The river is cold! The water has been in the high 50s to low 60s, which means the fish are going to be lethargic and not very active. Shallow dark water areas will hold fish trying to warm themselves up.

Cold, wet, and windy pretty much sums up the last week and a half here on the Space Coast, leaving very few options to get out fishing. Fortunately, if you’re willing to brave the conditions, there are still a few options that are productive such as sheepshead fishing, and my favorite, beating the bushes!

Monday morning Jan 24, South Melbourne beach. Last day of a long weekend visit with a cousin from PA. Over the weekend was just too windy so we did not try. This morning he said I’m flying home today, let’s fish. I pointed out the temperature was below 50 and the wind was still a bit stiff…

These winds bring us some really good fishing opportunities during our winter months. For instance, black drum become very active in the rivers and lagoons. These fish can range from just a pound or two to well over 30 pounds.

Fished 3 Forks one day last week and the lake didn’t treat us very well for some fun. I did have an opportunity to fish the Lagoon with some old clients from my guiding days, though.

Windy weather and cold temps will put a damper on the fishing if you’re looking for snook and other stealthy gamefish. But, there will still be plenty of other fish to catch during the cold fronts and heavy winds. The redfish were active last week on incoming on live bait.

Not much to brag about over the past week or so. Jacks and ladyfish have been the norm in much of the Indian River…

Consistency has been the word of the month so far. It’s consistently windy with a few calm days and the fishing has been banner on those days that we’ve been able to get out.

Let the games begin as we’ve seen our pompano run reignite along with the other typical cast of characters. Bluefish, whiting, Jack crevalle and black drum are being caught surf fishing from Cocoa Beach down to south Melbourne Beach.

With the cool temps, this is prime time for sight fishing in the clear water. Look for schools of redfish and black drum working the lagoon flats. Live mullet or shrimp will get the job done. If you prefer artificial or fly, Z-Man paddle-tails and shrimp work well. Fly fishermen should try shrimp and crab flies.

The FSFA sponsors and participates in the Space Coast Artificial Reef Advisory Board (SCARAB), where we come together with Brevard County, CFOA and CCA to create Artificial Reefs within our Club’s boundary waters….

The fish in the waters of the Mosquito Lagoon got a little shell shocked this week. With the passing of this recent cold front, it has brought the air temps and water temps down quite a bit.