglasses Contest Entry
Bud Light Cooler 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 40qt Bud Light Cooler…
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 Period
The Contest runs from April 23 – May 28 2024 - How to Enter
Online entry will be available by visiting the latest fishing report on our website (spacefish.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 May 28, 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 Dec 19 2023. 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) 40qt Bud Light 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.
Bud Cooler Giveaway
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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, Val H Douis, Melbourne Beach
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
Big Uglies!
As a new fisherman, or wannabe fisherman, I am constantly struggling with the pull to return to spots that have been good to me in the past or to try new spots. I fished Turkey Creek this past weekend and tried different parts of the river with no luck. I made my way back to a spot that I have found fish at in the past and BINGO, still fish there. I was able to land 5 good size black drum using live shrimp. I ended up catching my PB at 27″ and the rest of them were between 22″-25″. Such a fun fish to catch, especially from a kayak!
by benwageman
Very Productive Week Kayak Fishing
The fishing is red-hot right now, and it’s time to get in on the action! The early morning bite has been on fire lately, with the early evening hours also producing some incredible catches. While many fish have migrated to the shallow flats, the mangroves are still teeming with monsters waiting to be caught. The mullet are plentiful, ranging from 6-9 inches, but the 3-inch paddle tail is still the top performer. Just ask the beast of a snook in the photo!
I caught this beauty during the predawn hours using a 3-inch Z-Man MinnowZ paddle tail in Easy Money. I heard a commotion coming from a small mangrove cove and decided to investigate. On the third cast, she slammed my lure and put up an epic battle. Fighting a massive snook in the dark, around heavy structure, is an adrenaline rush like no other. The intensity is palpable, and the thrill of victory is sweet. Get out there and experience it for yourself!
by John Page
JP Kayak Fishing and Tours
| (321) 345-8388
Kayak Fishing: Top Summer Inshore Spots
KAYAK FISHING REPORT
Happy Monday Spacefish!
I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, and I hope all of the mother’s out there had a wonderful mother’s day! So today I am going to switch gears a bit from some of the usual spot reporting that I do, and actually offer up a sampler pack of sorts. Today I am going to talk about some of my favorite summer inshore fishing spots for kayak fishing here on the Space Coast.
The Sun Also Rises
Ernest Hemingway wrote a few books that people seem to like, he was an avid angler and penned multiple highly acclaimed literary works that heavily featured fishing; The Old Man & The Sea, and Big Two Hearted River are probably what comes to mind for most people – for me I think often of The Sun Also Rises, because inshore fishing Florida’s Space Coast from May-September, it is important to remember that in addition to beautiful sunsets across the Indian River Lagoon, and the St. John’s River, the sun rising from the Atlantic is equally as beautiful to behold, but provides a more consistent bite than that of the dusk, low light period.
Summer is my favorite time of the year to fish. I hate waking up early, but at the same time I love waking up early, I love getting on the water and seeing the sun rise over the eastern horizon, and I love being able to catch good numbers of fish on topwater. Early summer can be a really good time to fish, because air temps are high but the water temps sometimes lag behind, and the bite can stay pretty good throughout the day, as we get into July/August it becomes more of the “dog days” but the early morning bite during that time is usually pretty strong, so as long as you are up and at em, you can usually be productive early.
That all being said, when it comes to picking the right summer spots for inshore fishing there is a particular formula I am looking to hit.
- 1Western Shorelines, or larger spoil islands. But not just any shoreline, I am looking for ones with taller trees, houses/buildings, or even tall mangroves – the longer it can provide shade the better!
- 2Variety of structure, and variety of water depths. Whatever spot I pick I understand that within paddle/pedal range I need to have a variety of things to target so I am not wasting time fishing in a dead zone.
- 3Convenient launch accommodations – by June 21st, which is the summer solstice, the sky will be bright by 6 am, every minute is critical, I don’t want to go fish somewhere that takes me longer than needed to get unloaded and on the water.
Northern Brevard
My top spot for the northern space coast is the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch – located within the confines of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. You will need to print out a free fishing permit before you fish; which you can do here – https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/boating-and-fishing-brochure-2022-2023-merritt-island-nwr.pdf. There is not an actual address to this spot per se, but if you type it into Google Maps you will be able to figure it out.
Why this spot?
Once you launch you can go north or south, and get ample shoreline that will block the sun, personally I have only gone south. I fished this spot last summer, and while I did not have a banner day in terms of catching large fish, I caught a good number of fish – in this area I have caught Trout, Snook, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper and I even saw rolling Tarpon.
North Central Brevard
As a kayak or paddle board angler, it is hard to argue against the Thousand Island Conservation area in the Banana River Lagoon! This area is a labyrinth of mangrove islands, and shallow water flats; but it also has easy access to canals with deeper water, docks and seawalls. For launch spots I would go Ramp Road Park, located at Ramp Road Park, 401 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931; or you can launch from Constitution Bicentennial Park, located at 801 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 – and head south!
Why this spot?
This is probably one of East Central Florida’s “bucket list” fishing spots, it is a “no wake zone” throughout the area, and there are a ton of great areas to fish that are only accessible by paddle craft. This is a great place to catch Sea Trout in good numbers, but also has a good Redfish population. In the summer you will run into a lot of Juvenile Tarpon in this area as well. The one species that has eluded me over the years here is Snook, I have never been able to catch Snook in quantity, or quality. This area is a fantastic place to hit before day break in the summer, because the topwater bite for Trout is usually en fuego.
The Eau Gallie River/Elbow Creek: For the morning bite I usually launch from Ballard Park – 924 Thomas Barbour Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935 – and then head south along Elbow Creek down to the US Highway 1 bridge, fishing the western shoreline.
Why this spot?
I have consistently caught good numbers of Snook along this shoreline on topwater plugs, swimbaits and jerkbaits in the mornings. However, the big draw for me to fish here is that from May-October there is a good population of Juvenile Tarpon that hang out in Elbow Creek and with the right tactics and approach can make for some exciting kayak fishing! Get on the water early, try and get down to the stretch of the creek in front of the Boat House before the sun rises and you will have a chance to catch the Silver Prince
Southern Brevard
Heading south down the Space, the next spot on the list is Fisherman’s Landing – 5795 S, 5795 US-1, Grant-Valkaria, FL 32949.
Why this spot?
The picture posted at the top of this section is the launch spot, I am standing from where I parked. It is extremely easy to get on the water here. It is the perfect place for a quick trip, because you can paddle out 100 yards or so to that island with the houses, and just south of that is another great spoil island! Now if you are in it for the long haul, and have an unlimited time to fish – you can kick it across the IRL to the areas around Honest John’s Fish Camp/Mullet Creek – this area can easily rival the Thousand Islands as being one of East Central Florida’s best kayak fishing spots! In trips where I have launched from this spot I have caught Snook, Tarpon, Trout, Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, Mangrove Snapper – the whole cast of characters basically.
Treasure Coast
Last, but certainly not least on this list of top spots for inshore kayak fishing is the Wabasso Causeway, located at 1820 Wabasso Beach Rd, Vero Beach, FL 32963. When I launch here I like to head north, round the tip of Marsh Island then head over to Orchid Island, and I have had
Why this spot?
There are two big draws for me here…Snook, and the chance to catch lots of Snook. The Thousand Island is a Trout factory, you can catch small Trout all day there. Well the Pelican Island Refuge is a Snook factory, in the warmer months you can catch Snook till you get tired of it if you enter the refuge and beat the bushes. Trout will stack up along depth contours of the ICW, and don’t be surprised to find good sized adult Trout silently gliding along the shorelines of the refuge. Schools of big Jacks will cruise the open waters busting bait at day break, there are a few backwater areas within the refuge where Tarpon can be found.
Once you round Marsh Island, headed towards Orchid Island you will be able to head north, or south and have ample western shoreline to get a good two hours of topwater fishing in. This area has become one of my top spots to go fish for fun when I am not fishing a new place to report on.
Conclusion
That’s it for me today folks! If you are a new kayak angler in the area, or maybe you are a salty vet who is looking for a new spot to try, I hope this report helps, or inspires you to go try one of these places out. One of the best things about living along Florida’s Space Coast is that we are blessed with some really cool places to go fish!
I’d like to give a big THANK YOU to Kayaks By Bo, for partnering with us here at Spacefish to support our kayak fishing reports – as we enter the most fun and exciting time of year for kayak fishing, if you need to get that first kayak, or upgrade what you have – check out Kayaks By Bo, they have an awesome selection of kayaks, as well as all of the gear, accessories, and apparel you could ever need.
Thanks for reading…stay safe, be happy, and hook ’em in the mouth this week! Until next time!
by Knox Robinson
Spacefish Prostaff
Fish, Winds, and Seaweed
This week was a mix of seaweed salad, dirty water, and by the end of the week, clean water with perfect conditions that allowed us to fill our coolers with nice catches of whiting, black drum, and pompano.
This coming week, we are looking at somewhat gloomy days mixed with some sunshine and winds coming from every direction you can think of each day. Although not as strong as in previous weeks, we will still contend with pesky south and southeast winds mixed with the west winds. Hopefully, the water stays nice and clean so we can scrape up what is left of the pompano.
The sand fleas have still been on the beaches, allowing for easy scooping. The fish have liked the fleas along with frozen shrimp pieces rigged on the standard pompano rig with a 4 oz pyramid weight.
Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach have produced some nice catches when the water has been clean and free of weeds. It has been necessary to either find close-in troughs or cast the bait as far out as possible since the south winds have covered most of the troughs that the northeast winds dig out.
Shark fishing is undoubtedly continuing to pick up, with some nice sharks ranging from 3 to 8 feet. Bonito, whole mullet, and ladyfish chunks continue to attract sharks. We make in-house shark rigs built specifically for the size of sharks you would like to target, and pompano rigs with the best working colored floats weekly.
Have a good week of fishing and check back next week.
by Nik Kaldor
Cocoa Beach Fishing Center
| (321) 783-3477
Good Fishing Finally Meets Good Conditions @ Inlet
Good morning all my Sebastian Inlet fishing friends, I hope everyone enjoyed the wonderful, HOT weekend we had! The weather was great for the beaches and the fishing. So here we go with this week’s report.
The fishing has picked up a bit over the weekend, the water has also cleaned up quite a bit from what it was, and warmed up to near what it should be along the coastal area around the inlet. Sunday it was reading 78, but as of this morning Monday is showing 77, it should be in the lower 80’s for this time of year. The other good thing I saw over the weekend was the presence of a lot of bait fish, mullet and threadfins were everywhere around the north and south jetties. The majorras that were around have taken somewhat of a vacation, and have been tough to find. For the most part though, fishing was pretty good on both sides of the inlet. So here’s your breakdown of the hotspots…
North Jetty
Over here most of the action has been on the high tide cycle of the day. Quite a variety of species were caught over the weekend. On the beachside of the north jetty I saw some really nice pompano and a couple whiting caught on fresh dead shrimp, along with plenty of blue runners and jack crevalle. On the inside of the jetty over the rock pile at the tip using large live shrimp, a few snook were hooked up with only a couple being landed. Either they were broke off, or big daddy G ate them!! The goliath groupers were hungry for snook this weekend! I only heard of one slot snook caught all weekend. Around the pilings on the inside they were catching some small black margates, a couple of small mangrove snappers, and a couple sheepshead as well. Another species that were caught over the weekend were some nice catch and release redfish all along the shoreline from the gate at the jetty back to the bridge. Live croakers and shrimp were the baits of choice for them. At the tip on the outgoing it was mostly small blues, jacks and catfish, with maybe a snook or two hooked up and lost. Most of the guys were fishing either live shrimp, mullet or small croakers. That’s pretty much it for this area, it was fishy, but just not up to what it should be yet.
South Jetty
Over here the same deal, incoming tide has been the better time to fish. Plenty of small undersized snook being caught all along the inside of the rock shoreline on small live croakers. Saw quite a few caught, but most of them were too small to keep. Redfish were also present in the area and tide. At the tip and beach side on Sunday the water was pretty clean for a change and they had caught a few nice pompano and whiting on cut shrimp. Incoming tide and the outgoing tide produced. The outgoing tide also produced plenty of blue runners, black margates and jacks just to keep things interesting on the outgoing tide.
T-Dock Area
Back here it has still been kind of slow, but on the incoming when the water is cleaned up there have been a few snook caught on either live majorra, or croakers. On the dock around the pilings, like I mentioned last week, the small mangrove snappers are starting to show up. Most are too small to be kept, but they are around. Small live or dead greenies and shrimp will intice a bite from them. Incoming or outgoing tide will work. And as always, those pesky puffers are ever present and hungry. For those tossing jigs and silver spoons to the channel area, there are some of those big jack crevalle playing around chasing the schools of mullet in the inlet.
Surf Area both sides
On the south side just past the jetty, the beach area all the way down to our “day use” area with the paved parking and rest rooms has been producing some pompano and whiting and of course the pesky catfish. The water has been pretty clean for a change, but that is going to change the next couple days with some pretty brisk SSE winds going to be picking up. Live sand fleas, and shrimp, either live or dead was getting the bites. North Side, the north parking lot in the park, and the area just north also has been producing some pompano and whiting, same baits, shrimp or live sandfleas. Also a couple guys I chatted with said they found some nice snook on the beach when they found some schools of mullet there. Most of them were too big to keep, but that’s a step in the right direction, as this time of the year the snook will cruise the beaches looking for food. Also when the water warms up some more, we will see some big tarpon start running the beaches as well. Any live bait or large swim bait will entice a bite from them! Hang on, that will be fun!!
Well my friends and fanatics, that’s all I have for this weeks report, but it is getting better as time rolls on. Grab your gear, plenty of H20 and get out there and catch a memory, and some dinner for the table!
by Wayne "Snookman" Landry
Sebastian Inlet State Park
| (321) 724-5175
Fire Bite @ Three Forks, Garcia & Stick Marsh
Three Forks, Garcia and the Stick Marsh are on fire right now for catching fish. The bass are schooling up on shad pods at the Stick Marsh and the big bluegill are spawning in and around the vast wood throughout the lake. When getting within any of these Shad frenzy throw a topwater plug in and around the feed. Once that it seems it is over, throw a lipless crankbait in the area for continued action.
Everything is eating on topwater in the early mornings so throw what you have confidence in for a whole lot of fun. String up your fly rod with a small popper and join in on the fun. For myself, I love throwing a fly pattern called a Stealth Bomber. This is a foam type fly which when stripped in with a short fast retrieve will dive under the water and then float back to the surface. It also has a very distinct BLURP sound when doing this.
The lake’s water temperatures this week warmed up to 85 degrees and will get hotter as our temperatures rise for the summer. Early on and early off the waters from here on out till fall arrives once again. Stay hydrated my friends.
by Terry Lamielle
| (321) 537-5346
Maui Wowis
What a week for the Maui Wowis again. We pretty much got on them every day we could get out. The weather still played some havoc on us but made the best of it. Mahi and kings were chewing decently and it seemed like the smaller the ballyhoo the better.
Jacob pictured here with his first Mahi this year that was in about 170 feet. This crew had 5 nice ones. Congrats guys and I look forward to Kingfishing with y’all soon. Some reel fishing. LOL.
Bottom fishing was still very productive! We only have 1 month left till its shut down for the year so get on them while you still can.
Bunker have still been thick. Get live bait for best results.
Have fun and stay safe!
by Capt. Chris Cameron
Fired Up Charters
| (407) 222-3573
Clean and Clear Water
Decent week of fishing inshore for Snook, trout, a few redfish and some jacks with plenty of opportunity to sight fish as the water is very clean due to lack of rain. Slot and over slot snook around the islands and mangrove shorelines using live bait and artificial. Jacks mixed in as well up to 20lbs. Fish live greenies, pogies and pilchards for best success but we have also got a few on DOA paddle tails and jerk baits.
Had a problem with bullsharks last week fishing in Grant eating snook which is something we don’t see very often.
The beach laid down a bit for a day or two and we were able to find some jacks and a few tarpon that wouldn’t eat. Hope to get back on them later this week and see what we can do with them.
by Capt. Glyn Austin
Going Coastal Charters
| (321) 863-8085
Headwaters Lake launch ramp to be closed…
From June 10 through June 20, the launch ramp for power boats at Headwaters Lake in Fellsmere will be closed for concrete repairs, a St. Johns River Water Management District release announced Tuesday.
Read the full story from TCPalm here.
by spacefish
Spacefish
May Port Canaveral Offshore Forecast
by Capt. Greg Rapp
Sea Leveler Sport Fishing Charters
| (321) 794-3474
+10# @Headwaters
Top baits this week for me were the Zman Jackhammers, Chug Bugs, Storm Largo Shad 3.5” and the Mike Bucca 5” Bull Gill Bone color.
I’m fishing the half ounce green pumpkin Jackhammer in areas with scattered hydrilla and in ditches. I use a 4.5” Hogfarmer Spunk Shad in green pumpkin magic. Fishing these on flats with scattered hydrilla. This week with the rising water temps a slower retrieve worked better.
I’m fishing my Chug Bugs (bone, chrome or Shad) and popping baits around Shad schools along canal edges and cut throughs that have loads of bait in them right now. I’ve also slowed my presentation down on these baits.
The Largo Shad is a new bait I’m trying out that is a fish catching machine. I’ve been rigging it with a Berkley 4/0 underspin. The 3.5” matches the hatch perfectly right now. The Pro Blue Red Pearl is my go to color but they have several to choose from. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite fish catching summertime baits.
The Mike Bucca Bullshad 5” Bull Gill in bone color is my go to swimbait. I’m fishing these along thick grass edges near deep sharp drops. Get on the Bullshad email mailing list so you can get the bait drop info. The only way to get the Trick Shad and Glides are go to a bait show that Bullshad attends or through the bait drops. Sign up at Bullshad.com
The live bait bite was great this week. The fish are moving into deeper water so the deeper canals and pits are my focus areas. As water temps continue to climb the bite will slow down as the fish go deeper. I caught them shallow this morning and then they moved deep by 10am as we landed 70 plus fish today with several over 6lbs all in deep water.
Tight lines!
by Kenny Hass
Catchin' Bass Guide Service
| (772) 494-7400
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
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
CATCH A BIG SMILE WITH JASIN YOUMANS DMD!
LOCAL EVENTS
Dustin & Sawyer’s Non-Native Knockout
April 5 – May 13
This unique tournament focuses on removing invasive/nonnative fish from Florida waters and getting those kids outside! Running from 4/5-13, entry is free as always with some huge prizes this year. Awards ceremony at Treasure Coast Marina on the 14th.
2024 Mahi Championship
May 1 – May 31
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!
Don’t forget, if you’ve been fishing, we’d love to hear from you!
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