Well here we are almost to the end of the month and we are starting to warm things up some. There was a few days there where it was cold. Just not
right for central Florida to say the least. Just not right at all. Now
with air temperatures climbing back into the 60's and hopefully
reaching a prime of the upper 70's not too far out this will continue
to bring the water temperature up along with it. At least here in
Florida more than the rest of the upper states it is really turning out
to be just drop dead beautiful outside. A day here or there with winds
and a few clouds, but that sun, that beautiful sun and the bright light
it brings with it for sight fishing is just awesome.
It will not be much longer until we are in the warm summer months and
the great fishing that Florida brings during those times. The good
things of cobia running the beaches, tarpon showing up at the inlets,
back to shorts and flip flops and the feel of summer time in the air.
Bring it. Next thing you know the A/C will be back on for a change of
pace.

Now the fishing the past several weeks here on the Mosquito Lagoon and along the Indian River from the New Smyrna Beach shallow flats area down to the Titusville backcountry
waters has been great on days the weather and the winds allow you to
get out and do some sight fishing the flats. A couple of days there it
started out cold in the morning but with the sun rising high in the sky
allowed for great days to be out on the water fishing and just soaking
it in.
Dealing with a bad day or two here and there is just part of the
package. It is like living any where else, you just come to expect it,
get used to it and prepare for it.

Redfish, black drum and a few trout have been the catch of the day the past several weeks. The redfish are being caught on the flats using a few
different methods. As always during this time of the year one method
for targeting them is fly fishing. It is at a prime for this. Using
shrimp or crab patterns as the waters on the Mosquito Lagoon are gin
clear and the fish are feeding on the baits buried down in the bottom.
With the clear waters sight fishing is just by far the best way to
target these shallow water creatures. Other methods and baits that have
produced good numbers here lately are a live shrimp thrown to a feeding
fish on a 3/0 hook, the D.O.A. 1/4 oz. shrimps in several different
colors, and the D.O.A. C.A.L.s with a small weighted weed less hook.
The fish are caught and seen tailing the early hours and through out
most of the day feeding in shallow warming waters. Grass
flats and white sand holes seem to be areas where they are hanging out
the most. Schools of them are cruising the waters in great numbers as
well. As always a good stealthy approach to them is your best tactical
game plan. Remember to handle them gently for a clean release.

Trout and black drum are also being caught along with a few flounder as well. The trout seem to be fine tuned as to the approaching boats and are as always more challenging to get on the flats sight fishing them. Apex
predator for sure of the shallow waters. However they are eager to eat
the same baits the redfish want, so use the same approach methods for
them as well. Just take your time. Black drum are being pressured very
heavily the past several weeks and seem to be evolving to the intense
fishing for them. Using small hooks and bits of shrimp or smaller
plastics will be your best bet. You must approach them with ease and
stealth. A soft presentation will be required for all of the above.
Remember to handle all of them with extreme care for the release. Also
please be sure to keep in mind your fellow anglers around you at all
times and try to anticipate their moves as well. Give every one wide
open spaces and keep a good distances at all times if you can. This
goes a long way for a better overall experience for everyone.

Until then I hope to see all of you on the water. Tight lines and bent rods.