January 10th, 2007 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has still been up and down for the past few weeks but the good news is we have been having more on days then off. We have boated a good number of of slot sized reds which is different for me but great for anyone wanting to take something home. We are seeing a few fish in the 30 pound range but most of them have been extremely spooky. We are also starting to catch a few more trout than we were a month ago. Most have been small but on days when the pressure isn't going nuts and for those willing to put in the time we have boated a few up to around 6 pounds.
There are a few great things going on that are setting us up for a great spring. We have had a lot more rain this winter than we did last year. That means the salinity is lower. When things work out like they appear to be we have a lot of crabs work their way into Cocoa Beach. This means larger schools of larger reds. This also means that the big gator trout also work their way into shallow water to spawn.
I can always tell when we are going to have a great trout year by the amount of big mullet that start schooling on the flats in the afternoons during the winter. So far we are seeing some big mullet.
Redfish
Most of our reds have been caught in less than a foot of water in or near schools of bait fish. The bait has been a little thin so the key is to find the bait and work the inside edges. Like I said earlier, most of the fish we have been catching have been between 4 and 8 pounds. The great thing about these fish has been their coloring. Most of these smaller fish in the winter get a lot of turquoise on the tips of their tails. We had one fish last week that it came up a few inches. It was a beautiful thing. When this red hit my clients line you could see the turquoise flash from its tail 75 feet away.
All of our reds have been caught on High Rollers Trout Fingerling. We have had a hard time getting them to take a top water plug due to how high the pressure has been.
Something for you to think about if you are looking to get in on some of the best red fishing this area has to offer. Sometime between early as mid February to mid March we have some schools of Monster bull reds move in. It all depends on the last true cold front. Once it passes the big boys move into the shallow water and feed of just about everything. Once they move in we start to get a few schools of hundreds of 20 to 30 pound reds move in for the spring. So if your thinking about heading this way for the fun, do it now.
Trout
The trout fishing has been slow for the past few weeks. We have boated a few nice fish but most has been small. This is one of the hardest times for me because I know what is around the corner. Within the next few weeks the trout fishing is going to be nuts. But as for now it is all about the bait and fishing drop-offs. During the afternoons we are catching a few good fish but it has all been about putting in the time.
Tarpon
I know winter and tarpon don't seam to be two words that go together. Well, we are catching a few between 10 and 30 pounds.
Spring Break fishing
Spring break is one of the peak fishing times of the year. It is also one of the times that if you want to come down and book a charter you need to do it now. All of us full time guides book up months in advance. So if your wanting to get out please call ASAP.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug click here or call 321-432-9470