Novalex
03-29-2006, 09:43 AM
Palm Bay, Sebastian, Vero Beach
Early spring is a time of transition on the Space & Treasure Coast's. As the water temperatures heat up, so will the fishing on the flats and near shore reefs. As we wait for the water to break that magical seventy degree mark, most anglers still will not start their days till the rising sun breaks over the mangrove shorelines.
And speaking of mangroves, if anyone has any information on the recent "illegal" cutting of a large mangrove shoreline in front of several multi-million dollars homes, please contact the FFWCC immediately. It seems several residents of this exclusive part of the Space Coast didn't observe anything as hundreds of feet of protected mangroves were cut down to the roots. But hey, the mangroves are gone and now these folks have a pristine view of the setting sun over the lagoon. In my opinion, it would have been a much nicer sunset through a row of mature healthy mangroves, instead of an empty, butchered sandbar. What are the nesting birds and juvenile fish to do?
Here's the skinny:
Seatrout: Crystal cool, clear water will keep the trout both spooky and sluggish. Anglers "freelining" live shrimp should be adding split shot to keep the bait in the water column or down in the grass. All other like myself will be using plastic imitations like Riptide's Realistic Shrimp in colors like browns, blacks, and reds. Let the bait hit the bottom and pull it through the grass using a "tap-tap-stop" type retrieve. This time of year the trout love to inhale the baits after the bait has come to a stop. Be prepared to set the hook as soon as you start your retrieve Lighten up the retrieve and hold on!!!
Redfish: The big bull reds have spent most of the winter months alone or in small feeding groups. Captain Bill Orndorf of Shallow Water Excursion says "As the water warms up, so will their ravenous appetites." As the large pods reform, most anglers will be using live shrimp in an attempt to bring these giants alongside for a memory of a lifetime.
Snook: There's three things to say about Snook this time of year. Port Canaveral, Sebastian Inlet and the Ft Pierce Turning Basin. Out going tides on sunny afternoons will send most springtime, slot-size snook on a "feeding frenzy" of any baits put in front of them. Angler favorites are live shrimp and wind cheater plugs.
Surf: Sand fleas and cut clams will continue to account for the daily "surf slams" of Whiting, Pompano & Spanish Mackerel. Bluefish and sharks will start their treks north following the pods of migrating baitfish. Cut mullet or a nice bloody piece of Bonita on a stout rod will account for most of the shark catches.
Offshore: When the weather allows, catches of breeding grouper, snapper & sea bass can be found all up and down the rock reefs outside Port Canaveral and Sebastian Inlet. Spiny lobster season ends on March 31 and diehard deep divers will be out in full force filling their freezers to get them through till the start of mini-season. Last but not least, the Cobia run will be in full swing. On calm days it's not unusual to see Jon-boats with step ladders offshore looking for the migrating "cobes". Find the Manta Rays and you'll find the Cobia.
"See you on the boat or in the blind"
Capt Jeff Kraynik
The Coastal Sportsmen
Early spring is a time of transition on the Space & Treasure Coast's. As the water temperatures heat up, so will the fishing on the flats and near shore reefs. As we wait for the water to break that magical seventy degree mark, most anglers still will not start their days till the rising sun breaks over the mangrove shorelines.
And speaking of mangroves, if anyone has any information on the recent "illegal" cutting of a large mangrove shoreline in front of several multi-million dollars homes, please contact the FFWCC immediately. It seems several residents of this exclusive part of the Space Coast didn't observe anything as hundreds of feet of protected mangroves were cut down to the roots. But hey, the mangroves are gone and now these folks have a pristine view of the setting sun over the lagoon. In my opinion, it would have been a much nicer sunset through a row of mature healthy mangroves, instead of an empty, butchered sandbar. What are the nesting birds and juvenile fish to do?
Here's the skinny:
Seatrout: Crystal cool, clear water will keep the trout both spooky and sluggish. Anglers "freelining" live shrimp should be adding split shot to keep the bait in the water column or down in the grass. All other like myself will be using plastic imitations like Riptide's Realistic Shrimp in colors like browns, blacks, and reds. Let the bait hit the bottom and pull it through the grass using a "tap-tap-stop" type retrieve. This time of year the trout love to inhale the baits after the bait has come to a stop. Be prepared to set the hook as soon as you start your retrieve Lighten up the retrieve and hold on!!!
Redfish: The big bull reds have spent most of the winter months alone or in small feeding groups. Captain Bill Orndorf of Shallow Water Excursion says "As the water warms up, so will their ravenous appetites." As the large pods reform, most anglers will be using live shrimp in an attempt to bring these giants alongside for a memory of a lifetime.
Snook: There's three things to say about Snook this time of year. Port Canaveral, Sebastian Inlet and the Ft Pierce Turning Basin. Out going tides on sunny afternoons will send most springtime, slot-size snook on a "feeding frenzy" of any baits put in front of them. Angler favorites are live shrimp and wind cheater plugs.
Surf: Sand fleas and cut clams will continue to account for the daily "surf slams" of Whiting, Pompano & Spanish Mackerel. Bluefish and sharks will start their treks north following the pods of migrating baitfish. Cut mullet or a nice bloody piece of Bonita on a stout rod will account for most of the shark catches.
Offshore: When the weather allows, catches of breeding grouper, snapper & sea bass can be found all up and down the rock reefs outside Port Canaveral and Sebastian Inlet. Spiny lobster season ends on March 31 and diehard deep divers will be out in full force filling their freezers to get them through till the start of mini-season. Last but not least, the Cobia run will be in full swing. On calm days it's not unusual to see Jon-boats with step ladders offshore looking for the migrating "cobes". Find the Manta Rays and you'll find the Cobia.
"See you on the boat or in the blind"
Capt Jeff Kraynik
The Coastal Sportsmen