Nearshore Cobia, Cocoa Beach
Capt. Ron Presley
March 25, 2008
Cocoa Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Nearshore Cobia
It's that time of year when cobia fever possesses many central east coast anglers. Unfortunately it has been a less than banner year for the brown bombers. High winds and high seas have made it difficult for the small boater to get out much this season. The one day the seas were calm enough for me to get out last week the water was murky and high clouds made the sightfishing very difficult. No cobes were caught or even sighted.
With each passing day the chances for cobia nearshore diminish. If you still want to target them get out as soon as you can because as water temperatures warm they will be gone. Pictured below is a nice cobia from last year.
Secondary Target
The trip was not a complete wipe out as blue fish and Spanish mackerel were plentiful. Both varieties were eager to bite on RipTide 4 inch mullet rigged on a 3/8 oz. Pro Jig Head. Some anglers think plastic baits are not the best for these toothy critters, but I also threw a silver spoon at the same fish and the bite was much stronger on the realistic looking mullet. I am willing to trade off some plastic for more consistent action. These fish can be found by looking for diving birds and bait schools, but if they are not visible simply put out your line and troll as a method of finding the fish. Once you find them, backtrack and drift the area. Long casts and a fast retrieve seemed to be the secret on this day.
Spring Forecast
As April approaches these March winds should die down and big trout should be showing themselves on area flats. The mullet are already a little more plentiful but still scarce. If you are lucky enough to find some bait you will likely find some trout.
The redfish seem to have a mind of their own lately and have not held true to normal patterns. They are right where you expect them one day and gone the next. When you find this kind of pattern they are moving a lot and this means you have to cover more territory too. The real key, as with the trout, is to find some bait fish is you also want to find the reds.
The jacks have been a day saver more than once lately. Good numbers are cruising the Banana River and it won't be long until the big boys show up on the beach. In my last report I referred to them as an underrated fish, and I really believe that. If you want a really good fight on light tackle don't pass up an opportunity to hook up a jack crevalle. Usually if you find one you will find more and it can be non-stop action if you're lucky.
Peacock Bass
If you want to do something different consider this trip in search of Peacock Bass. This is one of those trips of a lifetime deals. It's not inexpensive but what a trip. It's a 10 day trip that includes at least 6 days of fishing. A trip like this is a bargain at $3,550 plus airfare and tips. If you would like more information send me an email at [email protected]. The trip is to the Amazon for some of the best Peacock Bass fishing in the world.
Kids Fishing Clinic
Coastal Angler Magazine, supported by the Florida Guides Association and numerous volunteers and supporters offer kids fishing clinics in various areas of the state. The next clinic will be in Palm Bay. The Palm Bay Hook Kids on Fishing program will be held at the Marine Resources Council's Lagoon House, Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8:45-11am. The MRC Lagoon House is located about 1.5 miles south of US 192 off Highway U.S. 1. Go to University Ave. take a left and first right on Riverview, 3275 Dixie Hwy. NE / Highway U.S. 1. The first 100 kids receive a free rod and reel. Safety, Conservation, Rigging and Tackle, Knot Tying, and Casting will all be covered and the last hour will be spent fishing.
Following this event the Melbourne Hook Kids on Fishing program will be held at the Melbourne Auditorium Saturday, April 19 , 2008 from 8:45-11am. The Melbourne Auditorium is located at 625 Hibiscus Blvd. You can find Hibiscus Blvd. by going a 1/2 mile north of Hwy. 192 on Highway U.S. 1. Go west 1/2 mile to reach the auditorium. This event is part of the CAM Fishing and Boating Expo that runs all weekend, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday.
I hope to talk to you real soon with great fishing reports from Florida's Space Coast.
That's what it's all about. Good fishin'.
Capt. Ron Presley
www.inshorefishingadventures.ocm
[email protected]
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