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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Capt. Tim Altman (Finfreak_offshore_charters)
New member
Username: Finfreak_offshore_charters
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 08, 2009 - 5:02 am: | |
Mahi are slowly coming in look for another warm snap and it should be hot and heavy. Finfreak limited on Ajs on the 27 fathom ridge. Yellowfin are out in full force on east wall of the stream, be carefull on the crossing. |
Capt. Tim Altman (Finfreak_offshore_charters)
New member
Username: Finfreak_offshore_charters
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2009
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2009 - 1:41 pm: | |
Offshore bottom fishing has been really hot when you are able to get out of Port. Limits of 40-60lb Amberjacks are being caught on the 27 fathom spots as well as monster Gag's. Kingfish have slowed on the closer reefs, its all about the bait. look for concentrations of menhadden to show up along the beach next month. |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 44
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 09, 2008 - 7:29 pm: | |
Summary
The Bulls are still Charging! I know the news has done nothing but tell everyone how every storm we have had in the Atlantic is going to come here but that's not true. We had a lot of rain one week. We haven't been blown away or washed off the map. The best part is the fishing has been great. We have nice schools of reds pushing 40 pounds and snook and tarpon working the early morning docks. And if that doesn't sound like a good reason to get out we also have the fall bait run on the way.
If you don't know what the fall bait run is you are missing some of the best fishing this area has to offer. Every fall huge schools of bait start to migrate south. when they pass through the fish all gorge themselves. The thing this time is known for more than anything is the top water tarpon and snook bite. Most days we catch 5 to 6 tarpon and a few reds and snook in a 8 hour trip. So if you haven't called to set up your trip you better do so fast because I usually am booked up but with all the bad press we have had this year I still have a few days open.
Redfish
As I said, The Bulls are charging! If you have fished with me in the past you know what I'm talking about. If not your never going to if you don't get out and give it a shot. We have a good number of 40+ pound reds working our flats. They are a little spookier this year than most but they have still been willing to take top water lures and flies. We have been having our best luck on spinning with the 4.25 Florida Special High Roller. On fly we have had better luck with the Bubble Head Popper than most other flies.
The key to fishing the big bull reds is to let them come to you. Never chase them! These fish are too smart and do not tolerate it. If I have a school blow past I wait until they are a hundred yards away before I try to start up and get ahead of them. If they are tailing and you spook them off, get out of their area and stake out and wait. 99% of the time they will come back if you don't try to chase them or stick around where they found something they liked.
All Of the big reds we have found have been on the deeper edge of the flats in 2 to 4 feet in areas where there is a lot of bait. One flat we fished last week had some big blue crabs in this deeper water along with the mullet and glass minnows. One little trick I use is watch for flats with a lot of Osprey working the flats. Pelicans and gulls mean lady fish. Osprey are a good sign that reds are in the same area.
Trout
The trout bite has been pretty slow over the past few weeks. We have picked up a few fish in the one to two pound range but this has been rare. Most of these fish have been caught in areas with a lot of glass minnows and mullet nearby. The drop-offs have held a lot of fish but most are real small.
Tarpon and Snook
The snook and tarpon bite has been has been pretty good after all the rain. Our best luck has been in areas with a little current or a good drop off near a shoreline. There are a lot of great fish being taken in the port in the early mornings but the rules in there will drive you nuts. In the river we have been fishing the deep water canals and docks. As always, it's all about the bait. We have been starting to catch some nice fish on top water but our best luck has still been Yozuri's 3D Minnow. On fly we have been having our best luck on EP Glass Minnows and the Bubble Head.
Most of our snook have been around 5 pounds and most of the tarpon are in the 20 to 40 pound range.
We only have a few more weeks until the tarpon and snook fish goes nuts so get out and do it often. The bait run will show up almost over night. One day will be okay than the next will be the best day of the year.
I tell the story every year about the trip we boated 30 tarpon and jumped 90 in an afternoon. It was during the bait run.
Other stuff
For those of you wanting to put together a trip to this area my wife is now booking hotel rooms for my clients. She can get you a rate as good as any of the online sites and knows what places are nice and the ones you want to stay away from. There is no charge for this service and she can book any hotel you want. She also does airline tickets, car rentals and cruises
Many of you have asked me over the years about the Fishing Lanyard I wear. I have started making them for the Fly Fisherman and they now have them in both stores. These make a great gift for the fisherman that has everything else. I now also have them on my website at this link Fishing Lanyards.
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
Cocoa Beach Fishing Guide
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Videos taken on my charters
Pictures of fish caught on my charters
Cocoa Beach Fishing guide |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 43
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 11:28 am: | |
August 12th, 2008 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Summary
The Bull are Charging! The red fishing has been great over the past week. We have a few nice schools of bull reds starting to work the flats here in Cocoa Beach. We also have a lot of single and smaller groups everywhere. The top water bite has been pretty good during the first dozen or so casts on the schools until they get a little spooky.
The snook bite has been pretty good in the early mornings. Our best fish have been by watching and waiting around docks. The trout bite has been okay. There have been a lot of smaller fish on the outside edge of the flats but the larger fish have been a little harder to find. We also have a good number of tarpon that are willing to eat every now and again.
This is turning into a great late summer bite. So grab your rod and get out for the action.
Redfish
Most of the reds we have been finding are in very shallow water. This goes for the big boys too. All of the bait has been working the deeper part of the flats and doing a good job staying out of the skinny water. As I said we have been doing pretty good with these fish on top water until they get a little spooky. On top water we have been catching all or fish on High Rollers 4.25 Florida Special High Roller. The reds have been eager to take this walk the dog lure but have preferred a slow walk until they start to chase it. If they miss it on the first strike, speed up your retrieve a little to make it look like it is running from them.
Once the top water bite has slowed down we have been having our best luck with the 4 inch Molting Shad by Bass Assassin. We have been rigging this lure on a Capt. Mikes weedless jig head. Most of the reds we have been fishing are in a lot of shallow grass so this jig head has been a great help in keeping the grass off.
On Fly we have been doing pretty good with a few flies. My favorite is the Rattle Mullet but we have also been doing well with the EP baitfish flies and Capt. John Tarr's Sexy Slider . The great thing about fishing fly has been the fish don't get spooky after a few casts like they do with top water spinning. These fish have also been great for someone that has a hard time with longer casts. Most of the fish we have caught on fly have been hooked within 40 feet of the boat.
Trout
The trout bite has been pretty slow over the past few weeks. We have picked up a few fish in the one to two pound range but this has been rare. Most of these fish have been caught in areas with a lot of glass minnows and mullet nearby. The drop-offs have held a lot of fish but most are real small.
Tarpon and Snook
The snook and tarpon bite has been hit or miss. We have been boating a lot more snook than tarpon. All of the snook we have been catching have been caught in the early mornings on small top water lures like the Pop Roller or sub surface twitch baits like the Yozuri 3D Minnow. On fly we have been having our best luck on EP Glass Minnows.
One the days when the tarpon have been eating for us we have had only been able to catch them on small brown and yellow clousers. Once again this old fly has proven why it has been the most popular fly for saltwater fishermen for so long. I wish I could say we have even had a strike on spinning but we haven't been able to get them to even look at a lure.
Other stuff
We have had a good number of jacks and lady fish working the drop offs and flats in Cocoa Beach for a few weeks now. I know a lot of people don't get excites about many of these fish but they can be a lot of fun with light tackle or lighter fly rods.
Many of you have asked me over the years about the Fishing Lanyard I wear. I have started making them for the Fly Fisherman and they now have them in both stores. These make a great gift for the fisherman that has everything else. I now also have them on my website at this link Fishing Lanyards.
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 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 42
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 9:52 am: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
April 13th, 2008 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Summary
We have had some interesting days on the water over the past month. The fishing was pretty good. The reds were tailing and the gator trout were on the flats. Then it rained. The front that pushed through came at the same time that the water level was beginning to rise from the spring surge on the beach. Within a few days the water level came up over a foot in some places. This is always a time we look forward to in Cocoa Beach. Every year when this happens the fish start moving up into areas they haven't gone to feed for months. This year it made the fish on the flats wired for a few days. It did turn on the snook and tarpon though.
Now things are starting to go back to normal for this time of year. Over night the reds turned on to top water. The bigger trout started moving back to their spawning areas and a ton of mullet showed up. It looks like spring has come.
Redfish
We still have mixed bags of reds working the flats in Cocoa Beach. I always get a kick out of a school that holds 10 to 35 pound fish. Most of the schools we find have fish all within a few pounds of each other. We do have one school of reds with 30+ pounders but you have to work for them. They are very shy and like to hang in 2 to 4 feet on the outside edge of the flats.
In the early mornings the reds have been willing to take a top water plugs. We put a few in the boat over the last few weeks with the 3.25 Rip Roller but our better catches have come on the 4.25 High Roller. The High Roller has a softer action and still casts like a much larger plug. When the fish have been becoming a little spooky around plugs we have been doing real well with the new Bass Assassin Blurp. Our best luck over the past few weeks has come on the Pearl 4 inch Sea Shad.
On fly we continue to have our best luck with ether the olive rattle mullet or the pinfish EP patterns. The trick with these flies has been to let them find the fly and strip it away like something trying to run from them. They have been real slow to take a slow moving fly.
Trout
The trout spawn is starting in Cocoa Beach. This means we are in for some of the best Gator Trout fishing this area has to offer. Please, Please remember these fish are restocking our fishery. If you like to catch big trout, put all of the trout over 20 inches back! If you were hear in the 80's you will remember what is was like to not have any big trout. Before then the fishing was great. Then the netters came and RAPED our fishery. With the help of FCA now CCA Florida in 1994 we put a stop to the netting. In 1999 I had the best year I have ever had fishing big trout. We boated 37 trout over 30 inches with top water. In 2000 we boated a trout that weighed in at 16 pounds. Between 2000 and 2006 we have caught more big trout than I have in my life. I can't say that today. We have some good days out there but nothing like we did. So what changed. Over the past few years I have seen more clueless people at the dock cleaning big trout this time of year. I have seen many with their bellies red from spawning that these yahoos were cleaning. The trout need your help. Please return these fish to the water unharmed so that you can feel the tug again another day. Don't take me wrong. I like to eat fish more than most, but, I do not rape pregnant fish to have a meal. In most Native American Languages the word for "white man" means, someone who always takes and never gives anything in return. As sport fisherman we should adopt these words as names for the people who keep spawning fish.
I will get down off the soap box now and say that most of these fish we have been catching on the 4.25 Rip Roller. All of these big girls have been in areas with larger mullet in 1 to 2 feet of water. You need a long cast and to be very quite if you want the hookup.
Tarpon and Snook
We have tarpon and snook in some of the deeper holes near mangroves! That is all I'm going to say.
Other stuff
Many of you have asked me over the years about the Fishing Lanyard I wear. I have started making them for the Fly Fisherman and they now have them in both stores. These make a great gift for the fisherman that has everything else. I now also have them on my website at this link Fishing Lanyards.
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 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 41
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 03, 2007 - 8:15 am: | |
Summary
The cold snaps have started and the water temperature has dropped. This means a couple things when it comes to fishing. The rollercoaster ride is about to start. By that I mean the fishing is going to be great for a few days then slow down for a few as cold snaps pass by.
The cooler weather also means the water is going to start clearing up as the water temps drop. When the water temperature drops it kills back a lot of the algae that has grown during the summer that clouds up the water. When it comes to sight fishing we want a few good cold snaps so that the fish are easier to see.
When we get a few nights of cooler weather this does not mean the the fishing is going to come to a stop. Click here for some of my cold water fishing tips. All it means is you need to hit the water a little latter in the morning.
Over the past few weeks the water temp hasn't bottomed out on us so the fishing has been pretty good most days. We are starting to catch a few nice reds up to 15 pounds and are starting to see a few of the big boys starting to move back onto our flats. We are also starting to catch a few nice trout that had moved off the flats due to the water being too warm in the late summer.
Redfish
We have started to have some pretty good days on the water in Cocoa Beach. We have been catching most of our fish within the first few hours after sunrise in or near schools of mullet in 6 inches to a foot and a half of water.
With spinning we have had our best luck with the 3.25 Rip Roller in Green Back, Florida Special and Red Head. That is all about to change very soon. The schools of mullet are starting to thin out as the water gets color. When this happens the reds will start to become more of an opportunist than they already are. Over the years I have watched the larger reds during the winter feed more on needle fish than any other bait in the river. With that in mind one of my favorite winter time top water plugs is the 3.25 and 4.25 Green Back High Roller. This lure looks and acts like a needle fish. I like to start out with a slow "walk the dog" until the lure is within a few feet of the fish. Then I speed up my retrieve a little to make it look like the bait is running from them just like a baitfish would normally do. This brings out the predatory instinct in the fish and draws a harder strike than normal.
With fly we have been having so great days on the water. Unlike spinning we have been having better days with a fly only a few of you have heard of. The only people that know of this fly are people I have told. We call this fly the "sexy chicken". The reason most of you don't know it is because it is a fly I had Capt John Tarr at the Titusville Fly Fisherman tie just for me. We joked about it for over a year but when I started catching fish that were refusing most other flies we thru we are letting the cat out of the bag.
Trout
The trout fishing has been on and off. We are starting to catch a few more bigger fish on the flats in the mornings but it is not something that happens every day. The outside edge of the flats has been full of the smaller 10 to 15 inch trout but very few of them have been larger. Also, keep in mind the trout season is closed so try to return all these fish back unharmed.
Other stuff
Many of you have asked me over the years about the Fishing Lanyard I wear. I have started making them for the Fly Fisherman and they now have them in both stores. These make a great gift for the fisherman that has everything else.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 40
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 9:02 am: | |
Summary
The cold snaps have started and the water temperature has dropped. This means a couple things when it comes to fishing. The rollercoaster ride is about to start. By that I mean the fishing is going to be great for a few days then slow down for a few as cold snaps pass by.
The cooler weather also means the water is going to start clearing up as the water temps drop. When the water temperature drops it kills back a lot of the algae that has grown during the summer that clouds up the water. When it comes to sight fishing we want a few good cold snaps so that the fish are easier to see.
When we get a few nights of cooler weather this does not mean the the fishing is going to come to a stop. Click here for some of my cold water fishing tips. All it means is you need to hit the water a little latter in the morning.
Over the past few weeks the water temp hasn't bottomed out on us so the fishing has been pretty good most days. We are starting to catch a few nice reds up to 15 pounds and are starting to see a few of the big boys starting to move back onto our flats. We are also starting to catch a few nice trout that had moved off the flats due to the water being too warm in the late summer.
Redfish
We have started to have some pretty good days on the water in Cocoa Beach. We have been catching most of our fish within the first few hours after sunrise in or near schools of mullet in 6 inches to a foot and a half of water.
With spinning we have had our best luck with the 3.25 Rip Roller in Green Back, Florida Special and Red Head. That is all about to change very soon. The schools of mullet are starting to thin out as the water gets color. When this happens the reds will start to become more of an opportunist than they already are. Over the years I have watched the larger reds during the winter feed more on needle fish than any other bait in the river. With that in mind one of my favorite winter time top water plugs is the 3.25 and 4.25 Green Back High Roller. This lure looks and acts like a needle fish. I like to start out with a slow "walk the dog" until the lure is within a few feet of the fish. Then I speed up my retrieve a little to make it look like the bait is running from them just like a baitfish would normally do. This brings out the predatory instinct in the fish and draws a harder strike than normal.
With fly we have been having so great days on the water. Unlike spinning we have been having better days with a fly only a few of you have heard of. The only people that know of this fly are people I have told. We call this fly the "sexy chicken". The reason most of you don't know it is because it is a fly I had Capt John Tarr at the Titusville Fly Fisherman tie just for me. We joked about it for over a year but when I started catching fish that were refusing most other flies we thru we are letting the cat out of the bag.
Trout
The trout fishing has been on and off. We are starting to catch a few more bigger fish on the flats in the mornings but it is not something that happens every day. The outside edge of the flats has been full of the smaller 10 to 15 inch trout but very few of them have been larger. Also, keep in mind the trout season is closed so try to return all these fish back unharmed.
Other stuff
Many of you have asked me over the years about the Fishing Lanyard I wear. I have started making them for the Fly Fisherman and they now have them in both stores. These make a great gift for the fisherman that has everything else.
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 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 39
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 29, 2007 - 7:29 am: | |
Summary
Well the tarpon fishing was pretty slow this year compared to years past. Most of the fish never showed up to their regular places and when they did they didn't want to play. The only good thing was that the snook where there in better numbers and they were more than happy to pull a line. The redfish have also been pretty receptive. We have had a few great days where we have caught them on just about every flat we have fished.
Redfish
Most of the redfishing we have been doing has been in the Titusville area just inside the schools of bait. If you can find a flat with a lot of mullet working the grass there has been a good number of single reds working the sandy holes near the bait. We have been doing pretty good with top water in these areas. They have been a little spooky so sight casting them with surface plugs has been hard. Our best catches have come by making long blind casts. Our best fish have come on the 3.25 Rip Roller in Green Back, Florida Special and Red Head. We have had a little better luck sight casting jerk baits like the native shiner Bass Assassin. You still have to let the fish find the lure rather than bringing it to them.
Sight fishing with fly has been a different story. We have been able to catch a lot more reds on fly than we have on spinning when it comes to sight fishing. This is due to the much softer presentation you can get with a fly. We have been able to drop it right on their noses in some cases. With fly our best catches have come on Rattle Mullet.
I know what has happened in the past and what the fish are doing so far this year have been a little off but if history repeats itself here in the next week or two we should be seeing some nice reds start showing up in the Cocoa Beach area. It only last a few weeks but during November we have caught some big bull reds. Lat year we managed one red that weighed in at 48 pounds we boated on a #10.
Trout
The trout bite has picked up some over the past few weeks. Most of the fish are small but we are starting to catch a few larger trout has the water temps come down. Just as with the reds it has all been about the bait. The big difference has been fishing has been the depth of water. Most of our reds are in a foot or less wile the trout have been in 2 to even 3 feet on the outside edge of the schools. Our best catches have still come on the 3.25 rip roller. If you try fishing grubs or small twitch baits you will catch more fish but all will be small.
Snook and Tarpon
The tarpon bite has turned into a bonus. We see a few but most a hard to get to eat. The snook on the other hand have been wiling to play. We are still catching a good number in areas where we find glass minnows.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 38
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 9:31 am: | |
Summary
The fall bait run is a little early this year ant things are starting to go nuts. The tarpon I have talked about all year have started showing up and are feeding pretty good. Historically the feed goes on for 3 to 4 weeks so if you haven't got out yet the clock is ticking. Once it is over you will have to wait until next year.
The redfish and snook have been feeding really well also. We aren't seeing any huge school but there have been smaller schools all over. Everyone I talk to that fished the river regularly has been catching plenty of reds in their favorite spots. As for the snook, they are everywhere also. It has just been a mater of fishing the inside of the bait near trees, docks or rocks.
We have also been finding a lot of schools of jacks and ladyfish. So dust off your rods and go fishing.
Redfish
We have been catching a lot of upper slot to just over slot sized reds all over the river. The best part of it has been they are happy to take a top water plug. Our best catches have come on the 3.25 Rip Roller in Green Back, Florida Special and Red Head. We haven't had to worry about these fish being spooky so work it as hard as you want. We have also had pretty good luck with the 3.25 High Roller in the same colors. Both of these lures can be a little hard to find so if you find some buy as many as you can. The Fly Fisherman in Titusville has a pretty good stock on most of them.
We have been finding a few reds over 30 pounds but they are the spooky ones. Most of these fish are holding closer to the deeper edge of the flats. Most of the fish we have seen have been eating needle fish so I would throw the 4.25 Green Back High Roller. This is a lure the guys at High Roller made for me about 6 years ago for reds feeding on needles. It has a great walk the dog but I like to mix it up a little and give it a firmer tap and make it do a short skip every no and again.
Since the water is pretty murky they have been hard to see so take your time and leave your trolling motor at home. I know I preach this all the time but take it from someone that has boat thousands of reds over 30 pounds on artificial for over 35 years. You will put more of these big fish in the boat if you pole, wade, stake out, anchor up or drift.
Trout
The trout fishing has been pretty good but most of the fish we are catching are below the 15 inch minimum. Just as with everything else we have been catching more on top water than on anything else. We have put a few larger trout in the boat in the same areas we have been fishing the snook but it has been rare.
Snook and Tarpon
There here and ready to test you skills. I tell most people I meet that ask about tarpon fishing that they are one fish that will test every skill you thought you had. Between the jumps, runs and rolls they will show you who's in charge. So far things are looking like we are going to have another great top water year so here are a few tricks I have learned over the years.
When I fish top water I have had my best luck with the 3.25 Rip Roller, however, this lure comes with #4 hooks. In the past I have lost a lot of fish because the hooks are too small. So what I do is leave the #4 on the front and put a #2 on the back. This makes the front of the lure ride a little higher in the water and gives me a bigger hook to try and stick the fish.
Sharpen your hooks! I like to use a Daiichi #2 4X Strong Wide Gap Bleeding Trebles. This is a extremely sharp hook to start with, but I still like to hit it once or twice just to make sure.
Rip the lure through the water! This drives the fish crazy. Also don't stop your retrieve. When tarpon are feeding they are an incredible predator. When you strip a lure or fly away from them the instinctual chase kicks in and they will dog it down just out of spite.
Be ready for the strike! I watch so many people work a lure hopping it will eat but seem to forget about what to do when it does. When that fish busts a top water plug it usually does so as it is coming out of the water. You can't set the hook on a jump. All you can do is pray the lure is still in its mouth when it hits the water and give your hook-set when it lands. Once you do this it is going to jump again so be ready.
Don't forget to "bow to the king". With most smaller tarpon, that is those below 60 pounds you don't really have to bow to them but you do need to drop slack in your line. That is one of the things that makes fishing the smaller tarpon such a blast. They love to jump! This makes fighting one look like more of a sword fight that someone fighting a fish. You up, then down, then pointing your rod, then back to up again.
Relax, I tell people all the time that fishing for tarpon is one of the only fish I know of I have to take a zantac before I go fishing for. They will drive you insane if you let them so remember fishing is fun, if you lose one , and you will, take a second and relax then get back in the game.
The snook bite has been pretty good also. unlike most of the year the fishing can be good for them all day this time of year. It's all about the bait. We have had some good luck with the 3.25 Rip Roller in Florida Special and Golf Coast Special. The trick has been finding lots of bait near shorelines or downed branches.
For those of you wanting to book a trip with me I still have a few days still open. The 3rd week of October is gone but I have a day or two every other week still open. The only weekend days I have are the 6th and 27th.
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 |
CaptainIDS (Captainids)
New member
Username: Captainids
Post Number: 20
Registered: 9-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 10:04 am: | |
Are you a Licensed Coast Guard Captain?
This is for you
http://www.captainids.com/ |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 37
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 9:12 am: | |
Summary
Fishing has been pretty good over the past few weeks. The snook are feeding pretty good in the early mornings, there have been a few nice schools of redfish from 8 to 35 pounds working the flats, the trout bite has been consistent and we are seeing more tarpon working the drop-offs along the flats. The key has been early mornings. Our better catches have come before noon on most days.
Redfish
We have a few nice schools of reds working the flats in Cocoa Beach. We have some nice schools of slot sized fish working the skinny water and some bulls working the deeper edges. They have been starting to feed a little more on mullet so the top water bite has been pretty good. However, I am starting to watch some of the bigger fish start to feed on needlefish. This is common when the bait is thinner but that is not the case this year. We have some great schools of mullet working the flats. With this in mind I have switched the lures I have been throwing to the 4.25 Green Back High Roller. When walked this lure looks more like a needlefish than any other lure I have fished. After around 9am most days we continue to have had our best luck still with the Trout Fingerling worked slowly in front of pushing fish.
Trout
The trout fishing is about the same as my last report except we are starting to hook in to a few larger fish in the early mornings in some shallow water. All of these fish we have caught have been on top water plugs. Our best catches have been on the 3.25 Red Head Rip Roller. Just as with the reds our best fish have been caught with a slow retrieve with a firm tap pause, tap pause.
In the afternoons we continue to catch a lot of smaller fish in 3 to 5 feet of water on Yozuri's 3-D fingerling. Most are to small to keep but there have been a few nice fish to around 5 pounds in the mix. Please keep in mind that our water is very warm and these fish don't do well with a lot of handling. Crush your barbs and get them back in the water quickly. I always tell people if you enjoy fishing these fish are next years catch.
Snook and Tarpon
The snook bit has been pretty good in the early mornings. Unlike trout and reds these fish love warm water and in many cases the warmer the better. Our best catches have come under and around dock lights on the 2.5 Pop Roller. The color hasn't seamed to make a difference. It has all been about the popping. Most of our better fish have come in areas that have a lot of glass minnows. I always like to look for docks that have froth around them. By this I mean areas that fish have been busting the surface.
The tarpon have been all over the river for the past few weeks. They are still being tarpon but we have managed to jump a few. Our best luck has been on small < 3 inch grubs and on Yozuri's 3-D fingerling. This will most likely be the norm for the next few weeks. However, as many of you know October is just a few weeks away.
Reminder
October is only a few weeks away. This is the time of year we put more tarpon in the boat than any other time of year. I still have a few days left so if you are looking to get in on the action let me know ASAP. Just 3 years ago we put 30 tarpon in the boat in an afternoon. Over the past few years we have had some great luck with both fly and top water plugs.
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
Cocoa Beach Fishing Guide
Back to Capt Doug's home page
Videos taken on my charters
Pictures of fish caught on my charters
Cocoa Beach Fishing guide
Here is the "Inshore Flats Kit" High Roller put together with my favorite High Roller Lures. This is a must for redfish, trout, snook and tarpon. Click on this link for more information on High Rollers Inshore Flats Kit.
Places to find the lures I use.
In Titusville go to the Fly Fisherman or call 321-267-0348 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Post Number: 36
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 8:07 am: | |
August 6th, 2007 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Summary
The weather may be hot but so is the fishing. The snook have been busting bait in the early mornings, the reds are schooled up again, the trout bite is holding on pretty good and the tarpon are everywhere.
Redfish
The red fishing has been strange this year. They never moved out of some of their late winter early spring spots in Cocoa Beach. The schools did brake up a little a few months ago but they re-schooled again a few days ago. They have been a little slow to eat on some days but if you are willing to put in the time and not put to much pressure on them we have been able to boat a few nice fish upwards of 40 pounds. With that said I haven't seen our big 40 to 50 pound fish yet, however, It should be any day now.
I know I usually talk a little about the depth I am finding these fish. Well, one day we are finding them in less than a foot and others in 3 to 4 feet. The only thing I can say that I see as a pattern is when the bait is thick they are holding shallow and when the bait pushes off I am finding them in deeper water. I can also tell you that they seam to have no interest in baitfish. This is strange to me because there is almost no crab or shrimp on most of the flats I'm fishing for them in. The only bait I have watched them eat over the past few weeks is needlefish. Now just to make it more confusing, all of the reds we have boated have been on the Trout Fingerling.
Trout
The trout fishing has been pretty good as long as you are willing to sort through all the small fish. As with my last report we are still boating our best fish on Yozuri's 3-D fingerling in 4 to 6 feet of water most days. On days that the water temp is closer to 80 we have been catching our better fish in 2 to 3 feet.
Snook and Tarpon
The tarpon are here. There are large schools of tarpon up to 60 pounds working the drop-offs in areas that are holding a lot of big bait. The best part about this is that that are starting to feed pretty good. We are having our best luck with big top water plugs like the new 6.5 Monster High Roller in Florida Special and the 5 inch Pinfish Fingerling.
On fly we have had our best catches on the EP Rattle Mullet. Once you get this fly in front of them it has been a matter of a how fast you can strep it in. They have been a little more willing to take a fast moving fly.
Now when it comes to snook fishing we have had our best catches in the early morning on small top water plugs like the Redhead Pop Roller. and on fly with the Blue or black back crease flies.
I also want to remind everyone that October is only a few weeks away. This is the time of year we put more tarpon in the boat than any other time of year. I still have a few days left so if you are looking to get in on the action let me know ASAP. Just 3 years ago we put 30 tarpon in the boat in an afternoon.
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 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 35
Registered: 2-2004
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 8:56 am: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
July 23rd, 2007 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Summary
Summer is here. You can almost set your watch by the afternoon thunderstorms and the tarpon are in good numbers in the rivers. The schools of redfish have broken up into smaller schools and the bulls are on their way north. The snook fishing has improve in the early morning and the trout are on the drop-offs. For Cocoa Beach this all means that it's summer slam time.
Redfish
The red fishing has greatly improved over the past few weeks. The schools have gotten smaller but all this means is that you have more fish scattered across a flat instead of one big school. You have to give these fish a little more room than the larger schools but you have a better chance of catching more of them because you have more schools to work.
Most of the reds we have been catching have been in areas with a lot of mullet. The reds don't seam to be feeding on the mullet as much as small grass shrimp. However, if a bait fish gets a little too close or makes a wrong move they are more than happy to eat them as well. Most of the reds we have been catching have been on the Trout Fingerling.
In the early mornings or on days that the pressure has been dropping we have been able to put a few fish in the boat with top water. When this has been the case we have been having our best luck with the 4.25 Green Back High Roller. This is one of my favorite top water plugs because of all the different ways this lure can be worked. On those top water days we have had our best luck walking the dog up to the schools then speeding the retrieve up to make it look like it is running from the reds.
On the days we are able to get them to eat top water we have been having good luck with the worked across the front of the schools with long casts.
On fly we have had some of our best days fishing the "redfish toad". If you click on the picture it will take to to the Fly Fisherman's fly of the month with a breakdown of how to tie this fly.
Trout
The trout fishing has been great in Cocoa Beach. Most of the fish have been small but we continue to put a few nice fish up to 5 pounds in the boat. Our best catches have been on Yozuri's 3-D fingerling in 4 to 6 feet of water. Just on the outside of flats that are holding a lot of bait.
Snook and Tarpon
The tarpon are here. We are starting to see large schools of tarpon up to 60 pounds working the drop-offs in areas that are holding a lot of big bait. The best part about this is that that are starting to feed pretty good. We are having our best luck with big top water plugs like the new 6.5 Monster High Roller in Florida Special and the 5 inch Pinfish Fingerling.
On fly we have had our best catches on the EP Rattle Mullet. Once you get this fly in front of them it has been a matter of a how fast you can strep it in. They have been a little more willing to take a fast moving fly.
Now when it comes to snook fishing we have had our best catches in the early morning on small top water plugs like the Redhead Pop Roller. and on fly with the Blue or black back crease flies.
I also want to remind everyone that October is only a few weeks away. This is the time of year we put more tarpon in the boat than any other time of year. I still have a few days left so if you are looking to get in on the action let me know ASAP. Just 3 years ago we put 30 tarpon in the boat in an afternoon.
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 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Post Number: 34
Registered: 2-2004
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 8:53 am: | |
February 28th, 2007 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
I can't say the bulls
are charging but I can say the Gator Trout are. We have been catching a few nice
reds up to 31 lbs and have seen a few of the 40+ pound fish but as of this
report we haven't boated one yet. As for the big trout, they have been moving on
the flats in good numbers. Our biggest to date was a 8 pounder we boated on top
water.
Here are a few of the fish we boated over the past week.
Redfish
The redfish in this area haven't started with their typical spring
pattern yet. Some days we are finding them in less than a foot and on others we
find them in 2 to 3 feet. The only thing that is predictable is that they are
always near bait. They also haven't been very reliable as to what they will eat
from day to day with spinning. Some mornings they will chase a top water plug to
the boat and on others they spook off it. On the days we have our best luck with
top water we have caught more fish on the Green Back 4.25 High Roller.
On the days the reds have been a little spooky with the top water we have had
our best luck with the Gold Rootbeer PT Spoon. The key to fishing this lure has
been a good leading cast letting the fish find it rather that it finding them.
They a slow retrieve.
Keep in mind when your fishing for these big reds you are fishing for some much
older fish than most people are use to. We have some fish pushing 30 to 35 years
old. There isn't much you can throw at them they haven't seen. The key is to let
them find the lure on most days. This is also a fish that has been chased around
with trolling motors bumped by people that don't know how to stalk a fish and
hit in the head by every lure on the market. Let them find the lure!
Now when it comes to this fish not eating the same thing from day to day, fly
has been a different story. These fish have consistently been willing to eat a
Honey Shrimp. I believe the reason this has been going on has been the lack of
bait we have had so far this year on the flats. That has been starting to change
this week but it should be a few more weeks until we start to see the big
schools we get in the spring.
Trout
The trout fishing still isn't going nuts but it isn't to far away now. We
are boating a few big girls each trip but all I can think of is how it is going
to be in a few more weeks. By mid March we should be starting to boat 10 to 20
gator trout a day. The best part is it is all on top water.
Our best catches have been on the Green Back and Florida Special 4.25 high
Roller on calm days and the 4.25 Rip Roller on windier days. Most of our fish
have been between 5 and 8 lbs. All have been in or near schools of bigger mullet
in less than a foot of water. These fish have been extremely spooky so it has
all been about the long cast and a low profile. I also tell all my clients to
dress in neutral colors. I know that that hot pink Bonehead shirt is comfortable
but if you want big trout you'll leave it at home.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug Go To www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Post Number: 33
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 4:12 pm: | |
November 29th, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
The rollercoaster ride has started. Ever year about this time we start to have unpredictable weather. We may have a week or two of great weather then out of nowhere mother nature likes to show us that it can get cold in Florida. Depending on how cold the water gets effects how the fish react. If it cools down and stays that way the fish are a little shocked at first then start to deal with the cooler water and go back to feeding. When it is warm for a few days and then cools off for a few then warms up again the fish don't know what to do. That is why I call the the rollercoaster time of year. We typically only have two types of days during this time, the best days you have ever had or some of the slowest. I know that isn't the type of things you here from a guide, but I have been able to build a reputation over the years of not telling fish stories and I want to keep it that way.
Now with that said we are on a high part of the rollercoaster now. The reds have been pretty spooky but willing to eat. It has all been a game of letting them come to us. The trout fishing has picked up some as the water temps have been dropping. The jacks, blues and Spanish mackerel have been showing up in the port along with one of my favorites the pompano. It has all been about getting out there and getting a line wet.
Redfish
The reds that we have been finding over the past few weeks have all been in some shallow water. On some days we haven't seen a fish in more than 6 inches. All have been inside or in schools of mullet. When I see this I know that mullet pattered lures are not the thing to throw. When I see this I spend more time working weedless soft plastics and other slow moving lures like the PT Spoon. There is a great way to rig that spoon with a soft plastic that I have shown the guys at the Fly Fisherman in Titusville.
On days when the reds are more receptive to top water I have had my best luck with the red head 4.25 High Roller. It has all been about a long lead and a slow walk.
Many of the fish we have been catching have been just under slot however we have been able to boat a few close to 30 lbs. It has all been a day to day, what mood are they in now thing.
Trout
The trout fishing has been up and down also. The only good part with them is that when it's a good day, it's a great day. Some of our fish have been close to 8 and 9 lbs. Unlike with the reds it has all been about top water. I know I have said this more than once but it is the truest statement I can make about big trout in cool water. Big slow moving plugs.
All of the trout we have caught have been in less than a foot of water. The time of day doesn't matter this time of year. It is all about the bait. If there isn't any bait you are not going to find trout.
Lures and flies
The Fly Fisherman in Titusville has got some good shipment of stuff in over the past month so if you are running low or want to try out some High Rollers swing by and stock up.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Post Number: 32
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 7:47 am: | |
October 26th, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
The tarpon fishing was a lot slower this year than it has been in the past. We are still picking up a few here and there. When they are on it has been great. We end up putting 2 or 3 in the boat up to 50 lbs. When there not, we don't even see them.
We have been doing pretty go with the snook. All have been just under the 27 inch slot but they have been happy to take top water. The key has been bait along the mangroves.
The reds have been feeding pretty good here for the past few weeks. We have had a few days we spent some time looking but on the days we found them we have been able to put a few nice fish up to 30 lbs in the boat.
The key has been putting in the time. Hopefully this is all about to change here in the next few days. November has been historically a good month for big reds in Cocoa Beach. Over the past 20 years we have boated more fish close to 50 lbs then any other time of the year.
Redfish
The redfishing has been a little slow but worth the time on many days. I hate to say we've had a few hard days looking for these big boys but I don't like to tell fish stories. On the days we have found the reds we have had a fun mix of top water, grubs and even spoons. Unlike most of the time when I have to change out lures according to what the fish are feeding on it has been more about how much grass we have been pulling in and how deep the water is. In the shallow water without grass on the surface we have had good luck with the Red head and Florida Special 4.25 High Roller. In water with a lot of grass we have had some pretty good catches with the Silver-Interference Blue PT Spoon. In the deeper water we are catching most of our reds on the Pinfish 3" Fingerlings.
All of our fish have been found in or around schools of larger mullet. I can't say how deep the water has been because it changes from day to day. I can say it has been between less than a foot to 4 feet. It has all been about the bait.
Trout
The trout fishing is starting to get better in the shallow water. Most of the better fish we have caught have been in less than a foot of water in the afternoons. This is common for this time of year when the water has started to cool down. Once again it is all about the bait. I find most of the larger trout in or around schools of larger mullet in sandy areas near drop-offs. The trick to catching trout in skinny water is long casts with big top water plugs. High Roller has just come out with a 6 inch High Roller. They don't have it listed on their website yet but you can call them at 877.205.1764. In the past I have used the Monster Rip Roller but the prop spooks them off every now and again if you work it to hard. I believe that this 6 inch High Roller is going to be the lure that catches the next world record Trout.
Snook
The snook fishing has been a lot of fun for me lately. We only catch a few snook every year in this are over 5 lbs. So far this month we have been catching as many a 4 a day. Or best catches have come on the 2.75 Red head Pop Roller but we have also had a few good catches on the Pearl Chart/Head 3.25 High Roller and the 3.25 Rip Roller. The catching has all been about bait near the mangroves with 2 to 3 feet of water.
Tarpon
The tarpon fishing has slowed down a lot. We had a few great days with a few fish up to 50 lbs. The problem now is they are here one day and not the next.
What to expect in November.
November has historically a spawning month in Cocoa Beach. We get a lot of the big reds in the 40+ pound range every year. We also catch a lot of these fish on top water. I can't say when it is going to start but we are looking every days for the schools to show up. I will send out a "bulls are charging" when they show up. As of today I have only seen singles so it should be any day now.
Last year our biggest was 48 pounds at 55 inches but we saw 5 or 6 fish over 60 inches.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 31
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 7:26 pm: | |
August 23rd, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Sorry this took a bit longer than I said it would. The bulls are charging. We started out fishing one school of reds in the 20 to 30 pound range and then it got better. We are now fishing 2 to 3 schools of reds between 20 and 40 pounds. It has been great because on some mornings we have been able to catch them on top water. The other good thing is that we have been able to catch them on most days all day long.
Redfish
The schools of reds we have been fishing have been pretty spooky. All of the fish we have boated have been caught poling on their outside and letting them come to us. This has been a little bit of a challenge on some days when we have had a number of boats try to work into the areas we have been fishing with their trolling motor or motor up on a flat. The good news is that they haven't been spooking off far. When some one ran a motor near us they just stopped tailing. When this would happen we would just set there and watch. Almost every time they would rise up again in a little shallower water and go back to feeding.
One the morning we were first to find the schools they were happy to take top water. The were still a little spooky with prop baits but pounded on the soft action of the 4.25 High Roller. It was just a mater of long casts and a soft walk the dog along the outside edge of the school. Once the top water bit slowed down we have been catching them best on the 3 inch trout fingerling by high roller. This brings up some good news about High Roller. I know they have on their website that they are out of the trout and black and gold fingerlings. I spoke to Terry just the other day and he told me that they had plenty to go around. So for all of you that have been waiting give Terry a call at 877-205-1764. The Fly Fisherman in Titusville should be getting in a shipment soon also.
All of the larger reds we have been catching have been have been on the outside edge of the flats outside schools of bait. They have been feeding in the thick grassy areas in 2 to 4 feet of water. Like I said the key has been not letting them know you are there. Something you may want to try if you would like to get more than one fish is to only cast when you see tails. I have been doing this for years and have days that I could work a school of spooky reds for hours. Also, don't chase them if they spook off. If you pole off to there side and give them plenty of room you will put more fish in the boat.
If you think it's to hot to go fishing all day here is another clip from the "Bull Reds Show" we shot last August with Mike Surman and All About Fishing.
Trout
The trout fishing has been a little hit and miss. We are catching a lot of schoolies but only a few with any size. The funny thin has been that most of our better fish have been caught after 10 am on top water. Unlike the reds the trout have hit better on prop baits like the 4.25 Rip Roller Redhead. The key to finding them has been glass minnows in 2 to 3 feet. If you can find them you should be good to go.
Snook
The snook bite has slowed down a little. This has been due to most of the bait holding in the middle of the river all night. With a few of the moonless nights we have had over the past few days we have been able to catch a few. This could also be due to the amount of time we have been spending with the reds in the early mornings.
Tarpon
I haven't been looking for the tarpon for a few weeks now so anything I would say would be second hand.
I can tell you that I still have a few days left for the October Tarpon run. If you have done it with me in the past you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't you are missing out. We put up to 10 tarpon a day in the boat during those 4 to 5 weeks of October and early November. 3 years ago we had one day we jumped over 90 and put 30+ in the boat. If you have ever wanted to catch tarpon on fly it doesn't get any better.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Post Number: 30
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 3:37 pm: | |
July 27th, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Things are starting to pick
up in the Cocoa Beach Area. The trout bite is starting to look more like our
typical summers, the snook are feeding pretty good in the early mornings and we
have tarpon everywhere.
Summertime can be one of the best times to fish in this
area. The schools of reds have broken up into smaller groups. The trout are on
most any flat that has bait. The snook feed around the mangroves on and off
throughout the day. The tarpon hang out around drop offs. And the best part of
it all, on most days we can do it all in a day. Yes this is the time of year I
like to call "slammer time" Redfish
The redfish continue to be on and off. The
good news is we are having a few more on days than we have had this year. This
is due to the larger schools of bait we now have working the flats. I am also
happy to report that we are starting to see some of those big bull reds showing
up. The key to all our reds has been stealth. Our better catches have come on
slow moving top water plugs like the 4.25 High Roller in Redhead and the 3.25
High Roller in Pearl Chart/Head. our best catches have come by putting a long
cast over the fish and reeling it closer to the fish before starting a slow walk
the dog. This gives you a chance to get your plug as close as possible without,
as I like to say "throwing rocks at them". The main reason I have been using
both the 3.25 and the 4.25 has been distance. On days when I can get within 50
feet of the fish without spooking them I have been using the 3.25. On those days
they require 100+ I like the 4.25. That 4.25 High Roller is a long casters
dream. I can cast that plug further than any other plug on the market.
On days that the reds have been pushing water on the outside edge of the flats I
have been having my best catches on the 3 inch Fingerling in Trout or Pinfish.
The same long leading casts are needed for these fish. Here is a video we shot
last August with Mike Surman that shows what I'm talking about. For those of you
I told about the grass on your lure look at what this red thinks about grass on
your lure.
Trout
The trout fishing has been great over the past few weeks. We are catching
more smaller fish than larger ones but we are still picking up one here and
there in the 5 to 8 pound range. Just as you would expect all the trout have
been caught near schools of bait, but as for the time of day, it hasn't seamed
to matter. The only thing I can say is that all of our larger fish have been
caught less than 2 feet in the heat of the day. I have still been catching most
on the 4.25 Rip Roller Redhead. but that is only when the pressure has been
below 30.10 and moving. When things get above that everything has been caught on
swimbaits.
Snook
The snook bite is about the same as a few weeks ago except our
better catches have come before sunrise. It has all been about bait and
structure. Our best catches of snook have continued to be on High Roller's 2.75
Pop Roller in their Green Back.
Tarpon
The larger tarpon continue to be hit and
miss on the beaches. The good news is we are see some larger fish upwards to
120+ in the river. We see this most years but not this early. As many of you
know this has been a strange year and this just adds to it. We have yet to put
one of these big boys in the boat but we have jumped a few. All of the tarpon we
have hooked and boated have been on the 3 inch Pinfish Fingerling.
It is starting to look like we are going to have an above average October. It
looks like it may even start in September this year. For those of you who don't
know what I'm talking about, Tarpon are one of the most finicky fish we have in
this area. They will swim and roll all around you boat for hours and never eat a
thing. Ever year in October I do almost nothing but tarpon trips for 3 to 4
weeks. During this time the tarpon go into a feeding frenzy. We have had days
where we have boated as many as 30 tarpon. If you think that's pretty good it
gets better. During this time they love to feed on top water!
I still have a few days each week in October still open so stop what your doing
and go look at your calendar. If you want to book a trip with me you need to do
it now. In the past I am usually booked up by the beginning of September.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Post Number: 29
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 - 10:39 am: | |
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
July 17th, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
This has been one of the strangest years I've seen when it comes to fishing in this are. There are good reasons for everything that has been going on but it is still strange. 1) the trout spawned about 2 months late and are continuing to spawn today. 2) The crabs never moved into the rivers like they usually do. The large schools of reds only show up every now and again. 3) the bait showed up late. 4) we are seeing more tarpon in the river this summer than we have in past years. So what has caused all this? Salinity. The first part of the year we had a lot less rain than we have had in past years. Now that we are getting rain we now have a lower salinity than we have in the past. As part of the records I keep every year I have watched the salinity drop from 26ppt to 18ppt within the last month. This is a big shock to fish that are use to it staying around 20ppt. The good news is now that things are closer to what they typically are for this time of year things are starting to normalize a little.
Even though we don't have the schools of 500+ reds we are starting to see a few schools of up to 100. Most of these fish have been very spooky so patients has been the key. Over the past few weeks we have also been starting to catch more larger trout up to 8 pounds. The snook have been willing to eat for up in the pre dawn hours. And nice schools of juvenile tarpon are working the deeper areas of the river.
Redfish
The red fishing has been on and off. On day we find the fish we have to work them quietly and not putting very much pressure on them. Most of the fish we are finding are near schools of bait in 2 to 4 feet of water. This has been a real challenge due to the amount of algae in the deeper water. The funny thing has been that we are having some good top water days. On the days the top water bite is slow we are doing pretty good with High Roller's 3 inch Fingerling in Trout or Pinfish. On the top water days we are putting more reds in the boat with the 4.25 High Roller in Redhead. Ether way our best catches have come by poling or drifting the flats and waiting for the fish to come to us. Once we have found them it has been all about long leading casts.
Most of the reds we have been catching have been between 10 and 20 lbs. However for those of you looking for something a little smaller that you can keep try working the Redhead 2.75 Pop Roller just inside the schools of bait in a foot or 2 of water in the early mornings. We started picking up a few nice slot size fish a few weeks ago and it has been pretty steady ever since.
TroutThe trout fishing has picked up a lot compared to my last report. The funny thing has been that our better catches have been in the late morning through afternoon. They have all been caught in a foot to a foot and a half of water. Once you get any deeper that 2 1/2 feet all we have been catching is schoolies. Our best catches have come on the 4.25 Rip Roller Redhead. On the days we have switched to a smaller plug we have been catching small trout and ladyfish. All of the larger trout we have found has been near and in large schools of bait.
Snook
The snook bite has also picked put over the past week. The key to them has been glass minnows. If there near the docks that so are the snook. Our best catches of snook have been on High Roller's 2.75 Pop Roller in their Green Back.
Tarpon
The larger tarpon are hit and miss on the beaches. The smaller river tarpon have been a lot more respective to artificials. Some of our better catches have been on fly but on the days we have been throwing spinning we have done pretty good with the 3 inch Pinfish Fingerling. or the Yo-zuri 3 inch 3D minnow in Tennessee shad. I love these smaller tarpon. They spend more time in the air and most of the time you can get them to the boat in a reasonable amount of time. until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 28
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 10:26 am: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
June 12th, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Let the games begin. As our
first tropical storm of the year passes over Florida this area is getting some
much needed rain. This mean our water levels will come up some, our salinity
will drop a little and some of the grass that has been a plague on our flats
will thin out hopefully to where it should be. Over the past few months our
grass in Cocoa Beach has been so thick that even the bait fish has been avoiding
the flats. The salinity has been so high that the trout have had a weak spawn
this year. The crabs have been thin. When you tie all this together it makes for
some slow fishing.
So far this year slow has been an understatement compared to last years fishing.
The good news is that that should all be about to change. We are starting to see
good numbers of the larger tarpon showing up on the beach. A few scattered
schools of reds are starting to move back up onto the flats and the trout are
starting to school up on the droop-offs. If all goes as I think it will over the
next few weeks we should be starting to have more banner days.
Redfish
The reds
have been a little more consistent over the past few days. We are see a good
number of schools of oversized reds working inside of the schools of bait. The
largest fish we are seeing are in the 15 to 20 pounds range. We have been able
to boat a few over that but most are still under 20.
Most of the reds we have
boated have been by working weedless twitch baits like the 4 inch Native Shiner
Bass Assassin. When the reds are on the outside of the grass we are still having
our best luck with High Roller's 3 inch Fingerling in Trout. With both lures we
have had our best luck working it slowly along the bottom and letting the fish
find the lure.
On days they aren't as spooky we have had our best luck with the
4.25 High Roller in Redhead and the 4.25 Rip Roller Redhead. When working both
of these lures we have had our best luck working it very slow near the fish and
not over their heads.
Another lure we are starting to have good results with are High Roller's new PT
Spoon. This lure isn't like any other spoon you have fished with. You can hold a
steady retrieve and walk the dog on the surface or slow it down a bit and walk
it just below. You can work it like a twitch bait or just drag it along the
bottom for those spooky fish. The best thing is they don't spin and twist up
your line like all the other spoons.
All of our fish have been just inside of the schools of bait. The mullet have
seamed to be very afraid of the reds. This usually tells me that they are
looking for something else to eat. This is not to say that they won't eat mullet
if the opportunity presents itself. So always remember when you see this a slow
steady retrieve until the fish notice the lure. Once this happens speed up your
retrieve a little. Most of the time this will bring out the instinctual chase.
PT Spoon
High Roller's PT Spoon
Fingerling Swim Bait
High Roller's Pinfish 3 inch Fingerling
Top Water
4.25 High Roller in Redhead
4.25 Rip Roller Redhead
Trout
The trout fishing has slowed down when it come to the larger gator trout.
This may change with the recent rain but that has still to be seen. The smaller
trout fishing has picked up a lot. One thing I always like to remind people when
this happens is to crush your barbs and only use lures with single hooks.
Setting the hook fast is also a good way of trying not to harm these schoolies.
Most of our larger fish have come during the predawn hours in shallow water in
or around schools of larger mullet. The key to hook-ups with these fish is long
casts. When it comes to what lures we have been using the rule has been large
slow moving baits. Our best luck has come with the 4.25 High Roller in Redhead.
After sunrise we have had better luck with the 4.25 Rip Roller Florida Special.
We have continued with the slower retrieve but with a harder tap.
Snook
We have had a few good days over the past few weeks with the snook. The
key has been early mornings, glass minnows and small top water plugs. If you can
find a spot near docks or mangroves with glass minnows there is a good chance of
finding snook. With the past full moon you need to get out real early if you
want a shot at a hook-up. Now that we are getting some rain start looking around
outflows from the mosquito impoundments and other drainage areas.
Our best catches have come on High Roller's 2.75 Pop Roller in their Green Back.
We have been working it with a firm pop and a second or two pause. Just as with
the trout and reds we have been twitching it a little faster if they miss it on
the first strike.
Tarpon
Tarpon have been showing up in good numbers in the 60 to 80 pound range
on the beaches. I haven't had a chance to get out for these bigger boys yet but
in years past we have had great luck with ether the 6.5 Rip Roller in Florida
Special and the 5 inch Pinfish Fingerling.
These fish can be a blast. All you need to do is get out early, find how far the
bait is holding off the beach and work the beach until you see tarpon. My
favorite is when you can find them jumping while busting bait. This is a good
sign that you chances for a hook-up are great. All you have to do when you see
the fish doing this is to make a long cast a good 10 to 20 feet in front of the
fish and work it hard if your working top water. Once you get your first strike
on top water you'll see why I say if you haven't caught a tarpon on top water
you still have caught one yet. The air show is something you wont ever forget.
As for the smaller tarpon in the river, they have been hit and miss. These fish
can give you an ulcer. They are ether on or off. The great things is when they
are on they can give you more airtime than their larger brothers.
If you are looking for more of a sure thing you need to give me a call and book
a trip for October. I have put more tarpon in the boat in the last 3 weeks of
October and the first week of November than any other time of the year. If we
have another year like the last 2 we should have a great top water year.
At this time I still have a few days open so if this is something you want to do
or you have done it with me in the past and you want to do it again, call me
now!
Tackle report.
There is a new product on the market I wonted to let you
know about. I have been a big advocate of amber polarized glasses until I had a
chance to try copper. The Fly Fisherman has just started caring a new line of
glasses called Panoptx. I have never seen the flats with such clarity. The fish
stand out better than they ever did with other glasses. These glasses also have
great protection from the wind. They have a number of models that will block
100% of the wind. So next time you find yourself in the market for a new pair of
glasses give these a try.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 27
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 7:33 pm: | |
April 23rd, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post a new report. It has been hard for me to find time to post these reports as often as I use to. Now that my son is pushing 2 I try to spend every second with him I can.
Well on to the fishing.
Spring has sprung in Cocoa Beach. We have had a few days with temperatures already pushing 90. The only thing we need now is some more rain. The water levels are very low and the salinity is a little high. This can be a good thing but it can also mix things up a bit. When the salinity gets to high the crabs don't move onto the flats in as good of numbers. This means we can expect to see better schools of larger reds working deeper water areas near or on drop-offs. As the spring and summer rains start to come and more crabs start moving up on the flats these larger fish will follow.
Everything is running a few weeks to a month behind this year compared to last year. This means we have a lot to look forward to. Such as the bull reds grouping up for their false spawn and the gator trout spawning. To date our biggest red has been 38 lbs and or biggest trout weighed in at just under 10 lbs.
Redfish
The red fishing has been hit and miss so far this spring. We have had some great days putting as many as 7 reds up to 30 lbs in the boat in a morning. We have also had a few days we haven't been able to find a red. The good news is we have been able to find a few to play more often than not.
On our good days we have had our best luck with High Roller's 3 inch Fingerling in Pinfish. I think that on of the reasons we have been having better luck with this color over the Trout or Black and gold is because of the number of pinfish we have on the flats this year. As many of you know I am a big "match the hatch" person.
When it comes to top water we have put more reds in the boat this year with the 3.25 and 4.25 High Roller in Florida Special and Gulf Coast Special. We have had better luck with the Gulf Coast Special in the pre dawn hours and the Florida Special after sun rise. When it comes to the size of the lure I have had to change them out depending on the distance of the fish and how they have reacted to top water plugs. The 3.25 is a great plug for a fast "walk the dog". I like the 4.25 for a slower walk or a sub surface twitch. The 3.25 is also a little softer on windy days.
High Roller's Pinfish 3 inch Fingerling
Top Water
4.25 High Roller in Florida Special 3.25 High Roller in Gulf Coast Special
Trout
The trout fishing has picked up a lot since my last report. We are not putting the numbers of big trout in the boat so far like we did last year but we are hooking a few gators. My favorite things about fishing the big trout is that we always catch our best fish on top water. This year is no different. The only notable difference between this year and last is that the trout are a little spooky when it comes to nosey plugs. All of the gators we have boated this spring have been caught on the 4.25 High Rollers. They have all come using a slow but firm walk the dog. By firm I mean a sharp tap followed by a pause.
All of our big trout have come fishing shallow, grassy areas where there have been a good number of larger mullet. We have had most of our best catches within the first hour after sunrise. However, we have still put a few up to 9 lbs in the boat after noon.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 25
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 1:17 pm: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa
Beach & Titusville areas
January 6, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Happy New year! As I sit
here writing this report I can't help but think about 2005 and all the things I
have to be thankful for. Besides my family's health and and the roof over my
head I am thankful for all of you that have fished with me this past year and
helped me to live my dream of being a guide. I am also thankful for all of you I
have had a chance to meet and talk about fishing at the docks and in the fly
shop. It has also been great hearing from those of you who trusted the advice I
gave you about the tackle I have found that works. I love here the stories about
catching fish.
I would also like to thank the guys at High Roller and G-loomis
for making such great products. I know we would have never put the fish we did
this past year in the boat if they didn't make such great products.
Well before I start to sound like I'm accepting some award I want to give you a
snapshot of 2005's redfish statistics. As you can see this year was a great year
for reds. You can also see just how bad the cold front hurt us in late October.
I hope you find this info useful. I am in the process of posting a statistic
page at www.sightfishing.com/statistic.html
Current fishing report
Well once again we are riding the rollercoaster. Every
winter we only have 2 types of trips in Cocoa Beach. The good, the slow and the
painful. Well maybe it's not that bad but when I look at what's around the
corner in February it feels that way. The reds are here. We even have some big
boys on our flats. I just can't tell you what your day is going to be like from
day to day. One day we will hook into numerous great fish. the next they wont
even look at your bait. The only thing that keeps us going is the chance of
hooking that big one and all the winter time fish that pass through.
If your
just looking for a tight line and want to here drag we do have a good number of
ladyfish (poor mans tarpon), blues, jacks, Spanish mackerel, Flounder, pompano
and a few others around. We have even seen a few tarpon (this is a long shot).
The question you have to ask yourself is, do you want to take a shot at the big
one or just have a good time.
Redfish
The reds have been real shy and spooky in
Cocoa Beach. We are seeing a good number it is just a matter of what mood they
are in from day to day. As many of you know I follow a barometer to determine
where, how and if I fish. Well over the years I have learned one thing when it
comes to winter, Don't follow the barometer. I have had days we just slammed the
reds in the winter when the pressure was so high I would have canceled a trip if
it had been summer. I have also had days the the fishing stunk and the pressure
was perfect. It is all hit and miss with it so my advice is don't even look.
On
days when the reds have been willing to play we have had our best luck with High
Roller's Black and Gold 3 inch Fingerling. Because these reds have been so
spooky we have had to make long cast and work this swim bait real slow. You have
to let them find the lure. If you are to aggressive with your retrieve you will
spook them off.
On the same days we have been able to get the reds to feed we have also been
having good luck with these EP flies.
Olive Suspended Shrimp
Gray Bay Anchovy
Pinfish
I have been throwing these
flies for some time now and have fallen in love with them. The are great for
people who sometimes have a hard time with larger flies because the EP fiber
doesn't hold water like most other flies. If you have a hard time finding these
flies give the guys at the Fly Fisherman a call and they can hook you up. There
number is 321-267-0348. They have a great selection of EP flies and tying
material.
As for where we are finding most of our fish, most have been in
shallow water near drop offs. If you can find bait you'll find the reds nearby.
Trout
Trout fishing has been slow. We have picked up a few fish but not really
enough to write a report about. The only thing I can say is that it wont be much
longer. A good winter time trick I like is BIG Topwater plugs in shallow water.
This is something I know that there are a lot of nonbelievers out there but I
can promise you this, Once you do it you will never want to fish winter time
trout any other way. What I do is get a rod you can throw at least 200 feet
with. I have a 10'6" G-loomis Noodle rod rigged with 8 pound test. Put about a 4
foot 20 pound fluorocarbon leader on with a blood knot. Then I use a 6.5 Rip
Roller in Florida Special as my weapon of choice. Then find a sheltered flat
with deep water nearby that is holding bait. Stay on the outside of the flat and
make long casts onto the flat. The key is tap it hard but let it sit for a good
20 seconds before taping it again. Keep in mind that when the water is cold
trout don't want to use very much energy to catch their meals. They also want
the most bang for the buck when it comes to what they eat. I have caught trout
up to 15 lbs doing this. It isn't good for a day if your looking for numbers,
but it is great for hooking a gator or two if you put in the time.
Everything else
There are still a good number of jacks, blues, Spanish mackerel,
pompano, ladyfish and flounder. One of the great things about fishing Cocoa
Beach is Port Canaveral is just a few minutes away. On days that the fishing has
slowed down or the wind has blown us off the flats we have been having a good
time playing with the drag burners. This has to be some of the easiest fishing
you can find on a clod winter day. all you need is something shinny with a hook
and some wire leader and your set. The port has been loaded with fish willing to
pull line. The only thing that's missing is you.
For the locals
Just a note
about our local Fly Shop, The Fly Fisherman in Titusville.
They have just about rapped up their remodeling and have increased their
inventory with all the supplies we need to feed our habits. They have a huge
selection of G-loomis rods, the new Ross fly reels and pliers, tons of new flies
and tying materials, the new SA redfish taper, a nice shipment of new Hobie
Kayaks, a lot more spinning rods and reels and much more.
The Fly fisherman is now also hosting a Thursday Night Social from 6 pm till 8
pm. This is a great time for you to talk to some of the locals about what
they've been using to catch fish, learn a few new fly patterns and get to know a
few people with our passion for fishing. Give John or Rich a call for more info
at 321-267-0348.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug call 321-432-9470 or go to www.SightFishing.com |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 24
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 26, 2005 - 4:57 pm: | |
November 26th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
The bulls are grazing in the field!!!! I know it's a long story but those of you that have fished with me before know what I'm talking about. The bull reds have shown up but haven't been very cooperative yet. I do have some good news though. Our smaller 20 pounders have been a little more willing to pull a line. The only problem we have had has been finding them. They haven't fallen into a discernable pattern yet. This is typical for them in the winter. If we continue to have some stable weather it should only be a matter of time before they find an area and settle down.
Redfish
Redfishing has started to pick up a lot over the past week. On days when mother nature didn't blow us off the water we have been able to manage a few fish up to 25 lbs. The larger bulls have been a different story. We have been able to find them a few days but have yet to be able to get close enough to make a cast. All we need is a few calm, warm afternoons to calm these fish down enough to try to hook a run-a-way train.
On the few days that the wind hasn't been blowing at 20+ the reds have started to be a little more receptive to top water. Our best catches have come on a soft walk the dog with the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller and the 3.25 Green Back High Roller. One of the major advantages we have had has been the subtle action this lure can have. Our best catches have come by casting 10 to 20 feet over and to the side of the school and slowly retrieving it to within a few feet of the school before starting a gentle walk along their edge. Doing this the fish never see it coming and as long as you keep the action to a minimum it hasn't spooked them out.
3.25 Florida Special High Roller
4.25 Bone High Roller
On those days that the fish have been to spooky to think about top water we have been once again haven't good luck with the 3" 1/4 oz Trout or Pinfish Fingerlings. These swim baits have proven to be one of the best lures I have ever used for spooky fish. Earlier this year we had days on the water when nobody was able to get a red to hit anything and we were able to consistently put fish in the boat day after day. The key is putting it far enough in front of the school and letting them come to it before you start your retrieve.
3" 1/4 oz Trout Fingerlings
3" 1/4 oz Pinfish Fingerlings
Most of the reds we have found over the past few weeks have been in shallow water less then 2 feet. I can't say they've been near bait or patchy areas because as I said earlier I haven't been able to find a pattern. I say this because redfish are creatures of habit. Over the years I have been able to fish the same areas day after day and tell you that they will swim past this clump of grass at 8:30 and over that sandy area at 9:00. One day I find them at 6 in one place and the next they are somewhere else at the same time. I have yet to see a pattern with bait or even grass. Each day it has been a game of hide and seek. All I can say is that it shouldn't be long before they just go nuts trying to put on a few pounds before winter gets here.
Trout
Trout fishing has been a little more predictable than the reds. We have been able to put a few good fish in the boat but it has all been in the early mornings in or around small schools of bait. Our largest trout has only been about 4 lbs but compared to a few weeks ago that's great. The best part about the trout has been their willingness to bust top water. We have had a blast with popper flies and top water plugs. That is one of the best things about winter time trout. When the water gets cooler the trout get a little spunky. You don't catch a lot but the ones you do will pull a little more drag.
Our best catches have come on the 3.25 Blue Shad Rip Roller. in the mornings up until around 8 am in less than a foot. After that we have put more fish in the boat on drop-offs using the 3" 3/8 oz Pinfish Fingerlings.
3.25 Blue Shad Rip Roller.
3" 3/8 oz Pinfish Fingerlings
Everything else
There are a few nice things about cooler water. Jacks, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano, ladyfish and flounder. One of the great things about fishing Cocoa Beach is Port Canaveral is just a few minutes away. On days that the fishing has slowed down or the wind has blown us off the flats we have been having a good time playing with the drag burners. This has to be some of the easiest fishing you can find on a clod winter day. all you need is something shinny with a hook and some wire leader and your set. The port has been loaded with fish willing to pull line. The only thing that's missing is you.
November 26th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
The bulls are grazing in the field!!!! I know it's a long story but those of you that have fished with me before know what I'm talking about. The bull reds have shown up but haven't been very cooperative yet. I do have some good news though. Our smaller 20 pounders have been a little more willing to pull a line. The only problem we have had has been finding them. They haven't fallen into a discernable pattern yet. This is typical for them in the winter. If we continue to have some stable weather it should only be a matter of time before they find an area and settle down.
Redfish
Redfishing has started to pick up a lot over the past week. On days when mother nature didn't blow us off the water we have been able to manage a few fish up to 25 lbs. The larger bulls have been a different story. We have been able to find them a few days but have yet to be able to get close enough to make a cast. All we need is a few calm, warm afternoons to calm these fish down enough to try to hook a run-a-way train.
On the few days that the wind hasn't been blowing at 20+ the reds have started to be a little more receptive to top water. Our best catches have come on a soft walk the dog with the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller and the 3.25 Green Back High Roller. One of the major advantages we have had has been the subtle action this lure can have. Our best catches have come by casting 10 to 20 feet over and to the side of the school and slowly retrieving it to within a few feet of the school before starting a gentle walk along their edge. Doing this the fish never see it coming and as long as you keep the action to a minimum it hasn't spooked them out.
3.25 Florida Special High Roller
4.25 Bone High Roller
On those days that the fish have been to spooky to think about top water we have been once again haven't good luck with the 3" 1/4 oz Trout or Pinfish Fingerlings. These swim baits have proven to be one of the best lures I have ever used for spooky fish. Earlier this year we had days on the water when nobody was able to get a red to hit anything and we were able to consistently put fish in the boat day after day. The key is putting it far enough in front of the school and letting them come to it before you start your retrieve.
3" 1/4 oz Trout Fingerlings
3" 1/4 oz Pinfish Fingerlings
Most of the reds we have found over the past few weeks have been in shallow water less then 2 feet. I can't say they've been near bait or patchy areas because as I said earlier I haven't been able to find a pattern. I say this because redfish are creatures of habit. Over the years I have been able to fish the same areas day after day and tell you that they will swim past this clump of grass at 8:30 and over that sandy area at 9:00. One day I find them at 6 in one place and the next they are somewhere else at the same time. I have yet to see a pattern with bait or even grass. Each day it has been a game of hide and seek. All I can say is that it shouldn't be long before they just go nuts trying to put on a few pounds before winter gets here.
Trout
Trout fishing has been a little more predictable than the reds. We have been able to put a few good fish in the boat but it has all been in the early mornings in or around small schools of bait. Our largest trout has only been about 4 lbs but compared to a few weeks ago that's great. The best part about the trout has been their willingness to bust top water. We have had a blast with popper flies and top water plugs. That is one of the best things about winter time trout. When the water gets cooler the trout get a little spunky. You don't catch a lot but the ones you do will pull a little more drag.
Our best catches have come on the 3.25 Blue Shad Rip Roller. in the mornings up until around 8 am in less than a foot. After that we have put more fish in the boat on drop-offs using the 3" 3/8 oz Pinfish Fingerlings.
3.25 Blue Shad Rip Roller.
3" 3/8 oz Pinfish Fingerlings
Everything else
There are a few nice things about cooler water. Jacks, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano, ladyfish and flounder. One of the great things about fishing Cocoa Beach is Port Canaveral is just a few minutes away. On days that the fishing has slowed down or the wind has blown us off the flats we have been having a good time playing with the drag burners. This has to be some of the easiest fishing you can find on a clod winter day. all you need is something shinny with a hook and some wire leader and your set. The port has been loaded with fish willing to pull line. The only thing that's missing is you.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 23
Registered: 2-2004
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 14, 2005 - 1:12 pm: | |
November 14th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Well mother nature messed up the tarpon fishing for us a few weeks early this
year. When that cold front came in on the back side of Wilma or water temp
dropped 20 degrees and pushed them south. Before the storm we did have a few
great days with as many as 8 tarpon boated off top water. So now the clock is
ticking and I'm counting the days until next October. I have already had 2
people book days for it next year so check your calendars and let me know if you
want to get in on the action.
For the past few weeks a high pressure system has slowed down a lot of the
fishing all across the area. That is not to say that we haven't caught fish, we
just haven't been having some of those banner days we have this time of year. I
have a few nice schools of reds up to 25lbs working the area. The problem is
that they are so spooky getting close enough to make a cast has been a
challenge.
Redfish
I wont say that fishing for reds has been a little slow, its been real slow. We
have fish where they should be this time of year. They have just been so spooky
we are having a hard time getting close enough to make a cast to them. The only
way we have been able to get a hookup has been by letting them come to us. On
days when it has all come together the silly thing is they have been willing to
hit top water. I really think the reason has been the distance we have been able
to get with it over other lures. 4.25 Pearl Chartreuse head High Roller. we
have also had good luck with the Bone color.
As I said earlier the Bull Reds haven't shown up yet. They should been hear any
day and when they do be ready. Last year they were very receptive to top water.
This is still something I tell my clients all the time, If you haven't caught a
red on top water you still haven't caught one. The strike and fight are like no
other style of catching them.
Ass soon as I see them and get a few to the boat I will let you know.
Trout
Some of the larger trout are starting to show up in the early mornings on flats
that hold bait. The key has been long casts with top water. As with the reds
many of these fish have been a little spooky so a nice long cast and a slow
retrieve will put more fish in the boat.
Our best catches have come up to an hour or so after sunrise with the 3.25 Blue
Shad Rip Roller. Most of our early morning fish have been caught in less than a
foot of water. In the late mornings and afternoon our best catches have come in
the transition water between the flats and the drop-offs. The key has still been
bait. In the afternoons we have also had better luck with the 3" 3/8 oz Pinfish
Fingerlings.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 22
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 1:58 pm: | |
October 7th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
The day I have been waiting for has arrived! As much as I love to help people catch trophy reds there is one fish that drives me nuts. If you haven't guessed it already it's TARPON!!!!
Every year as the bait run makes its way south we get a surge of tarpon that follow the bait. Sure we have tarpon here about 8 months out of the year, but nothing is like what we have now. Most years it all takes place the last 2 weeks of October and the first 2 weeks of November. Well this year it looks like it's going to start a little early.
Last year was a top water year. We boated about 70 of the silver kings in 2 weeks all on the 3.25 Rip Roller. This year it looks like it's going to be a mix of top water and holographic jerkbaits. Today was my first day fishing these guys and I boated 3 between 25 and 35 lbs on the 3" 3/8 oz Pinfish Fingerlings and Jumped 1 about 100 lbs on the 3.25 Florida Special Rip Roller.
To sum things up, if you every wanted to catch tarpon but haven't been able to make the time. Do it now. give me a call, shot me an e-mail or fill out my booking form. I only have a few days still open between now and the 2nd week of November. After that it will be back to bull reds.
Redfish
The redfish has been a little slow for a few week now. We have managed a few but nothing of any great size. The good news is we should only be a few weeks away from some of the best fishing for bull reds this area has to offer. Now there is something I need to clear up. From February until July we fish some nice reds. 90% of our reds are over 20 lbs. That's a nice red. In March and August we catch some really nice fish between 30 and 40 lbs. In November we catch our really, really nice reds between 40 and 50 lbs. These are the true bulls. These fish are here for the spawn. When they school up in the fall they are a lot more aggressive. This means top water plugs are 90% of what I throw. I have my best luck with the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller and the 4.25 Florida Special Rip Roller on days I can get in close to the fish and their busting a lot of bait. On days that they are a little further out and not feeding as hard I like the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller and the 4.25 Florida Special High Roller. Most day I use the Florida Special exclusively but you have to watch the bait. In the fall I have a lot of days out there that all they want to eat are needle fish. When I see this I use the Green Back.
3.25 Florida Special High Roller
4.25 Green Back Rip Roller
As I said earlier the redfishing has been a little slow. I have started to see a few of the bigger boys out there but most days the wind has been a factor and sight fishing has been very hard.
All of the reds we have been able to boat have been near large schools of bait in sandy areas about 2 feet deep. The key has been patience. If your willing to put in the time we have been able to catch a few. Our best catches have come on the 3" 3/8 oz Trout Fingerlings swam slowly just above the bottom.
Trout
Trout fishing has improved 100% over the past few weeks. We have had a few little dips in water temperatures and it has brought the trout back in good numbers. Now I have to admit that most have been under the 15 inch slot but we have been able to catch a few up to 5 lbs.
As for what we've been catching them and where it's a mixed bag. One day they have been in great numbers on the flats in 2 feet or less where there isn't any bait to speak of and happy to take top water plugs. The next day we are fishing drop-offs with jerkbaits around large schools of mullet. The key has been if you don't find anything within 10 minutes move on.
Snook
The snook fishing has continued pretty strong. It has just been a matter of finding glass minnows and throwing top water along the edges of mangroves and docks. Most have been small but we have boated a few up to 8 lbs in the early mornings. Our best catches continue to be on the 3.25 Rip Roller and the 2.75 Pop Roller. in Tequila Sunrise or Electric Trout..
Tarpon
Tarpon, tarpon, tarpon. Grab your rod and reel and get out there. Not to get you too excited but remember me telling you about jumping over 90 tarpon and boating 30. It was this time of year. Don't call me in 2 weeks and ask when it was last year or if I still have a day open because the answer will be it was now and I'm booked. I still have a few days open so call now.
So far this year I have seen more tarpon in this river than I have ever seen. I have also seen more fish in the 100 pound class. Now is the time that all these fish are trying to bulk up on the bait run before they start their journey south or back into their winter holes. Most of tarpon we catch this time of year are between 20 and 40 lbs. In my opinion these are the best. You get a lot more airtime and they can be caught on light tackle. You can also catch more of these fish in one trip without all the work of pulling in a 150 to 200 lbs fish. Now that is not to say that we don't catch a few larger ones form time to time. Last year I think every trip we boated tarpon we jumped at least one each trip over 60 lbs.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 21
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 6:28 pm: | |
Fishing in Cocoa Beach has been pretty good. The redfish have been a little hit or miss but behind every cloud there's a silver lining, or in this case a black one. Yes, the sight fishing reds has been on one day and off the next and the snook fishing has been great. So far this year has been one of the best I can remember for years.
Redfish
As I mentioned earlier, the redfishing has been on and off. The good part is when it's on it's great. We have still been able to put a few fish upwards of 40 lbs in the boat. The clincher has been the conditions have got to be perfect. That is, no one with a trolling motor within a few hundred yards of you. Bait on the inside of the flat. Lite wind. If these things are all in your favor there is a good chance of a great hook-up.
Most of the fish we have been finding over the past few weeks have been in 1 to 2 feet of water just outside of the schools of bait. We have managed a few good hook-ups off our first few casts with top water. However, once the school starts to move we have had to throw the soft baits. On top water we have had our best luck with the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller and the 3" 3/8 oz Trout Fingerlings for a soft plastic.
The good news is that this is all about to change very quickly. The fall bait run is starting to show up to our south and once it makes its way into Cocoa Beach The reds will stop scavenging and turn their attention to spawning. This means a few things. BIG BULLS up to 50 lbs. (I caught my biggest 4 years ago on top water during the bait run. 51 lbs at 57 3/4 inches.) Over the past few years it all usually started around the first few weeks of October, however, this year seams to be running a few weeks early.
Trout
The trout bite started to pick up a little last week. Most of the trout were caught on top water and were good sized. We started putting a few good fish up to 4 and 5 lbs in the boat. There hasn't been a great number of fish but most have been good quality. All of the trout we have caught have been in 2 to 4 feet of water near schools of glass minnows. Our best catches have been on the 3" Bone Chug Roller.
Snook
Snook fishing has been getting better every morning. All you need is a school of glass minnows near mangroves and it's on. Our best catches continue to be on the 3.25 Rip Roller and the 2.75 Pop Roller. in Tequila Sunrise or Electric Trout..
Tarpon
The tarpon fishing has slowed down a bit in Cocoa Beach. Most of our fish in the river are between 10 to 30 lbs and willing to feed as long as there is bait close by. We have had good luck with the 3.25 Rainbow Trout Rip Roller as well as the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller.
Tarpon update.....
I know many of you have said you would like to get in on my Fall Tarpon Madness. At this time it looks like it may be starting a few weeks earlier. this means I have a few more days that have opened up for the games. I only have a few days left open. Just a reminder, the last part of October and first 2 weeks of November are some of the best juvenile tarpon fishing this area has to offer. Last year we had one day I will never forget, Jumped 90, put 30 in the boat, all between 20 and 60 lbs and all on top water. If you haven't booked your trip yet you will be too late if you wait.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug goto www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
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Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 20
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 7:47 am: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
August 18th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing in Cocoa Beach has been pretty good over the past few weeks. We have had a few slow days but we have also had a few great days. Last Friday I had the privilege to film the season opener of "All About Fishing" with Mike Surman. We had hoped to catch a few snook and tarpon in the morning but they had other plans for the morning. Lucky for us they weren't our prime target. We had set out to film a show about bull redfish and luckily for us they showed up and were happy to eat. The show will air the first week of January 2006 on the Outdoor Channel. If you get a chance you should watch because all the stuff I have been telling you for years about High Roller Lures happened.
Redfish
The reds have been on and off with top water for the past few weeks. You have to play each day by ear. If the red seam to be paying attention to the mullet plug away. Unfortunately most days they have been feeding more on small baitfish and crabs in the grass. It is on these days we have had our best luck with High Roller's 3" 3/8 oz Trout Fingerlings. We have had our best catches ether swimming this lure just above the grass in weedy areas and dragging it on the bottom when we can get a cast over sand.
On days when the reds are feeding more on mullet we have had our best luck walking the dog with the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller. Our best catches have come by tossing our plugs 10 to 15 feet in front and over the schools and waiting for them to move within a few inches before slowly walking the plug in front of them.
All of the reds we have been finding have been in 1 to 3 feet of water and pushing the outside of bait. The best part is what we have been their size. Most of the fish we have been catching over the past few weeks have been between 20 and 38 lbs. I was camera less these past few weeks so I don't have any new pictures but I was able to shoot some video. I am still working on editing it down from 45 minutes per fish so it may be a little bit still before it gets posted.
Trout
The trout fishing continues to be slow in Cocoa Beach. We have had a few okay days but most of the trout we are finding are well below slot. I have heard of a few good catches in the early mornings in areas where the bait is packed up for the night but as I said I have heard. Most of my early morning has been spent catching snook and tarpon so I can't add to the rumors.
Snook
Snook continue to be a sure thing most mornings to those making long casts to lighted docks. The only thing that has been a must is glass minnows. If you find a dock without them move on the 3.25 Rip Roller and the 2.75 Pop Roller.in Tequila Sunrise. This is a classic snook color and one that is a must for any snook fisherman.
I have had a blast watching people over the past few weeks hook into these fish on top water. Most of my clients have been bass fisherman. And as those of you that have caught snook with plugs know these fish are Bass on steroids. They will strip off line before you have a chance to set the hook.
Tarpon
The tarpon are everywhere. Most of our fish in the river are between 10 to 60 lbs and willing to feed as long as there is bait close by. We have had good luck with the 3.25 Rainbow Trout Rip Roller as well as the 3.25 Florida Special High Roller. The key has been a lot of splashing. (Here is one of the only times I have used that word)
The larger tarpon continue to work the beach in good numbers. You just have to be willing to put in the time to find the bait. The biggest drawback to these big boys working the beach has been the number of sharks in the same areas. With this in mind, please remember to get these fish to the boat as quickly as possible when sharks are in the area. These fish are truly one of Florida's natural treasures. Let's not feed the sharks more than they get naturally.
Tarpon update.....
I know many of you have said you would like to get in on my Fall Tarpon Madness. At this time I only have a few days left open. Just a reminder, the last week of October and first 2 weeks of November are some of the best juvenile tarpon fishing this area has to offer. Last year we had one day I will never forget, Jumped 90, put 30 in the boat, all between 20 and 60 lbs and all on top water. If you haven't booked your trip yet you will be too late if you wait.
"Grand Re-Opening" of the Orlando Fly Fisherman on August 27th.
Chico Fernandez will be there for autographs, speaking, and demos. There will also be fly tying seminars, casting seminars, and special sales on several items.
Here is a map to their store. Fly Fisherman Orlando
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 19
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 5:28 pm: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
August 2nd 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Okay I know last time I said WOW but this time I really mean it. WOW!!! I know I said last week that I would post a new report but things have been crazy around here and it's not just me. The fishing has been so up and down, side to side and any other direction you can think of. As I said with my last report, THE BULLS ARE CHARGING!!!!! The tarpon are rolling and the snook are busting top water. The only fish that has been allusive is the big trout.
Redfish
Well the top water bite has slowed down once again with the reds. The good news is that we now have a school of about 75 bull reds that have been happy to take artificials. The only problem this week has been what we have been catching them on. As many of you my remember, years ago I use to talk about a little soft plastic made by Cotee called a Real Magic. Well the larger reds have only been willing to feed on them. The bad news is that even though this was such a great lure no one would buy them so Cotee stopped making them. (if anyone is interested in trying to get some let me know, They have told me if I can get an order of 1000 together they will make them as they get orders)
Well back to the reds. Most of these bulls are between 30 and 40 lbs and have been very spooky. All of these fish we have been able to put in the boat has been by staying as far off them as we could cast and throwing long leading casts to them. We have also had to work our lures real slow so that we didn't spook them. The good news is that over the past few days these fish have been starting to feed a little more on mullet in the late mornings and early afternoon. This means we should only have a few days until the top water bite turns on. This will mean longer casts and a settle "walk the dog" should do the trick. If you have never caught a bull on top water, you still haven't caught one.
In addition to the big boys we have also started seeing more schools of those smaller 20 pound reds in the early mornings. The key has been finding the glass minnows. This fish continue to be happy feeding on the High Roller's 3" 3/8 oz Trout Fingerlings. Yes I said trout not black and gold. Over the past few weeks we have had better luck with the trout than B/G.
Our best catches have come with long leading casts and dragging it on the bottom as the lead fish gets within range. On most days these fish have been easy to find. All you had to do is start poling a flat and look for them pushing water. However, over the past few days it has been by working a flay looking for wimpy tailing. As the morning passes they start tailing a little harder and become a lot easer to spot.
4.25 High Roller in the Florida Special.
Trout
The trout fishing has been slow for the past few weeks. we have had a few good days with a few fish up to 4 lbs but most days it has been slow. Our best catches have come in the early mornings near drop-offs that are loaded with bait. The best part about the days we have been able to hook into these trout has been that they have been happy to take top water. Our best catches have come on the 3.25 Rip Roller in Florida Special. The trick has been a hard tap with a few second pause. If the plug is worked too fast that only short strike them. If it is worked too slow they just swim behind it.
Snook
Snook have been a sure thing most mornings to those making long casts to lighted docks. The only thing that has been a must is glass minnows. If you find a dock without them move on the 3.25 Rip Roller and the 2.75 Pop Roller.in Tequila Sunrise. This is a classic snook color and one that is a must for any snook fisherman.
I have had a blast watching people over the past few weeks hook into these fish on top water. Most of my clients have been bass fisherman. And as those of you that have caught snook with plugs know these fish are Bass on steroids. They will strip off line before you have a chance to set the hook.
Tarpon
The tarpon are everywhere. Most of our fish in the river are small but willing to bust top water plugs and small jerkbaits. The key has been early mornings in areas with a lot of bait. Most of the fish we have found have been near drop-offs.
The larger tarpon have been working the beach in good numbers. You just have to be willing to put in the time to find the bait. The biggest drawback to these big boys working the beach has been the number of sharks in the same areas. With this in mind, please remember to get these fish to the boat as quickly as possible when sharks are in the area. These fish are truly one of Florida's natural treasures. Let's not feed the sharks more than they get naturally.
Tarpon update.....
I know many of you have said you would like to get in on my Fall Tarpon Madness. At this time I only have a few days left open. Just a reminder, the last week of October and first 2 weeks of November are some of the best juvenile tarpon fishing this area has to offer. Last year we had one day I will never forget, Jumped 90, put 30 in the boat, all between 20 and 60 lbs and all on top water. If you haven't booked your trip yet you will be too late if you wait.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 18
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 7:29 pm: | |
July 5th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
WOW!!! I think that that is about the best I can do to sum it up. The reds have once again started feeding on top water, the snook bite has improved and the big tarpon have shown up on our beaches. And if that wasn't good enough we have also started picking up a few nice trout. Just as I said last time, it's slammertime!!!
Redfish
Unlike my last report the top water bite has been great for the reds. The only drawback has been it has been taking long casts to do it. We have been having our best luck with the 4.25 High Roller in the Florida Special. This is a great, soft walk the dog lure, however, that has not been the retrieve that has been producing the reds. We have had our best luck with fast sharp taps. The trick has been to make it flutter on the surface without retrieving it very much. Try to make it look like an injured mullet laying on the surface. Trust me, if you can master this you will draw the strikes.
Besides the top water bite improving we have continued to do very well with the High Roller's Black and Gold Fingerlings. The key with this lure is a good lead on a moving school. We have had very few times that we didn't pull a fish out if we got it in front of them.
Now if all that didn't sound good enough I have some good news for those of you who are looking for a red over 30 lbs. As may of you know our average red since February has been 22 lbs. Well, a few days ago we started spotting a few of the big boys, that is those over 30 lbs. We haven't been able to get these fish to feed yet but it is only a matter of time till we start putting a few more reds over 40 in the boat.
All of the reds we have caught over the past few weeks have been schooling in 3 to 4 feet of water. With all the rain we have had over the past few weeks it has made it a bit of a challenge but to those willing to put in the time and pole the outside edge of the flats the payoff has been great.
Trout
The trout fishing has been great one day and slow the next. Everything continues to be about the bait. If the bait is there the trout have been too. Our bigger trout continue to come from a foot or two of water in and around the schools of mullet and glass minnows.
As with the reds our best catches have come with long casts. We have been putting more fish in the boat with the 4.25 Rip Roller and the 3.25 Rip Roller in Florida Special. The trick has been a slow sharp retrieve with a few second pause between taps.
Tarpon and snook
As I said earlier the big tarpon have shown up on the beaches. I hate to say that I have been too busy playing with the reds inshore but I have had to do what my clients have wanted. I can tell you that we have been catching a good number of smaller tarpon in the river.
Our best tarpon bite has been on the solar-lunar peeks. All of our tarpon have come on small Yozuri twitch baits. I wish I could give you a link to where to find them but I have yet to find a place on the internet that carries them. All I can tell you is to go to Cast-N-Catch in Sharpes and ask for the lures I have been using.
The snook bite has really started to pick up in Cocoa Beach. The trick has been finding the glass minnows around the docks. We have done pretty good with the 2.75 Pop Roller in Tequila Sunrise.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 17
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 2:53 pm: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
June 20th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
It slammertime!!! We have been consistently putting reds up to 25 lbs in the boat on most trips. We have found a few trout up to 7 lbs willing to take top water plugs. The snook have been starting to pull some drag and best of all the tarpon have shown up. However, with all the fish that are available we also have the afternoon thunderstorms. These storms have been a mixed blessing. They have brought the water levels up but they have also brought the salinity down. This has mixed the fishing up a little. On one day the fishing is great in the early mornings and on the next things don't start to heat up until later in the day.
Redfish
The top water redfish bite has been almost nonexistent over the past few weeks. Most of the schools we have pulled fish from have been very spooky and all surface plugs have done is blow them out. I have also watched a good number of people try to fish the schools we have been on miss shot after shot at these fish just because they were throwing something a little too flashy. So, with out trying to sound too much like a broken record we have had our best luck with High Roller's Black and Gold Fingerlings. (for those of you looking for this lure The Fly Fisherman in Titusville just got a good shipment in).
All of the reds we have caught over the past few weeks have been in 2 to 3 feet of water near schools of mullet. Keep in mind that these fish are very spooky. They are spooking off depth finders. This means that you will have almost no chance at all of getting a hook-up if you try to chase them. You will have even a smaller chance by using a trolling motor. If you can't pole anchor up or wade. I know I get a little testy about trolling motors but it is because a few people that like to chase these fish have ruined it for everyone. Redfish are not as stupid as a lot of people like to think they are. Look at it this way. Some of these larger fish in these schools are pushing 30+ years old. They didn't get as big as they are or as smart as they are by letting people run them up and down a flat all day and still eating what they had thrown at them.
Well I'll step back down off my soap box and let you in on a few more tid-bits of information. We have been seeing a few reds upwards of 40 to 45 lbs over the past few weeks. We have yet to put one of these bulls in the boat but it is only a matter of time. Last year when these fish showed up in the summer we put 9 or 10 of these big boys in the boat within a few weeks.
Trout
The trout fishing has been great on day and slow the next. Everything has been about the bait. If the bait is there the trout have been also. On days that the bait has been a little slow to show up the better bite has been in the afternoon. The worse part for me has been trying to figure out why. So far I haven't found the factor. But for those of you who know me it is only a matter of time.
On the morning we have found some of the larger fish we have also found a lot of lady fish working just outside of the flats the larger fish were on the 4.25 Rip Roller and the 3.25 Rip Roller in Florida Special. The trick to catching these fish had been as soon as you find one, anchor up. We have been pulling multiple fish up to 7 lbs out of the same area. As for your retrieve, it has been a firm tap with a 1 to 2 second pause. They have been good at short striking a faster retrieve.
Tarpon and snook
Most of the tarpon we have been catching continue to be near drop-offs on small twitch baits. All of the tarpon we have caught over the past few weeks have been between 10 and 25 lbs. The key has been glass minnows. If there have been glass minnows nearby the tarpon have been there as well.
Just a note for anyone wanting to catch one of the big boys. I am hearing rumors of them showing up on the beaches in the southern part of the county. This means we should be starting to see them up here any day now.
The snook fishing has started to pick up in this area. They are still a little shy with top water but that should all be changing with this next full moon. The main thing to keep in mind when looking for larger snook in this are is to get out early.
Tackle report.
There in!!!!! I now have one of the most incredible tarpon rods every made. G-loomis has just released their new Pro Blue series. I just picked up 2 of their PBR963S Pro Blue spinning rods. These rods are rated for 12 to 25 lb test, have all cork grips and have enough backbone to pull a 200 lb tarpon up from the bottom if he sounds. If you want one of these rods I have to warn you, most are back ordered. If you talk to John at The Fly Fisherman I know he can get one ordered for you. Just tell him you want one of my new tarpon rods, he'll know what your talking about. There number is 321-267-0348.
I also want to take a few seconds to tell you about another product I just found out about. Fish Mounts, I know there have been a lot of people making replicas for a long time but I just found someone who does a fantastic job and is willing to make just about any fish you catch. The name of the place is Great Fish Reproduction Studio. Their website is www.4greatfish.com . If your looking to have that memory mounted give Garry a call at 417-777-4377.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug click go to Http://www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 16
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - 4:56 pm: | |
I think it's summer. Over the past few weeks we have had some warm days on the water. The good thing has been that the fishing has been pretty hot as well. This week we had a few more schools of reds show up. Snook starting to be a little more receptive on the early mornings. And best of all, tarpon!
Summer to me is one of the most exciting times of the year to fish. Sure the temperatures may get a little steamy in the afternoons but so does the fishing. It is during this time of year we catch more slams than any other time of the year. Sure it is nice catching those 10+ pound trout in the spring. A who doesn't look forward to the first time redfish start to school back up for their false spawn. But I don't know too many people that wouldn't love a chance to hook redfish, trout, snook and tarpon all in an afternoon. Well if you've wanted a shot at the prize now is the time.
Redfish
The top water bite has slowed down over the past few weeks. We have been able to pick up a few in the early mornings on the 3.25 High Roller but only with a soft walk the dog retrieve. Once the fish have caught on to you being on the flat with them we have had our best luck with High Roller's Black and Gold Fingerlings. Our best catch have come by slowly bumping it off the bottom in front of moving schools. Even though catching the reds this way isn't my preference since I'm such a top water fan the redeeming factor has been that most of the fish we have boated have been between 20 and 30 pounds.
All of the schools of reds we have found over the past few weeks have been in 2 to 4 feet of water pushing water just outside of the schools of bait. Over the past few weeks I have also been noticing that the reds don't appear to be as interested in the schools of mullet as they have been pinfish. This may account for why the reds have been a little picky when it comes to surface plugs.
With the resent full moon the reds have also been a little spookier than normal. So, if you want to get a good shot I would recommend poling or wading. This will also help out on those days when we have a bit of hull slap.
Trout
The bigger trout have started pushing their way off the flats in the afternoons. This means that if you are looking for that gator trout you are going to have to hit the water real early. This is the time of year when the die hard trout fisherman hit the flats in search of that next world record gator trout. The thing you have to keep in mind is These fish didn't get that big eating everything that was thrown their way. It takes long 100 foot + casts with big top water plugs. I say top water because of how shallow the water is where these fish are hanging. It is not uncommon to find these predawn fish hanging in 6 inches of water. They move up into the cooler shallow in search for that easy meal. That is way I say big top water plugs. Big trout want the most bang for their buck.
Over the past few weeks we have had a few good shots at a few of these big boys but as those of you who have hooked a trout over 10 pounds knows one of the first things these gators will do is come to the surface and shake his head trying to throw your lure. Unfortunately for us that has been our plague.
Our best hook-ups have come on ether the 4.25 Rip Roller or the 4.25 High Roller in Florida Special. All of the fish we have found have been in less than a foot near schools of bait. Just listen for these big fish blasting what ever bait happened to make a wrong turn.
Smaller trout have been plentiful on the drop-offs on the outside edge of the flats but before getting carried away catching these fish ask yourself, WHY? If you catch one or two there is no reason to stick around. about one out of 20 will be over 15 inches.
Tarpon and snook
We are continuing to jump a few tarpon in the early mornings near drop-offs on small twitch baits. We have also been catch a few small snook around docks and mangroves as long as there are glass minnows nearby.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 15
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 2:46 pm: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
May 11th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Things are starting to slow down a bit but it's getting better if that makes any since. Over the past few weeks we have continued to catch up to 6 reds a day. However, on most days it has been 2 or 3. That may sound like a slow day but look at it this way, most have been caught on top water plugs and have been between 15 and 30 lbs.
The trout bite has slowed down a bit as well but we are still catching fish most days over 4 lbs with a few up to 11 lbs. Once again all have been on top water.
The reason I say "most days" is because we had one day this week the the dolphins came in on a schools of reds just as we poled within casting range of and gave them hell! We watch as they ran our reds up onto a sandbar. It was something to see but unfortunately after that they didn't want to feed for the rest of the day. I felt so bad for my charter. After watching dolphin rune our day the most action we had was a few bumps by reds and some pesky puffers.
Redfish
The redfish continues to be aggressive with the top water plugs. With the exception of 2 days they have busted top water like they haven't feed in weeks. On the days that top water wasn't the key they were willing to take ether DOA Shrimp or High Roller's Black and Gold Fingerlings. I have used this lure many time with decent success but nothing like today. We had a good number of boats on the flats with us today but we were the only ones getting hookups.
When it comes to top water things are a little different when it comes to which plugs we were having the best luck with. On most days our best catches came on the 3.25 Rip Roller in the early mornings. As the day moved on we started having better luck with the 4.25 Rip Roller. As the day got even latter the reds would start refusing the prop baits and started blasting the 4.25 High Roller. All of these lures were used in the Florida Special color.
The 4.25 High Roller is the best casting plug on the market and has a very soft walk the dog and diving action. This is a great spooky redfish plug.
The key to working all these plugs was a nice lead and slowly tapping. When the reds took these plugs once again they meant to eat them. about 50% of the reds we caught took these plugs way down into their grinders.
All of the reds we caught over the past few weeks have been in 2 to 3 feet of water in or around flats covered with glass minnows. These areas are not hard to find. Just look for the pelicans at first light. The reds have been feeding all day as long as they don't get pressured too much. all of our reds have been between 16 and 32 lbs.
Trout
Well all good thing have to come to an end. We had another great week with the trout until the past few days. We have continued to catch a few fish upwards of 10 lbs but not nearly in the numbers as we did a few weeks ago. As the water has warmed up in the mid 70's the trout fishing has started to only be great in the early mornings. As the next full moon approaches I wouldn't count on that to change much. The only good part has been that they have all be feeding best on top water.
Most of the trout we have caught have been in a foot or two of water on flats where there is a lot of bait. Most of the trout have been holding inside sandy potholes on the flats. Our best catches have come throwing the 4.35 Rip Roller and really making its prop spit.
Florida Special 4.25 High Roller.
Green Back 4.25 Rip Roller
Tarpon
We have started to jump a few tarpon in the early mornings near drop-offs. All you need to do to find these fish is look for schools of glass minnows. Most of the fish we have jumped have been on small whit twitch baits.
Tackle Report
As many of you know I am a big fan of High Roller plugs. They have been the only top water plug on my boat for the past 4 years now. I have caught more redfish, trout, snook and tarpon on this top water plug than any I have ever used and the best part is that they have outlasted any plug I have thrown. Well I'm proud to announce that I have been asked to put together a few of my favorite plugs to put in a Flats Fishing Kit. Now you can buy the same plugs in one kit at an interdictory price. Click on this link for more information on High Rollers Inshore Flats Kit.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to http://www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 14
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 2:46 pm: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
May 11th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Things are starting to slow down a bit but it's getting better if that makes any since. Over the past few weeks we have continued to catch up to 6 reds a day. However, on most days it has been 2 or 3. That may sound like a slow day but look at it this way, most have been caught on top water plugs and have been between 15 and 30 lbs.
The trout bite has slowed down a bit as well but we are still catching fish most days over 4 lbs with a few up to 11 lbs. Once again all have been on top water.
The reason I say "most days" is because we had one day this week the the dolphins came in on a schools of reds just as we poled within casting range of and gave them hell! We watch as they ran our reds up onto a sandbar. It was something to see but unfortunately after that they didn't want to feed for the rest of the day. I felt so bad for my charter. After watching dolphin rune our day the most action we had was a few bumps by reds and some pesky puffers.
Redfish
The redfish continues to be aggressive with the top water plugs. With the exception of 2 days they have busted top water like they haven't feed in weeks. On the days that top water wasn't the key they were willing to take ether DOA Shrimp or High Roller's Black and Gold Fingerlings. I have used this lure many time with decent success but nothing like today. We had a good number of boats on the flats with us today but we were the only ones getting hookups.
When it comes to top water things are a little different when it comes to which plugs we were having the best luck with. On most days our best catches came on the 3.25 Rip Roller in the early mornings. As the day moved on we started having better luck with the 4.25 Rip Roller. As the day got even latter the reds would start refusing the prop baits and started blasting the 4.25 High Roller. All of these lures were used in the Florida Special color.
The 4.25 High Roller is the best casting plug on the market and has a very soft walk the dog and diving action. This is a great spooky redfish plug.
The key to working all these plugs was a nice lead and slowly tapping. When the reds took these plugs once again they meant to eat them. about 50% of the reds we caught took these plugs way down into their grinders.
All of the reds we caught over the past few weeks have been in 2 to 3 feet of water in or around flats covered with glass minnows. These areas are not hard to find. Just look for the pelicans at first light. The reds have been feeding all day as long as they don't get pressured too much. all of our reds have been between 16 and 32 lbs.
Trout
Well all good thing have to come to an end. We had another great week with the trout until the past few days. We have continued to catch a few fish upwards of 10 lbs but not nearly in the numbers as we did a few weeks ago. As the water has warmed up in the mid 70's the trout fishing has started to only be great in the early mornings. As the next full moon approaches I wouldn't count on that to change much. The only good part has been that they have all be feeding best on top water.
Most of the trout we have caught have been in a foot or two of water on flats where there is a lot of bait. Most of the trout have been holding inside sandy potholes on the flats. Our best catches have come throwing the 4.35 Rip Roller and really making its prop spit.
Florida Special 4.25 High Roller.
Green Back 4.25 Rip Roller
Tarpon
We have started to jump a few tarpon in the early mornings near drop-offs. All you need to do to find these fish is look for schools of glass minnows. Most of the fish we have jumped have been on small whit twitch baits.
Tackle Report
As many of you know I am a big fan of High Roller plugs. They have been the only top water plug on my boat for the past 4 years now. I have caught more redfish, trout, snook and tarpon on this top water plug than any I have ever used and the best part is that they have outlasted any plug I have thrown. Well I'm proud to announce that I have been asked to put together a few of my favorite plugs to put in a Flats Fishing Kit. Now you can buy the same plugs in one kit at an interdictory price. Click on this link for more information on High Rollers Inshore Flats Kit.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to http://www.SightFishing.comor call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 13
Registered: 2-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 10:42 am: | |
Book your trip with Capt. Doug by clicking here or calling 321-432-9470
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
April 14th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
WOW!!! If you could only see me now you would see that I am doing a Snoopy dance. The top water bite is on. It gets better, All you hard core sight fisherman will appreciate this one. We have been sight casting trout!!! For those of you who haven't sight fished much everyone thinks bone fish are so hard to sight cast, well trout are even more challenging . Most of the time by the time you spot a trout he spotted you a long time ago. Now here's the clincher, we did it with top water.
Redfish
The redfish have been extremely aggressive this week. Early this week I watched as a small school worked towards the boat blasting mullet and needlefish as they came closer. When I saw this I changed my clients over to top water and within a few minutes we had our first hook-up. These fish have been hitting the plug so hard that in most cases they have sucked it all the way back into their grinders. We have also watched numerous fish ram each other as they would pass by our plugs fighting for our plug.
On most days we are finding the reds on the outside edge of flats that are holding bait. They don't seem to care what type of bait is around. I have watched them bust mullet, pinfish, needlefish and even glass minnows. The good news is that we have bait almost everywhere. Most of the fish we have put in the boat over the past few weeks have been a mixed bag with fish from 13 to 35 lbs.
Over the past week our best catches have come on the Florida Special 3.25 Rip Roller.
The key to working this plug has been a slow subtle twitch near the schools. They are still a little spooky so if you work it too hard most of the time they have been just swimming by.
The schools of reds we have been fishing have been active all day. On some days they have even been a little more active from around 9 am to around 3 pm. The main thing to remember is not to pressure these fish. If you let them go about their day and just work the outside edges of the schools you can work these schools for hours.
Trout
Okay this is starting to sound like a fish story. I know last report I said trout fishing was better than great. Well it has gotten better than better than great. The gator trout are here and going nuts. All you need is shallow water with a lot of bait on it. Over the past few weeks our biggest fish weighed in at 11.25 lbs. Also with the exception of a few fish our average fish has been around 4 to 5 lbs. If that sounds great it gets even better, All of the larger trout we have boated have been on top water. We have had our best catches on to plugs. The Green Back 4.25 Rip Roller and the Florida Special 4.25 High Roller.
Florida Special 4.25 High Roller.
Green Back 4.25 Rip Roller
Tarpon
We have seen a few but they haven't been willing to feed yet. It should be any day though.
Fishing Forecast for the next few weeks
Now that we are a few weeks into some of the best trout fishing this area has to offer we can expect things to continue for about the next month. after that the trout will for the most part only feed in the early am in the shallow water. Once the start to move off the flats we will start finding the larger fish near deep holes and shorelines where there is cover.
The redfish on the other hand will continue to group up in even larger schools. Over the next few week we should expect to find more schools working the edges of the flats and even a few schools of larger fish upwards of 50 lbs searching for bait. We should also start to see a move from the outside to up on the flats.
Tarpon and snook fishing we start up any day. All we need is for the weather to stop throwing us these cold fronts. I can't remember the last time we had a low of 50 in late April.
Now that the schools of glass minnows have started showing up we can also expect to see large schools of jacks and ladyfish starting to work the deeper water areas near Islands and the channel.
Tackle Report
As many of you know I am a big fan of High Roller plugs. They have been the only top water plug on my boat for the past 4 years now. I have caught more redfish, trout, snook and tarpon on this top water plug than any I have ever used and the best part is that they have outlasted any plug I have thrown. Well I'm proud to announce that I have been asked to put together a few of my favorite plugs to put in a Flats Fishing Kit. Now you can buy the same plugs in one kit at an interdictory price. Click on this link for more information on High Rollers Inshore Flats Kit.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug click here or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 12
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 1:59 pm: | |
Spring has sprung!!!! The trout fishing has just started going nuts here in the past few days. The redfish are schooled up and starting to tail. The snook are still a little hit and miss as are tarpon but they are starting to show up. With that said all that is missing now is the larger schools of bait. Once they show up on the flats it will be some of the best fishing of the year.
Redfish
Redfish, redfish everywhere. There aren't too many places that aren't holding a school or two. They have been pretty spooky but willing to feed if you are willing to take the time to sneak up on them. The key has been pressure. You can only make a few casts at them at a time. Just because they are close enough doesn't mean you should make the cast. We have been having our best luck on most days with the first cast or two after that they lock up. We have been letting them move off and go back to what they were doing before trying to move back in for another shot. When we do this we have been able to pull multiple fish out of the same school. I know it's hard when you have them within range not to take the shot but trust me, all you are doing is locking them up tighter.
Our best catches continue to come on Capt. Mikes spoons. The trick has been to drag them on the bottom a few feet in front of the fish. If you work it, it will spook them. This should all change very soon though. Once it does get ready to throw top water.
The key to finding the fish has been finding the bait. Most of the reds we have found have been just on the outside of the flats in 2 to 3 feet. They have been pushing slowly. Just pick a spot a few hundred yards in front and wait. Once they are a hundred feet or so away toss your spoon 10 to 20 feet in front and hold on. The lead fish has been very cooperative. Remember not to pressure them.
Most of our reds have been around 24 lbs. However there have been a few larger fish up to 35. Keep in mind that these larger reds have been here a long time. Some of these fish can be as old as 20 to 25 years old. They know what you are doing before you do.
Trout
Trout fishing has been great. The topwater bite is on. All you need to do is find the bait. The larger the mullet the larger the trout. Most of the fish we have caught have been on the Original High Roller in the green back. This is a great top water plug for the larger trout because it is easy to cast a mile and it has a great walk the dog action. Once again keep in mind that these larger trout are all females are are starting to spawn. Every big trout you let go will mean millions of more trout next year.
Most of our trout have been between 3 to 6 lbs. There have been a few upwards of 10 but they have only been caught with long casts. If you though redfish was spooky you haven't fished big trout.
Tarpon
We have seen a few starting to show up but they haven't been willing to feed yet. It should be any day though.
Fishing Forecast for the next few weeks
We are only a few days away from "Slam Time". The redfish and trout are already here but any day now we will be able to start fishing snook and tarpon too. This means if you have never caught all four in one day it is about to become a very real possibility.
The trout fishing from this point is about to become the best of the year. Over the next month it is possible to catch 20 to 30 trout or more all over 5 lbs. The best part is it can all happen on top water. All you need to do is find the schools of mullet and work your plug along the edges.
The redfish schools are getting bigger every week and so is their size. It is starting to look like we are going to have another BIG redfish year. So far over the past week our average redfish have been 24 lbs. We have found a few as big as 34 lbs and one or two as small as 12 but most have been around 22 to 25.
The juvenile tarpon should be showing up and willing to feed any day now. The key to finding them is finding deep holes whit water temps above 70.
The snook should be in and around drop-offs along the mangroves and docks. All we need for them to start showing up is warm water and bait.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470
|
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 7:56 am: | |
Book your trip with Capt. Doug by going to http://www.SightFishing.com or calling 321-432-9470
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
March 14th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Just as it started to look like things were starting to look more like spring, bam, mother nature throws another cold snap. The good news was that the reds that had started to school up stayed on the flats even though the water temps dropped down in the low 50's. The bad news was they got a bad case of lock jaw. We still had a few days that we were able to get hook-ups but I hate to say we spent more time looking at fish than we did putting them in the boat.
Now once again we are having some great weather and we are starting to spend a little more time putting fish in the boat than just looking at them. The fishing will continue to get better every day as long as we don't have any more 30's at night. The lowest temperature I see on the 10 day forecast today is 52 degrees. If that is true things should start to go nuts very soon and our spring fishing pattern should start. That means more larger schools of reds with a few schools with fish upwards of 50 lbs. This also means the trout will start to school up on the slats in and around schools of mullet getting ready for the spring spawn. This warming should also bring the snook and tarpon back to some of their regular feeding holes. So, for all of you who have been getting out there and trying everything you know, keep the faith, it's going to get better real fast.
Redfish
Even with the past cold snap the redfish have stayed schooled up on the flats. Well maybe not on the flats but just outside. Most of the reds we have found over the past few weeks have been holding just on the outside in 2 to 4 feet of water. There hasn't been to much of a pattern for us to fallow because the bait moved into the deeper holes when the water temps dropped. The only thing I can say is that they have been in the same places they were before the front came thru. These fish have also been most active in the early mornings from sunrise to around 9 am. If things continue to warm up like the weatherman says it's going to this will all change and we should be able to fish them all day.
The top water bite has been slow. Most of the reds we have found have been holding down deep and haven't wanted to come up for a top water plug. For those of you who are just diehard top water fisherman try the Original High Roller in a natural color like the green back or Florida Special. You are going to have to work this plug real slow and let the reds find it rather than casting to them.
For those of you just wanting to get a hook-up we have had a lot of luck over the past month with Capt. Mikes Weedless Spoons and DOA shrimp. The same thing goes with these lures as it did with the top water. You have to let the fish find the lure. This past week I watched these schools spook off a few times by these lures thrown 5 feet in front of them. They saw the flash of the spoon and took off.
As always I can't emphasize enough how spooky these fish are. If you want to catch more than one of these fish you need to be quiet, leave the bright colored shirts at home and the trolling motor too. I am not just picking on you if you you have a trolling motor. I use to have one too then I found I could spend more time putting fish in the boat without one. If a schools spooks off, don't chase them. Let them move off and settle down before you try to get within casting range again.
Trout
Trout fishing slowed down again with the cold front. The only good news has been that the trout we have caught have been pretty good sized ones. The only difference between trout and reds has been that they have been a little more receptive to top water. Once the water temps get back up in the upper 60's to lower 70's that will all change though. Once that happens the top water bite is going to go off. You will have days when you'll have them busting almost every cast. The key is going to be finding the schools of big mullet. The gator trout love to hang with these schools picking up the shrimp and crabs spooked out of the grass as the mullet feed. When you find these large schools of mullet remember easy meal. These trout are bulking up and they don't want to work for much. They are just looking for the most bang for their buck.
This is the time of year you can catch big trout all day so don't give up after the sun rises. Many time the larger trout will start working less than 6 inches of water looking for that next easy meal. They will start moving in around old docks that don't get used very much. Mangrove stands with sandy points with a drop off on one side, and anywhere there is bait. Once again it is all about long casts.
Still keep in mind when fishing for these trophy's. All of the larger trout are females. We are only a month or so away from their spawn. A big gator can lay 1,000,000 eggs in a season. If you want to be able to come back year after year and catch these ladies you need to try and release them unharmed. I like to bring home a big trout for the dinner table just as much as the next guy and I don't mind if someone wants to keep one, but if you can hold off a few more months to fire up the grill you will be protecting your fishery.
Tarpon
We haven't seen a tarpon for a few weeks now. The water has been too cold for them. If the water temps get back up in the 70's that will all change though.
We only have a few months until the big tarpon will be hitting the beach so if your looking to hooking into a silver king give me a call and we can get you booked. You can also click here for more info about my Tarpon Charters. The tarpon should start showing up in early April.
Fishing Forecast for the next few weeks
Warmer water is all we need for things to go off. Over the next few weeks that looks like that may happen very soon. Today we have a few schools with anywhere from 50 to 300 fish in a school but when things warm up we should be looking a 4 to 5 schools in Cocoa beach with between 200 to 500 fish in each school. We should also be finding more schools with reds up to 50 lbs in them. Most of the schools we find are of reds between 15 to 30 lbs.
Once things start to settle down get ready for some of the best top water action Cocoa Beach has to offer. From now until mid June we catch more reds on top water than any other time of the year. So dust off your plugs and sharpen your hooks.
The trout bite is about to go nuts as well. Over the last 15 years we have had more trout over 10 lbs caught during this time of year than the other 9 months combined. It is all about stealth though.
The snook bite is also only a few weeks away. Once the bait starts to move in a little better and the water gets up above 70 for a few days it should all be turning on.
The tarpon fishing is just about the same as it is with the snook. They just need the warmer water and bait to bring them back in.
To sum it up. You are standing at the leading edge of the best flats fishing we have in this area. So get ready to hang on. If you are looking to book a trip call me now. March is booked and April is looking going fast. I only have 10 days left open in April and 14 in May.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
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Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 10
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 5:18 pm: | |
February 25th 2005 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
The rollercoaster ride is
coming to an end. Over the past week we have had a lot more ups than downs. We
have still had a few slow days on the water but on most we have been able to
boat as many as 5 reds between 15 and 35 lbs. I know this may sound like we are
only catching a few fish but look at it this way. On one trip last week we put 5
between 25 and 35 lbs in the boat. The shortest fight was 30 minutes and the
longest around 50. On that trip My clients fought fish mono-a-mono for almost 4
hours. Now what would you rather do catch 40 fish you can bring straight to the
boat or 5 fish you battle for 4 hours. I love to tell the story about a charter
I ran a few years ago when one of my clients book a full day and asked me to
take him back to the dock after only being on the water for 4 hours. He boated 2
reds between 43 and 45 lbs. He fought those 2 fish for just under 3 hours. After
the second fish he told me he couldn't handle another and wanted to call the day
short.
This may sound like I'm bragging but many of you who have fished with me in the
past know I'm not. We just have some water with the most consistent big reds in
the state here in Cocoa Beach. I would also like to make a quick note to those
of you who want to try this area on your own. Leave your trolling motor at home!
Cut your motor before you get on a flat and pole, wade or drift. Most of the
larger reds we have in Cocoa Beach are between 25 and 35 years old. These fish
know your there before you do. You may get one from time to time but if you want
to increase your odds you need to cut that motor and fish them old school.
Redfish
The schools of reds have been huge one day and scattered the next. This
has been due to the spring pattern not setting in just yet and the few yahoos
that insist on chasing them with their trolling motors. (I wont start in again).
The reds haven't been in areas where mullet are as much as in areas where there
have been a lot of small blue crabs. This should be about to change soon because
the schools of bait just started showing up in better numbers in the southern
part of the river. Once they start finding their way north we should start to
see larger schools of reds working the deeper edge of the flats following the
bait.
Our best catches over the past few weeks has been on top water in the early
morning and on spoons in the afternoon. The key on most days has been wind
direction. Our better catches have come on calm days or in protected areas of
the river. On day when the wind picks up we have put more fish in the boat
fishing inside areas where glass minnows are present.
As for the lures we've been using to out our reds in the boat. In the mornings
we have been able to put a few in the boat with top water. As most of you can
guess it has been with the Rip Roller the difference has been that they would
only take the Florida Special. When we have thrown any other color they just
roll on it. This should all be about to change as the bait continues to move in.
Once they become a little shy of top water we have been consistently producing
them on Capt. Mike's Weedless spoons. I hate fishing with spoons but this has
been a great one when it come to putting fish in the boat.
Trout
Trout fishing has been much better. The only problem with them has been
finding the bait to draw them in. If you can find such an area there is a great
chance of hooking a few in the 5 to 7 lbs range. We haven't been fishing them
too much over the past few weeks due to all my charters wanting to catch one of
those big reds. The good news is that they have been happy to take top water
most of the day. I have seen a good number of the larger trout starting to work
their way up in some shallow water in the mid mornings. Keep something in mind
when fishing for these trophy's. All of the larger trout are females. We are
only a month or so away from their spawn. A big gator can lay 1,000,000 eggs in
a season. If you want to be able to come back year after year and catch these
ladies you need to try and release them unharmed. I like to bring home a big
trout for the dinner table just as much as the next guy, but if you can hold off
a few more months to fire up the grill you will be protecting your fishery.
Most of the trout we have caught over the past few weeks has been on the 3.25
Rip Rollers. The color hasn't been as important as it has with the reds. I can
say they have done a great job eating their Electric Trout.
Tarpon
The Tarpon bite has been slow, okay nil over the past few weeks. That is
all about to change very soon though. The water temps have been warming up. We
have another small cold front coming thru this weekend but it shouldn't be
enough to hold them off but a few weeks. As soon as the water temps start to hit
70 look out.
We only have a few months until the big tarpon will be hitting the beach so if
your looking to hooking into a silver king give me a call and we can get you
booked. You can also click here for more info about my Tarpon Charters. The
tarpon should start showing up in early April.
Fishing Forecast for the next few
weeks
The schools of reds are starting to show up in good numbers all over the
Space Coast. Over the next few weeks we should start seeing even larger schools
as the bait continues to move into our waters. The only thing that could slow
this down some is a few colder nights. The water temperatures have been in the
upper 60's all week first thing in the morning and warming up in the lower 70's
as the sun rises. If the water temp's drop down below 60 things could be pushed
back a week or two and mean we have to ride the rollercoaster a little bit
longer. If they don't drop below 60, look for the schools of bait and plug away.
Keep in mind that the red have been a little spooky so slow down your retrieve.
The bulls are still in small scattered schools but not for long. Within the next
week or two we should be seeing fewer larger schools working the outside edge of
the flats. When we do these fish are on the move. The best way I have found to
get a hookup is to find where they are moving and set up a few feet off their
path. Make long casts and let them find your plug. Once they pass wait until
they area a good 2 to 3 hundred yards away and jump around them giving them
plenty of room and trying not to let them hear your motor. Once you are way
ahead of them set yourself up and do it again.
The gator trout are here! You just have to make long casts and not let them know
you are out there with them. Over the next few weeks they will start to gather
in areas where there are a lot of big mullet. When this happens keep in mind
that big trout don't like to work for their food. Big lures with a slow retrieve
will do the trick. It is at that time I like to use the 4.25 Rip Rollers in
natural colors.
Tarpon fishing will start to pick up in the next few weeks. Just watch the water
temps and get ready. Most of these guys are between 10 to 40 lbs and a blast on
light tackle and fly. Here are a few tips I have put together about Catching
Tarpon.
Just a note for anyone thinking about booking a sight fishing trip with me.
Spring is booking up fast this year. March is booked. If you haven't book with
me yet and you know when your heading this way give me a call soon. The hotels
in this area are also starting to book up so make your plains now to make sure
you don't miss out on some of the best flats fish this area has to offer.
Remember to ask me about discounts offered to my clients at the Best Western on
Cocoa Beach when you book your trip.
until next time.....
Get out there and
catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to http://www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 9
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 12:21 pm: | |
Book your trip with Capt. Doug by clicking here or calling 321-432-9470
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
February 10, 2005 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
We are still having our ups and downs as is normal for this time of year. The good news is we are starting to have a few more ups. There have been a few schools of reds starting to show up in the area. I have even be starting to hear report of some of the larger bull reds starting to show up to our south around the bridges at night. Every year I get these reports a few weeks before they star showing up on the flats in Cocoa Beach. We are also starting to see more larger trout on the flats in the afternoon. It should be any day now that we will start catching a few fish upwards of 30+ inches. All we need for things to start going nuts is for the schools of bait to work up into our area.
Redfish
We have a few schools of smaller reds between 15 to 25 lbs becoming more active every day on the flats. All that is needed is needed on most days is for the sun to shine and the bait to move onto the flats. When this happens the reds have been pretty easy to find. Most of these fish have been a little skittish when it comes to top water. Our best catches have come on a new lure offered by High Roller called the Fingerling. This is a great shad imitation that looks and acts more like a bait fish than most lures I've used. The key to working this lure to entice the reds has been a slow steady retrieve. The reds have been a little spooky of any unnatural movement.
Most of the reds we have caught have been in 2 feet or less. On clear days we have found fish within an hour of sunrise. On Cloudy or overcast days it has been late morning and early afternoon. The main thing has been finding bait. The mullet have been on one flats one day then on another the next. In order to find the fish all you have to do is find the bait.
Trout
Trout fishing has been getting better every day. Most of the fish we have been catching have all been around the 15 inch mark but that is all about to change. We have been seeing more and more larger trout moving onto the flats. The problem has been we are seeing them long after they have seen us.
Most of the trout we have caught over the past few weeks have been just on the outside edge of the flats near schools of glass minnows. Our best luck has come on small suspending lures or soft plastic grubs like Cotee's 3 inch Swimmin Shad in black or red flake.
Tarpon
Yes we are still catching and jumping tarpon. All the the tarpon we have caught over the past few week have been caught in deep holes when the water temperature gets above 65º.Our best catches have come on Small suspending lures like Capt. Terry favorite the Yo-Zuri 3D fingerling. This is a hard lure to find but the guys at Cast-n-catch can get them for you. Just ask for the lures I have them order me.
Also a note about tarpon fishing. As a few of you know I have only run Tarpon Charters in the spring and summer for fly fishermen. This year I will also be offering these charters for spin fisherman. The reason I didn't cater to spin fisherman was due my lack of spinning rods that could handle the larger fish on the beaches. Well, G-Loomis has come out with a fantastic spinning rod that can more than handle a 100 lb+ fish. These rods will be hitting the market in a week or two and will be called Pro-Blue.
We only have a few months until the big tarpon will be hitting the beach so if your looking to hooking into a silver king give me a call and we can get you booked. You can also click here for more info about my Tarpon Charters.
Fishing Forecast for the next few weeks
Some of the best flats fishing is just around the corner. In the next few weeks we should have schools of Bull Redfish moving into this area. These fish will run from 40 to 50 lbs and be in schools of 30 to 50 fish. We will also be having more schools of our normal reds in to 15 to 35 lb range schooling up on most of the flats of the Banana River. These fish will be in schools of 50 to 500 fish. The best part about these schools is most will be more than willing to feed on top water. When these fish school up in this big of a group they will become so competitive that it is common for them to fight for a plug.
The gator trout should be showing up on the flats any day now. The key to fishing the larger trout is to work schools of large mullet with top water plugs. I have found that a slow firm retrieve works best with these gators. The key is long casts and making as little noise as possible. If big trout hear or see you they will get lock-jaw. I have also found that in most cases the larger the plug the bigger the fish.
Tarpon should continue to be a wild card. On days when the water in the deeper holes gets above 65º Work up to these areas as quietly as you can. Just like the gator trout these fish will lock up and not feed for hours. Here are a few tips I have put together about Catching Tarpon.
Just a note for anyone thinking about booking a sight fishing trip with me. Spring is booking up fast this year. If you haven't book with me yet and you know when your heading this way give me a call soon. The hotels in this area are also starting to book up so make your plains now to make sure you don't miss out on some of the best flats fish this area has to offer. Remember to ask me about discounts offered to my clients at the Best Western on Cocoa Beach when you book your trip.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to http://www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 8:00 pm: | |
January 25, 2005 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Well it's that
rollercoaster time of year again. Not only does the weather not know what time
of year it wants the fish don't know where they are supposed to go. One day they
are up on the flats in the morning the next they are in the deep holes and
drop-offs. One day there are tarpon and snook the next you can't find bait.
The good news is as typical Florida weather goes we are still having a mild
winter. Everyday I get calls from people all over the country that are looking
out the window at all the snow and ice while I complain about it the temperature
only getting up to the mid 60's.
Well on to the fishing.
Redfish
As I mentioned before we are in the
rollercoaster season. The redfish are on the flats most days is just a mater of
finding them. The key on most days is being patience and working any flat you
can find bait on. As to what they will be willing to take from day to day one
thing is a give-me, jerk baits. We have had so of our best luck with the native
shiner Bass Assassin (the guys at Cast-N-Catch know the ones I use). I have had
my best luck rigging these with a Daiichi Copper Head or Butt Dragger hooks in a
5/0. Our best catches have come working these lures very slowly in front of the
fish.
For those of you who like me just have to throw top water try the 4.25 Original
High Roller in Florida Special. When casting this plug it is all about a quiet
presentation. When you walk the dog do it very slowly. Only make a small ripple
as you twitch it. When you get close to the fish try almost "dead sticking" you
lure. Remember, these fish can be real skittish this time of year.
Now for those of you with the fly bug this is the time of year that you can
really put your skills to the test. Most of the reds we find this time of year
are singles hanging just on the outside of shallow grass flats. During this time
of year I have my best luck white and orange clousers with red eyes. The biggest
problem I watch most of my clients have is lining the fish.
To sum it up have a good pair of polarized glasses, put in the time and most of
all, get out and enjoy the lack of snow.
Trout
Trout fishing has been a little
more consistent than the reds. Trout are notorious for heading for the drop-offs
or deeper holes when it gets cold out. So, on most days all you need is to
bounce a weedless jig or suspending lure close to the bottom near a drop-off to
produce trout. In many cases the deeper the hole the better the fishing. One of
my favorite spots is deep holes near spoil Islands. This is almost always a sure
thing due to the amount of bait these islands hold.
So far this winter has had a good number of windy days. If you can find a day
when the wind isn't a factor don't give up on those large top water plugs for
gator trout. On days the wind will let you work a flat you know bait will be on,
try the Monster Rip Roller. Color isn't as much a factor as the amount of noise
you make trying to find these fish. A few years ago I picked up a 10 foot 6
noodle rod just for these spooky fish. I put a Stradic 4000 with 8 lbs test. You
can cast this rod 100 yards with little effort and with the Stradic you have a
6:1 retrieve so you don't have to take all day just to get a lure back in. Once
you cast this Monster work it firm but slowly. Make the trout think it's a big
mullet in it's death throws. Trust me, big trout in the winter don't want to
work for anything, but they want something that is going to keep them a few
days. When I have people tell me that this plug is just too big I love to bring
up a trout a friend of mine caught a few years ago. The trout was 28 inches. It
wasn't what I would call a gator but when he went to clean it, it had a 14 inch
trout in its stomach. Now think about how big a 6 inch plug looks to that 40
incher if one 28 inches can eat a 14 inch trout and still have room for a 4 inch
plug.
Wild card
Believe it or not we still have a few tarpon in the area. 40 degrees
and windy and we have tarpon. The bad news is they wont feed every time we find
them. The good news is there is always a chance.
Just around the corner
It will only be a few week now. Spring is just around the bend for us here in
central Florida. Historically the first two weeks of February are the coldest
part of the year. After that we just have cool mornings and warm afternoons.
This is the beginning of my favorite time of year. The bull reds (those over 40
lbs) make there pass thru Cocoa Beach. The smaller reds ( 15 to 35 lbs) school
up in schools of up to 5 or 6 hundred. The Gator trout start their spawn. When
this happens it is not uncommon to catch trout over 30 inches. Last year our
biggest was 35 inches and 15 lbs. Three years ago we put one in the boat just
over 37 inches that weighed just over 16 lbs. This all will happen around the
last week of February thru the first week of April. After that all we'll have is
schools of 15 to 30 lbs reds, snook, a few big trout and tarpon. The best part
of all this is they all will be feeding on top water plugs.
So if the fishing
seems a little slow today don't worry, by the time you pick out those new plugs
and sharpen your hooks it will be nuts out there.
Just a note for anyone thinking about booking a sight fishing trip with me.
Spring is booking up fast this year. If you haven't book with me yet and you
know you want to give me a call soon.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470
|
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 13, 2005 - 9:21 am: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
January 13, 2005 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Happy New year!! I hope everyone had a great holiday and had a chance to get a line wet. It was a interesting time for me with a 7 month old. I can't wait until next year. The little guy didn't get to appreciate all the attention.
Well on to fishing. Every year at this time I look forward to sight fishing single reds in shallow clear water. The crispness of winter mornings and Ladyfish on a 5#. Well Winter started to show up around Thanksgiving and disappeared by new years. Most of this week the temperatures reached the low 80's. I usually have to leave the Banana River in Cocoa Beach and head to Titusville in search for warmer water and fish that want to play. This year so far Mother Nature had thrown us a curve ball. I have returned to Cocoa Beach to 70 degree water, the same schools of reds I fish in the spring and fall and the bonus, Tarpon.
Redfish
Redfishing has been slow on most days. I think these fish still haven't figured out what time of year it is. Most of the schools of reds in Cocoa beach move north into the no motor zone or into deeper holes. The good news is that the warmer water has brought them back onto the flats. The bad news is they want feed every day. I believe that this is primarily due to the high pressure systems we have most of the winter. Most winters the water is down in the 50's and the only thing that makes a difference is the water on the flats warming up one degree above the main body of the river. This year so far that is not a factor. With the water in the 70's they seem to be acting more like they do in the spring and fall. During that time of year reds will turn on a off according to the rise a fall of barometric pressure.
On the days that the pressure is working with us we have been able to find schools of up to 150 fish. They have been a little spooky when it comes to top water after the first cast or two. The key to getting a hook-up on top water has been long casts leading the fish with quite plugs. We have had our best luck with the Original High Roller in the Florida Special. Once the reds start getting a little spooky we have been shifting over to Yo-Zuri 3-D Fingerling. This is a hard lure to find but but well worth the hunt for them. Capt Terry Lamielle turned me on to it a while back and he was right on. The hooks need to be replaced before you fish with them but a picky fish wont turn its nose up to one.
Most of the fish we have found have been in about a foot of water in the early am near schools of glass minnows. Most of the fish we have found have not been tailing. They have just been sitting there. So with that in mind make sure you watch out for every little movement and be as quiet as you can when poling. Once these fish have spooked they don't seem to stop moving. Most of the reds we have found in these schools have been between 15 and 20 pounds. For more info on sight fishing reds click here.
3.25 Florida Special and Green Back Rip Rollers.
Trout
Trout fishing has been pretty good over the past few weeks. The key to finding them has been bait. If you don't see any bait in an area you probably aren't going to find any trout. Most of the trout we have caught over the past few weeks have all been between 1 and 2 pounds. There have been a few larger fish in the area but they have been extremely spooky. The best part about the trout has been that almost all of them have been caught on top water. The 3.25 Florida Special and Green Back Rip Rollers has really paid off for us over the past few weeks.
If you are looking to catch the larger trout start getting ready. We are only a month of so away from Gator Trout season. Depending on what Mother Nature has in store for us over the next few weeks is going to determine when these fish will start to spawn. Last year we managed a few fish up to 15 pounds and one the year before at just under 17.
Wild card
I know this sound a little silly and out of season, but there are tarpon and snook in the area. I don't know how long this is going to last but there is a good possibility of boating a East Coast Grand Slam in January. We put one in the boat this week already.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug click here or call 321-432-9470 or go to www.SightFishing.com
|
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 6
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 3:02 pm: | |
11/20/2004 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Once again cooler weather has moved into the Space Coast and cooled our inland waters down. As it does every year when to cooler water comes in the Tarpon and snook start their southerly migration in search for warmer water. We are always sorry to see them go but will never forget how much fun we had while they were here.
Now on to what is going on now. Redfish. We have some great schools of redfish in the Cocoa Beach area. The only problem we have with these fish is how spooky they have been. We are able to put a few nice fish between 15 an 30 lbs in the boat but you have to be quiet. That means no trolling motors, live wells or depth finders. In additions to reds we have had some respectable trout willing to pull a line. The only thing you have to do to find these fish is find the schools of bait.
Redfish
Most of the reds we have found over the past few weeks have been cursing the outside edge of the flats. Most of these fish don't seem to be interested in mullet though. More that once over the past few weeks I have watches a school of reds swim thru a school of mullet and the bait not flinch. It is typical during this time of year for the reds to start feeding more on crabs. This does not mean that if you area looking to catch a red on top water that it is imposable. It does mean that in order to do it you are going to have to slow down your retrieve. Once the water temperatures start cooling off like they have been you have to keep one of my old sayings in mind, "easy meal". What I mean by that is these fish want the most bang for their buck with the least amount of work. Make your plug look like an injured mullet and if possible let the fish find you rather than you bringing your lure to him.
I mentioned earlier that these fish have been very spooky. That is an understatement. These fish area very spooky. The only way to catch these fish when they are like this is to pole or wade, make long casts and over cast the fish. I know I say this all the time but it is true, "throwing lures at redfish is like throwing rocks at them". You have to ether cast to the side and over them or far enough in front of them that they don't hear you lure hit the water. For more info on sight fishing reds click here.
Most of the larger reds we have caught over the past few weeks have been just on the outside edge of the flats. Our best catches have come on top water plugs like the 3.25 Florida Special and Green Back Rip Rollers, On days when the water is a little rougher most of our reds have come on the new 3 inch Holographic Fingerling by High Roller. This is a great new addition I have added to my arsenal. Most of the reds we have found in these areas have been between 15 to 30 lbs with a few larger fish mixed in.
There have also been a growing number of smaller reds in the 5 to 8 lbs range working the shallower water near schools of glass minnows. These fish haven't been quite as spooky as the larger fish in the deeper water. On days when the water has been clear enough we have been sight casting these fish with ether the 3 inch Holographic Fingerlings or Brown DOA crabs.
Trout
Trout fishing has continued to pick up. There are a few larger trout starting to move up onto the flats in the afternoon after the water has had a chance to warm up. Most of these fish have been willing to hit top water, however, if you find yourself on a flat with a lot of bait but none of the seem to be very active I have been having my best luck with a gold spoon.
As our water temperatures continue to drop some of the largest trout will begin to work their way up onto the flats as well. These fish are a lot more sensitive to noise and motion than the smaller trout. These fish area also more selective in the foods they eat. Just as I mentioned earlier, they are looking for the most bang for their buck. For these fish I use the larger 4.25 Rip Roller or their 6.5 Rip Roller. The key to working these lures is a long cast and slow retrieve. If you are willing to put in the time and make a lot of cast there are some monster gator trout out there. over the past 10 years I have been able to catch a few of these big boys over 35 inches. The only place around this area that I know carries the 6.5 Rip Roller is the Fly Fisherman in Titusville.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to http://www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470
|
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 2:03 pm: | |
10/27/2004 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
This is one of those times of year I always look forward to. Every year at this time I move from the Cocoa Beach waters to the Indian River in Cocoa to fish Tarpon. Most years this fishing doesn't pick up enough to bring me inland until the first week on November. This year has been a BIG Exception! The tarpon once again why they are the king of the flats. over the past week we have jumped over a hundred and put around 30 tarpon in the boat. I know that may sound great but it gets better. 95% of these fish have been willing to take top water.
Tarpon are not the only fish that has been willing to pull a drag. We have found a few schools of reds with up to 500 fish. We have found snook and jacks blasting bait and a few pompano skipping on the outside edge of the flats.
Now before you starting thinking I'm telling you a fish story there is a good reason for all the excitement. The Fall Bait Run has started!!!! So dust off your rods, put on some new line and go catching.
Redfish
I know I got your mouth watering for tarpon but I want to stay in format. The water has been clearing up a little more every day and the bait has been moving onto the flats. All this has happened just in time for all the reds to starting working on bulking up for the winter. The best part is it is during this time of year that the reds feed best on top water. With that in mind it is time to get down to your local tackle shop and pick up a hand full of 3.25 Florida Special and Green Back Rip Rollers . I have been fishing with these lures for the past few years and have found them to be the most productive top water plug I have ever used.
Most of the reds we have been finding over the past few weeks have been in a foot to 2 feet of water in the early am and in 2 to 3 feet in the afternoon. All of these fish have been near schools of mullet. In the am they seam to be more to the inside and on the outside of the bait in the afternoon. The main thing has been calm water. If the water is calm and there is bait you should be able to find fish.
Trout
Trout fish picked up some. The good news has been that even though it has been a little slower than we are use to this time of year, the size is better than normal. It has also been great that moat have been willing to take top water as with the reds.
The best catches over the past few weeks have come from around day brake to mid morning. As with the reds all have been on the outside edge of the schools of bait. Once again our better catches have come on the 3.25 Florida Special and Green Back Rip Rollers.
Snook
The snook bite in the early mornings continues to be pretty good if you can find bait. On mornings that the bait is around I have had my best luck with the Green Back 2.75 Pop Roller . It seams the louder you make it spit the bigger the fish.
Tarpon
Now the moment you've been waiting for, Tarpon, Tarpon, Tarpon!!!! The bait run is here and so are the silver kings. The best part has been they seem to only want top water this year. This happened a few years ago when we put an 80lbs king in the boat with 8# line on a Green Back Rip Roller. That was the year I was field testing that color for High Roller and we went through the only 3 Green backs I had after putting 5 fish between 20 and 80 lbs.
Well it's happening again. And to all you who are starting to think I'm just witting an ad for High Roller, We had a few other people try fishing a few other well known top water plugs in the areas we were getting our hook-ups and nothing. It was almost said to watch them watch us having all the fun, the key word there was almost. with all that said, here are a few places around the area you can find these.
On the internet click here or call 321-728-1615
In Titusville go to the Fly Fisherman phone 321-267-0348
In Cocoa go to Cast-N-Catch phone 321-638-0006
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470
Back to Capt Doug's home page
Videos taken on my charters
Pictures of fish caught on my charters
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Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 14, 2004 - 6:52 pm: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
10/14/2004 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Wow! Where do I start? I'm sorry it has taken so long to update my report but a few things have come up over the past month and a half. I would like to say thanks to everyone for all the e-mails and phone calls. We came through in good health and with a roof still intact.
Now on to the fishing. The water is still pretty mucked up but it's looking better every day. The good news is that many of the fish that had gone looking for shelter have started to work their way back out onto the flats. The fall bait run is also starting to show up a little more every day. For all of you who have fished with me in the past you know what that means, Tarpon, Tarpon Tarpon. So if your looking to try your hand with a silver king now is the time!
Also for those of you interested in buying a boat I still have a 2001 Flat's and Bay for sale. Click here for more info.
Redfish
Redfishing became pretty slow after our last storm. Most of the schools moved off into deeper water. However, slowly they are starting to work their way back. The only problem we have had now has been the wind. On days the the wind is kind enough to let us pole a flat the reds have been more than willing to strike most lures. On days that the wind has become a little more challenging these fish have been very spooky.
The easiest way to find reds has been to find the clearest water on a flat. All the flats I have found over the past few days that have clean water has reds. The key to catching these fish has been long casts and a slow retrieve. Our best catches have come on holographic grubs like Calcutta's Shad. If you can't find these lures stop by Cast-n-Catch in Sharpes on US1. If you can't find them give them a call at 321-638-0006. This is a great little tackle shop run by some great fisherman.
Trout
Trout fish was real slow after the storms. The salinity dropped to nothing and pushed most of the trout into deeper holes. Now that the water level has started to drop some the salinity has come back up some creating an environment more to the trout's likening. The key to fishing tout has almost been the same as always, look for the bait in shallow water. If you can find bait trout are somewhere nearby.
Our best catches over the past few weeks on top water have been on a Red and white Rip Roller in the early mornings. If the shot striking starts to drive you crazy try the 3.25 Crank Roller in Florida Special or a rainbow trout Reel Magic rigged with a Bleeding worm hook. Continue to work these lures as slowly as you can.
Snook
The snook bite in the early mornings continues to be pretty good in the early mornings if you can find bait. On mornings that the bait is around I have had my best luck with the Green Back 2.75 Pop Roller . It seams the louder you make it spit the bigger the fish.
Tarpon
The bait run has just started to show up in the southern part of the county. This means it should only be a few more days before we start to see the effects in our area. Once it does be ready. We have seen a fair number of tarpon over the past week with a few that have been willing to pull a line. all we need now is for the millions of mullet that school up this time of year to turn on the major feed. Over the past few years this usually happens near the last week of October and the first week of November. Keep in mind that after around the second week on November it starts slowing down as the tarpon move south for the winter.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to http://www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470
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Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 26, 2004 - 9:12 am: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
8/26/2004 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
The past few weeks have been pretty good in Cocoa Beach. The trout bite has really made a comeback with a few fish up to 5 lbs being willing pull a drag. The schools of reds have been there one day in the mornings then the next in the afternoon. The good news is most continue to be 20 lbs or better. The tarpon have been working the beaches again and the snook have been busting topwater around the docks.
Also for those of you interested in buying a boat I still have a 2001 Flat's and Bay for sale. Click here for more info.
Redfish
The redfish continue to be working the flats. The only question I have to deal with every day is what time. Reds are a creature of habit for the most part. They are notorious for feeding at the same time in the same place every day. Over the past few weeks that has not been the case. They are in the same spot, give or take a few yards, but they seam to be moving through these areas at different times every day. All this means is in order to get a hookup with one of these big boys you have to put in the time. One day they are feeding early morning just at sunrise. The next day the don't even move in till around 11am.
Our best catches continue to come on mullet imitations like the Florida Special Rip Roller and MirrOLure's Catch 2000 in the black back. If the fish are there in the early morning they are usually in 1 to 2 feet of water near schools of bait. In the afternoons I have been finding most of the fish holding in 3 to 4 feet. The key to these fish has been bait that is on the move. If the mullet are schooled up and sitting still, there is a good chance the reds haven't moved into that area yet.
When it come to working topwater. Work it very slowly on the outside edge of the schools. Once these fish catch on to you being there they have been loosing interest in surface plugs. It is at that time I have been having my best luck with the Catch 2000's.
Red's on Fly
Pinfish patterns have been working best for these big boys in the mornings. The big advantage with fly has been that we have been able to punch the schools with fly unlike what they have been willing to tolerate with spinning. The key to this has been a long cast with short slow strips.
Trout
Trout fish has gotten better over the past few weeks. The larger trout have been in shallow water in the early mornings then pushing off the flats into 3 to 4 feet in the afternoons. The only problem we have had has been short strikes on top water. The only retrieve we have been able to get them to commit to has been a slow sharp tap. You have to make the nose of your plug dive just for a second. I have watched top many fish this past week bust a few inches behind a top water plug that was worked to fast.
Our best catches over the past few weeks on top water have been on a Red and white Chug Roller or 3.25 Green back Rip Roller in the early mornings. If the shot striking starts to drive you crazy try the 3.25 Crank Roller in Florida Special or a rainbow trout Reel Magic rigged with a Bleeding worm hook. Continue to work these lures as slowly as you can.
Snook
The snook bite in the early mornings has been much better this week. The key has been working mangroves and docks when glass minnows are around. If you don't see any bait, move somewhere else.
On mornings that the bait is around I have had my best luck with the Green Back 2.75 Pop Roller . It seams the louder you make it spit the bigger the fish.
Tarpon
Once again the tarpon are on the beaches and I'm playing with reds in the river. A few friends have reported caching a few nice tarpon up to 140 lbs. The only problem I have with these fish is the only trips I can run for them at this time is with fly. The spinning tackle I currently use is way to light for these larger fish.
Two things to keep in mind though is that I still have a few days left the first two weeks on November when I fish the smaller tarpon every afternoon. Most of these fish are between 20 and 60 lbs. We fish these fish with 8# test or 8# fly rods. Take a look here to see some of the fish we boated last year.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.sightfishing.com or call 321-432-9470 |
Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 11:22 am: | |
3/19/2004 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
*********The bulls have arrived!!!!!! *********
Spring is in the air. The water is starting to warm up and the fishing is getting better every day. The reds are starting to school up and feed on topwater. Today we found a school of over a hundred fish 30+ lbs. So, to all you that have asked me when is the best time to hook into a big red, IT'S NOW!
The trout are moving out of the deeper holes looking for an easy meal. Last year at this time we had a few weeks we put a good number of Gator Trout (30+ inches) in the boat off top water. So, if you have never caught a true gator trout this is the time of the year you can do it.
Redfish
The rollercoaster ride is coming to an end when it comes to red fishing. Every day we are starting to see more fish working the grass flats. By the first of April things area going to be nuts. Over the past few years we have found reds up to 40 lbs in schools up to 500 working the Cocoa Beach area. Today we found a school of over a hundred busting everything they came across. When these fish group up like this they become so competitive that they will blast topwater plugs like they haven't eaten in months. Most of the larger reds we have found have been in 2 to 3 feet of water, in or hear schools of large mullet. The smaller reds have been holding in a foot or less in sandy holes.
If you haven't bought your Rip Rollers yet up better do it soon. The reds over the past few weeks have preferred the Green Back. We have already seen a few fish this year fight for this plug. The key to working this lure for now is a slow popping retrieve.
Red's on Fly
This is a great time of the year to sight fish reds on fly. Most of the reds we have caught over the past week on fly have been caught on white and brown clousers sight casted to fish in a foot or less water. Most of the reds we have caught have been caught within 30 feet of the boat just on the edge of sandy holes.
Trout
Trout fishing has been picking up over the past few days. They are still a little slow on topwater but that is all about to change with the warmer water temps. Over the past few days most of our trout have been caught in 2 to 3 feet of water just outside of the flats. Our best catches have come on pink and white or chartreuse grubs. Most of our trout have been between 1 to 4 lbs. However, that is all about to change. Within the next week the gator trout will be cruising the shallow flats looking for an easy meal. When they do this every year our best fish have been with large topwater plugs like the 4.25 RipRoller.
To sum everything up, grab your fishing buddy and head for the river.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton www.sightfishing.com
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Capt Doug Blanton (Captdoug)
New member
Username: Captdoug
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2004
Rating:
Votes: 7 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 1:08 pm: | |
Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
2/23/2004 Flats fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Is it spring yet? No one seems to know the answer to that question, not even the fish. It warms up for a few days than out of nowhere a cold front swings in and drops the water temp 15 degrees. When the water warms up we see small schools of reds up to 30 lbs moving up onto the flats, than a cold front pushes them back out. The good news is it all should be starting to settle down soon and when it does, hold on for some of the best fishing our flats have to offer.
Redfish
If you haven't been able to tell redfishing has been on and off. When it's on it has been great. The factors that have been working against us have been the colder water temps and high pressure. There have been a few days over the past month that the barometer has hit 30.37. This shuts the fish off faster than anything. The fish just lay on the bottom. All of the fish we have been able to talk into eating has come on days the the sun has come out and the pressure has been falling.
There is good news though. The nights have been warmer this week and the water temp is on the rise. The reds are starting to school up in larger schools and the bait is moving in a little earlier this year than last. If things continue the way they are now, look for this year to be a great redfish year. I say this because 2 years ago and in passed winters like this one that the water temp never dropped below 45, the reds never left the area for deeper water. Once the water temp came up to around 60 the fish were in schools of up to 500+ and willing to eat anything you tossed at them. This year so far appears to be on of those years. We are already seeing seeing schools up to 100 fish.
As for the fish we are catching now, about 50% of the reds we have been able to put in the boat have been on the 3.25 Original High Roller in their new Electric Trout. We have been throwing other colors but this seems to the the color of choice for the past few weeks. When it comes to soft plastics the 3 inch Swimmin Shad by Cotee in gold flack or black and silver flake have produced more fish.
All of the fish we have been able to put in the boat over the past month has been in 2 feet or less. The fishing has been best in the early mornings and late evenings for reds. All of the reds we have caught have been in or near schools of feeding larger mullet.
Red's on Fly
Fly fishing for reds has been about the same as it has been with spinning. The only advantage has been the softer presentation allowing a closer cast to the fish. We are still putting more fish in the boat when using white clousers with a few strand of orange and chartreuse flash.
Trout
Trout fishing has been picking up over the past few days. The best part is they are willing to take a top water plug. Most of the fish we have caught have been in 3 to 4 feet of water near or on the drop-offs. We have seen a few larger fish holding in a foot or less but all have been very skittish. All the trout we have found have been near or in schools of large mullet. It is common for this time of year for the trout and redfish both to follow the schools of larger mullet around. One days last March we caught over 30 trout over 30 inches out of one school of larger mullet. The year before last we caught one trout over 37 inches on top water in the same area. So with that in mind grab your plugs and get ready.
Every thing else
The schools of ladyfish are still on the move and willing to play most mornings. There are also a few schools of jacks starting to come in with the mullet. So if your looking for something to pull a drag or give you a great fight on a fly rod, get out there and catch a memory.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug goto www.sightfishing.com
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Capt Doug Blanton (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2003 - 10:34 am: | |
Flats Report for the Banana River
10/10/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
I know I said in my last report that the fall mullet run was about to start. Well, now the full mullet run is about to start. Schools of bait have just started showing up in the southern part of the county. This has been a strange year. Nothing is on to or where is should be when it should.
The tarpon just started showing up in the cocoa beach area in good numbers. Many of these inshore fish are up to 60 lbs. Now all we need to turn them on is the mullet to show up in larger schools. Once this happens, hold on. For 2 to 3 weeks we will have a shot at catching all 4 game fish in a day.
Also, this is the time to grab your topwater plugs and silver spoons and head to the beach. Every year when the mullet run comes by you can count on the blues, jacks, Spanish mackerel, and many more to blow a plug out of the water.
Redfish
Just as the fishing got better for reds is slowed back down again. You have to hate summertime full moons. The good news is things have started to pick back up again since the moon has passed. The only problem now is we have had a hard time getting a red to take a topwater plug. We have teased a few to hit the surface but most our fish have been caught on soft plastics.
Our best fish have come this week on Cotee's Reel Magic in Rainbow trout rigged with a 5/0 Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook. The redfish have been more than happy to pull a line with this rig.
Most of our fish this week were caught in 1 to 3 feet of water in the late morning to mid afternoon. Most of the fish we found were not holding near schools of bait though. All were found feeding on the bottom with their tails in the air. Not a mullet in sight for 20 or more feet. The key to fishing these fish is a slow retrieve. Give the red a chance to find your lure instead of trying to bring it to them. Even though the water is murky they are still a little spooky.
Trout
Just as the reds fish slowed down then just started to pick back up, so has the trout fishing. The only difference is the trout have been more active just before and after sunrise. Our best catches came on 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller rigged with a #4 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble hook worked just on the outside of the schools of bait. At this time most of the bait has been holding in the early morning hours on the outer edge of the flats in 3 to 6 feet of water. These fish have been a little slow to take most everything so work you plug as slow as you can remembering to make it spit.
After sunrise try casting a pink and white 3 inch Cotee shad rigged on a red jig head. Pink and white steels seams to put more fish in the boat.
Every thing else
As I said earlier, The tarpon have started showing up with some good size. Now we just need the bait to come in and turn them on. Be ready, over the past few years we have only had a few weeks of the tarpon feed on the flats, so if you want to get in on it start making your plains now.
Snook fishing has greatly improved over the past few weeks. The key word there is fishing. Most of our snook have been more than happy to come up to strike a plug, but few have been willing to just eat it. This to should all change when the bait shows up.
I know I have said a lot about the mullet showing up. There are fish to be caught now, but if you have never fished a mullet run you want understand the difference. The difference, the fish go nuts. They will hit anything that looks like a bait fish. The fish are trying to fatten up for the winter. I can't describe it, it's something you have to experience.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory. Capt. Doug
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug go to www.sightfishing.com.
My Fishing Tips
Factors that effect fishing **Coming Soon**
How to Catch Gator Sea Trout
Choosing the right lures.
Sight fishing flat, clear, skinny water
Sight catching fish with Top Water
Flats Report for Melbourne and Sebastian Area
10/10/03 report for the Melbourne and Sebastian area flats by Capt. Terry
SALTWATER REPORT.......Well the last report I posted I said the Fall Mullet run should be happening. Well guess what???? IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!. The last two weeks have been action packed. Mullet are everywhere around the Sebastian Inlet area. we have boated large Jack Crevelle that have been demolishing the bait with a vengeance. The topwater bite they were on was so exciting that after a few strong fish I decided to try something a little different by a saltwater way of getting a bite. As I love to Bass fish also I dug into my tackle and pulled out a buzzbait... That's right ! The first cast hooked up immediately with a 8 LB. Jack. WOW! I thought that a Bass hit this lure hard but found out that a Jack was ten times more explosive on it. I have been getting the Snook close to mangrove shorelines with gold spoons. Yesterday I sighted several Snook that wouldn't take my lure which I feel was because of the Full Moon that is happening at this time. These fish feed heavily at night when the moon gets bright. The Tarpon are still in the area as well. We jumped two and boated one today within an hour of fishing. Tossing a freelined mullet in the close proximity to where you see fish rolling usually will produce a hit.
FRESHWATER REPORT..... The Bass have been busting in the thicker hydrilla area of the Stickmarsh. Tossing soft plastics have been producing some good fish the past couple of weeks. Look for activity in the grass and when you see minnows scrambling toss it in the area and drag it across the grass. Be ready as these fish will blast the lure and drag it deep into the vegetation. Heavy tackle in the 20 lb. test is needed to get these fish horsed out of the hydrilla to get into the boat. When the wind has been picking up later in the day start throwing a spinner bait next to the grass where the wind is blowing up against it. These fish will follow the bait as the wind will push them along the grass.
Capt. Terry Lamielle
For more information on fishing with Capt. Terry click here
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Capt. Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 10:36 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
6/11/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has been like a roller coaster on the Banana River since Memorial Day weekend. Prior to that weekend the reds where schooled up in groups from 50 to 150 fish and willing to eat most days. Now they are on one day and off the next. They have become like trying to predict the weather. So for those of you who have had a few of those day over the past few weeks, your not alone.
Also, one of my charters this past week wanted to make sure that I mentioned that a manatee pushing water on the outside of a flat looks a lot like a school of bull reds pushing water.
Redfish
When the reds have decided to show up and play over the past few weeks most have been in 2 to 4 feet of water cruising the outside edge of the flats. A good way of telling how these fish are going to act is by paying attention to how deep they are running. If you are in 3 feet of water and the reds are holding close to the bottom there is a good chance they are not interested in feeding. If they are closer to the surface you will probably have a better chance. Now the clincher, It is just like my chemistry teacher always said," the first rule of nature is that things are always the same unless they aren't".
Most of the reds we have been catching over the past few weeks have been on Cotee's Reel Magic in Rainbow trout rigged with a 5/0 Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook . worked slowly around the edge of the schools. Most of these fish have been in the 15 to 20 lbs range.
Trout
Trout fishing slowed down a lot since the water temp broke 80. There have been a few fish willing to play but nothing worth talking about.
To sum things up. It's summer, if you want to have a great day on the water you are going to have to get up early or chase thunderstorms until this high pressure system passes.
Get out there and catch a memory. Capt. Doug
Here are a few pictures since my last report.
Here are a few videos made by Zuni Bob on a fishing trip a few weeks ago. Thanks Zuni.
Redfish video
Trout video
My tips for sight catching fish with Top Water!!! click here .
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug click here.
Here is a page I put up to try to help out with expectations when hiring a guide. Let me know what you think and if there is anything I need to add. Click here
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 6:58 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
5/16/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
You still have time to register to win a half day fishing trip with me by registering at Don Ray Internet Studio http://www.donraystudio.com/ScreenSavers/screens.htm
The reds are schooling and the trout are busting mullet on the spoil Islands, it must be spring. This past few weeks have reminded me of years gone by when my dad would take me out before daylight in search of a screaming drag. I can think of few things I enjoy more in life than to be on the water as the sun begins to rise and that first shimmer of sunlight across a flat reveals a silhouette of redfish tales.
Redfish
The larger reds (30 to 40 lbs) have been schooled up on the flats every day for the past few weeks now. The only problem we have had is that are very spooky and only willing to hit top water. A good friend of mine says I have them trained. The bad news is you can usually only get on cast at them before they push off into deeper water and get a bad case of lockjaw. The good news is the smaller reds (15 to 25 lbs) have been a little more cooperative. They have been willing to fished in some cases up to 2 hours. Please remember when fishing these schools to only cast to them when they tailing or feeding. People chasing reds around the river is one of the reasons these fish are becoming harder to catch. Once a school has spooked if you lay back and watch you will see that 9 times out of 10 they will only push off a few feet and go back to feeding.
All of the reds we have caught this past week have been on top water. The key to boating most of them has been a slow quiet retrieve. We have had our best luck with the Original High Roller in the green back or Florida Special. When fishing the larger reds I have been changing out my hooks to a #4 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble on the 3.25 and #2 on the 4.25. Remember when casting to these fish to place you lure a foot or two to the side and past the fish. Throwing a top water lure to reds is a lot like throwing rocks at them. If you cast too close you are going to spook them.
All of our smaller reds this week have been caught in 2 feet or less in grassy areas. They appear to be feeding on small crabs and grass shrimp. Most catches have come just prior to sunrise until around 9 am. However, don't give up on the afternoons. I hear a lot of people say that you can't catch reds after 1100 am. What they are really saying is it gets too hot for them. I have caught most of my best reds in the hottest part of the day.
Trout
Trout fishing has been great this past few weeks. We haven't put a lot of fish in the boat, but the ones we have, have been good sized. All were caught on 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller rigged with a #4 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble hook. most of these fish have been between 3 to 5 lbs with one 8 lbs. Most were caught within the first hour after sunrise in a foot and a half or less in large schools of finger mullet.
Get out there and catch a memory. Capt. Doug
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 4:13 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Go to www.donraystudio.com to register to win a half day trip with Capt Doug Blanton
Flats Report for the Banana River
4/30/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Depending on how you look at, fishing has been great and slow. What I mean by that is the trout have been a lot smaller than they have been for the past few weeks with one or two exceptions. We have been putting only a few fish in the boat each day. But, the reds have been tailing in larger schools, and have been quite a bit larger. Many of the reds we have caught this week have been in the 20 to 30 pound range with a few larger fish showing up. So, to sum everything up, we are catching less fish but the ones we have been getting have been of great quality.
Redfish
Better late than never I always say. For the past 10 years in the middle of March the larger reds have shown up on the flats of the Banana River near Cocoa Beach. That is every year except this year. I was starting to wonder if we would even get a shot at them this year when I finally came across a school of 30 to 40 pound fish last week. I don't know if all the late cold snaps and rollercoaster water temps did it or they have just been a little slow this year. The good news is they are here. Now we just need them to start feeding.
Last week we fished a school of these bulls for over an hour without one strike. We through just about every lure I had and not one of them was wiling to play. Luckily a second school should up this week that has been a little slow to strike but is more than willing to make a drag scream.
Most of these fish have been willing to bust top water for the first few hours after sunrise. However, after 9 am if you still want a hookup they have only been willing to eat soft baits worked just above the bottom.
All of our reds this week have been caught in 2 feet or less in grassy areas. They appear to be feeding on small crabs and grass shrimp. Our best catches have come just prior to sunrise until around 9 am. After that they have been moving into deeper water and not tailing as much. All these fish have been very spooky. So, when stalking a flat for these fish you have to turn the trolling motor off and pole your way in from at least 100 yards out.
This brings up something I have put off for too long. If you see someone poling an area, Don't jump in front of them running your motor. Not only are you going to upset the person you are cutting off, you aren't going to catch anything either. The proper thing would be to cut your motor 100 yards or more off the flats and pole in 100 yards or so behind them. This way you still have a good shot at finding the fish they missed and the ones that got past them. I had to bring this up because I had someone do that to me this week and spooked a school of red off I had been following for about 30 minutes try to get close enough to to cast.
Once again, keep in mind that when the reds are spooky you may only get 2 or 3 casts at them. If you see them start to move off let them go and try to follow a few hundred feet behind until they settle down. Many times they will push a few feet away and start tailing again. Wait till you see this before you move in for a cast. If you don't it is like throwing rocks at them.
Most of our reds this past week were caught on
3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller rigged with a #4 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble
1/4 oz gold silver minnow
Cotee's Reel Magic in black/gold/flk rigged with a 5/0 Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook
Cotee's purl Swimmin' Shad
Reds on Fly
Our best fish caught over the past few weeks on fly have been on black/white or black/gold #1 bend-backs with a red and gold body and #2 shrimp.
Trout
Trout fishing has been okay this week. It is starting to remind me of the summer trout bite. There are a lot of fish out there if you get out early enough. Once the sun moves over head they move off the flats and down to the bottom. Once this happens you can still catch a few on the surface but not nearly as many as at first light. When this happens switch over to a grub.
Most of the trout we are catching at this time are bit smaller this week. The only good thing is there have been a lot more of them. Most have been caught in or near schools of bait on top water in less than a foot before first light.. Once again as with the reds after 9 am the best catches have come on jigs or spoons in 3 to 4 feet on the outer edge of the flats.
If you find yourself catching a few of these little guys you may want to move on to something else or crush your barbs. If you are still finding a few larger fish try using a larger lure. This is a great way of weeding out the smaller fish. Keep in mind that every small trout you release unharmed is one more gator you may catch tomorrow.
All of our trout were caught on
3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller rigged with a #4 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble hook.
For my larger fish I throw a 4.25 Rip Roller or the 4.25 Original High Roller
Cotee's purl Swimmin' Shad
Everything else
Large schools of glass minnows have been working the middle of the river for the past week. We have only caught a few ladyfish around them so far. However, keep your eye on them in the early mornings. This is the time of year that the larger juvenile tarpon start showing up looking for a quick meal. Also watch for the larger jacks to be feeding on this schools.
Get out there and catch a memory. Capt. Doug
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug go to www.SightFishing.com
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Capt. Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 5:40 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
4/17/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has been good this past week despite the full moon and cooler water temperatures. The name of the game has been find the mullet. If you can find the bait the fish are close by. Everything we caught this past week has been in or just outside of schools of larger mullet. Also, with the full moon our best catches have come around first light till around 10 am. As this moon passes you will start to see more fish willing to play in the afternoon. Also, keep your eye on the mouth of the cannels around Cocoa Beach. There have been a few snook and tarpon busting the surface at first light.
Redfish
Every time we have a full moon the reds have a tendency to feed best at night. This full moon has been a little bit of an exception. I believe this is due to the water temp. dropping last week and just beginning to rise within the past few days. The main thing I have been seeing is that the reds are a little spookier than normal for this time of year. I have watched these fish over the past few days get spooked of by someone starting their motor within a hundred yards of them. Spook off from someone running a trolling motor. And by us casting to many times at them. Keep in mind that when the reds are like this you may only get 2 or 3 casts at them. If you see them start to move off let them go and try to follow a few hundred feet behind until they settle down. Many times they will push a few feet away and start tailing again. Wait till you see this before you move in for a cast. If you don't it is like chasing them and throwing rocks at them.
Most of our reds this past week were caught on 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller rigged with a #4 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble hook. in 2 feet or less. Once we had made a few casts at school and they started to become a little spooky we pulled a few more out using a 1/4 oz gold silver minnow. Most of the fish we found this past week were in the 6 to 16 pound range. However, I did see one school starting to move in with a few fish in the 30 pound range. Just remember to be a quite as possible when trying to move within casting range. I highly recommend cutting the motor a hundred yards or more off the flat you plain to fish or away from other boats. If you are not able to pole, bail out and wade to them. You will find you spot a lot more fish and put a few more in the boat.
There continues to be a good number of slot sized reds willing to bite in a foot or less in the early am. Our best catches have come using soft plastics such as Cotee's Reel Magic rigged with a 5/0 Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook in black/gold/flk.
Reds on Fly
Our best fish caught over the past few weeks on fly have been on black/white or black/gold #1 bend-backs with a red and gold body.
Trout
The trout fishing slowed down with our last cold front but is starting to pick up now that the water temperature in back up in the low 70's. Now all we need is for this full moon to pass by and we are going to be looking at some great trout fishing. We put a few fish in the boat this past week up to 5 lbs but as the water continues to warm up you will begin to see more fish under 15 inches being caught. This is not to say that the larger fish will stop biting. You will just have to sort through the smaller fish. Usually start switching over to a larger plug this time of year a using something that will weed out most of the smaller trout.
All of our trout for the past few weeks have been caught on 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller rigged with a #4 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble hook. As I start using larger baits I will start throwing 4.25 Rip Roller and the 4.25 Original High Roller in the Florida Special rigged with a #2 Daiichi's 3x Bleeding treble hook. If you haven't tried the bleeding hooks before you really need to give them a shot. Where ever you put the bleeding hook is where the fish will strike 9 out of 10 times.
Everything else
We have continued to see a few tarpon in the early morning showing up in the mouths of the canals near Cocoa Beach. Schools of larger jacks have been chasing mullet along the outer edge of the flats. Snook have been starting to bust bait near the mangroves. larger ladyfish have been starting to move around the outer edge of the flats where glass minnows are present. The main thing to keep in mind is, look for the bait. If there isn't any, move on to somewhere ealse.
Get out there and catch a memory. Capt. Doug
Here are a few pictures from last week.
Here are a few videos made by Zuni Bob on a fishing trip a few weeks ago. Thanks Zuni.
Redfish video
Trout video
My tips for sight catching fish with Top Water!!! click here .
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug www.sightfishing.com |
Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 4:58 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
3/14/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Spring is almost here! The temperature got up to 85 on the flats today and the wind has been a lot kinder all week. Schools of bait seem to be growing larger by the day and the fishing has been good. This week hasn't been a week of loading the boat with fish but everything we have caught has been great quality fish. For example, the most fish we put in the boat one day ways 3 reds 6 to 11 pounds and 12 trout 4 to 8 pounds. The great thing was all of the fish caught that day were on top water. As this upcoming full moon passes we should be in for a few months of the best fishing of the year. Last year at this time we had days were we put 11 reds (6 to 35 pounds) and 40+ trout (2 to 10 pounds) in the boat off top water.
So with that said, clean the dust off your rods and grab your fishing buddy and get out and have some fun.
Redfish
There have been 2 schools of reds working the flats of the Banana River for over a week now. Most of these fish have been in the 6# to 10# range with most of them being within the 18 to 27 inch slot. Both of these schools have been moving fast chasing schools of mullet as they come across them in 1 to 3 feet of water. These fish have been more than willing to take top water. All of the fish we have pulled out of these schools have been caught on 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller or the 3 1/4" HighRoller™ in Florida Special or their new Green back. For those of you who have fished with me and used the green back, High Roller has made my secret color available to everyone now.
In addition to the schools, there have been numerous single reds tailing in the early am in a foot or less water. These fish have been quite spooky. The only thing we have been able to tease these fish with has been Cotee's Reel Magic rigged with a 5/0 Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook in black/gold/flk.
Trout
The trout fishing has been great most of this week. We put 26 fish in the boat this week over 4 pounds. All of our trout were found mixed in or near schools of bait in 1 to 3 feet of water. Now the best part, they were all caught on Top Water!!!! Once again these fish as well as the reds were caught on 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. Our best catches can between sun rise and noon on cloudy days and until 9 on clear days.
Everything else
We saw a few snook moving on the flats this week but none of them wanted to play. It is just a matter of time before we start to here them busting the surface at first light. Schools of 2 to 8 pound jacks started prowling the flats this week. 1 to 4 pound ladyfish started working the outer edge of the flats.
These are the days that dreams come true on the flats, so get out there and catch a memory. Capt. Doug
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug go to www.sightfishing.com
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 5:51 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
3/09/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Scott Young..... you are the winner of my march half day trip give a way....
For the past few weeks fishing had been real slow. I usually spend a few months in the Indian River near Titusville during the winter due to the fishing being a little better there in the winter and the power plants almost always holding schools of ladyfish and jacks in the mornings. The redfishing ways great up there for about 2 weeks. We put some nice fish in the boat and even straitened a few hooks on larger fish. Unfortunately everyone else found these same fish and they became a little skittish. So, late February I moved back to my home waters in Cocoa Beach but the bait was thin at best. We did manage a few trout up to 8 lbs and a a few reds but it was some hard fishing. It seamed as though the wind was never going to lay down and the bait was never going to come in.
This week that all changed. Schools of bait started showing up in go numbers and close behind them was what I knew was going to show up, redfish in schools up to 100, trout up to 8 lbs and jacks. This is by far my favorite time of the year. Within the next few weeks we should see snook along the shoreline at first light. Tarpon starting to move into the canals. large schools of ladyfish and jacks busting bait in the channel and occasional pompano just to mix things up a little.
Over the next few weeks we should begin to see a few small schools of Bull reds feeding on the outer edge of the flats. These fish can be a lot of fun but are one of the hardest fish to tease into striking a lure. Over the past few years we have put a few reds up to 56 inches in the boat.
Next week in addition to my regular report I will post my tips for sight catching fish in skinny flat water.
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug Go To www.SightFishing.com
Flats Report for Melbourne and Sebastian Area
2/21/03 report for Sebastian area flats by Capt. Terry
The fishing on the Lagoon is starting to pick up. Bait fish are showing on the flats and the deeper edges are holding good numbers of smaller size trout. I have found the water temps starting to get into the high 60's and even 70 the last few days. It shouldn't be long for the topwater bite to start producing a bite in the morning hours and the Snook should be out prowling around for their hungry appetite since the cold winter is behind us once again. This past couple of days have produced larger than normal Jack Crevelle in the 5-6 LB size and some small Snook as well. Spring is near and the fishing is only going to get better and better as the days start to warm.
The Stickmarsh has produced some Hawgs this past week as well. My client on Tuesday boated a big gal that was full of roe on a bubblegum colored Senco worm, she weighed in the 9lb.range.Several other guided parties have produced some big fish as well with a 14lbr.as the biggest. This new moon phase should to produce some impressive weights and the upcoming March full moon should be dynamite.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Try not to focus to much on the area of your last cast. What I mean by this is always have a roaming eye on the close surrounding waters for signs of feeding fish or bait being chased down. Once sighting these areas make several casts into and around as more than likely a bite will happen.
For more information on fishing with Capt. Terry go to www.easydaysfishing.com |
Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 12:10 am: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
The water on the flats is around 65 and air temp is in the 70's and it's that Time of year again.
For all of those of you who have fished with me and asked me to let you know when the Bull Reds are here, THEY ARE HERE. Get out your rods and practice your long casting though. It has been hard getting a lure in front of them with the water as clear as it is. You can see these big boys up to 100 yards away when they are moving across a flat. In the time you have to get a shot at them you may be able to get more than one cast but not very often. The only good thing is if you give it enough time you will be able to get a second chance.
Last year our biggest fish we put in the boat was just over 52 inches. and the year before that we went 2 weeks without putting a fish under 45 inches in the boat. So, the best time to hook into one of these fish is between now and around the 3rd week in March. By the way, most of these fish we catch are on top water.
Your best shot at a bull will be just on the outer edge of the flats in 3 to 4 feet of water and caught on top water. Try putting a Rip Roller 50 feet or so in front of the reds wile they are pushing looking for that next meal. Twitch it when they get around 5 feet away. Once they are within 2 to 3 feet of it twitch it as if you were the lure that was about to be eaten. This brings out that instinctual chase. Once they start after your lure, Do Not Stop and get ready for the fight of a lifetime.
My favorite top water lure to use for these monsters is the 3 1/4" HighRoller™ in Florida Special or Blue Green I know I am always talking about the Rip Roller, but once you have fished it you will be talking about it just like I do.
On the soft plastic days try slowly working one of Cotee's Reel Magic rigged with a 5/0 Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook just in front on them. This time of year I have my best luck on the rainbow trout and black/gold/flk Let the fish find the bait! When the reds become a little lethargic you will get a lot more hookups by letting them think they found dinner without having to work for it.
for more info goto www.SightFishing.com |
Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 12:06 am: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
1/07/2003 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Redfish
Sight fishing for reds has been on and off for the past few weeks. Last week the water warmed up in the mid 60's and the reds were tailing like mad. This week the water temp dropped back down in the low 50's and they all clamed up. There are still a few reds being caught but you have to work for them. Keep in mind though, as soon as the water temp gets above 65 I know we will be in for the ride of a lifetime. These fish will school up in schools up to 500+ and will inhale top water plugs and flies. Last year at this time we landed a nice 52 incher and put a few more in the 40 to 48 inch range.
If you are looking for some great top water action give the 3 1/4" HighRoller™ in Florida Special or Blue Green a shot. I know I am always talking about the Rip Roller, but the High Roller has a softer presentation and has a walk the dog action like no other. This lure is also one of the smoothest casting lures I have ever used.
On the soft plastic days try slowly working one of Cotee's Reel Magic rigged with a 5/0 Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook just in front on them. This time of year I have my best luck on the rainbow trout and black/gold/flk Let the fish find the bait! When the reds become a little lethargic you will get a lot more hookups by letting them think they found dinner without having to work for it.
Trout
Trout fishing has been a lot like redfish for the past few weeks. Slow one day and a little better the next. The good news is that most of the trout we have boated over the past few weeks have been in the 20 inch range and caught on top water. All of the trout we have caught have been in the mid to late afternoon and in 6 inches to 2 feet of water. The key has been to find the schools of bait and work them all. As spring draws closer the trout fishing will only get better from here on. I look forward to the water temperatures getting back up around 70. When it does we will be able to work the flats before first light casting top water for gator trout. I don't consider trout a gator until they get over 30 inches. There is no better sound than a top water plug being worked in the predawn light and hearing the sound of a big trout busting the surface.
We have caught a few trout up to 20 inches on the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. on the flats latter in the day. When the water is as clear as it is now your best bet will be to blind cast the schools of bait. Remember to wear sky colored clothing because trout will see you long before you see them. Also try to keep all movement and noise to a minimum.
Everything else
Grab your fly rods and get ready for a sour arm. The larger ladyfish have arrived. This past week I landed a 4 1/2 lbs lady on a #5. I fought it for 15 minutes before it let me take it off. We also caught a few up to 5 lbs on top water and more than we could count on grubs.
For your best shot at these smaller cousin of the tarpon you need to be on the water at first light and head for the power plants. Sure the ladies are there most of the day, but the larger fish have been feeding best before 9am.
When fishing the power plants keep in mind that the water is full of manatees. We had a group of over 40 around us the other day and had to pole a good ways before I could start the motor back up.
Also, wile in these areas keep your eyes open for big reds. They have been known to come by from time to time looking for a little warm water themselves.
Flats Report for Melbourne and Sebastian Area
1/05/03 report for Sebastian area flats by Capt. Terry
The past couple of weeks have been trying on the water. The flags that are flying have looked as if they were heavily starched most of the time. The winds have been relentless as some of the cold fronts have dipped the mercury into the high thirties and the high for the day only got into the mid to upper sixties. When these fronts move through the area finding protection is about all you can do to try to make a bite happen. Most of the better flats are too blown out to fish them. When we get a northerly wind that grinds down the lagoon as we have had the fishing becomes a chore and not as fun as it should be. There is a silver lining to this though. As the front pushes through and the days start to warm with calmer winds the fish get the urge to feed after a short time of hunkering down time. This is when it becomes fun again. It did just that on New Year's Day and the day after for me and a couple of clients. I fished an area that normally holds Snook, so we tried our luck to see if they were coming out to feed after the last two fronts that we had. It didn't take but a couple of casts with a 1/4 oz. gold spoon to feel and hear the drag start to scream. We boated several Snook and some big ladyfish all in the same area. The next day was an exact remake except that I threw a floating Rattle Trap in gold/black back pattern to take the linesiders. If you have ever Bass fished a trap and had fun try it on a Bass on steroids (Snook).
Speaking of Bass...The Stickmarsh is starting to show once again that it is one of the waters in the United States to catch trophy size Bass. As of this week several have been caught that were in the double digit weights. They are getting ready to spawn and are fat and happy. Live wild shiners are always a sure bet for a big fish but soft plastics will also keep the line stretched as well. This is where braided line comes in handy as the place is full of stumps and hydrilla.
Hope to see you on the water,
Capt.Terry Lamielle
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 7:09 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
11/13/2002 Flats fishing report for the Titusville & Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
I'm sorry to report that the past cold front that came through pushed the tarpon of the flats we had been doing so well on. It was great being able to put a few in the boat, but all we can do now is wait till they come back our way in the spring.
Redfish
Redfishing has picked a little over the past week. Our best catches have come just prior and just after sunrise in 3 to 4 feet on the outer edge of the flats. Once again all our reds came on top water ( 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller ). All of the reds we caught were found on the outer edge of the schools of bait.
Typically this time of year the reds don't come up on the flats until after the sun has warmed the water up. The good news is the water hasn't cooled down that much yet.
Trout
Trout fishing has been go one day and slow the next. However, when it is good the fish have been more than willing to take top water just after first light. After the sun comes up most of the fish we have caught have been on Cotee's Reel Magic rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook and Cotee's Shad Tails. Our best fish have been caught on ether chartreuse or gold flake. All of our fish have come on the outside edge of the bait in 3 to 6 feet of water.
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug go to www.SightFishing.com
Flats Report for Sebastian Area
11/13/02 report for Sebastian area flats by Capt. Terry
We are getting ready for another cold front to visit the Space Coast today. The last couple of weeks we had two week fronts that did drop the water temp. down into the mid 70 degree levels. This has been great for the topwater action to last throughout the day instead of being over by sun up times. Since the cold fronts I have been working area canal systems with flats adjacent to them. I have been finding large schools of finger mullet and glass minnows holding in these canals where Snook and Sea trout are holding close by for an easy meal. The lures of choice have been Gambler 4" flappin shad grubs on a 1/4 oz. jig head. Dark colors have been working better than light ones do to the off colored water we have been having these last few weeks. Gold spoons in the same weight have been producing just as well. The spoons have been doing better on the adjacent flats for Snook and Reds whereas the grubs are better for the deeper canal waters. While working these canals I have been getting the better bites where points along the mangroves have a shallow side that will drop off to deeper waters on the opposite side. These areas is where you will find your bigger bite. Yesterday was just that when I hooked into a nice 10 lb. Snook with the grub.
The fall bait run is still going on but I have noticed that it is thinning out some compared to the last several weeks. Still there is schools of aggressive Jacks and Bluefish that are cruising the bays and are feeding with vengeance on these bait pods. If you are in the right place at the right time get out your topwater plug and make a cast. The next step is to HOLD ON! These jacks get so competitive with each other for your plug that it isn't a rare thing to hook up with two fish at the same time with one on the front hook and one on the back hook. Two five pound jacks fighting together is better that one ten pound one any day.
The next couple of weeks should be a transition period for our lagoon fish as they will be migrating their ways to deeper waters for the winter. The flats will still be fishable but later in the day after the waters warm up from the sun.
The freshwater scene will be interesting as well as the Bass will be staging getting ready to spawn. Cold fronts will be the factor as of when they will go on the beds. The next three months coming up to the full moon periods will be great or not so great as Mother Nature will have her say as to when she will let it happen. The Stickmarsh should be an exciting place to be when this takes place.
Capt.Terry Lamielle
For more information on fishing with Capt. Terry go to http://www.indianriver.cc/EasyDays/easydays.htm
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Capt. Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:45 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
10/22/2002 Flats fishing report for the Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
We got a slam! These are the fishing reports I love to post. Yesterdays was one of the best days we have had on the water for a month. We boated 3 reds, 3 trout, 1 snook, 2 tarpon and countless ladyfish and jacks all on 3 1/4 inch Rip Roller.
Redfish
The red are a little scattered but the ones we did find were more than happy to bust top water. All the reds we found were in 2 to 3 feet of water and pushing water just inside the schools of bait. I know I talk about this lure all the time, but, all of our reds were caught on the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. It is amazing how this lure draws the fish. I would go as far to say if I was stranded on an Island in the Indian River and I could only chose one lure to catch my dinner with, It would be this lure.
Trout
The trout bite is a little slow. We have caught a few nice fish, but all of the have come within the first few hours after sunrise. We have had our best luck within a few feet of the shoreline inside the schools of bait. Our best strikes have come by working the lures slowly. Remember not to stop your retrieve. most of these fish have been striking the lure 2 or more times prior to grabbing it.
Snook
The snook have been a little more willing to play with us here over the past few days. Most have been holding just under overhanging trees in 2 feet or more. However, a few have been feeding up to 20 feet away from the shoreline when bait is further away from the trees.
Tarpon
The tarpon are going nuts on top water. Look around the mouths of canals and brackish water outflows. If you have always dreamed of hooking in to one of these fish but never had the chance. Book your trip now! these fish wont be feeding like this much longer on the flats.
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug go to www.SightFishing.com |
Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 11:49 am: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
10/17/2002 Flats fishing report for the Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has slowed down on the Banana River these past few weeks for reds. We have managed to find a few around schools of bait but most have been unwilling to feed. Snook and tarpon are feeding in the early mornings along deeper shorelines and a few trout have been willing to take top water within the first few hours of sunrise.
Now the good news. The fall mullet run is in full swing and the port is going off. Spanish mackerel, Blues, Jacks and Tarpon are everywhere. This is one of those times when just about anything you throw in the water will catch fish. This feeding frenzy will only last a few more weeks until the bait moves on. After that we will be waiting for the Flounder to move in after the first cold snap.
If you still want to fish the flats all is not lost. I usually move back the the Indian River between Titusville and Cocoa during the fall and winter. This past week we put a few reds up to 29 inches in the boat. Trout fishing has been good in the first few hours after sunrise, and big schools of jacks have been working the flats. The wind has been a big factor this past week so we were not able to put as much time in on the flats as I would have like to. If history repeats itself, after this cold front passes we should be in for some great fishing.
As our first cold snaps passes this week the water will cool down a little. This should bring in the schools of ladyfish to the power plants. That means it is time to grab your ultra light tackle and fly rods. This fish will give you hours of catch and release action.
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug go to www.SightFishing.com
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Capt. Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 29, 2002 - 1:42 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
9/29/2002 Flats fishing report for the Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fall is here on the Cocoa Beach flats. The redfish are schooling, snook are feeding along the mangroves and the trout are taking their place on the deeper edge of the flats. A few tarpon have become more active on top water and schools of jacks have been pushing the schools of bait in tight against the shore.
Redfish. Redfishing was a little hard this past week with the high winds from a few of the storms that past through the gulf. We have been able to find a few nice schools of reds up to 100 fish feeding in the 25 to 35 inch range in the early am and at night on the flats. These fish have been a little spooky but willing to take a top water plug that is worked close by. Most of the reds we found this past week where found in a foot or less. As always all of our reds this week were caught on 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller . The reds that we found this past week were most active just prior to sunrise till around 11 am. Trout Trout fishing slowed down a little this past week. We did manage a few nice fish when the water calmed down but most have been small. This will all change in a few days though. The water temp. has already begun to drop and schools of glass minnows are all over the river. Last year at this time we put a few trout 30 inches + in the boat off topwater.
Snook Snook fishing has picked up in the Cocoa Beach area over the past few weeks. All of the snook we have caught have been holding along the deeper mangroves. Most of our better topwater catches have come within the first hour before and after sunrise.
Till next time, Capt. Doug
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug click here
No-motor Zone
9/22/2002 report by Craig Redwine
As of 9-22-02 Most people who fish with me ask when is the best time of year to fish the no motor zone. Well, the time is now!! Redfish, Trout, Snook, Tarpon, Blackdrum, Jacks and Ladyfish of all sizes are all available and feeding. As long as the weather cooperates your guaranteed to have lots of action. My last trip we caught 3 Reds 10 to 15 lb. 5 Tarpon 5 to 15 lb. along with some avg. Trout and Jacks all on topwater plugs. We saw plenty of Blackdrum but were unable to get them to take any artificial baits. The school of big bull Reds I was on has seemed to scatter but they are still around just hanging in smaller groups and sometimes hanging with smaller fish. I had two Reds I was chasing 1 was 12lb. and the other was much larger I guess it was over 30lb. we present our baits to them and came up with the 12lb. This time of year trips book fast so to insure the day you want to fish book now.
For more information on Flats fishing with Craig click here
Flats Report for Sebastian Inlet
9/19/02 report for Sebastian area flats by Capt. Terry
The fall mullet run is in full swing at this time. For fishing it couldn't be better. Finding concentrations of bait will likely have the rods bending and the drags screaming for most of the day. Starting out in the first show of daylight has been best for topwater action. Clean grass flats have been producing well for the Trout bite up until noon time. Occasionally a school of 5-6lb Jack Crevalles will happen to cruise by for some real tackle busting action. I've had several straighten hooks on the Chug Bugs that we were throwing. The Snook bite has been good also. Mangrove shorelines with the trees overhanging onto the water has been the key to finding these linesiders willing to blast a topwater thrown very close to cover and working it back to the boat. It's always best to give a couple of casts to the same place especially if Glass Minnows are present. Sometimes it takes that added cast to make the bite. Most of the Snook have been in the Juvenal size up to 8 lbs. The real big Snook have been around the boat docks that are plentiful on the lagoon. This is not the time or place to test your light line savvy. These fish are Big! I've been using 6/20 Power Pro braided line with a 30 lb. test fluorocarbon leaded to keep these big boy's from running me under the dock. Still some are just too big to tame. The lures that I have been fishing with are topwater High Roller lures, Storm's Chug Bugs and Heddons Tiny Torpedos. For the subsurface bite I use Gamblers 4" flappin shad in the phantom/chartreuse color scheme. There are two ways that I rig this bait. One is with a 1/4 oz. red jig head for working the deeper areas such as dochs. The other way is to use a Gambler Florida Rig weight and a Gamakatsu 2/0 wide gap worm hook. This makes the lure weedless by Texas rigging the grub as you would do for bass fishing. This lure is my favorite way of fishing structure with great results. The days will start to grow cooler and the fish will start their process to feed heavily until the cold comes down our way. This all means for some great flats action for the next several weeks on the lagoon. Capt. Terry
For more information on fishing with Capt. Terry click here
Flats Report for the Mosquito Lagoon and North Indian River
4/23/2002 Mosquito Lagoon Report by Capt. Scott MacCallia
The fall mullet run has officially started. Every near shore predatory fish is on the beach eating mullet. Tarpon, snook, jacks, sharks, redfish, and kingfish are all in on the action. Last Monday I hooked a 130# tarpon on a chugger in the surf. Hell of a surface strike! The big jumbo sized redfish are in large schools now and are popping mullet on the surface like jacks. Friday we boated 2 right at 20lbs on top waters and also landed more trout that we cared to. The redfish have been easy to find during calm mornings, but the wind that we have had for the past week has sort of split the schools up. Tarpon are starting to show up in the Lagoon as well. Tarpon in the lagoon? There are tarpon in the Lagoon, not just redfish. The problem now is the choice of what to do and where to do it. The fall provides the best fishing of the year, contending with tropical storms and hurricanes throw a wrench in to the equation though.
For more information on fishing with Capt. Scott click here
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 9:40 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
9/10/2002 Flats fishing report for the Cocoa Beach area. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fall is almost upon us and the fish seem to be letting out a sigh of relief. They know that cooler water is on the way because the fall bait run is beginning to start. From now till the end of the month we will be able to catch the largest verities of fish this area has to offer. The trout fishing really begins to pick up, Reds begin feed in shallower water trying to put on a few pound before winter, Snook start feeding around the mangroves and LARGE TARPON, schools of jacks, blues, and sharks work the schools of bait on the beaches. The best part of this time of the year is trying to do it all before the bait moves on.
Now the good news. For this point on flats fishing just gets better. As the water cools down into the low 80's and 70's the flats will come alive. For all you that love to dream of sight fishing reds like you see on TV, you need to get out your calendar and set up a trip to the flats.
Redfish. Redfishing continues to improve in Cocoa Beach. Most of the schools of larger reds I had been fishing in 4 to 5 feet have moved up on the flats in the early morning hours. This can be a mixed blessing. When these fish move in less than a foot they are much easer to find, BUT, they become much more skittish. These fish didn't get this old by chance. This is one of those times that casting accurately is everything. If you are working top water, try casting 2 to 3 feet past and off to the side of these fish as lightly as possible. In other words don't drop a bomb from 50 feet up on them. Most of the fish I have caught over the past month will spook of from a lure worked to fast, so slow your lure down to a tap every 2 to 3 seconds. If you are "walking the dog" walk it firmly but slowly. Most of the reds we have had strike haven't even broken water when they took our lures. All of the reds we have caught this past week have been on my favorite top water plug the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller . Just so you know, I am not paid to tell you what lures I catch fish on. I only put them up as a hipper link so that you can find where I like to buy them, and what color has worked for me.
Trout Trout fishing has been great and should continue to get better every day. This is turning out to be one of the best late summers I have had for big trout. I usually only fish the larger trout in the spring but once again our net ban is paying off. Most of the trout we have caught this past week have been on the same lure I have been useing for the reds, the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. Most of these fish have been under 20 inches, but we have found a few larger trout holding in less than 2 feet in the early morning and late afternoon. All of our fish have been just to the inside of the schools of bait.
From now until September 28, 2002 I am offering a $50 discount on all full day trips booked and taken before September 28th 2002. In order to get this discount you must tell me where you found my report and mention this discount at the time you book your trip. I am running a few new adds and want to see what is woking.
Till next time, Capt. Doug
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug goto www.indianriveradventures.com
No-motor Zone
9/9/2002 report by Craig Redwine
Receive 1/2 off any no-motor zone "canoe" trip in response to this report. As long as the East winds don't get to strong were able find plenty of Black drum tailing between 25 & 35lbs. and we have been able to get hook ups on live shrimp & cut crab and occasionally a D.O.A. Large Redfish have been schooled up and roaming the shoals one day they will be there the next day their gone. At first light they have been hitting topwater and moving to gold spoons later through the day. Snook season is here and we have been catching mostly under size fish but this past weekend we got hit buy some nice fish 30 inches plus but were unable to land any. Slot size Redfish have been consistent throughout the day. Along with Large Trout and The occasional Tarpon avg. 20Lbs. there has been plenty of action on the water.
For more information on Flats fishing with Craig goto www.indianriveradventures.com
Flats Report for Sebastian Inlet
9/7/02 report for Sebastian area flats by Capt. Terry
While the somewhat scare of a tropical depression earlier in the week fizzled out with only rain for some the west winds put a hindrance for most of my flats that have been producing lately. Today was a quite the opposite. It looks as if the fall bait run is starting to show on these flats. Where there was bait there was fish to be caught. Topwater plugs has been producing some explosive strikes along the mangrove shorelines. Today my clients from Maryland had the privilege to see just how good it can get. For two very novice anglers they did well. The first fish to strike came when the sun was barely making an attempt to show itself, and what a fish it was. When we brought it to the side of the boat to get my Boga grip on it I saw a large gator trout with hooks in it's face. We brought it aboard and weighed her .She weighed at 6lbs.After the battle it was non stop line stretching with schools of large 6lb.+ Jack Crevalle for the next three hours.
The fishing will only get better as the days begin to get shorter. Until then...
Keep the line wet and good fishin',
Capt. Terry
For more information on fishing with Capt. Terry goto www.indianriveradventures.com
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Capt. Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 8:49 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
9/1/2002 Flats fishing report for the Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing still continues to be on and off but now we have a few more on days then off. This past week we have caught reds up to 40 inches and trout up to 25 inches all on top water. You may think I sound like a broken record talking about the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller but this lure has produced every day for us this past week.
The reds have started feeding in a little shallower water this past week and have been only feeding in the first hour after sunrise. Most of the fish have been very spooky and would only hit topwater if the lure ways worked very slowly just a few feet away from where they were tailing.
This next week should prove to be a week for making memories due to the low pressure system just off shore and the passing full moon. Keep in mind that these fish are going to have had a lot of pressure on them this weekend so try to move in on any area you may think holds fish as quietly as possible.
Trout fishing has been much better this past week. Every day we found a few fish up to 25 inches just waiting for a top water plug to come there way. Most of the trout made a lot of short strikes prior to grabbing our lures. The better fish we found in 1 to 2 feet of water just outside of the schools of bait.
Once again the time of year when you dust off your ultra light tackle rods and look for the birds. Big schools of ladyfish and jacks are moving all over the Cocoa Beach area this past week. This is one of my favorite times of the year for line scramming action and one of the best times to help that friend or loved one brush up there skills. Most of these fish have been just out side the flats in 3 to 8 feet of water. Just look for the birds and large schools of bait.
Upcoming trips.
Snook season opened today. The fall mullet run will be starting the month. This is going to make it hard to decide what to fish for. Big tarpon off the beach, snook in the inlets, Spanish at the mouth of the port, schools of bull reds on the flats or gator trout on the drop-offs. I love this time of year! Till next time, Capt. Doug
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Capt. Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 9:54 am: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach report
8/22/2002 Flats fishing report for the Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has been on and off for the past few weeks. When it is on, you can count on redfish up to 45 inches. Many of these fish have been willing to hit top water plugs such as 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller worked very slowly. Most of these fish have been in small schools of 3 to 20 fish and moving slowly on the outer edge of the flats. When these fish are unwilling to take top water we have teased a few with Rainbow Trout Reel Magic. Bright colors have been working best such as chartreuse or rainbow trout.
Trout fishing has been very slow in the Banana River. Most of the trout we have caught have been under 15 inches. Now that we are past this months full moon and the water temperature should begin to fall soon the larger trout we start to become more active.
Colorado trout fishing. This past week I had a chance to get out to Colorado for a few days to get a line wet. I found a great guide that put me on some nice brooks and browns. This was my first trip out west and it was one I will remember for years to come. We caught browns up to 20 inches and saw some big boys in the 30 inch range. This ways a different experience for someone who spends all their time casting an 8# with 2/0 flies at reds. So if you are looking for a guide to show you a great time in Colorado give Greg Cunningham a call at 303-369-8839.
Till next time, Capt. Doug
No-motor Zone
As of 8/19/02 This past week fishing has been great. We have been catching
most fish with topwater action. Redfish have been averaging 27 to 32 inches.
Trout have mostly been under 18 inches which at times will hit on every cast
along with Ladyfish and Jacks has made for some busy fishing. Large Redfish
some I've seen pushing 60 inches and are schooled up and very spooky mixed
with tailing Blackdrum some have been the biggest I have seen on the flats.
In short the fish are goin off book a trip for some bet rod action |
Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 23, 2002 - 6:22 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
7/23/2002 Flats fishing report for the Indian and Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing was slow there for a few weeks and I haven't had much to report. The good news is it is starting to pick up again. And the great news is a lot of the action has been on top water. So, for those of you wanting to get a few good shots at landing some nice fish on surface plugs you better get out there now. Please remember a few things. The reds and trout are holding in sometimes less than a foot of water and have been a little spooky in the afternoons. So, be as quite as possible, cut your motor off a hundred yards or so off the flat and pole your way in. Now is not the time for your bright colored fishing shirts and a lot of movement on the deck. Try wearing something that will make you blend in with the sky.
Redfish
All of the reds we have caught this week have been in less than 1 to 3 feet of water. The reds have been feeding more on the schools of mullet on the outside edge of the flats, and laying in the pot holes on the inside. The schooling reds have been a little less spooky but moving fast. while the fish in the grass have been waiting for than unsuspecting bait to cross it's path. This week all our fish were caught on ether the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. or the Rainbow Trout Reel Magic. Keep in mind the the water has been flat and clear. Try to cast as far as possible from the boat, keep movement to a minimum and be very quite. These fish are spooky.
Most of the reds we have caught this week have been in the 24 to 40 inch range.Trout
Most of the trout we have caught this week have been in the 15 to 25 inch range and have been caught once again on ether the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. or the Rainbow Trout Reel Magic. Most of our trout were caught in less than 1 to 3 feet of water. They all have been holding near schools of mullet.
Till next time, Capt. Doug
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 2:48 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
6/8/2002 Flats fishing report for the Indian and Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has been great this past week. With all the rain we have had over the past few weeks the water temperature has come down and the top water feed is on. All of the trout and reds we have caught this week have been on top water! So, if you are a top water nut like me, get out there now and catch a memory.
Redfish
All of the reds we have caught this week have been in 1 to 2 feet of water. The reds have been holding near schools of mullet on the inside edge of the flats. Unlike earlier this year when the reds were schooling with the bait, they are now busting any mullet that swims a little to close. We have had our best luck this week on the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. We have been working these top water plugs slowly a few feet in front of the reds with great results. Keep in mind the the water has been flat and clear. Try to cast as far as possible from the boat, keep movement to a minimum and be very quite. These fish have been a little spooky.
Trout
Great news, the larger trout have been on the flats and hungry for top water plugs. Most of the trout we have put in the boat this week have been between 15 to 30 inches. We haven't found any of the 30 + inche fish yet this year but I feel it is only going to be a few days now till we land a gator. It ways in June last year that we put 6 trout over 30 with one 37 inch gator gator in the boat. All of the trout we caught this past week were one again caught on the 3 1/4 inch Florida Special Rip Roller. Most of our trout were caught in 2 to 3 feet of water on the outer edge of the flats.
Till next time, Capt. Doug
No-motor Zone
6/25/2002 report by Craig Redwine
As of 6-25-02 well our patience has paid off despite constant downpours the fishing has been excellent the Redfish have been schooled up and taking most baits. Sunday I fished alone and caught plenty of Redfish, 3 were over 40 inches and caught my first red on fly. Snook, Trout, Jacks and Ladyfish are all abundant keeping the excitement up and the drags screaming. So in a nutshell if your willing to put on the raingear and brave the weather the rewards are worth the pruned fingers.
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capt.Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 1:11 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Fishing has been slow for the past few weeks. Today was the first good day we have had on the water. First thing this morning we fished topwater hopping to catch some trout and maybe a snook or two. We put 5 trout in the boat with the largest just over 2 pounds. We did find one snook but he didn't want to play. We decided to give up on the top water and cast grubs for trout on the outer edge of the flats for trout. We worked the drop-off for about 30 minutes when we noticed a small school of oversized reds tailing. by the 3rd cast line started screaming.
All of the reds caught this week have been caught working grubs very slowly across the bottom. All of the reds I have seen this past week have been holding close to the bottom and very slow to strike. I will post again as soon as things pick up a little more.
Till next time, Capt. Doug
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Easy Days Guide Service
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 11:12 pm: | |
Subject: Space Coast Florida Flats Fishing Report
This week has been excellent for fishing in my area around the Sebastian Inlet flats.The waters are starting to clean up and sightcasting is much better for large seatrout.I've been working an area with an abundance of healthy grass beds with potholes of sand troughout in one to two feet of water.The baitfish have been henging around in great numbers which is the reason for the large trout that I have been seeing. Thursday I found these trout staging in the potholes waiting for prey to pass by for an easy meal.Some of these trout were over 8 lbs.
The snook bite has been hot and steady but the window of opportunity is only for about an hour at best.I'm finding that the explosive feeding times have been just before the sun starts to come up on the horizon and lasts about 30 min. after it shows itself totally.The bait of choice has been a 1/4 oz. gold spoon.Some of these snook have weighed in at 12 and 14 lbs. and another that broke me off using 30 lb. test leader that was every bit of 20 lbs.These fish are staging in 10 to 12 ft. of water and chase the baitfish up onto the shallows of a sandbar close by and the shoreline also.They blast the bait on top but yet have I had one want to hit a topwater lure.
This time of year is the best opportunity for excellent fishing on the space coast of Florida.The mornings are pleasant and the midday isn't quite as scorching as the months to come.Until then...
Keep the line wet and good fishin',
P.S. A special thanks to Capt.Doug Blanton for the excellent redfish bite we had on Friday.It will always be one of those memories etched in my mind of a fantastic day on the water.
Capt.Terry Lamielle
"EASY DAYS"
www.teleinfosys.com/EasyDays |
Easy Days Guide Service
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 11:12 pm: | |
Subject: Space Coast Florida Flats Fishing Report
This week has been excellent for fishing in my area around the Sebastian Inlet flats.The waters are starting to clean up and sightcasting is much better for large seatrout.I've been working an area with an abundance of healthy grass beds with potholes of sand troughout in one to two feet of water.The baitfish have been henging around in great numbers which is the reason for the large trout that I have been seeing. Thursday I found these trout staging in the potholes waiting for prey to pass by for an easy meal.Some of these trout were over 8 lbs.
The snook bite has been hot and steady but the window of opportunity is only for about an hour at best.I'm finding that the explosive feeding times have been just before the sun starts to come up on the horizon and lasts about 30 min. after it shows itself totally.The bait of choice has been a 1/4 oz. gold spoon.Some of these snook have weighed in at 12 and 14 lbs. and another that broke me off using 30 lb. test leader that was every bit of 20 lbs.These fish are staging in 10 to 12 ft. of water and chase the baitfish up onto the shallows of a sandbar close by and the shoreline also.They blast the bait on top but yet have I had one want to hit a topwater lure.
This time of year is the best opportunity for excellent fishing on the space coast of Florida.The mornings are pleasant and the midday isn't quite as scorching as the months to come.Until then...
Keep the line wet and good fishin',
P.S. A special thanks to Capt.Doug Blanton for the excellent redfish bite we had on Friday.It will always be one of those memories etched in my mind of a fantastic day on the water.
Capt.Terry Lamielle
"EASY DAYS"
www.teleinfosys.com/EasyDays |
Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 12, 2002 - 8:54 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
This has been a great week to be on the water. We have caught 10 lbs trout on top water. I have watched schools of hungry reds grow from schools of 50 to 150. And best of all, we caught reds on top water.
If you are wanting to catch a memory this is the time! Clean off your rods and reels, put on some fresh line, (book a guide) and go catching. Now is the time that everyone asks me about. So, if you have asked me to let you know when they are here, THEY ARE HERE!!! I only have a few days open this month and about 13 days in June.
REDFISH REPORT
This has been a great week for reds. There have been single slot size fish holding in less than a foot and schools up to 150 holding on the outer edge of the flats in 2 to 3 feet. A few smaller bulls have been schooling in 4 to 5 feet in groups up to about 50. Most of the reds we found have been hungry as long as you do not pressure them to hard.
When I find schools of reds such as these I like to pole to within about 50 feet of them and make as many casts at them as I can without spooking them. Once these fish have spooked I stay about 100 feet away form them to give them enough time to settle down. Once they start to fin again I pole back in casting range and start working my lure again.
This has been one of the best weeks I have had this year for reds. Last Friday I had the pleasure of fishing with John Passanisi and Capt. Terry Lamielle on my home flats on the Banana River. It isn't very often I get a chance to get a line wet with clients on the boat but Friday was a day I want forget for a long time. We put 11 nice reds in the boat with in 6 hours for 20 to around 40 inches. Most of our reds were caught on Cotee's Reel Magic and High Roller's Rip Roller.
TROUT REPORT
Trout fishing has been great this past week. All of our fish were caught on top water and ranged from 15 to 30 inches. One gator caught this week on a Rip Roller went just over 9 lbs. Most of the trout we caught this week were holding in 2 feet or less and holding near structure and schools of bait. These fish were active all day.
last year we put some big trout in the boat this time of the year. My current record is 6 trout in one day over 30 inches caught on top water. This year I am armed with a new lure I know can top last years catch. The gator trout are here! Over the past few week s I have been seeing large trout starting to work their way up on the flats and the week they decided they wanted to play. We have caught a few of these big boys up to 28 inches on top water this week. If history repeats itself these fish should only be getting larger as summer moves in. There is only one thing to keep in mind, These fish are only here for a short time in good numbers. Over the past few years I have noticed a trend, they come in in may and move back into deeper water by July. So, If you want to have the best shot a landing a gator trout, get out before the summer heat pushes these fish into deeper water.
Tackle report
Over the past weeks I have been using one of G-Loomis's 10' 6' spinning rods. This rod is a rocket luncher for top water plugs. This past week we had schools of reds that had just moved out of conventional tackles range so I brought out the big guns and tossed a plug just over them and pulled a red out of a school that would have gotten away. This rod fought a red like a surf rod with 8 lbs test.
When I bought this rod I was planing on fishing the surf for pompano due to its ability to cast so far. My furthest cast so far with 8 lbs line is just over 275 feet. Yes, just under the size of a foot ball field. I started thinking about how spooky trout like to be and when schools of reds are just out of range and put it on the boat.
If you are looking for something you can get some great distance with light tackle this rod is a must. They run about $165.00 for the GL-2 at the Fly Fisherman. If you call or go by to ask about them, just tell them that you want the same rod that I use.
I am currently trying out some new line that has just come on the market. I will tell you more about it in my next report.
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
Cotee's Reel Magic
High Roller's Rip Roller
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Capt. Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 02, 2002 - 11:56 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
5/2/2002 Flats fishing report for the Indian and Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
The gator trout are here! Over the past few week s I have been seeing large trout starting to work their way up on the flats and the week they decided they wanted to play. We have caught a few of these big boys up to 28 inches on top water this week. If history repeats itself these fish should only be getting larger as summer moves in. There is only one thing to keep in mind, These fish are only here for a short time in good numbers. Over the past few years I have noticed a trend, they come in in may and move back into deeper water by July. So, If you want to have the best shot a landing a gator trout, get out before the summer heat pushes these fish into deeper water.
All of the big trout we caught this past week were on Rip Rollers in 1 to 2 feet of water just inside of the schools of bait. Our best catches came within the first few hours of sunrise. These fish we start to become more active throughout the day as the full moon passes a little more. Some of our best catches last year came between 8 am and 2 pm last year. At the end of this report I have more information on the lures I have been using.
Red fishing has been a little slow this past week with the full moon. The reds have been feeding all night and have been less active after 9 am. The good news is the moon has pasted and we should be starting to see these fish schooling up into large schools of 100 to 500 in the Banana River. Last year I was able to fish the same school of reds for over a month. So far I have haven't seen the large schools yet, but I have seen the large schools of bait building to numbers larger than those last year just before the reds set into their spring feeding schedule.
This week all of the reds we caught where in 2 feet or less and were only taken on Cotee's Reel Magic rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Copper Head Hook. The reds have been a little shy to hit top water and fast moving lures, so keep your retrieve slow and try to work it as close to them as you can without spooking them. Most of the red we found where in small schools or singles.
Tackle report All of the big trout we caught this past week were on a new top water plug I have been trying called a Rip Roller. I have used a lot of top water lures of the years and have found this lure to be one of the best I have ever used. There is a lot of great things about this lure compared to others I have used. It is by far one of the most durable hand made lures I have seen. It is made from sugar pine and covered with gel-coat. This makes this lure a great top water plug for toothy fish. The hardware on this plug can stand up to all the stress of big fish and the salt water. And best of all, it catches fish. The only down fall to this lure is the price, but, as I have found, I would rather pay a few dollars more for a great lure that will hold up the the constant wear I put a plug thru than something a pay a few bucks for and have to replace every other trip. To find out more information about these lures check out their web site at www.hroller.com
Over the past few months I have been using G-Loomis Green Water rods with Orvis Super Cast reels. I love this combo! The rods are light enough to cast all day and still strong enough to handle the big bull reds. We hade a chance to put these rods to the test earlier this year when we landed a few bull reds up to 52 inches. I ways a little unsure at first if this light weight rod would hold up the the stress these big boys can dish out, but they proved to me that they can stand up to anything my flats have to offer. Another nice part of these rods is they have a life time warranty. If you are looking to buy a great rod I would highly recommend adding one of these rods to your fishing arsenal. You can find these rods in Titusville and Orlando at the Fly Fisherman.
The Orvis reels I have been using has also shown itself to be a hard working reel with 8 ball bearings. Those same 52 inch red were caught on these reels and they never missed a beat. The best thing about these reels is their 25, yes, 25 year unconditional warranty. I know there are a few good reels out there, but none of them have a warranty that can come close to what you get with Orvis. You can find these reels in Titusville and Orlando at the Fly Fisherman.
I am currently trying out a new 10'6" spinning rod that casts like a rocket. I will let you know a little more about it in my next report. Until then, try not to catch them all.
Don Ray has a new snook print! http://www.donraystudio.com/
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
Cotee's Reel Magic
High Roller's Rip Roller
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Capt Doug blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2002 - 12:05 am: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
The fishing is getting better every day. The reds are in schools of 20 to 50 fish. The larger trout have found their way into the Banana River. Tarpon are in the mouths of the Cocoa Beach Canales in the early morning hours. And SNOOK have been hanging around the edges of the mangroves. What else could you ask for except a day to get out and play with our fishy friends.
If you are wanting to catch a few reds, get out and work the flats! These fish are everywhere. Well maybe not everywhere, but there are nice schools working the weed lines in 2 feet or less. For me the only bad thing has been that they have not wanted to hit top water for me for the past few days. They have been a little skittish and have only been caught on Cotee's Reel Magic. If you have never used one of these lures you have to give it a shot. As for what time you need to get out, we have been catching these fish all day. The wind has started to pick up by around 10am this week so I am still on the water by 0600 and have put the first fish in the boat by 0630.
Trout fishing continues to be a sure thing in the Cocoa Beach area. We have found groups of schoolies ( 10 to 18 inches) holding on the outer edge of the flats in 3 to 6 feet of water. Most of these fish have been caught on MirrOlure's 51MR-808 and the TT-28 and 21 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front. The larger trout have started showing up this week in grassy flats. I have only caught one larger fish this week around 22 inches but, if it is anything like last year we will be catching some up to 37 inches within the next few months.
If you want to have you best shot at one of these gators, try working the flats between now and July in areas where there is a lot of bait just outside the flats. These fish are hard to fish from a boat unless you remember these few rules. #1 BE VERY QUITE. #2 make long casts across the flats #3 let the fish hook themselves, don't try to set a hook just because they strike it. #4 Keep a very low profile and do not move around very much. If you follow these rules all you need now is to work the flats and hold on tight.
In my next report I will have a few tackle reports on some new rods and lures I have been trying. Till then, Catch a Memory and take a few pictures to prove it.
For those of you that have been asking me where you can buy the Reel Magics try this web site http://www.donraystudio.com/fishinglures.htm John has just started selling these lures and will be happy to hook you up.
Don Ray has a new snook print! http://www.donraystudio.com/
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
MirrOlure's Top Pup 74MR-21 and Top Dog 94MR-21 & 81 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
MirrOlure's Catch 2000 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
Cotee 3" Swirl Tails Clear silver flake
Cotee's Reel Magic
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 8:09 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
If you can find a place to hide from the wind, fishing has been much better this past week. redfish have been schooling on the west side of the river in good numbers. The only problem is the wind. There is hope though. This weekend the winds are suppose to die down and a low pressure system is coming in. This should make for some great flats fishing. This week all of our reds were in the 18 to 34 inch range and caught on top water. All of the reds I saw were in 2 feet or less and on the move.
Trout fishing continues to be a sure thing in the Cocoa Beach area. We have found groups of schoolies ( 10 to 18 inches) holding on the outer edge of the flats in 3 to 6 feet of water. Most of these fish have been caught on MirrOlure's 51MR-808 and the TT-28 and 21 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front. I haven't seen any larger trout on my flats yet, but they should be here any day. When they do show up your best shot will come prior to sun rise with ether MirrOlure's Top Pup 74MR-21 and Top Dog 94MR-21 & 81 or one of Cotee's Reel Magic.
Now the good news, THE TARPON ARE HERE. Most of these fish have been under 20 lbs. However, if you have never experienced the thrill of hooking one of these fish you don't know what you are missing. Our best catches this past week came by working a Cotee yellow and red grub slowly along the bottom. When fishing the tarpon this way seldom will you feel a strike. They just grab your grub and head for the surface.
For those of you just wanting to feel a tight line, the jacks are in the river in good numbers. The ladyfish (poor mans tarpon) are getting bigger every day and are willing to pull a line.
Spring is here and the fishing is getting better every day. So grab your rods and reels and get out and catch a memory.
For those of you that have been asking me where you can buy the Reel Magics try this web site http://www.donraystudio.com/fishinglures.htm John has just started selling these lures and will be happy to hook you up. Don Ray has a new snook print! http://www.donraystudio.com/
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
MirrOlure's Top Pup 74MR-21 and Top Dog 94MR-21 & 81 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
MirrOlure's Catch 2000 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
Cotee 3" Swirl Tails Clear silver flake
Cotee's Reel Magic
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 - 4:19 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
3/27/2002 Flats fishing report for the Indian and Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
Redfishing has picked up considerably this past week. Most of the reds I have been fishing have been in small schools of 30 to 60 fish. all of these fish have been in the 25 to 35 inch range and have been caught on top water. As this weeks full moon passes the fishing should only get better. Our better catches have come just after sun rise in less than 2 feet of water. When looking for these tailing fish, just look for the schools of bait. Most of the reds have been just inside of these schools.
Trout fishing continues to get better every day in the Cocoa Beach area. We have found groups of schoolies ( 10 to 18 inches) holding on the outer edge of the flats in 3 to 6 feet of water. Most of these fish have been caught on MirrOlure's 51MR-808 and the TT-28 and 21 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front. If you are looking for the larger trout, try fish the flats just prior to sun rise with ether MirrOlure's Top Pup 74MR-21 and Top Dog 94MR-21 & 81 or one of Cotee's Reel Magic. With the full moon almost on us they will be most active at night, so get out early.
For those of you wanting to fish for snook, the word is they are starting to show up in Sykes Creek during the early morning hours. I have even heard of a few small tarpon rolling at dawn in the channel. I haven't been out there yet but as soon as I get a chance to fish it this week I will let you know.
For those of you that have been asking me where you can buy the Reel Magics try this web site http://www.donraystudio.com/fishinglures.htm John has just started selling these lures and will be happy to hook you up.
Don Ray has a new snook print! http://www.donraystudio.com/
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
MirrOlure's Top Pup 74MR-21 and Top Dog 94MR-21 & 81 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
MirrOlure's Catch 2000 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
Cotee 3" Swirl Tails Clear silver flake
Cotee's Reel Magic
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 01, 2002 - 3:24 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Flats Report
3/1/2002 Flats fishing report for the Indian and Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has been on and off for the past week with the constantly changing weather we have been having. Last week the water temperature was up in the low 70's on the flats and the reds were everywhere. The next day the temperature dropped down in the 50's and the reds scattered to deeper water. The good news is that when the water warmed up for a few days we were able to catch some nice reds and trout on top water. When this cold front passes get ready, I know that the fishing is going to be great because just as the first cold front hit I saw reds schooling up to groups of 100+. As soon as we get a day with the sun out they will be back.
I have decided to extend the time of my fishing trip give away till March 16. I had a problem with my computer and lost about 30 people from my list. I wanted to give everybody a chance to rejoin that may have been lost. If you were on my list and did not receive a fishing report via email, please rejoin by going to http://www.indianriver.cc/mailing_list.htm
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
MirrOlure's Top Pup 74MR-21 and Top Dog 94MR-21 & 81 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the frontMirrOlure's Catch 2000 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
Cotee 3" Swirl Tails Clear silver flake
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 5:08 pm: | |
Subject: Cocoa Beach Report
Flats Report for the Banana River
2/12/2002 Flats fishing report for the Indian and Banana Rivers. By Capt Doug Blanton
Fishing has been great this past week on the Banana River. We have been fishing small schools of reds up to 30 inches and trout up to 27 inches. If history repeats itself, we should be starting to see the reds grouping up into schools up to 300+ and Gator Sea Trout ( trout over 30 inches ) moving on the flats within the next few weeks. The bad news is all of the trout and reds we have put in the boat over the past few weeks have not been on top water. I know that most of you just want to catch these fish and don’t care what you catch them on. I am just one of those die hard top-water lure fisherman that lives for that surface explosion. All of the reds we have caught this past week have been in 2 feet or less on the inside of the bait. They where all caught on Cotee Reel Magic rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Copperhead Hook. The best news is we have been catching them all day. The hard part has been finding the schools of bait. All of the larger trout we have caught this past week have been in the same area as the reds. However, there have been schools of smaller trout starting to feed on the deeper edge of the flats. Most of these fish will be under the 15 inch minimum but if you continue to work these areas you should catch a nice keeper just under the 20 maximum about every 10th fish. Please crush your barbs on your hooks when you find these schools of smaller trout. Every little trout you let go now will be one more larger trout you will catch next year.
(tip) Most of the reds have been real spooky. When you find these fish fining, work up on them being as quietly as possible. Keep all movement to a minimum. As soon as the reds stop fining, STOP CASTING. Set and wait until the start fining again before you make another cast. The reds have found a good place to feed when they are fining and if you don’t pressure them too hard they will come back to the same place you first spotted them.
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
Cotee Reel Magic - chartreuse (63)
For more information on Flats fishing with Capt. Doug GO To www.indianriveradventures.com
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Capt Doug Blanton
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 04, 2002 - 12:41 am: | |
Subject: Banana River Reds
Is it spring yet? The past few weeks have been more like spring than winter. The temperatures on the water have been up in the upper 80’s and the fishing has been just as hot. The reds have started schooling the past week on the flats in 2 feet or less. The schools of bait have been growing larger and larger every day. And a few trout have been starting to show up on the outer edge of the flats.Our beat catches have come between 0900 and 1100 in 2 feet or less. Just look for the schools of reds holding 20 feet or more from a shoreline and look for tails. Most of the bait will not hold in the same water as these fish because they know they will be lunch.
This week all of our fish we caught where on:
Cotee Reel Magic - chartreuse (63)
MirrOlure's Top Pup 74MR-21 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
MirrOlure's Catch 2000 rigged with a Daiichi Bleeding Hook on the front
Cotee 3" Swirl Tails Clear silver flake
See you on the water
Capt. Doug Blanton
Indian River Adventures
321-432-9470 |
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