WEEKLY FORECAST
12.12.2023 – 12.18.2023
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BEST FISHING REPORT
Last call for snook - Friday, Dec 15th!
Anglers looking to load a snook in the cooler have until Friday, but unfortunately the weather is looking less than ideal. If you’re not interested in braving the winds, you’ll still have opportunities to get after migrating pompano and flounder once the weather turns in our favor. See what else our contributors are getting into below in this week’s forecast…
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
BITE OPPORTUNITY INDEX
OFFSHORE
INSHORE
SURF
FRESHWATER
WEATHER OVERVIEW: It’s going to be a windy week ahead. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the cold front we are experiencing will bring high winds out of the NE. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the wind switches out of the E/ESE. Rain chances are projected to be low until Friday night. Saturday is currently showing Wind/Rain at 71% and Sunday is projecting Scattered Thunderstorms at 50%. This looks like a good week to catch up on some overdue boat maintenance or restock the old tackle box.
Resources
GIVEAWAYS
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, Joey Hereau, Rockledge
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.
LATEST Reports
Spring Bait is Here!
Great week of inshore fishing again as the spring bait has finally showed in the last week or two. Big snook have been the main target but we’ve got a few nice trout, several short and under slot snook, and triple tail as well.
Winds have kept us inshore and we haven’t been able to get off the beach so we haven’t been able to catch tarpon, sharks and kingfish. The winds should slow down this month and we should start getting on the tarpon as they migrate north in the next week or two.
Hot Start to May
The water temp was 78 degrees when we started this morning. April was incredible for my clients and May has started off just as good. May 1st we had an 8lb 12oz, & an 8lb 1oz, May 2nd we had a 7lb 7oz and May 3rd we had a 9lb 3oz and a 7lb 4oz all on live bait. We are catching 45-60 fish in just 3 or 4 hours with the majority in the 3lb-6lb range.
Top baits this week for me were Jackhammer chatterbaits, Bass Assassin RSB worms and the Mike Bucca Bull Shad 6″ Trick Shad.
I’m fishing the Bass Assassin RSB worms weightless or with a 3/8oz weight when it’s windy. I’m using a 5/0 VMC Redline EWG hook with an Ande Fluro leader in 20lb test. I slide my bobber stopper up about 10″ above my hook when im dragging my worms and I peg it when im fishing vertical cover. Gooseberry and black with blue tail are my most productive colors.
I’m fishing the Jackhammers (Green Pumpkin, and Brets Bluegill) on flats with scattered hydrilla in 5’ or less. I only use a 1/2oz Jackhammer with a Green Pumpkin Zako trailer. My line of choice is Ande black braid (50lb) and the rod I prefer is a Dobyns Champion 736CB Glass #dobynsrods
The 6″ Mike Bucca Trick Shad in Gizzard Shad color is my go to swimbait this week. I’m fishing these along grass edges near deep sharp drops or cuts near main canals. I caught some good fish on the flats where the hydrilla was more scattered. It is a fish catcher and it will work all over Headwaters. Swim these just under the surface for best results. Get on the Bullshad email mailing list so you can get the bait drop info. The Dobyns Champion XP 736C FH (frog rod) is the best rod I’ve found to throw the 6″ trick shad.
Call or text me at 304-610-6066 to book a trip of a lifetime. The topwater bite is going to be really good in May, June and July. Book now for May and June my calendar is filling up pretty fast.
Tight lines!
Weekend Forecast
Offshore:
Grouper season opened May 1st! It’s time to hit the reefs, wrecks, and ridges to see if you have what it takes to land one of these powerful fish! The kingfish bite on both 8A and Pelican has been good. A few dolphin being caught too.
Nearshore:
Both inlets, Port Canaveral and Sebastain were slower this week due to muddy water from the SE winds. The good news is we are seeing a lot more bait showing up along the beaches so be ready for those big tarpon following closely.
Surf:
The surf has remained tough this week. There is still a lot of seaweed to deal with. One bright spot is that the snook bite is starting to heat up.
Lagoons:
There are plenty of big snook in the lagoon around the deeper shorelines along the mangroves. These fish are feeding heavily getting ready for the spawn so look for these fish around the bait schools. Fish will eat artificial baits early and live bait throughout the day.
Freshwater:
The live shiner bite for bass on Headwaters Lake is almost unfair right now. Capt. Kenny Haas has helped several different clients catch their personal best over the last few weeks.
Summer is Upon Us
I believe summer is definitely upon us here in Central Florida as the days get earlier and last longer. The weather has definitely started to warm and with the warmer weather comes warmer water temperatures throughout New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon. The warmer water temps have started to push bait up on the shallow grass flats enticing game fish like trout and redfish to follow.
Further north into the backwaters, the deeper shorelines and oyster bars seem to be alive with several species from snook, black drum, jacks ,trout and redfish to mention a few. Live bait and artificials have been working well both shallow and in the deeper water, as well.
It looks as the weather will be holding steady for the upcoming week with possible showers mid next week.
Shifting Bite Patterns
Well, it’s been another fairly decent week of fishing, but the bite has been completely different this week than last week. We had very good morning and mid morning bites in my last report but now it seems like the bite is coming around noon or later.
Live shrimp, mahorra, croakers or pinfish are still working for the snook this week, but we’ve had to be much stealthier with our leaders, weights and hooks to get these fish to cooperate. Typically, I will use a 4/0 or 5/0 VMC circle hook in my croakers but this week we’ve had to downsize to 2/0 and 3/0 sized hooks to get the fish to bite. These are basically the same size as what we are using in our large shrimp. Leader size has been dropped as well from 40 or 50 pound test fluorocarbon to 30 pound test. These reductions in size and strength have led to a few lost fish. But you can’t lose them if you can’t hook them, so I’m willing to have my hookup versus landed fish ratio diminish to get the fish to strike.
I do not have any availability for my Spacefish readers to book a trip with me until the June time frame but if you want to get ready to catch some tarpon, book early and often. Reservations can be made on my website at finelinefishingcharters.com or give me a call at 321-636-3728. Thanks for reading and give me a call so we can get out and catch your next memory.
Poor Water Conditions Plague Inlet
Hello all you Sebastian Inlet fanactics, I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend! This report is going to be another short one, due mostly to the bad water conditions we’ve been having at the inlet for a few days now. The SE winds have muddied/silted up the water along the beaches south, and on the incoming tide it sucks it all into the inlet and just messes everything up, also to mention that the Sargassum weed has been a big problem as well. The surf water on the north side is pretty clean, but the Sargassum is terrible over there as well. The other good thing is that the water is starting to warm up to where it should be, 79 degrees as of this report. Another good thing is that there is bait fish everywhere now. Majorra on both sides of the inlet, and hand sized mullet running into the inlet.
While I was out on the north jetty last Tuesday and Wednesday doing some maintenance work and painting, I sew several nice schools of mullet all around the jetty, coming down the beach. Didn’t see any fish caught in any of the boats that were out there though. The water warming up, and the mullet showing up on the beach is a sign of good things to come. All that will help get some of the snook coming out the inlet and swimming the beach, and possibly feeding, and may also attract some tarpon as well. So if you fish the beach, be on the lookout for that.
The south side has been again, hit and miss. Both tides at the south jetty have been pretty dirty and weedy, so the fishing has been slow, except for the tip on the outgoing tide, where they have been catching some black margates, blue runners and small jacks. In the back around the T-dock and cleaning station has slowed down considerably, but there are a few slots and oversized snook being caught, you just need to be there when they decide to turn on! Bait back here has been plentiful, mullet and majorra.
That’s pretty much it in a nutshell for this week. Supposed to be nice all week, so grab your gear, water, some bait and get out and catch some dinner!
Weekly Fishing Report: Snook Fishing
This week’s focus was on snook fishing at night, and the pre-spawn bite is HOT right now. Whether fishing day or night, snook are targeting areas with abundant bait, looking to bulk up before heading out to spawn.
Key takeaways:
Focus on areas with plenty of food, as snook are feeding heavily
Trends can change daily, so be prepared to adapt
Recent observations showed varying trends:
– One night, snook were in wind-protected areas with calm water
– The next night, snook were in windy, ripply areas
Lure suggestions:
– 3-4″ soft plastics (paddle tails) mimicking small baitfish
– Small shrimp imitations, as snook are chasing them on the surface
Toho and East Lake Toho
Fished Wednesday morning tournament on Toho out of Lakefront Park in Kissimmee and got the big fish of the tournament, 5.6lbs. I fished around Paradise Island across from Shingle Creek and got a few, worked my way around the back side with no luck so I went back out in the channel across from Shingle Creek and heard and saw some fish breaking the surface. So I threw out in the channel past where they were breaking the surface and got the big one and then a couple of 2lbs that I was able to culls some of the smaller ones out. Ended up with 12lbs 10 ounces, finishing just out of the money.
Went to East Lake Toho on Saturday morning and started past Chisholm Park going towards Fells Cove and got 7 up to 2.20lbs. Went looking for a brush pile in Fells Cove but didn’t find it, so after a hour of looking I went back out to East Lake and fished towards Boggy Creek ramp and added another handful, pound and a half up to 2lbs. All fish were caught on the Bio Bait Enticer worm in Green Pumpkin with blue flake.
The Inshore Shrimp Wars: Volume 1
DOA vs Vudu: Battle of the Artificial Shrimp
Happy Monday Spacefish!
It is a beautiful spring morning on the East Coast of Central Florida. The sun hasn’t quite gotten up over the mangroves on the east side of the Indian River Lagoon, but it will soon. The sunlight is starting to slice its way through the limbs and leaves of the mangroves creating visibility for the angler into the world of shadows and barnacle encrusted roots where the Snook like to be. The water levels are lower than normal. The basement of this ecosystem has a higher ceiling than usual. It’s possible to get your lure into places that wouldn’t have been available in the rainy season. A new shoreline, endless possibilities – the first cast in a new spot is so crucial. Make sure you get close enough to make the first cast good enough. But don’t get too close to spook the fish. Open the bail, rare back, sling it in there. A natural translucent colored Shrimp lure, with a Chartreuse tail skips like a stone into a nice little shaded pocket between red mangrove roots. Damn, that’s a good cast. This could be it. You barrel have time to reel in the slack when all of a sudden you feel it. Thump. So you set the hook and the response is as immediate as it is intense.
In a matter of mere seconds a morning that was so peaceful and serene is anything but. Chaos succeeds tranquility.The rod in your hands is bent, the drag tight, the line is full of tension. You are so focused on the fish and trying to turn its head back towards you and a path out of the perils of the mangroves you realize your kayak has been pulled in closer to the mangroves but your nose is facing the wrong way. You realize you have already been brought into a subtle sandbar protecting a 2 foot drop off into the mangroves. How in the hell does that even happen??? No time to ponder it because you’re quickly being brought into an area shallow enough to ground your pedal drive. So you flutter your kicks to keep the pedals split and the fins off the hard sand while frantically reaching for the rudder cord so that it won’t be run into the ground and damaged.Good news, you got it up in time, bad news you have now lost all directional control. You try to backpedal, put you just spin and now you are facing out towards the open water with the rod wrapped around the side of the kayak back towards the mangroves.
This is probably it, it’s time to play your last card. Somehow you’ve ended up facing the wrong way and your legs are mashed on the pedal to keep your kick fins off the sandbar. Hail Mary time…. You cup the spool and pull back towards the front of the kayak. The fish thrashes the surface. It breaches with its mouth towards the heavens and shakes with all of its might trying to throw the hook. But the hook set was true and you have it hooked right in the top of the mouth. Relief. As long as you keep this line tight it will not chafe the leader. The Snook gambled when it came up for the head shake, now you have leverage, you pull off to the right side and get its head where you want it, you have a clear path to pull this fish out of the mangroves. It’s being pulled in, like it’s become a victim to a tractor beam in a sci-fi movie. It glides along the side of the kayak. All of that tussle in the mangroves has tired the fish and its bottom jaw is grabbed firmly by your right hand. Good Morning, Sunshine.
Snook on the DOA Shrimp
The Inshore Shrimp Wars: Volume 1
This week I decided to go out and test the DOA against the Vudu in a head to head competition.
Pictured below is my most quality fish from this weekend’s field testing. The DOA shined for me, it produced the most fish and the best fish. I personally believe the conditions and the environment were set up in favor of the DOA this weekend, and there may be other times and conditions in which the Vude may have the advantage. I’ll talk about the pro’s and con’s of both lures, and describe scenarios in which I think DOA would be the better option over Vudu, and vice-versa.
DOA Shrimp – The OG
Every industry has a standard bearer. Oftentimes it is animated, sometimes the competition improves upon it. Is the DOA Shrimp still the industry standard or has a newer, flashier, upstart dethroned it. Well… it’s tricky isn’t it?
I think it depends on the angler, and perhaps more importantly the situation. Did you know Central Florida is now under a “Severe Drought”? Water levels in the Indian River Lagoon are really low right now. The lack of rain has also significantly reduced run-off pollution. The water I was fishing (near Long Point) was so clean. I also focused on wind protected areas where I could try to sight fish along the mangroves. My most quality fish was caught in the early hours, but I was able to sight-cast a few smaller Snook, a Trout, a small Sheepshead and a few Mangrove Snapper in clean water.
The DOA Shrimp in this color was good for sight casting in clean water. It hits the water with a subtle sound and it drifts slowly. Shrimp lures with exposed lead, or a jig head often could spook fish in a similar situation. Also, the DOA skips significantly better than the Vudu. The smoother plastic vs the segmented TPE material of the Vudu definitely help to get this lure into the mangrove pockets and under docks to entice Snook.
The cons of the DOA are that it does not have great action when it’s being worked. Now that being said, if you ever look at Shrimp in a tank they just slowly glide and/or swim forward. That’s what I did if my DOA wasn’t hit on the fall or on the skip. I would glide it out as slowly as possible. Making it look like a Shrimp on the move (in no hurry). That being said, if the water would have been choppy, and murky I’m not sure how well it would have worked
Morning Snook in the Mangroves
Vudu Shrimp – The New Kid on the Block
I mentioned earlier that this wasn’t the best day, conditions for the Vudu. I kind of felt bad about it. I personally felt like I was being impartial. I left Long Point after 5-6 hours of fishing and drove up to Honest John’s and fished there another two hours. I casted the Vudu 2x as much there to make up for moving away from it down at Long Point. I focused on a shoreline that was being pushed by the wind, and the water was more turbulent and murky.
Earlier I mentioned how much better the DOA skips. The Vudu has a lead weight under the chin, and while it’s not easy and effective when employing side-armed skip casting, it does much better in the wind. It punches through the wind, and can be casted more accurately if you lob it in. Once it hits the water it sinks to the bottom faster and can be more effective in dirtier, wind blown water. It also has more erratic action when being bounced off the bottom and can kick up mud and debris to get a fish’s attention. It can catch fish on a slow and steady retrieve but in my experience does much better with a twitch-twitch-pause cadence.
So if fishing deeper water, and dirtier water, and more churned up water, the Vudu may be the better option for you.
Snook on the Vudu
The Winner Is?
I don’t think I can definitively declare one. I have had great experiences with both. As ObiWan Kenobi once famously said to a wayward Annakin Skywalker, “only a Sith deals in absolutes.” I think if you limit yourself to one or the other you may be missing out. I think if you are going to fish a shrimp lure, you should try them out for yourself and see which one gives you the most confidence.
DOA Lures is headquartered in Stuart, Florida. I have a feeling that this is a lure that was created for and tailored towards fishing the Indian River Lagoon at its best. Clean, calm water. A subtle and realistic presentation for fish that have a high level of visibility and can be easily spooked.
Egret Baits, the company that manufactures the Vudu Shrimp is from Louisiana. The fishing there is very different. The inshore fishery is muddy, and the tides are always fluctuating in or out. So I believe this shrimp lure performs better in those conditions. Which in the Indian/Banana River may be a good option for fishing wind blown areas of water that resembles chocolate milk from all of the runoff and algae.
Either way they are both good baits, and they have caught many fish, for many anglers!
Thank you for taking the time to read this report, and thank you to Kayaks By Bo for being our paddle partner! Stay safe, be happy, and go out and catch some fish this week!
Until next time!
🎣 Capt. Real Estate’s Catch of the Week
322 Arrowhead Lane, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 — $799,000
Ahoy, Spacefish crew! Capt. Real Estate here—your trusty guide on the high seas of home buying. Each week, I’ll be scouting the best waterfront listings where the fishing’s hot and the vibes are even hotter. Think of me as your charter captain to the dream angler’s lifestyle—no fish tales, just fine homes.
This week’s catch is a beauty: a 3 bed, 2 bath, 2168-square-foot stunner nestled along a deepwater canal off Mullet Creek, just a short cast from Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park. That means pristine waters, undisturbed mangroves, and more honey holes than a low tide flat.
Whether you’re stalking redfish in the lagoon, chasing tarpon at the inlet, or headed offshore to battle mahi and kings, you’re just a hop and a skip by boat from one of Florida’s most legendary fisheries, Sebastian Inlet. Clean, clear water and limitless opportunity await—this location is pure gold.
Now, let’s talk dreamboat…
Picture this: a 24′ bay boat with a jack plate and trolling motor for those skinny water missions, or a twin-engine center console ready to punch out the inlet and chase pelagics on a calm morning. Or heck, both—this home’s got room for it.
With room to relax, entertain, and clean your catch with ease, 322 Arrowhead Lane isn’t just a home—it’s your own personal marina, launching pad, and fish camp rolled into one. Throw in sunset views, a quiet neighborhood, and no HOA breathing down your neck? That’s a trophy in anyone’s book.
Drop me a line if you’re ready to hook this one before someone else reels it in.
Tight lines and smooth closings!
Whether you’re interesting in seeing this property, or just looking for an agent to assist you with buying or selling real estate in Brevard County, call the Capt’n at (321) 289-0902 or send a message through the button below!
Damon Pullias | License: #3253068 | Broker: #BK200754
Holy Smokers!
Capt. Joe with Fired Up Charters put on Kingfish clinic this weekend. Live bait can be caught in the bite before running offshore. Pelican and 8A have been producing well. They’re still some smaller dolphin being caught fishing these depths as well.
Boat Max Worldwide
Boat Max Worldwide
Business Spotlight
Glenn and Karrie Adams, owners of Orlando’s leading boat dealer, Box Max Worldwide.
Built on Passion, Driven by Trust
If you’re serious about boats — buying, selling, repowering, or just keeping one running smoothly — Glenn Adams and his team at Boat Max Worldwide in Orlando are the people to know.
With over 15 years in business and a lifetime of boating experience, Glenn has grown Boat Max from a humble consignment lot into one of Central Florida’s go-to full-service dealerships, featuring top-tier brands like Pioneer, NauticStar, Shearwater, Blackwood, and Sterling.
Boat Max’s Orlando location offers a large inventory of new and used boats, in addition to boating supplies, marine equipment and accessories, including electronics, safety equipment, trolling motors, fishing gear, and more!
“I Started as a Boat Detailer for $6.75 an Hour”
Glenn’s story isn’t your average business tale — it’s a classic Florida hustle. After leaving a high-paying job he didn’t love, he took a boat detailing position at Boat Tree, earning minimum wage just to be around boats. That gig launched a sales career that saw him rise to manage a $58 million operation before starting his own dealership.
“I was obsessed with boats before I even had a driver’s license,” Glenn said. “I used to read Keels and Wheels cover to cover like it was a comic book. When you love something like that, you find a way to turn it into your life.”
Full-Service. No Fluff.
Boat Max Worldwide is more than just a dealership — it’s a one-stop shop.
- Boat sales (new and used)
- Certified for Yamaha, Mercury, and Suzuki
- Mechanical and fiberglass repairs
- Gelcoat work, skeg repairs, prop reconditioning
- AmeraTrail and Infinity custom trailers
- Yamaha Repower Center status (a big deal in the marine world)
All work is handled by certified techs and marine pros who know their stuff — and most importantly, love what they do.
Boat Max Worldwide features a seasoned team of Yamaha Repower specialists with over 35 years of outboard installation expertise.
Brokerage with Integrity
What sets Boat Max apart from other dealerships is Glenn’s background as a licensed yacht and ship broker.
“Other dealers just flip boats. We’re bonded brokers, so we handle every sale through escrow. That protects the buyer and the seller — you don’t have to wonder if the title is clean or if the lien will be paid off.”
This attention to trust and transparency has earned Boat Max a loyal client base — including repeat buyers and high-profile clients who want things done right, without the nonsense.
“We Don’t Charge Dealer Fees. Period.”
Boat Max avoids the hidden costs that frustrate so many boat buyers.
“I’ve been at those dealerships where you get to the closing table and suddenly there’s a $999 fee. We don’t play those games. That’s just the cost of doing business — we absorb it.”
Because Boat Max owns their land and building, they’re not passing along bloated overhead costs to customers. That savings shows up in their prices and financing flexibility.
Boat Max customers couldn’t be happier after getting their brand new Shearwater Boat in the water!
Financing That Makes Sense
With access to 18 different lenders, Boat Max offers tailored financing options — even for boats with existing liens. Their brokerage structure allows for better rates and longer terms, often beating car loan interest rates.
“People are financing trucks for $950/month. You can finance a $70,000 boat for under $600,” Glen said. “And it’s a lot more fun than a pickup.”
David and Marcia are welcomed to the Boat Max family with their new Pioneer 180 Islander!
More Than Sales — It’s a Lifestyle
What truly fuels Boat Max is Glenn’s passion for the water — a passion he shares with every customer.
“When someone buys a boat, I take them out myself. I want them to feel confident and excited, not overwhelmed. We make boating accessible, and we stand behind our customers even after the sale.”
Boat Max also organizes cruise club trips — from scalloping to exploring the Keys — and invites customers to join in.
“These are real experiences with your family. It gets kids off their phones and creates memories that last forever. I’ll never forget the day we got caught in a waterspout down in the Keys — it’s one of my sister’s favorite stories.”
Boat Max’s “Florida Keys Takeover” is coming up — learn more on the event’s Facebook page.
Giving Back to the Water
Boat Max is deeply tied to the local boating and fishing scene. They sponsor:
- Central Florida Saltwater Anglers (CFSA)
- UCF / CCA oyster restoration projects
- East Orange Babe Ruth youth sports
- Holiday bike giveaways for underserved kids
“If we can clean the canals and give families a better experience on the water, that’s a win for everyone.”
Meet the Boat Max Worldwide team!
Real People. Real Boats. Real Service.
Boat Max isn’t trying to be the biggest — they’re focused on being the most trusted. With Glenn’s unmatched experience, honest approach, and passion for boating, they’ve carved out a unique space in the Florida marine world.
“Boating is freedom,” Glenn said. “You don’t get your time back. If it’s something you want to do, stop waiting. We’ll help you get on the water — and stay on the water — the right way.”
Want to turn weekends into unforgettable adventures? Boat Max Worldwide has the boats, the know-how, and the heart to get you started.
Visit Boat Max Worldwide
Location:
9700 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32817
Phone: (321) 866-0306
Website: boatmaxworldwide.com
Hours:
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm
Sat 9am–3:30pm
Sun by appointment
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
CATCH A BIG SMILE WITH JASIN YOUMANS DMD!
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!
Don’t forget, if you’ve been fishing, we’d love to hear from you!
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