2010 began with a record breaking cold snap that lasted well over a week last month. Water temperatures in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon dropped to the low 40's in some spots. As a result, some of the fish did not survive. The hardest hit species seem to have been the snook, tarpon, ladyfish, and large trout. The snook, tarpon, and sea turtle population throughout the state took the brunt of the beating and the FWC has imposed an emergency closure on snook, tarpon, and bonefish to protect the remaining stocks. We feel it's best to leave them alone as best as we can to help the recovery of these special game fish. The normal Florida weather has returned to the Space Coast and the fishing is on its normal pattern. Redfish and black drum are schooled up in thick and in big numbers on the shallow flats are feeding and tailing hard at first light. Sight fishing these brutes is as good as it gets this time of the year! The clear shallow water lights up the pods of copper. Place the perfect cast and hold on. These fish range from five to thirty pounds. These fish are in search of small shrimp and crabs that are spread across the shallow flats. Anglers are casting a hand picked shrimp in front of the school with out spooking them are sure to hook up! The trout fishing has been steady with anglers hooking into trophy "Gator Trout" on most trips. We ask that the anglers release these big trout to help out with the fish kill. Small soft plastics like the D.O.A shrimp and paddle tails on a small jig head has been deadly on these fish. Next month we should see the return of the big redfish in massive schools return to the shallow flats along the Mosquito Lagoon. These fish on the small side average 20 pounds, with the lager fish pushing 50 pounds. These months book fast! The warm calm weather makes for the perfect day for sight fishing the shallow flats. If you have always wanted to land a 40 + plus redfish on 15 pound tackle, this is your chance. The months of March to June the flats are loaded with giant redfish. The Pompano have made their showing along the deeper channels and grass flats of the Indian River Lagoon. Small jigs on light tackle is the best way to fish them. These fish will smoke a reel in a matter of seconds. For more information on booking a trip please call 321-474-9692 or visit http://www.CocoaBeach-Fishing.com
Captain Kevin Fischer
