Michael Bales

Florida's weather roller-coaster ride has continued here on the space coast! Warm days of 65F followed by cold fronts at 30F! As I write this report, it is a balmy 35F with the wind blowing in from the North at 10-15 mph. On the days when the weather will cooperate though, the fishing has been great! Schools of redfish, tailing reds, tailing and schooling black drum can be found all throughout the Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon and New Smyrna Beach backcountry.

On a my last couple of charters, the weather has pretty much dictated the bite. Tailing Redfish and Black Drum in the mornings when the wind is down, schooled up reds in sand holes in leeward areas in the mid-day sun. Poling into a bay and seeing large numbers of redfish milling about in a white sandy area is not that uncommon this time of year.

For those fishing plastics this week, be sure to slow down your presentations. Work a Riptide shrimp or Gulp slowly over sandy areas or on the edges of sloughs and creek mouths. When the water temperature is low, fish will be less aggressive, so a slower retrieve is key. I tend to use brighter colors for low light situations such as chartreuse flake w/red tail or golden glow with the fire tail.

The fly fishing has been relatively good this week. Throughout the winter, smaller flies and accurate presentations will still be the key. My most productive fly of the week by far was the Bruja Crab. Several fish were also caught on black crab flies with tan rubber legs tied with red or orange thread for a little bit of color.

Duane from Jackson Hole Wyoming joined my for two days and was able to finally land his first ever redfish! Dave also joined me from Melbourne and battled a difficult day of weather managing to score several tailing black drum and a few redfish on light tackle, as well as quite a few nice trout. All fish were released to hopefully fight again!

Call Captain Mike Bales at 352-255-8175 to book your Mosquito Lagoon fishing charter!

Or, visit us on the web at www.hotfishcharters.com.

Fish Species: redfish and Trout
Bait Used:
Tackle Used:
Method Used:
Water Depth: 1-2 feet.
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction: North ALWAYS North!
Wind Speed: YES
Indian River Redfish
Indian River Redfish

Winter Trout (released)
Winter Trout (released)


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Michael Bales

About The Author: Captain Michael Bales

Company: HotFish Charters

Area Reporting: Charleston South Carolina

Bio: Native Floridian Capt Michael Bales has been fishing for over 25 years and full time professionally guiding for 10.I have been lucky enough to have fished and guided waters all over the world to include AK, the Rocky Mountain west, TN, NC, GA, and FL! Even a brief period as a Taimen and Trout guide while living in Europe! While not guiding in Alaska, you can find Capt Mike silently poling the waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon and the Canveral National seashore looking for Redfish or perhaps on the pristine flats of Homosassa in search of Tarpon. Having been an Alaska Professional Guide for 5 years guiding for all five species of Pacific Salmon, Steelhead, World-Class Rainbow trout and Halibut on Shelikopf straits in Cook Inlet. He has experience operating jet boats, float rafts and drift boats in remote coastal rivers of Alaska, as well as offshore boats and inshore boats in Florida.

352.255.8175
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Michael Bales