The fall mullet run is definitely under way here in central Florida. Along the Atlantic coast beaches, that means all types of fish will be feasting on the schools as they head south. Tarpon top the list along with bluefish, mackerel, snook, redfish, jack crevalle, and sharks.
Inshore, the Mosquito Lagoon is still cloudy with algae in most places making sight fishing extremely difficult. Some days you can find tailing fish but if they go down, it is tough to see anything. Trout fishing was decent on the last trip I made to the Lagoon with plenty of fish 18-24 inches on the DOA Deadly Combo in 2-4ft of water outside the flats.
The Indian River remains clear and sight fishing is good. Redfish top the list along with small tarpon. In deeper areas, keep and eye out for big tarpon. Carry a heavy rod with you if you want any chance at catching them. I have one rigged with 80lb leader and a sinking DOA Baitbuster ready this time of year, The smaller tarpon have been providing some great action on fly and the redfish rods. Most of these fish are in 2ft of water or less close to shorelines and creek mouths. With the extremely high water, they can be right up against the shore. The 1/4oz shrimp or the 3″ CAL tail have been working the best. Fly anglers have been jumping them on gurglers and rabbitstrip patterns.
This time of year, the redfish get as aggressive as you will ever see them. Even the giant fish willchase lures when many other times they will not. The breeder fish will gather in large schools. Many of these fish are highly pressured all day long by some less ethical anglers. Should you come upon some, however, catch a few and let them get back to their business. These fish are the future of our stock.
This fishing pattern will last until the northern cold fronts start making their way into Florida. If you want to get in on some of the tarpon and topwater redfish action, don’t wait until it is too late. Book your trip today.
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters has a new website and email. Not only is the website totally new, the domain has changed to www.flatsfishingtrips.com. Please feel free to check out the new site and if you like it, please share with others or link to it. Any future emails from me will be coming from cmyers@flatsfishingtrips.com
