The lagoon has been been improving more and more clarity wise, and the fish are on to it, as well! With the cleaner, lower water levels, the fish have definitely been on high alert. Most areas that have any sort of water depth from 2-3 feet have been producing good numbers of fish. The key to getting them to eat has been toning down the size of your leader and bait. Typically, I toss a 25-30lb leader, but with the conditions lately, moving down to 15-20 has definitely been producing more bites.

This week, the Space Coast has finally started to see a little change. Cooler water has brought quite a bit better looking water into most areas throughout the lagoon system. The slightly cleaner water we are now seeing has opened up some opportunities for sight fishing, which is what most anglers love about the lagoon.

Big fish has been the name of the game lately! The Space Coast has had some pretty nice weather lately — a consistent weather pattern can play a huge roll in fishing, and this week was definitely a good example.

This week the Space Coast has definitely been a little on the chilly side! With the cooler temps and windy weather, I’ve spent most my time in the lagoon and Indian River. Most fish have pulled off shallow water flats and are schooling up in deeper mangrove pockets and shorelines with deeper holes. Areas that have that mucky, soft bottom contours definitely have been the ticket. Black drum, redfish, trout and sheepshead have been the main species I’ve been catching.

For the first time in a long time it seems the Space Coast might actually experience a real winter! Water temps have been plummeting along with the air. Unfortunately, the water still seems to be struggling with the recent algae blooms, but the fishing remains pretty good.

Fishing has been great on the Space Coast this week! Even with the few windy and chilly days, the fishing has been pretty good, both inshore and nearshore have had plenty of good opportunities.

Winter can be a frustrating time of year. With up and down temperatures, crazy winds, and passing fronts, it’s definitely a hard time to find desirable conditions. Luckily, the black drum love cool weather and this week there was no shortage of action from these big, hulking uglies! From pitching deep in the mangroves to sight fishing, the occasional group of tailing fish, or even pitching baits around bridge pilings there is many ways to catch black drum!

Despite the crummy weather and so far minor fish kills the river has been experiencing lately, there is still some light at the end of the tunnel. By no means are algae blooms and fish kills a normal occurrence, but it definitely seems the river has been in a weird funk the last few years — and to be completely honest, not a single person knows a 100% sure fix.

Spotted seatrout are one of the most popular gamefish in the entire world and definitely a favorite here on the Space Coast. With the cooler temperatures and windy, windy weather, it’s definitely the perfect time to go out and target this species. The entire coast, in every section of the lagoon system, has been very good for trout lately. Anglers can find these fish around spoil islands, channel drop-offs, docks, and mangrove shorelines.

Being a fishing guide, you definitely don’t get to choose your fishing conditions. One thing I have learned more than anything is that you have to adapt and use the conditions in your favor.

Capt. Alex Hughey took a day off from guiding clients to treat himself to some tripletail.