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Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island & Port Canaveral
Capt. Ron Presley
March 23, 2006
Cocoa Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Reds, Trout, Snook, Jacks, and Bluefish
Cobia are still on my mind, but haven’t had an opportunity to get out again. Best conditions require relatively calm seas and lots of sunshine. On days I could go, these conditions were not present. However getting out on the river has been a little easier.
On a recent trip out of Kelly Park I hosted Dave and Bill from New Hampshire for a half-day of fishing on a rain threatening day. The weather man was predicting afternoon showers, but Dave and Bill wanted to take off after a morning business meeting and bend their rods before heading back north to New Hampshire. We ignored the weather man and set out to catch some fish.
The first couple of hours were fine, and we found a couple schools of jacks to entertain us. They were hitting 3 inch Rip Tide Mullet in the copper penny color best, but would also take the electric chicken and white. We also picked up a nice trout on the white Rip Tide Mullet.
The really good news was the water was much clearer than it has been for a while. Still no sign of the Spring mullet run though - hardly any bait at all was sighted. Nevertheless, the clearer water was a welcome sight. After the first couple of hours produced trout, bluefish (also on Rip Tide copper penny 3 inch mullet) and a boat load of jacks up to 5 pounds, we decided to venture further south, hoping not to get wet.
We ended up fishing some 2 to 4 foot water where reds had been present a week or so ago. We baited up with live shrimp this time and began to hook small (17 ½ inch) reds. The rain finally began and we got a little wet. During the rain a hungry snook decided to eat one of the live shrimp to add another variety to the days catch. So, we then had an East Coast Slam in the boat. That is the first snook I have seen this spring, and I am hoping there are a lot more to come.
The rain began to get a little harder and we decided to head for the ramp. We only got in a little more than 3 hours but it was a very productive time. In the end, we did get wet, but we had caught Redfish, Sea Trout, Snook, Bluefish, and Jacks. Not bad for a short afternoon trip.
Mosquito Lagoon
For those of you who fish Mosquito Lagoon, you need to be aware that ALL anglers must posses a current signed Refuge Sports Fishing Permit at all times while fishing in the National Wildlife Refuge. The permits are free, and they are self-issued. All you have to do is pick up a brochure and fill out the permit and sign it. The whole idea is that by having the permit, you will have no excuse for not understanding the various regulations related to The National Wildlife Refuge because they are printed on the brochure. To obtain information on where you can pickup a brochure and fill out your permit, call the Refuge Headquarters at 321-861-0667 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Get yours soon, read up on the regulations, and have fun fishing.
A Final Note!
As always, you can visit my website at www.inshorefishingadventures.com to view pictures of the fish we catch. That’s what it’s all about. Good fishin’.
On a scheduling note, The Costal Angler Magazine Fishing & Boating Expo will be held on May 19 -21 in Melbourne Florida at the Melbourne Auditorium. I will be in Sarasota this weekend at the Florida Sportsman Fishing Show. Mark your calendars and come by the Florida Guides Association Booth and say hi. Let me show you some RipTide lures and how I rig them.
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