Florida Fishing Report: Florida Fishing Charters

The good news is during the periods of stable weather and along with the availability of scaled sardines, the fish have been biting very well. Snook, redfish, trout and jacks have been the primary catches. As a matter of fact, armed with minnows there is not much you can do wrong on just about any drop of the anchor. Along with outdoor enthusiast, the resident fish have endured a long cold winter. Within decent weather conditions the tide, time of day, or moon phase have been non-factors in getting these fish to eat. All the major benefits of prolonged harsh conditions.

Migratory species such as Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, and tarpon are in when things are somewhat settled and just out of reach when they are not. On a few cool mornings this week, fresh arrivals of cobia were riding the shirttails of large stingrays on the powerplant-warmed flats in both good numbers and sizes (up to 40lbs.)

Naearshore school sized kings were being caught on the artificial reefs and over live bottom. Anchoring over such structure produced grouper, snapper, kingfish, mackerel and giant cobia with the lure of heavy chumming. Unfortunately, high winds have kept us inshore from the potpourri more often than not. It will take several days for the water to settle after the blow that we are currently experiencing.

Giant tarpon are waiting in the wings just offshore. Some fish have taken traditional residence in the upper bays and sounds. Goods bites were experienced just a few weeks ago on unsuspecting fish gulping up the influx of bait schools. Since, they have been difficult to get to or to confirm their exact locations. When it settles, they will return and so will we.

The fish are in place, the water temperatures are fluctuating borderline on the favorable side of right, and they fish are hungry-- looking to regain lost body fat of a cold winter. Now we remain at the mercy of Mother Nature. How long will it last? Dunno. I do know it can not last forever or at least I hope not.

These have not been chamber of commerce days that Florida is so well known for. Again, while all remains a major set back, when it does settle-- we all will reap the benefit of a winter that is best to be forgotten.

Screaming Drags and Tired Arms.