EAST ORLANDO, COCOA BEACH, PORT CANAVERAL
COCOA BEACH -OFFSHORE-King mackerel should still be the most prevalent species outside of this inlet due east of Orlando. Anglers should target them on the 70 to 90-foot reefs like Chris Bensen, Pelican Flats and 8A. There should be small blackfin tuna, plus the
possibility of cobia and sailfish if the seas allow boaters to make it out there. Dolphin should be found in the 120 to 250-foot depths. Harvest of Gray triggerfish is closing on the 26th so please release them. Gag grouper and mangroves snapper are still available though.
ORLANDO COCOA BEACH -INSHORE-Dropping water temperatures continue to push most of the redfish and trout into deeper-more protected waters in the Indian and Banana River Lagoons. Look for these fish to move to mangroves covered shorelines with a southern exposure. Here they can warm in the sun even though the winds are howling out of the north and northeast over the first portion of the weekend. Docks near drop offs, residential canal channel intersections,and dredge holes near Cocoa Beach and Daytona with 4 to 10-feet of water nearby are good hiding places as well. These deeper water
areas will remain more stable as the cold air chills the shallows. Live shrimp or small baitfish are good offerings. Saltwater Assassin 2.5 to 4 inch shad tails rigged on a 1/16 to 1/18 ounce jig head are very popular artificial lures to use and will catch trout, redfish, and whiting in these deeper waters on most days. Try Albino Shad, Opening Night and Mama's 14k color patterns in those Assassin tails.
Until next time....Catch a Memory!!!
Captain Jim Ross
Fineline fishing Charters
Orlando, Cocoa Beach, Daytona area
