Here is what I’m expecting for our fishing in the upcoming week in the Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach and East Orlando area:
Daytona Beach- INSHORE-Bluefish, jack and ladyfish seem to be happy feeding on jigs and small lipped diving lures like the Rapala X-Rap 08 and 10 size minnow style plugs. Live fingerling mullet and shrimp will also work for these fish. Check the inside of the inlet jetties in south Daytona Beach, rocky areas and dock pilings where these predators can ambush small baitfish. Flounder should start becoming a more regular sight at cleaning tables around the Daytona inlet area as the water temperatures drop into the mid to lower 70 degree range. Mud minnows or jigs tipped with a strip of squid should get them to strike. Farther south in the Mosquito Lagoon look for redfish and speckled trout in shallow flats where baitfish are present. Drop offs along spoil islands and flats are another great place to find these species. Sight casting should get very good inthe next few weeks for anglers targeting reds in the flats with light tackle and fly fishing gear. Cocoa Beach and other areas east of Orlando- OFFSHORE- I've not been out here but a few captain have been getting into the Canaveral Bight to catch bull reds and shark this past week. Live or cut baits fished on the bottom are working best, especially when fished near the pods of baitfish. INSHORE-The water quality has been really bad in most of the Indian River lagoon since the Hurricane past. The Banana River lagoon does have a few cleaner spots in it though. Scattered redfish and trout action can be found in small pockets throughout the system. There is very little sea grass to provide protection for baitfish or crustaceans so if you find some fish it thoroughly. Look for docks and rocky areas to provide some scattered fish. I've been targeting outflows where small tarpon and ladyfish are present for the most part this week. Jigs, live fingerling mullet and shrimp, and small lures that imitate minnows will work best. Rapala Shadow Rap Shad lures in the bone/Chartreuse color have been one of the better colors to use this week. Until next time.....Catch a memory!!!! Captain Jim Ross
