Space Coast Inshore Fishing Reported Steady

By  //  December 26, 2013

spotted sea trout, flounder have been caught

ABOVE VIDEO: TrophyCatch is an angler recognition and reward program designed to promote catch & release bass fishing as well as help fisheries managers in Florida collect valuable data. Host, Keith Alan delivers the latest info and updates on the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Bass Management Program.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – During your downtime over the holiday week, you may consider doing some inshore fishing which  has been steady, as reported by Capt. Keith Mixon of Mixin’ Work With Play Fishing Charters on ForShoreFishing.blogs.theledger.com.  

Capt. Mixon is a Merritt Island-based fishing guide who specializes in inshore light tackle fishing for speckled trout, snook, redfish and flounder along with other species on Florida’s Space Coast. Capt. Mixon has been a professional, full time guide for over 10 years.

CAPT. MIXON OFFERS THIS INFORMATION AND ADVICE:

“During the past few weeks, a few nice fish have been caught throughout our region,” said Capt. Mixson.

Habitat and Fishing Tips: Seatrout found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass meadows, mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish or pigfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective. Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted seatrout are a good eating fish.
SPOTTED SEATROUT HABITAT & FISHING TIPS:
Seatrout found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass meadows, mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish or pigfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective. Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted seatrout are a good eating fish. (FWC image)

“Several nice spotted sea trout have been caught during the mid-morning hours. This is especially true when fishing sandy potholes along the flats. One area that has produced some action is the Banana River south of S.R. 520.  Live shrimp or scented jerk baits have worked well when rigged under a popping cork. When targeting these fish, anglers will want to have a little patience and fish their lure slowly. Most of these fish that were brought boat side had an average length of 17 inches with the largest measuring in at 22 inches.

“At the Port, several nice flounder have been caught just after first light. Live shrimp or Bass Assassin’s Curly Shad Combo in Electric Chicken color has worked well for these tasty fish.  When targeting them, anglers will want to fish these baits on the bottom while drifting near ambush sites such as sand bars, channel drop offs, or even the jetties. During this time of year it is not uncommon to catch a larger door mat size fish. Several of these fish have measured up to 18 inches.”

FOR MORE FISHING INFORMATION AND ADVICE LOG ON TO ForShoreFishing.blogs.theledger.com