SPACEFISH REPORT
5.22.2018 – 5.28.2018
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BEST FISHING REPORT
Rain is NOT a good reason for not going out fishing this week. Lightning, however, is a pretty legit excuse…
When it rains it pours
Not to wear out Forest Gump with two references in three weeks, but the shoe just fits:
“One day it started raining, and it didn’t quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin’ rain, and big ol’ fat rain, rain that flew in sideways, and sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.”
Click if you got an itching to see the classic clip from the movie!
We’ve seen all kinds of rain on the Space Coast lately, and we’re going to see plenty more of it over the next week. But don’t let the threat of getting wet stop you from bending your rod. The fish are biting so suit up and get out there — but first, be sure to check out this week’s report!
FEATURED STORY
LAND BASED SHARK FISHING
WHOLESOME PASTIME OR RECKLESS NUISANCE?
The popularity of land based shark fishing has skyrocketed in recent years and, consequently, this sporting activity has come into the crosshairs of public policy and state regulation. If you haven’t been following the news, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission met and addressed this subject only a few weeks ago, and all 19 speakers who publicly commented were unanimously against the practice of shark fishing from the beach. For a full recap on that meeting, check out Ed Killer’s story in the TCPalm.
It seems apparent that more strict regulations for this activity are coming. What they are and how they are implemented, exactly, remains anyone’s guess. As both sportsmen and passionate conservationists, we can only hope that any pending regulatory policy considers an objective viewpoint that takes into account the health of shark populations, the well-being of the beach going public, in addition to the rights and contributions of land based shark anglers. It is this viewpoint and more that Ryan Wood discusses in his latest article on the controversy surrounding land based shark fishing. Read the story, and be encouraged to weigh-in on the discussion.
GIVEAWAY CONTESTS
LATEST FISHING REPORTS
The latest Brevard County area fishing reports covering our fisheries inshore, offshore, and everywhere in between on Florida’s Space Coast.
Everything is Biting Offshore
We only made it offshore two days due to the weather but it’s hot out there right now. Everything seems to be biting. We are getting Amberjack’s fairly deep, grouper in 150’, kingfish on the reef and Mahi on the troll.
Good Sight Fishing
With all of the rain, the water in the lagoon is high but has remained clear which has allowed for some outstanding sight fishing this week. On overcast days the trout bite has been on fire using either croakers, pigfish or topwater plugs like the skitter walk.
Snook and Tarpon in Sebastian River
The rain has made it tough to fish but for those that have ventured out we are seeing big snook and tarpon in the Sebastian River. The black drum bite has remained strong around the docks as well.
Good Action in the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal has been hot with reports of slots reds, small snook and mangrove snapper. Fish live shrimp up against the mangroves for your best action. At Mather’s Bridge the mangrove snapper have been pretty consistent as well.
Yep, It’s Still Raining
Well, with the rain there is not much to report… We still have big black drum and big reds being caught in Haulover Canal — use live blue crabs. Our shrimping has gotten better in Titusville.
Ready for Beach Snook
I can’t believe it’s this time of year again already! Hopefully these weeds will clear out and we will be targeting snook on the beach.
Despite Rain, Water Remaining Clear
The weather wasn’t the best this week as we had to cancel a few trips but we managed to get out a few days. Despite all the rain, the water inside the lagoon remained clear.
Topwater Tony Goes Soft
I seldom fish on a charter unless asked OR when I’m fishing with Tony (Mr. Top-water). Tony is on a mission to catch a 10 pound spotted seatrout and to make things more challenging he uses Skitterwalk plugs almost exclusively.
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SPECIES INDEX
Here’s an index of the species with the hottest or otherwise most notable bite on Central Florida’s East Coast this week.
Shrimp
Enjoy the peak of Brevard's way-too-short peak of shrimping while you can, even if it means getting a little wet out there.
Tarpon
Rapid creek flow from all the rain has made for some nice backwater action with Juvenile tarpon. Meanwhile, the bigger ones are showing up in Sebastian River, Inlet, and off the beach!
Seatrout
On overcast days the trout bite has been on fire. Try using croakers, pigfish or topwater plugs like the skitter walk.
Redfish
Like seatrout, the redfish are active and chasing the bait pods throughout the lagoons.
ON THE RADAR: When the weeds on the beach clear, it will be just about primetime for targeting some big daddy snook in the surf. If you can find a window to get offshore, the bite has been reportedly great for dolphin, kingfish, and grouper.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
Check out what’s been caught on camera while fishing in around the Space Coast this week.
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