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Fishing Report for Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island & Port Canaveral
Capt. Ron Presley
July 16, 2006
Cocoa Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach Fishing Report
Summer Fishing
Summer patterns are definitely here. Try to fish early with top water lures in shallow water and move out deeper as the day goes on. This week we have caught fish on the High Roller RipRoller in electric chicken, the old reliable Zara Spook in white with a red head, and the yellow Top Pup with a white belly. The fish haven’t wanted to fast of a retrieve, so keep it medium. If you don’t get some strikes vary the speed and see if you can determine what they like.
As the sun comes up and the temperatures rise, we have been moving out to deeper water. In fact, trout that had been striking Rip Tide Mullet in 3 to 4 feet of water had moved way out to 6 feet on the last trip. This can vary a lot, so be sure to check out the various depths in areas where you have caught fish before.
We have gone over a week without a single redfish, so I am not sure what’s going on with them. There is still plenty of bait, but it seems to be in a different place everyday. You’ve got to do your scouting. Nevertheless, the week has produced sea trout, bluefish, jacks, and lady fish. Tarpon are rolling early, but when the sun peeks over the horizon or the morning clouds they tend to disappear.
Two nearshore trips produced only on big jack and he broke off. We spotted a school and tossed in a live pogie for the hook up but then got impatient and put a little too much pressure on him and he broke off. When you have light tackle and big fish you have to remain patient and use the rod and the drag to your advantage. Bring them back an inch at a time and you might get a photo opportunity.
I have heard good reports of big jacks and tarpon south of Sebastian, so expect those fish to show up soon. The nearshore bite has got to get better soon.
Rule Changes
Well, July 1st has come and gone and you now have to use the pinched tail method of measuring fish. Your fish will have to be measured with the mouth closed and the tail pinched together. The measurement is then from the snout to the end of the pinched tail. You also have to have your tape flat on a surface; you can’t follow the contour of the fish. Fish and Wildlife refer to this a “total length” measurement. For more information, you can visit www.myfwc.com
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’.
Capt. Ron Presley
www.inshorefishingadventures.com
Phone 321-454-7285
[email protected]
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