WEEKLY FORECAST
7.30.2024 – 8.5.2024
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BEST FISHING REPORT
It looks like we got some pretty decent fishing weather on deck this week! In this week’s forecast, we’ve got some great reports including an always compelling writeup from Knox Robinson on the Mosquito Lagoon/Haulover Canal; plus, Capt. Jim and Justin Ross have a limited time offer for Spacefish readers (see their report for details)…
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
BITE OPPORTUNITY INDEX
OFFSHORE
INSHORE
SURF
FRESHWATER
Weather Overview
The week ahead looks pretty darn good overall. Lower winds predominantly out of the SE/E should last through Friday. Saturday and Sunday the wind is projected to pick up some but it doesn’t look terrible by any means. One caveat, there is now a system that may develop into a tropical depression in the Atlantic that appears to be heading this way. We may feel the effects by the weekend so just keep an eye on that system. Overall, the projection is lower rain chances until Sunday when it is calling for a 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms. It goes without saying that it will be another week with high temperatures so get out and back early to beat the heat!
GIVEAWAYS
Folds of Honor 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, in honor of Memorial Day, the prize is a 50qt Budweiser Folds of Honor Cooler. Manufactured by Bison Coolers, this state-of-the-art chilling hardware holds up to 42 cans and 65 pounds of ice!
Together, over the last 14 years, Anheuser-Busch, its brands, and wholesaler partners have donated $28 million to Folds of Honor, funding over 5,000 scholarships dedicated to supporting the families of fallen military personnel and first responders.
Carroll Distributing and Anheuser-Busch are proud to continue our 14-year partnership with Folds of Honor, and this summer, for every case of Budweiser or Bud Light sold, Carroll Distributing will donate $1* to Folds of Honor to provide scholarships for a local family in Brevard.
*up to 3 scholarships at $15,000.
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 July 9 – Aug 6, 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 August 6 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 Aug 6 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) 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
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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, Michael Lins, Satellite 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
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
Fish are Firing Ahead of the Full Moon
Let me start by saying the beach fishing in the Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach areas has been electric when those mullet schools swing by. Yes, it has been rough on a few days, but the snook, black drum and pompano have been firing most days. All the customers have been running in circles for bait and lures.
All right, let’s calm it down now. We haven’t been tortured or cut short of a mullet run this year by any named storms, allowing these baits to swim naturally for a change. It’s nice to see the schools moving by in the foaming, clean green waves crashing hard along the shore, with mist spraying off the tips as you watch the tarpon and sharks pop them off in the distance. It’s always cool to see, and it’s even more electric to hook onto them, even for a brief second before they jump and launch your lure or bait 10 yards into the distance. It’s every fisherman’s drug—it’s what keeps us fishing more.
Lures of choice have been Live Target silver mullets, along with NLBN 5-inch paddle tails and the good old trusty Bomber hard baits for snook and tarpon. All the other fish have been biting heavily on frozen shrimp pieces and clam rigged on a pompano rig. Lead size is determined by the wave height and current push, so it’s best to have a variety of leads to choose from.
If you have been putting off your fishing trip due to weather forecasts, I highly recommend just going because the fish are there waiting for you. You’re not going to melt in the rain.
by Nik Kaldor
Cocoa Beach Fishing Center
| (321) 783-3477
Rough Two Weeks!
It’s been a rough two weeks for me lately. It started out the morning I met up with my friend John at Headwaters as our usual outing together. After prepping the boat loading my gear into it, I hopped back into my truck to move to a parking spot when I noticed my check engine light was on. The bite was still so-so and the main lure once again was the Bubble Gum trick worm. We managed 15 fish and were off the water by 11.
I then headed home and parked the truck until my appointment at the dealership to see what my problem was. After a few days there I received my truck back and my wallet was much lighter, to say the least. The next morning having plans to get ready for the days ahead I woke up with Vertigo. I am still feeling some effects as I’m writing this report, but at least I’m not holding my hallway walls to walk around the house.
I did manage to fish with my friend John this past Friday at Headwaters and at least feel some wind in my face. We managed 13 bass in a hot 88 degree water temperature by the end of the day. I’m ready for some cooler temperatures but not too cold. It’s getting closer as my Crepe Myrtle trees are starting to drop some leaves. With all the rain we have been getting, it’s setting up, I believe, to be a great spawning time on our lakes with lots of shallow areas to bed in.
by Terry Lamielle
| (321) 537-5346
North Winds to Pump the Bait Run
Inshore fishing has been pretty good, but most of the small schools of mullet have moved on. Whether they have migrated south or just moved out due to all of the rain, they have thinned out but we still have plenty moving south to get in the lagoon and run off the beach. Should be a good few weeks in the upcoming weeks with some north winds and a front above us. The inshore snook bite has been good with plenty of snook and trout but the redfish have moved on with the mullet. As previously mentioned, the mullet run is still in the early stages and we haven’t seen any real big schools as of yet and the redfish will get more prolific in the lagoon in our area as we get more mullet. Along with the snook and trout, we have seen some flounder as well along with some bluefish and plenty of jacks inshore.
Nearshore the tarpon are there along with plenty of jacks, some mackerel and some sharks. It’s also a great time to catch some snook in the trough along the beaches in Brevard and Indian River County.
by Capt. Glyn Austin
Going Coastal Charters
| (321) 863-8085
Influx of Stormwater Runoff @ Inlet
The intense snook action from a week ago has cooled down quite a bit from what it was. I spent the last three days there and didn’t see a whole lot being caught with the snook. They were there, but just didn’t want to play. I’m believing that all the rain runoff water coming from the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in the Indian River Lagoon was the main culprit: an excess of tannic acid-stained freshwater from the ICW. Snook prefer clean, salty ocean water, unless they are from the ICW, and they can tolerate the difference. On the other hand, the fishing at the inlet remained rather good on the high tide periods — lots of baitfish still around too. So here we go with the action spots.
North jetty
Most of the action has been on the early and late evening incoming tides. After the water clarity improves, a strong NE swell continues to mess things up. There are a decent amount of mullet on this side, along with the greenies, so bait is plentiful. The hot action has been the Spanish mackerel for the last three days! Many have been caught on free-lined greenies and the smaller of the finger mullet. Some were caught on the small white crappie jigs, but the hot bait were the greenies. Most everyone was catching them on the beach side of the jetty, with many anglers reaching their limits of 15 per person! Most of the fish were in the 14 to 15-inch size, but I saw several fish pushing the 3 to 4-pound range. As I stated earlier, the snook bite on live shrimp has slowed, with most of the fish caught on live mullet at the surf area at the beginning of the jetty.
There were very few out at the rock pile where they were before. I saw several catch-and-release redfish caught though; enough to keep anglers interested. Big jack crevalle also were out there in the mix on the live mullet. The cubera snapper bite has also dropped off, I didn’t see, or hear of any all weekend. The mangrove snapper bite has abated as well, with only a handful caught that were big enough to go home. I also did see a couple of small black drum caught on the incoming tide — live shrimp. The outgoing tide has been a mess due to the aforementioned tannic freshwater. The boaters off the tip in the cleaner water weren’t even catching fish.
South jetty
Over here it is the same deal: Incoming tide, if you can find cleaner water, there may be snook and redfish around. Live mullet, pigs and croakers. The mangrove snapper are still around, but you have to hunt for them with the dirty water. Outgoing at the tip, the nasty tannic acid-stained fresh water has brought the action to standstill. Just a few catfish and puffers.
T-Dock Area
Back here, same thing: river runoff has killed the fishing. It looks as dark as the Swannee River. Even on the incoming high tide it doesn’t have a chance to clean up enough, so there hasn’t been very many folks back here fishing, there’s baitfish around, just no fish willing to play.
Surf Area, both sides
The north side surf on the rising and falling high tide periods — early morning late evening — has been fairly good. Look for mullet schools coming down the beach and fish them. There have been a lot of snook being caught, along with redfish and big tarpon. If you find mullet, cast net or fish them, or you can use 3 to 5-inch swim baits to attract a bite. Most of the snook have been too big to keep, but there have been slots mixed in with them. I also heard about blacktip and spinner sharks. It is that time of year for them to arrive with the influx of all the mullet coming down the beach. For those fishing shrimp, there have been pompano, black drum and whiting at the jetty. They should be a possibility along the beach as well. The south side surf has been a total washout with the big swell and all the fresh water coming out and flowing down the beach southward. There are mullet running southward along the beach, so big tarpon and quite possibly the sharks will be present, but not much else.
That’s all I have for this week’s installment of the inlet happenings. Like I mentioned, the fishing is good, but has dropped off a bit from what it was. It will pick up when the water cleans up. Have a great week, everyone.
by Wayne "Snookman" Landry
Sebastian Inlet State Park
| (321) 724-5175
Tarpon Bite Still Firing
The tarpon bite this week with the full moon has been on fire! With the calm winds we’ve experienced, the fishing along the beach for tarpon has gone off. In the lagoon, the trout and redfish bite is very good using both pigfish or artificial bait. With high water and sunny skies, this creates great site fishing conditions for redfish using soft plastics or shrimp.
I have dates available this month if you want to get that tarpon off your bucket list give me a call at 386-295-5991.
by Capt. Mike Mann
Fat Fish Guide Service
| (386) 295-5991
ALL of the Snappers!
The Ocean Obsession out of Sunrise Marina at Port Canaveral has been on the fish! Mangrove snapper, mutton snapper and lane snapper are all being caught. If you are interested in getting in on their next Full Moon trip, give them a call ASAP to schedule your spot!
by Ocean Obsession II
| (321) 453-3474
A Very Productive Week
This week’s fishing report is an exciting one! We kicked off the week with a bang, scoring multiple productive trips with a variety of species. Snook, trout, redfish, flounder, and jack crevalle all made an appearance, keeping our rods bent and our adrenaline pumping.
I targeted a range of habitats, including docks, seawalls, mangrove shorelines, and spoil islands, and was pleased to find that all spots were producing well on most trips. My go-to lures for the week were topwater lures (Spook Jr), 4″ paddle tails, and the trusty MirrOlure Lil John.
The recent rain brought a change to the water conditions, making the fishing a bit more challenging due to the murkier water. However, the payoff was well worth it – the topwater bite was absolutely electric! While the murky water added some difficulty, it sure did make for an exciting topwater bite that I suspect will continue in the coming days.
Overall, it’s been an incredible week on the water, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this week brings!
by John Page
JP Kayak Fishing and Tours
| (321) 345-8388
COBIA and KINGS
What a great week we had, it was solid fishing every day. Kings and Cobia is what’s for dinner! Bait is located every day up in the corner, both bunker and mullet. Take all that bait straight to the reef and throw them out naked! Only issue this week was the shark population and then mother nature. Try to be back by 2 and you’re golden. Definitely bring your frozen bait just in case you can’t get on that live bait. Frozen cigars from the Cocoa Beach Fishing Center are on point, just ask for Nicky. He’s more than eager to assist you. Shark fishing has also been on point. Fresh king and bonita work just fine and will get you hooked up. Capt Joe has been doing the daily crushings.
Stay safe out there and God Bless y’all.
by Capt. Chris Cameron
Fired Up Charters
| (407) 222-3573
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
CATCH A BIG SMILE WITH JASIN YOUMANS DMD!
LOCAL EVENTS
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!
CFOA Social/h3>
August 20
George Poveromo, television host, and Editor-At-Large for Salt Water Sportsman, will be headlining the CFOA social on August 20th, 2024. – 6:30 PM @MudHole Custom Tackle in Oviedo, FL. The event is open to the public and free to attend!
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!
Don’t forget, if you’ve been fishing, we’d love to hear from you!
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