Widespread low, crystal clear, but barren conditions continue to make the canals the place. These canals on the central Indian River and Banana River hold six species in order from easiest to hardest to catch; seatrout, black drum, redfish, sheepshead, tarpon, and snook. Live shrimp at the edge of the mangroves or under docks makes for easy and awesome fishing, that is once you locate one quality fish. The low and clear conditions make it so that the fish tend to bunch up rather than scatter all over. Try fly fishing during broad daylight or cast netting live finger mullet to increase your chances at tarpon and snook. Gulp shrimp and paddletails also work well, but I advise using weedless hooks to avoid getting snagged. Submerged or not, these canals are full of places to get snagged. Avoid using weight if you decide to use bait. Just let the bait sink on its own unless the current is really strong. Tarpon are most likely to hit a shrimp as it sinks down.
The canal fishing should remain good for several more weeks and maybe longer. This upcoming front should get the gator trout chewing, but work those lures slow if you use artificial.
The nearshore and offshore bite was good for those who got out during the week, but this front and the previous swell will have it turned off for the time being. We got out for like two or three hours Thursday around sunset, and the sharks were jumping everywhere. You would be hooked up literally as soon as the bait touched the water some times! Most of them were 3-4ft in length, but they sure make quick work of your spool when hooked.
Preparation and maintenance are critical for serious fishermen, so use the bad forecast to your favor. I hope there is a window, and I can report something good from this upcoming week.
Kurt, as always, you’ve provided valuable and insightful info for anglers of all experience levels. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us.