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June, summer, I like it!
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The water level is perfect, the water temperature is where it needs to be and the fishing is right on. The last week has seen tarpon return to the flats and trout are all over mullet schools. Redfish are still a little picky, but within the next two weeks they will form up and I forecast a great beginning to the summer season.
Spoil islands along the ICW are starting to produce large bluefish, trout and the always popular ladyfish. Snubbed by some, the ladyfish is an acrobatic fierce fighter that grows to seven pounds and has impressed purists of catch and release. Called by some “baby tarpon” they are always on the prowl along flats and drop offs ready to surprise the novice with long runs and spectacular leaps. For those who are new to saltwater fishing, this fish will provide more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
While most people want to target a specific species like reds, understand this takes some skill on your part. If you are proficient with a spinning reel, ( not a Zebco), practice casting with at least a 1/16 oz and up to ˝ oz lure at a distance of 80 to 100 feet. I use 2500 and 3500 series reels spooled with braid. 10 and 20 lb test respectively. Buy a “ walking “type plug like a Rapala SkitterWalk in both the 08 and 11 sizes and learn to “walk the dog”. This consists of small twitches of the rod tip and reeling intermittently to swing the front of the lure in a zig zag motion. Slack must be kept in the line for the lure to move back and forth. This lure is deadly on all species of salt water fish. If you cannot master “walking”, a SLOW steady retrieve works almost as well. Another killer is the Twitchin Rap 08 size. Again, a SLOW retrieve is necessary . Twitch the lure and then pause, count to five and twitch it again, the strike will come as the lure is paused.
I don’t mean to scare anyone off, but the more you understand the strategy of flats fishing the more your chances of catching your target species becomes. Many guides hook the fish and hand the rod to the client and while I am not opposed to this, I would rather you do it. I also will use cut or live bait, this is as about as boring as it comes unless you have a school located and they are feeding hard. Trust me when I tell you, the strike of a large redfish on a top water plug is worth more than five on cut bait.
I don’t know if I will increase my rates this month or not, I am seeing an increase of customers again and the economy is picking up a little, which is a good sign for us all. My rates are subject to change at any time and if you are planning a trip this summer, I would advise you to book now. Gas prices will continue to increase it looks like and I must adjust accordingly. I can hold my rates in the Melbourne area and the fishing here for all species, if you know where they are, is as good as it gets. So, keep in mind Melbourne and Brevard county when you plan your stay, it is a bit of “Old Florida”, beautiful beaches, great lodging, good food and the laid back life style.
I will be out of town from June the 15th until the 22nd, going to see my grandkids in California, Then back to “paradise.”
Captain Russ
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01 Jun 2009 by Captain Russ Rivers
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