cape canaveral cobia

It looks like we might finally be done with the cooler temps. As the water temperatures pick up the fishing has done so as well. This week has been really good.

Inshore, the bite has been very productive in the Indian River and Mosquito lagoon for large seatrout, black drum, and redfish. I have even started seeing some tarpon and snook, which is expected as the warmer weather pattern continues. In the lagoon, redfish and trout have been up shallow around the mangroves and docks, feeding quite well early on Rapala Skitterwalk topwater plugs. Look for the finger mullet schools and the predators will be close behind. My favorite pattern is holographic silver and chartreuse. These two colors are great low light mullet imitators and work really well.

As the sun rises and the topwater bite slows, look for edges where the shallow water drops off. Even if it’s only a few inches it makes a difference. These edges have been holding redfish, trout and small black drum schools that are all chewing good on Gulp shrimp in pearl white and natural colors. The live bait enthusiasts can do just as good on a small live mullet or a live handpicked shrimp.

Nearshore has also been picking up, with one of the best cobia years we have had in a while. Currently, most fish are between Cape Canaveral and new Smyrna Beach. Look for the manta rays and the cobia will be on top or under them. A 3oz buck-tail jig or large live bait of almost any choice usually does the trick. There’s still some large redfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel along the beaches right now as well.