East Central Florida Flats Fishing Report

[Cavanaugh68]

Central Florida Inshore Saltwater Fishing Report – August 31st, 2012
The past few weeks have been improving fairly well as far as to the fishing here in central Florida. Prior to the storm Isaac that came thru Florida, we had numerous shots at tarpon in the Indian River. Along with this there are several stray reds and trout among the flats. Jacks, lady fish and of course catfish are all by catch. The fish (tarpon) were happy and feeding as the sun breaks and as long as it remained fairly calm waters they continued this pattern throughout the morning. Fish in the 50 plus pound class are the average. Throwing DOA's (Terror Eyez or Baitbusters)at them as they roll is your best bet. I have not been back down there after this rain so I too am curious on if they are still present.

Just before the storm came however I fished the Mosquito Lagoon here in east central Florida a few times. The water has started to clear slightly and the fishing was better than it had been. Several redfish and a few trout were amongst the catch.

Watching for tails at weed-lines and bait activity is the key to success. Throwing soft plastics at feeding fish with a soft presentation is the way to go. There is a sign of it getting better every day.

With the rain coming thru over the weekend it has done a few good things. First of all the water is up, so with the busy holiday weekend be sure to be safe. This also opens up new feeding grounds to fish that were not reachable before. Watch the areas you are running to and from, this is now a navigational hazard. Second, it looks as if the rain has cleared the waters a lot. The waters in Cocoa and Port St. John area are clear, very clear. The waters in Titusville are fairly clear. The waters up by the Edgewater and New Smyrna areas, this seems to be clearing as well. So it looks like it is putting the squeeze on the Mosquito Lagoon and North Indian River. Just like the human body water is good for you, well it is good for the waterways as well. This will flush things out. Fresh and normal rain patterns are keys to sustaining the estuaries and lagoons.

Please be sure to handle all of your catch with extreme care, get your picture then release them fast for a high survival rate.

Everyone have a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend.
Captain Drew Cavanaugh
Florida Inshore Fishing Charters
Cell/352-223-7897
Fish the Indian River Lagoon
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