Orlando Florida Report 7/20/08

by Capt Chris M on Sun Jul 20, 2008 11:56 pm

Fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon and north Indian River Lagoon has been outstanding for the past couple weeks. Redfish, trout, tarpon, and even snook have been willing to eat well placed artificials. For the fly fishermen, tailing redfish have been plentiful and have been feeding throughout the day in the very shallow grass. For those looking to tangle with big fish, tarpon from 70-100 pounds have been making frequent showings in the deeper waters. They can be there one day and gone the next but it pays to be prepared by carrying a heavy rod with an 80lb leader.

Last Monday, Bob and his two sons joined me for a day of catching redfish and trout. Fifteen year old Matt battled his first redfish within ten minutes of leaving the ramp.

Bob had several big fish break his line but everyone managed to catch redfish and plenty of trout.

Ed and Dave joined me for a half day trip last Wednesday. They caught six reds, lost a few more, and had shots at dozens of tailing fish.

The action was so good, I went back out after dropping them off. Using a DOA Baitbuster and Tough Guy, I landed 4 trout over 24 inches and five refish from 27-39 inches.

The next day was a fly fishing trip with Bob from South Carolina. After a frustrating morning of having non-stop shots at tailing reds, we moved to deeper water where Bob caught some trout and ladyfish on his 5wt. We had some casting instruction and practice and went back after the redfish. With his improved cast, Bob caught 3 reds on the fly before the afternoon breeze picked up. He switched to a spinning rod and landed 5 more reds from 27-34 inches.

Last friday, I filmed a TV show with Capt. Tom Van Horn. I landed a tarpon around 60 pounds to start the day on a sinking Baitbuster. We managed to get a few reds and trout to cooperate for the camera as well.

Last Saturday, 11 year old Andrew wanted to go fishing for his birthday. His first ever redfish measured 30 inches.

He wanted to try some trout fishing and compete against his Dad. They caught over 25 trout on the Deadly Combo with Andrew squeaking out a narrow victory.

I spent four days this week looking for tarpon. Monday, I landed only one small one. Wednesday, I had ten bites and hooked six, all over 70 pounds. Thursday and Friday the weather turned poor and this fish did not show well. I caught only one 70 pound tarpon on the Baitbuster but did managed to save the day with 8 snook.

The next couple months are the best time to catch a grand slam of redfish, trout, tarpon, and snook in our area. The key is to be prepared with the proper equipment and baits. Look for schools of galss minnows whcih attract both the tarp[on and snook. Redfish and big trout will be around the schools of mullet.

Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com