Posts tagged ‘trout water’
A Little Diamond of a Place
Following a recommendation for a good fishing spot is plain vanilla for most but locating a new spot that turns out to be perfect by accident is a diamond. This is what happened to me during a recent trip in east central Florida.
We had a free day between two MLB Spring Training games and decided to do some sightseeing in Brevard County. We traveled east from Route 95 over the Merritt Island Causeway when we got stopped at defective traffic signal. Looking for a place to turn around, we ended up in a parking lot of a restaurant and an old bait shop. The two buildings were at the base of the Causeway Bridge and just east of Indian River.
The tackle shop was located down a long driveway between the causeway and a small cove off the Indian River. The drive was well worn and past its usefulness but I was still able to find a safe parking spot. The shop was an old building converted into a bar, pool hall and bait shop.
I found an old dock adjacent to a cove with flat water and a new dock and walkway that extended out along the north base of the causeway bridge.
Cove had flat water close in and a fast current within a short cast of the old dock. The Indian River which fed the cove is one part of a large estuary along the east coast of Florida. The system consists of the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and the Indian River. So there was a good chance that fish would be there.
I tried several methods finally settling on live shrimp suspended under a weighted bullet float. My 7-1/2 foot light Falcon rod and Daiwa reel were my only other tools.
It seemed once I hit that change in water speed and bottom configuration, the fishing was tremendous. Every other cast was productive. Small throw back speckled trout was the main stay but blow toads kept me busy baiting back up.
Many times we over look an out-of-the-way places because they either look strange from the road or difficult to access. Keep an eye out for these unique spots. These just might be your next diamond.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony
Got to Fish Hard for Success
The end of April typically brings in many bottom fish. Piers and bridges are catching blues, shad, blow toads some small trout. Water temps are in the lower 60’s so May should be an outstanding month. Some nice trout and blues can be found in the surf near structures and piers. Early morning and late evenings are best.
The hot spot has been the Daniels Bridge (better known as the “little bridge”). Anglers have been catching blues and many keeper trout early in the morning. Although some small fish have been around all day.
I read a report today that the anglers are using an old “Florida Trick” to catch trout in the sound. They are using a popping cork with a gulp shrimp on the hook. We have been using this technique in Forida for many years with good success. I am sure it has been used locally, but this is the first time I have heard it being used here.
As you can see from my picture, I had the opportunity to fish off-shore last weekend and hooked up with a nice tuna.
Best bet this week is gulp shrimp suspended on a popping cork early in the morning or lead head with twister tails for trout or blues. Lighter colors work best in spring with slow steady retrieves with an occasional jerk are a must.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 