Bright sunny days have made sight casting easier along Florida's Space Coast reports Captain Keith Mixon (www.mixinworkwithplay.com). In the past week, several small schools of redfish have been spotted along the western shoreline of Mosquito Lagoon south of Haulover canal. During mid-day, many of these reds have been caught on live shrimp when using light tackle. Some of these fish have measured just under the legal size of eighteen inches with an occasional larger slot size red. When targeting these reds, anglers will need to keep in mind that these fish are easily spooked.
In addition, black drum measuring up to twenty plus inches have been caught near the No Motor Zone north of the Barge Canal. Live shrimp or a chunk of mullet rigged on a circle hook has worked well. Many of these black drum have been working sandy pot holes in search of food. Also, several trout have been willing to bite a variety of artificial lures when fished slowly along sandy bottoms. Bass Assassin's Chicken On A Chain 5-Inch Saltwater Shad has worked very well for these fish. During the past month, many of these trout died due to the freezing cold temperatures that we experienced throughout our state. As a result, anglers should practice of catch and release for these trout to help increase their population.