FINELINE FISHING CHARTERS FISHING 4-CAST FOR 05-08-14
By: Orlando, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach Fishing Captain- Jim Ross
DAYTONA BEACH-PONCE INLET
OFFSHORE-Grouper and amberjack are on everyone’s mind this week. The season just
opened and the gags have biting pretty good. Look for them on the 160 to
250-foot reefs and wrecks. Amberjack are on the same structures, so be ready for
a reef donkey tussle at any time. Live baitfish are working best but deep jigs
and flutter jigs are also on most days. dolphin, wahoo, and a sailfish or two
are possible on the trolling grounds this week. A few of the Phins have been
running into the 20-plus pound range which is a nice change compared to the
typical 5 to 10-pound class fish we’ve been seeing so far this year.
INSHORE-Redfish, shark, and a few jacks are hitting in and around the inlet this
week. Large Crevalle, tarpon, plenty of sharks, and even a few cobia are hanging
around the 25 to 50-foot depths outside the inlet as well. In the creeks and
backwaters, mangrove snapper, bluefish, speckled trout, and a couple of small
flounder can be expected near oyster bars and in the creeks between the inlet
and JB’s Fish camp. Live shrimp, fingerling mullet and mud minnows are your
best bet to get a hookup here.
COCOA BEACH- PORT CANAVERAL
OFFSHORE-Gag grouper and amberjack are the two most common bottom species
showing up at the cleaning tables this week. Anglers re using Williamson
vertical speed jigs or live pogies and pinfsh on a heavy jigs or bottom rigs to
entice these fish to strike. Look for the best numbers of grouper on the 130 to
250-foot reefs and wrecks. The AJ’s can be found on these same types of
structures in the 180 to 250-foot depths. Dolphin have been striking trolled
ballyhoo and live baits in the 90 to 240-foot depths this week. King mackerel
are roaming around in the 40 to 90 foot depths. Look for them on reefs in 70-90
feet or near bait pods south of the Port in 30 to 60 feet of water.
INSHORE-Mosquito lagoon has a lot of large trout roaming its shallow waters
again this week. Gator sized specks running from about 25 to over 30-inches are
cruising the shorelines. These fish have been hitting live or cut baits.
Remember trout of this size are true trophy fish and should be released to
complete their spawning activity that will occur on next weeks full moon phase.
Topwater plugs like Skitterwalks or Chug Bugs are top producers when the light
conditions are low, and Assassin 5-6 inch plastic jerk baits will draw strikes
once the topwater bite slows each morning.
SEBASTIAN INLET
OFFSHORE-Large crevalle jack, shark, tarpon, and a
few other species can be found along the near-shore waters north of the inlet
this week. He has been hopping from bait pod to bait pod or slow trolling with
live pogies to find these various species. Rapala X-Rap suspending baits and
3/4 to 1.5 ounce Hookup jigs will also work on some of these fish, especially
the jacks when they can be found schooling along the surface. Farther offshore
gag, red, and scamp grouper are hitting live baits on the 21 and 27 Fathom
Ridges. Some of these fish are scaling to over 30 pounds. Dolphin action is
good in the 120 to 600-foot depths. Look for rips, weeds or other debris to
hold the best numbers.
INSHORE-Speckled trout action can be found in the Vero Beach to Wabasso area
this week. Look for larger trout holding around some form of structure like
mangroves or docks. Rig live pilchards, fingerling mullet, or pinfish on a 1/0
to 2/0 sized VMC live bait hook. Try using 25-pound test Fluorocarbon leader to
keep the fish from seeing it and still having enough strength to keep from
getting broken off by the snook that may also be holding in these areas. The
smaller speckled trout should be cruising the grass flats where glass minnows or
mullet are present. Assassin 4-inch sea Shad tails in the chicken-on-a-chain or
Houdini colors are working very well on these fish.
Until next week…Catch a memory!!!!
Captain Jim Ross
