WEEKLY FORECAST
6.25.2024 – 7.1.2024
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BEST FISHING REPORT
We talk about the local fishing club, the FSFA, a lot on Spacefish. If you’ve got any interest in seeing what they’re all about (why wouldn’t you!), this week’s Club meeting presents a great opportunity to check it out. It’s FREE to attend and open to the public, and best of all, renowned Spacefish contributor, Capt. Alex Hughey, will be the featured speaker and sharing his invaluable insights on summertime fishing patterns.
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
BITE OPPORTUNITY INDEX
OFFSHORE
INSHORE
SURF
FRESHWATER
Weather Overview
Offshore: The seas are lookin’ mostly calm, with waves around 2-3 feet for most of the week, maybe pushing up to 4 feet at times. Winds’ll be light, mostly south to southeast at 5-10 knots. This means water clarity should be decent, though keep an eye out for thunderstorms—there’s a chance of ’em every day. Friday’s got a bit of a kick with seas reachin’ up to 7 feet, so small craft should be cautious then.
Surf: The surf’s gonna be moderately choppy, with waves around 2-3 feet most days. Those southeast winds’ll bring in some decent water clarity, but again, those pesky thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings might muck things up. Tide intensity remains high under the current the moon cycle, which can stir up the sand and impact visibility, but also can push baitfish closer to shore—good news for catching predators like snook and tarpon.
Lagoon/Inshore Fishing: The Indian River Lagoon and inshore areas are gonna be mostly smooth with light winds and calm waters. This makes for prime fishin’ conditions, especially in the mornings before the thunderstorms kick in. Visibility should be good, and stronger tidal currents may help get those fish moving. Look out for redfish and trout in these conditions.
In Summary: Overall, it’s a mixed bag this week. Mornings are yer best bet for smooth seas and good visibility before the afternoon storms roll in. The moon will stir things up a bit with stronger tides, so use that to your advantage. Thunderstorms will be your main concern, so keep an eye on the skies and get off the water if things start lookin’ nasty.
Stay safe out there, and tight lines!
GIVEAWAYS
NUTRL 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 NUTRL Cooler (19.5″ height – 32.65″ width – depth: 19.5″)…
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 May 28 – July 2, 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 July 2, 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 July 2 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) NTRUL Cooler (19.5″ height – 32.65″ width – depth: 19.5″) - 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.
Carroll 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, Paul Cuozzo, Oviedo
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.
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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
Water Levels Returning to Normal
The water has started to get back to normal levels after last weeks full moon tides and abundance of rain. The bite continues to be good throughout the backwaters of New Smyrna Beach and the flats of Mosquito Lagoon. Look for the pods of bait working across the flats and the game fish will not be far. As you head further north look for the structure as in the shore lines and oyster beds. There has been a variety of species like redfish, trout, snook and jacks holding on the structure. Spoons , plugs and soft plastics have been working well along with live bait. It looks like we have an approaching storm system coming out of the Gulf that should be here the latter part of this week . So the West Coast will need to hunker down but looks like us on the East Coast are going to get more wind and rain for a couple of days.
by Capt. Patrick Rood
Spot N Tail Charters
| (386) 566-1394
Lagoon Conditions Change in a Blink
Wow! It’s amazing how the lagoon waters can change in the blink of an eye. Last week we were reporting clean water in the Indian and Banana Rivers. Captain Justin and I had our anglers sight-casting to snook and redfish along the flats and mangrove covered shorelines of these bodies of water. This week, with all of the rain that has fallen, it seems that most of our area retention ponds are now overflowing into the lagoons and creating havoc with water clarity and salinity. This has pushed many of the fish off the shorelines and out into the central portions of both rivers. We have had to adjust to these changes and are catching most of our fish under causeway bridges and along the spoil islands right now.
The list this week includes pompano, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, tarpon, jack crevalle, redfish and plenty of those unwanted hardhead and gafftop catfish. Live finger mullet are a great live offering to use and Saltwater Assassin 4-inch sea shad in the pilchard, silver mullet and mama’s 14k colors are producing well. Top water lures like the Rapala Skitterwalk or the Storm Chug Bug are two other great lures to use. Fish around baitfish schools and your odds of a hookup increase greatly. The inlets have been another good place to fish early in the week while the seas were below three feet. Now that the waves are getting bigger the water is getting muddy. This condition will put some fish off their bite, but redfish will usually continue to bite in some cases.
The days are starting to get slightly cooler with a hint of north in the wind direction now that we have entered into “still summer” (known as fall in other states) so captain Justin and I are starting to run full day charters again from now until early December. Please check out our charter offerings on our website, Fineline Fishing Charters.com or give us a text or call at 321-505-8217 to see what we’re catching each day and what trip types we have available. Let’s go catch you next memory!
by Capt. Jim Ross
Fine Line Fishing Charters
| (321) 636-3728
This Week’s Indian River Fishing Report
Despite limited time on the water this week, the Indian River continues to impress! The river is alive and kicking, with abundant mullet attracting some serious predators.
Species Update
– Big snook and trout are actively feeding on mullet schools
– Jacks and reds are also present in good numbers
Successful Spots
– Areas with visible predator activity on mullet (keep an eye out for surface action!)
– Windblown points have been particularly productive, thanks to the extra water movement
Effective Lures and Baits
– Larger paddle tails (4-5”) are getting attention
– Topwaters are also producing bites
– Live and cut mullet are both working well for those looking to use bait
On-the-Water Advice
– Focus on moving water and areas with current for the best action
The Indian River remains a fantastic destination for inshore fishing. Get out there and take advantage of the action!
Feel free to share this report with your fellow anglers!
by John Page
JP Kayak Fishing and Tours
| (321) 345-8388
Gonna Be Wet & Rough on the Jetty
Good morning all you hard core Sebastian Inlet fishing junkies, hope everyone had a great weekend! This report is going to be a bit short, as nothing has changed from my report for last week.
The water is still a bit messed up with the rain water runoff staining it up, plus all the sand being churned up by the swell we still have, and it is going to get worse as the week goes on with the winds picking up a lot, and the seas going up to around 6-7 ft by Thursday. So It’s gonna get wet and rough out on the jetty, and the south side as well.
There are still a ton of baitfish all around the jetties, pilchards, greenies and finger mullet, but the bigger mullet that were coming down the coast have lightened up a lot, so that in turn with the poor water quality has slowed the snook bite to just some random catches, mostly in the surf and on the beach side of the north jetty.
The spanish mackerel over the weekend have went on a suicide mission and have been hitting the best I’ve seen in a while! Plenty of nice fish being caught, and the redfish also have added a lot of action to take up where the snook have left off. Most all this action has been on the incoming tide.
The south side, same thing, incoming tide, some spanish, a few snook and plenty of redfish and jack crevalle to keep it interesting on live baits. I did see though a couple pompano caught on the south jetty Sunday, and on the north jetty, a couple sheepshead and a black drum or two. And that’s pretty much all for this week. It’s not what it was a couple weeks ago, but it is some action, especially for the spanish mackerel, they’ve gone crazy on the north jetty!
Have a great week everyone!
by Wayne "Snookman" Landry
Sebastian Inlet State Park
| (321) 724-5175
Hoping for More Mullet Pushes
With the full moon, not many mullet around and the north winds, I expected a slow week but it wasn’t slow at all. Inshore, the snook bite was on fire as were the trout, jacks and there were a few redfish too. High waters have pushed the fish into and around the coves in the spoil islands as well as the mangrove shorelines. Live bait was the key but artificials worked, too. Topwater bite is pretty good early and when there’s some chop, the subsurface soft plastics and Rapala Twitchin Mullet work well this time of year.
It should be similar this week and hopefully we will get some more pushes of mullet from the north as it’s been lackluster since that first push we got a few weeks ago. It’s an exciting time of year and the best time to get your inshore slam.
by Capt. Glyn Austin
Going Coastal Charters
| (321) 863-8085
Mahi & Sharks
Mahi and sharks are the theme of the week. Actually we had more mahi than kings this week. The water out to 220′ has been an odd color of black. It’s actually black mixed with some brown in it, almost like Okeechobee Cyprus black. Very odd to say the least. Hopefully this week of wind blows it out of here. Bunker and mullet have been in the northern bight and plentiful.
Trolling both has produced many species on the reef and on Pelican. No special secrets or special lures or fluorocarbon nonsense. Just go drag some live bait on the reefs and local wrecks. Tip of the week, fish slow! It hasn’t been on fire by any means but there’s a few fish around to have fun with. AJs are out in the deep but wont be getting to them this week. Jetty fishing with finger mullet has been a hit and miss. But when the tide is perfect, it’s as hard as you can go.
Have fun and be safe!
by Capt. Chris Cameron
Fired Up Charters
| (407) 222-3573
Continued High Water
With the continued high water we are experiencing, the redfish bite has been good using topwater plugs, finger mullet and pig fish. Tarpon are thick in the river and inlet. The best baits to target them this week have been live mullet, swim baits or on fly. I am expecting to have a good bite this week pre-storm and really good bite next week post storm. I have days available, you can reach me at 386-295-5991 right to my website.
by Capt. Mike Mann
Fat Fish Guide Service
| (386) 295-5991
East Lake Toho and Fish Lake
Got out twice last week, Friday morning on East Lake Toho and Saturday morning on Fish Lake. Friday, Lakefront Park was closed so I went over to Chisholm Park and started fishing at the end of the canal to the right along the reeds and pepper grass, picked up 2 small ones before getting down past the grass and moved to the canal leading to AJ Lake. Started along the riprap and docks working down to the bridge where I caught 6, including a 3.19lbs. Fished the right side between the riprap and the pilings, using a Strike King Ocho worm 5 inch Honey Candy color and got 4. Moved over to the left side and got another one between the pilings and the riprap and got one more from the middle of the bridge. I had 2 come off that pulled drag more than the 3lber did. After 20 minutes I continued down to AJ Lake but didn’t get another one in the boat but did have a few bites.
On Saturday went with friends in his boat to Fish Lake, where I caught 9 including a 4.89lbs, another over 3lbs, one over 2lbs and a couple over 1lbs. The biggest was on a Strike King Ocho worm 6inch in Black and Blue flake, caught in the first cove, nothing in the other cove before moving across the lake and worked up the shore line, fishing docks, lily pads and the reeds. Caught some on the Honey Candy and the rest on a Yum Dinger in Green Pumpkin with Blue flakes. The other guys caught 5 total using Junebug, Junebug Red and Watermelon Magic worms.
by Tcracers
Challenging Bite with Full Moon
The bite has been a little challenging this past week with the full moon phase. Between the influx of rain over the past couple of weeks and the stronger tide swings from the full moon we have had a lot of water throughout the New Smyrna Beach backwaters and Mosquito Lagoon. The fish are still there and ready to eat but just takes a little more effort to locate them as they have new areas to explore with higher water. Search baits like plugs and spoons have been working well when targeting the large pods of bait that are scattered across the flats. Live bait has also been doing the trick to keep a consistent bite as well. As we get through this full moon phase the water levels should start to get back to normal and the bite will only get better.
by Capt. Patrick Rood
Spot N Tail Charters
| (386) 566-1394
Kayak Fishing: Gifford Cut (Vero)
KAYAK FISHING REPORT
Happy Monday Spacefish!
Today I am going to talk about a new spot; and it was one of the one’s I mentioned last week on my report about top places to go kayak fishing in Central Florida. This report is about one of those spots listed in Vero Beach. Let’s dive in!
Launch Spot
For this trip, I launched from the kayak/canoe launch at the end of 45th street, which according to Google Maps, changes its name to Gifford Dock Road; I can’t hyperlink an address to the launch spot, but here is a link you can copy and paste – https://maps.app.goo.gl/aYYJDqw4rN1HDL7J8 – I will also include a screenshot below.
I launched a few minutes before the sun came up. I went straight across to Gifford point and started working my way down; and I came across some baitfish activity in the open flats just west of the cut between the Lost Tree islands; I was able to catch a few Redfish early in the morning on these flats. There was plenty of bait, and there was healthy seagrass growth, which I have seen in the last year or so, that when there is grass, or Oyster beds present that there will be bait, and there will be predator fish present near the bait. Once the sun started to rise higher in the sky, I went into Gifford Cut, where the taller trees and shorelines provided shade and ambush points as well as deeper, cooler water. That is where I found the Snook on this trip.
Redfish Report
I started throwing topwater early in the day; I had a couple of fish come up and hit; but no full commitments, so I threw a bit I have had in my bag for a while; but don’t use every trip – the Fish or Die Warbird.
I threw the Swampfox color pattern and had it rigged on a 4/0, ⅛ oz twistlock hook. I fished this bait with a “walk the dog” cadence very similar to how I would a topwater; but because it was weedless I could actually move it through the grass and I was getting bit by Redfish that were not committing to the top water plug.
Snook Report
Once I entered the cut, I started focusing my attention on Snook – I lost a good one early in the trip; but ended up catching around 10 total from dinks to medium sized ones. I caught 2 with the Fish or Die Warbird; but ended up switching over to a Saltwater Assassin SW Shad fished on the same twistlock hook I used with the Warbird.They have a colorway that I really like called “Fried Chicken” which is a bone color with silver flake and a chartreuse tail, which always seems to help generate bites when skipping into deep, shady mangrove pockets.
In addition to using the soft plastic jerk baits to skip into, and fish around structure, I was able to pick off a few smaller dinks using the Clarity Chunk on on jighead; I casted this to the edges of schools of fingerling mullet, and bouncing it off the bottom was able to catch a few small Snook, as well as a few small Trout.
Conclusion
I know this spot is a little out of the way; but as the time of sunrise creeps back a little each week, and the weather starts to cool, this is a great time of the year to go check out new spots, you never know what you might find! For me, I had a great 1st trip here – I didn’t get a trophy fish on this trip – but I was able to get an inshore slam, and it was another day of fishing with lots of actions and tight lines – which at the end of the day is all I can really ask for.
Speaking of never knowing what you might find; have you been into Kayaks By Bo lately? Are you serious about kayak fishing? The Yak Attack BlackPak is the ultimate tackle storage solution designed to take your gear organization to the next level. Whether you’re heading out for a casual day on the water or tackling your next big fishing adventure, the sleek Battleship Grey finish will keep you looking sharp while keeping your gear secure.
Features include: Rugged, durable design; Customizable rod holders; Lightweight; Plenty of space for all your tackle and gear! Don’t let disorganization ruin your trip — grab your YakAttack BlackPak today and get ready to dominate the water! Available now at Kayaks By Bo in Cocoa, FL!
Thanks for taking the time to read this week’s report. Until next time!
by Knox Robinson
Spacefish Prostaff
Chasing Fish in the Lagoons
The beaches are full of fish this week, but the high surf is making it a little difficult to get out there and enjoy catching them. So we are chasing fish around the lagoons this week. Captain Justin has been focusing on fishing for tarpon on most days. These fish are ranging from the little 2-5 pound canal and creek fish all the way up to full grown adults that are running over 100 pounds. Yes believe it or not if you know where to go and what to look for you can catch 100 plus pound silver kings right here in our lagoons between Palm Bay and Titusville. Natural baits are working best but a few of these tarpon will strike artificial lures and flies. Big jacks, bull sharks and plenty of large sailcats can be expected when fishing for the tarpon.
Redfish are another species that are showing up in good numbers these days. They range from shoreline crawlers in the 18 to 24-inch range to big bulls measuring over 40-inches. On days when the water is calm we are finding schools of bull redfish and big jacks that are chasing mullet throughout the Indian and Banana Rivers. Yep, you know it’s the time of year to break out the top water plugs and go to work. There is no need to go to the gym and do “arm day” after an outing pulling on a few of these fish.
Hopefully you all are ready to get out and have some fun with us while the fishing is this good. You can do so by calling us at 321-505-8217 or booking your trip right on our up to the minute reservation page on our FinelineFishingCharters.com website. Let’s go catch your next memory!!
by Capt. Jim Ross
Fine Line Fishing Charters
| (321) 636-3728
Indian River Fishing Report
This week’s focus was on exploring both dock structures and mangrove shorelines/flats. While the docks were relatively quiet, the mangroves and flats proved to be hotspots.
Redfish Success
Early in the week, I targeted redfish using cut mullet on a 7/0 Octopus hook with a 40lb leader and 20lb braid. Casting close to mangrove shorelines and letting the bait sit until something picked it up, which yielded an impressive catch. A previous encounter with a school of reds in the area helped identify the prime location.
Snook Action
On Sunday evening, I shifted focus to snook, using finger mullet hooked through the upper lip with a 4/0 circle hook and a 30lb monofilament leader. Slowly moving along mangrove shorelines until finding areas with loud bait activity, and approaching quietly, led to multiple snook catches.
Outlook
With the current conditions and bait activity, I’m optimistic about the week ahead. Mangrove shorelines and flats are expected to remain productive, making them priority targets.
Key Takeaways:
– Mangrove shorelines and flats are producing quality catches
– Cut mullet effective for redfish
– Finger mullet successful for snook, jacks and trout
– Quiet approach essential for snook in shallow waters
Tight lines for the week ahead!
by John Page
JP Kayak Fishing and Tours
| (321) 345-8388
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CATCH A BIG SMILE WITH JASIN YOUMANS DMD!
LOCAL EVENTS
FSFA North Chapter Meeting
June 25
The FSFA North Chapter Meeting is at Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island (behind Merritt Square Mall). Spacefish’s own, Capt. Alex Hughey, will be the featured speaker. Social time starts at 6:30. Meeting starts at 7:00. Food and drink available for a donation.
FINS 24 Memorial Bottom Fishing Tournament/h3>
July 11-12
4th Annual Bottom Grind Offshore Tournament
July 11-12
Join us for our fourth annual Old Fish House Bottom Grind Offshore Fishing Tournament! 🌊🐟 We’ll kick things off with our captains’ meeting on July 11th, where we’ll cover all the essential details. Then, on July 12th, it’s time to cast your lines!
4th Annual Strike Zone Swordfish Shootout
Aug 8-11
Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Strike Zone Swordfish Shootout. Sebastian Saltwater Marina Restaurant will be hosting again this year!
FSFA North Chapter Meeting
July 23
The FSFA North Chapter Meeting is at Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island (behind Merritt Square Mall). Leiza Fitzgerald will be the featured speaker. 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!
Headwaters is open today according to water folks
Been fishing 3 forks and getting 20 to 60 per trip up to 6 lbs
Artificial bite is promising
Daylight to 830 or so topwater shad imitators, prop baits chugbug are great. If no bite downsize Chatterbait, spinnerbait and swim jigs working in eelgrass.
Black or blue worms still a good bet and flukes
Went to Kenansville and water is up a bit caught some 5-6 lbers on square bill and top water. Bad news is St John’s water mgt nuked I mean totally nuked entire south side. And all cover for punching is destroyed.
Rain has lowered temps and seabreeze storms are daily. Keep an eye on those
Go fish
Thanks for the report! I thought today was the day Headwaters was supposed to reopen the ramps.