Kings went from Zero to Insanity!

We caught at least 25 kingfish within five hours southeast of Port Canaveral in 80ft of water. We knew bait has been extremely scarce, so we left early didn’t even bother trying. We used spot-lock over a place I’ve done well before away from the fleet, which was on North Pelican Flats.

Using frozen cigar minnows works well at this time of year. It stays on better and for whatever reason gets more kings than spanish sardines. I prefer not to drift or bump-troll dead baits without weight. Vertical jigs also caught their attention Monday, but most the action was on top. If there are other boats around with live bait, these techniques may not work at all.

I tie my own stinger rigs using 40lb multi-strand wire, a stout 2/0 live bait J hook, and a 1/0 treble hook. I’m not the greatest at it, but my knots don’t fail. However, I suggest you look up how to on the internet. It saves money and gives you a better quality product than the store bought rigs.

I like to use medium to heavy spinning rods with a reliable drag and 30-50lb braid. 20-30lb conventional setups with mono mainline also work. Unlike most anglers, I prefer spinning setups with braid over conventional setups except for trolling or grouper fishing.

There have been a ton of rays 1/4 to 1/2 miles off the beach between Cocoa and Satellite, but cobia are hit or miss. I also don’t like fishing in large crowds. I go fishing to leave land and people to have fun more than anything, so being around hundreds of boats is not my thing.

Everywhere but North Merritt Island is clearing up in the Indian River Lagoon. I’ve still seen a few black drum and reds, but they haven’t been eating. I am starting to see more finger mullet, so maybe some reds and trout will show soon. I’ll have to check into that this week with the east winds.

The nearshore sharks and black drum from two weeks ago left after the cold front and large swell.

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