kingfish

Fishing for slot size redfish and small tarpon continues to be productive in the Indian River Lagoon area near North Merritt Island. For the reds, try sight fishing in a foot of water with something that doesn’t make a loud plop such as a frozen shrimp during the middle of the day. Live mullet and chunks big enough to reduce the catfish problem are the call in low light situations. 2-10 pound tarpon are rolling in select creeks, canals, and ditches. Live mullet under 3 inches are the best baits with small flies being the best lure. There have been a few bigger 12-25 pound tarpon breaching and eating on the flats around sunrise and sunset. Freeline 4-7 inch live mullet or cast topwater plugs.

Red snapper mini-season is making the Jetty Park boat ramp crazy and most spots overcrowded. I’d consider launching somewhere else and going through the locks. The locks open at 6 AM. The snapper seemed to be most common 50-100 feet. If you fish public numbers, expect to see other boats. King mackerel have been caught around 50 feet of water. Live bait has been inconsistent, but the kings enjoyed frozen cigar minnows.