You are here: Home / Archives for Indian River Lagoon

New Year’s Report from Me to You

January 1, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

New Year’s Report from Me to You

Happy New Year! Thank you for reading this New Year’s Report. I trust and hope everyone is not too hung over from wild revelry on New Year’s Eve. I was in bed at 10 PM myself…

The wind blew hard all week, cutting into fishing opportunities. You find other things to do.

I have a guest post about solo paddle fly fishing in the everglades at Fish Untamed. You can read it at this link- https://fishuntamed.com/solo-fly-fishing-in-the-everglades/

Also, I have been writing a series of mini-digital magazines on Magma Now. The latest is about the Lodge at Whale Pass .

You can see the collection and find new ones as they are posted at https://magmanow.com/@spottedtail/

Yes, I have been trying to keep busy.

Monday– I went fishing in the Indian River Lagoon, since I had not been in a long time. I had shots at two redfish. They both spooked off the fly, not that I could really see what was happening. Cold and with a solid north wind, it would have been a tough day anyway. Plus the water is pretty gross looking, with lots of Rhodophyta everywhere. I did get to meet this fellow, though, after a manner of speaking-

Tuesday– Honey-doooos. Got some quality time in with my bride at the Home Depot. Installed new track lighting in the kitchen.

Wednesday– Planned on fishing with Tom Van Horn, got blown out. Went for a walk with Susan at the improperly named Black Hammock Wilderness Area. Posted a blog about it- https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/seminole-county-wilderness-areas-a-review/

Thursday– Planned on fishing with Rick DePaiva, got blown out. Worked on the van, getting it ready for the solar install.

Friday– Happy New Year! Too windy to fish, again!

Thank you for reading this New Year Report blog!

Life is great and I love life!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! or walk on a trail!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide

Purchase a signed copy of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2021. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: central florida destinations, Fishing Reports · Tagged: , ,

Part Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Part Information

November 28, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Part Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Part Information

Thank you for reading this part Mosquito Lagoon fishing report, part information. I did not intend to post a blog this week, but surprised myself with my industriousness.

FISHING

Sunday I took my bride for lunch (Sunrise Bread Company) and a drive on Biolab Road. There were quite a few truck fishermen soaking shrimp there. They were all catching fish, black drum, trout, catfish. So there’s that. Not my cup of java, but if it works for you there are fish there.

Alfred Hitchcock would love this.

Tuesday I went kayak fishing with a fly rod in Mosquito Lagoon, in spite of high, dirty water and a fairly stiff wind. I figured it would be tough fishing. It was cool enough that I wore my chest waders, quite a delightful day actually.

Nice tail.

In six hours of hunting I saw a handful of fish. Managed two bites, both on the redfish worm, the last coming right before I left. I caught, photographed, and released that fish, and went home happy.

The release.

Information

Florida butterflies are in danger. The fluttering species that inspire wonder, pique curiosity and support our natural environment need protection. More than any other state on the east coast, Florida is home to 178 different species of native butterflies. Sadly, many of these species are imperiled, with some already now gone.

You can help! Click this link for more information on how!

The US Department of the Interior, which has crapped all over the country the last four years, has loosened up some money for Florida finally. Read about it here…

Have you ever seen an exploding whale? This is laugh-out-loud…

——————————————————————————-

OK, it’s black Friday weekend. Books make wonderful gifts! Here are a few suggestions!

Fishing Florida by Paddle– Sprinkling colorful history throughout, author John Kumiski highlights the state’s best paddle fishing destinations, both freshwater and saltwater, including the bass of Farm 13, the redfish and trout along the Big Bend Paddling Trail and the snook and tarpon of the Everglades. Learn the locales and what to do when you get there, including launch points, shuttles, rentals, tackle, techniques and more.

The Indian River Lagoon Chronicles- On December 1, 2013, five intrepid paddlers launched their vessels at JB’s Fish Camp in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Their destination? Jupiter, Florida, 160 miles distant. During their nineteen-day voyage of discovery they travel the length of the Indian River Lagoon, meeting birds, snails, manatees, and mangroves, dolphins, scientists, restaurateurs, and seagrasses, other paddlers, the ghost of Henry Flagler, and much more.

Into the tale of their journey is woven the forgotten history of the people who lived along the lagoon’s banks- Indians, soldiers, settlers, agriculturalists, fishermen, treasure hunters, entrepreneurs, dredgers and many others.

What They’re Saying About This Book-
“Found a copy of the Indian River chronicles…couldn’t put it down, well done sir…thank you!” -Steve Betts

“Wow! really enjoyed the read. You did a fantastic job of catching the spirit and adventure of the trip. I especially enjoyed the historical notes along the way. At the end I had tears in my eyes…” – Darryl “Bones” Benton

Pura Agua, by Rodney Smith- Smith’s passion for clean water, for a healthy planet, shines on every page, as does his love of surfing.

Proceeds from the book go to the Marine Resources Council of Central Florida and to Anglers for Conservation, making a purchase of Pura Agua a donation to two important, water-centric charities.

If you’re aware of your surroundings and you’ve been in Florida more than 10 years, you don’t need Pura Agua to tell you there are water quality problems here. For those who have been here five years or less, though, Pura Agua should be required reading.

Get a copy of Pura Agua. It just may change your life.

NOTE TO READER- I could not find a way to order this title today. When I get that information I will include it an another post.

————————————————-

In my last post I asked that readers follow me on Instagram. I’m @spottedtailflyfish and would still appreciate it if you would follow me.

————————————————–

As soon as this is posted I’m leaving for a week-long paddle-fly-fishing trip to Everglades National Park. Even with a cold front coming through, there should be a decent report next week.

I hope everyone had a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Thank you for reading this Part Fishing Report, Part information blog!

Life is great and I love life!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! or paddle!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase a signed copy of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing News, Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Another East Central Florida Fishing Report

August 29, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Another East Central Florida Fishing Report

Thank you for reading another east central Florida Fishing Report. Kind of fished around this week, and none too seriously at that.

Monday– in spite of 20 mph winds and 60 percent rain chance I went kayaking on Mosquito Lagoon. I saw exactly one redfish while wading, put the slider three feet in front of it. The fish crushed the fly and I got it. Unbelievable, with the dirty water and in that weather.

Tuesday– stayed home, tied some flies and listened to Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Mose Allison, and Jethro Tull. Good times.

I made a flock of faux fishies.

Wednesday– beach day with Susan. Brought a cheap rod and reel I found along the Econ, a sand spike, and some shrimp. When the wind is from the southeast you get the Miami mud and terrible fishing. My first bite didn’t take long, and it was memorable- with a double hook rig, two (at once!) hardhead cats. After releasing the sixth one I gave up. I just sat and watched the waves and the birds. Nice morning!

License tag of a car parked at the beach. But the Red Sox are terrible this year.

Thursday– Susan wanted to go for a boat ride, so we hooked the Mitzi up to the car and went to Mosquito Lagoon. Figured I may as well look for fish at the same time. HA! The joke was on me.

Susan takes her boat rides seriously.

The Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are both in full algae bloom mode. The water is brown, opaque, disgusting, heart-breaking. We rode around for two hours. The best water I saw was green instead of brown. You certainly get a different perspective in the skiff versus the kayak. Every time the algae blooms (every summer for the past six or seven years) I wonder if the water will ever clear up again. One of these times it won’t, I fear.

Friday– joined Walt Sheppard for a Spruce Creek kayak trip. Armed with a six-weight, I sallied forth to do battle with whatever Leviathan I could find.

I missed my first four bites. Guess I wasn’t ready. The third, fourth, and fifth bites were a baby tarpon. The hook stuck in number five. I was able to leader the little guy before he hopped off. Fly was a small bucktail streamer.

John with a baby tarpon. File photo by Tammy Wilson.

I did not get another bite, but did have to drag my boat a ways. I followed a six-inch long mantis shrimp, which I apparently spooked, about 20 feet. Those things look like they would be mighty tasty. Very graceful, beautiful creatures they are.

A Poem

We, this people, on this small and drifting planet
Whose hands can strike with such abandon
That in a twinkling, life is sapped from the living
Yet those same hands can touch with such healing, irresistible tenderness
That the haughty neck is happy to bow
And the proud back is glad to bend
Out of such chaos, of such contradiction
We learn that we are neither devils nor divines
– Maya Angelou

Life is great and I love my apparent retirement!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Orlando Fishing Report · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Central Florida Kayak Fishing Report- The Week of the Super Grand Slam!

August 1, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Central Florida Kayak Fishing Report- The Week of the Super Grand Slam!

Thank you for reading this Central Florida Kayak Fishing Report. This was the week of the super grand slam! A proper slam happens in a day. This one took me all week to get, but ya take what ya get these days.

Blog Posts This Week– Leave It As It Is- A Book Review 

Other Bits of Life– Peter Green, one of the founding members of Fleetwood Mac and a hero of my youth, passed away this week. I had the pleasure of seeing him, and them, in concert back in 1970 at the Boston Tea Party. I’ve been to a lot of concerts- that one remains one of the most memorable.

Weather Forecast from Hell-

Northeast winds 55 to 65 knots with gusts to around 80 knots. Seas 
27 to 30 feet with a dominant period 11 seconds. Extremely rough on the 
intracoastal waters. Periods of showers.

Coming at us on Sunday.

FISHING!

Monday– launched the kayak on Spruce Creek, illegally, since it was before sunrise and I had no light*. Got a ticket from the marine patrol there, a long time ago, for the same reason. But, I digress.

Before the sun hit the horizon, I found a redfish cruising the bank. Dropped the bunny leech in front of him. He acted the way they are supposed to, and I had a redfish release before sunrise.

Spruce Creek red, on a black bunny leech. Welcome to a new day!

Back in the day, at that time in the morning you’d see jacks crushing mullet, hear snook popping, etc. None of that this morning, very placid. Sad.

Found some baby tarpon rolling a while later. Jumped two, one on the leech and one on a small gray shrimp pattern. Them little boogers is hard to hook!

Found another shoreline red. Thought I had it, but the fish spooked off the fly. It didn’t have a weedguard (it was the one I had tossed it at the tarpon) and it hooked on a shell. That was my morning, and a lovely one it was.

Didn’t fish Tuesday or Wednesday, but I did watch The Kids Are Alright, a documentary about The Who. When they played Young Man Blues it gave me shivers, just freaking awesome. They don’t make them like that any more.

Thursday– Got up too early (really- the days are getting shorter and I’m still on the June program) but got to see Orion above the eastern horizon as I drove to the Indian River. Dropped the kayak in illegally again (no light) and paddled to where I hoped the fish would be.

The best one- of course I didn’t notice the lens was foggy…

In a clear example of “that’s fishing,” I did not get a bite for an hour and a half, then I hooked four snook on four casts, catching three of them. The fourth sawed through my leader (#25 fluoro). The bait was a RipTide Sardine. One of the caught ones was a real one, five or six pounds, my nicest one this year. The one that got away was WAY bigger, of course. 🙂

This was a decent one, too.

A while later I got another snook, a dinker. Then I found some dinker tarpon rolling. One took a black and white streamer and I actually used a dehooker to release it. I did not photograph it, but it was important to the slam. Then I paddled back to the car.

Friday– Got up at 6 am, was on the road to Mosquito Lagoon at 0645. Got caught in some wreck traffic, so I didn’t launch the kayak until 0800.

The water is so green. The first redfish I saw was not social distance away. I did not get a shot. And something I was reminded of this day was, it’s hard to drop a fly exactly where you want it to land when the fish is eight or ten feet away. The next several fish I saw, I could have speared more easily than tossed a fly to them. They were that hard to see.

The fly was deep enough I just cut it off and let the fish have it.

In spite of the murk I had three great shots- did not get a bite. Then I had an impossible one, leader in the rod, and hooked and caught the fish, a really nice red, eight pounds or so.

Black drum, not as pretty as brook trout. I still love them.

I ended up hooking four redfish and catching two, two black drum and catching one, and the last fish, just to put the exclamation point on the slam, was my best trout this year. I think the fish knew there’s a storm coming. They were just stupid, and more active than I’ve seen them in a long time. GLAD I WENT!!!

An EP-style streamer, blind-casting!!!

*If memory serves, the regulation is, any vessel less than seven meters doing less than seven knots needs a single white light, visible from 360 degrees, at the distance of a mile, when operating between sunset and sunrise.

And that’s my central Florida kayak fishing report for this week. Thanks for reading it!

I think I fish, in part, because it’s an anti-social, bohemian business that, when gone about properly, puts you forever outside the mainstream culture without actually landing you in an institution. – John Gierach

Life is great and I love my work!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Paddle Fishing Florida · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beaches and More Fishing Report

July 18, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Beaches and More Fishing Report

Thank you for reading this beaches and more Fishing Report. The week had its interesting moments.

Monday– Susan and I went to New Smyrna Beach, parked at Bethune Beach Park. I brought a light spin rod and some shrimp I found in the freezer. When I got around to fishing it was with a pair of small bucktail jigs rigged tandem. I tipped each jig with a small piece of shrimp. Little nibbly fish kept stealing the shrimp, but I did catch a small whiting, successfully keeping the skunk at bay, for whatever that’s worth.

Had lunch at JB’s, then went to the national seashore. While still on the boardwalk over the dune I could see a bait ball just off the beach. Whoosh! a big tarpon launched itself right through it, getting me pretty durned excited!

We took a long walk down the beach and back, but I didn’t see much else.

Tuesday– encouraged by what I’d seen the previous day and a favorable weather forecast, I launched the Mitzi at the Port at 6 AM, then headed up the beach. At the tip of the Cape there were a few scattered tarpon rolling. I blind-cast with the 12-weight for a bit, but that gets old real fast. It’s hard to target scattered rolling fish.

Dawn at Cape Canaveral.

I continued up the beach for a couple hours before I saw anything else. Then I ran over a single tarpon, and then a small string. I cut the motor and went on the electric.

By now there were lots of clouds. Visibility would be good for a few minutes, then a cloud would come. I saw a fish here and again, but always too close to me to do much with.

If I had a cigar I would have swallowed it when here came an honest-to-God string, right on top. Only about a dozen fish, but still. I waited for them to get into range then made my cast. One of the fish saw the rod move and spooked, boogering up the rest. I did not get bit. But my knees were shaking!

A while later here came another string. Just before they got into range a cloud came. I extrapolated and made the cast. The line came tight, a big fish came flying out of the water. When it crashed back down the leader popped and I was out a fly. But my knees were shaking, bad!

The clouds were building to the west. Just one more shot, I told myself. I spotted another string out past my position. I tried for 30 minutes to get in front of them and ended up losing them. I raced the storms back to the port. We arrived simultaneously, about noon.

Wednesday– Launched the kayak in the Indian River Lagoon at the spot I’d seen the baby ‘poons last week, again armed with a six-weight and a spin rod. The water was significantly higher. The majority of the fish were gone. Did get a couple small snookers on a DOA Shrimp.

Two identical sized snook, fooled with a faux shrimp.

Thursday– Susan and I basically repeated Monday’s plan, although I bought some shrimp at the bait shop. All my casting at Bethune Beach netted me one small black drum. The guy fishing near me caught several whiting on shrimp, though.

A ball of glass minnows along the beach.

After lunch we went to the seashore. There were balls of glass minnows right in the surf, and sharks and tarpon cruising between the beach and the first bar. I was all worked up. I watched a six-foot tarpon come in through the breaking surf into about a foot of water. Its back was in the air. I didn’t have a fishing rod, but could hardly have been more thrilled. Amazing stuff, that was!

And that was my week fishing.

I am convinced that the ideal combination leading to a happy life is to have the time to both fish and read. – Brian Murphy

Life is great and I love my work!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Orlando Fishing Report, port canaveral fishing report · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Silver King Search Central Florida Fishing Report

June 27, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Silver King Search Central Florida Fishing Report

Thank you for reading this Silver King Search Central Florida Fishing Report. A belated happy father’s day to all you dads. Last week I was so excited about the solstice I completely overlooked it!

Recently I stated I have not been in Florida at this time of year for over a decade. My goal this week, and perhaps next, is to survey the kingdom and see what I have available to me, fishing-wise. If this week is any indication, what’s available is, not much.

I put some hours on the Yamaha this week.

Monday– Launched the Mitzi at the Port at sunrise. During the drive over in the dark I got to watch a thunderhead doing its best 4th of July celebration, even though it was a bit early. It just kept going off! Fortunately for me, it was well offshore.

The plan was to run south down the beach. I want tarpon, they’ve been my primary target through all my searching. I ran into Scott Lum at the ramp. He told me his buddy found some tarpon in the bight the previous day. My plan changed immediately.

I ran to the Cape, saw nothing. So Plan A was resurrected. I ran from the cape to Patrick AFB, stopping along the way to net some pogies.

Turned out I did not need any bait. I saw nothing the entire way.

Halfway down Patrick I took a left and went east for a couple miles, then headed north. Maybe there were some fishies out deeper! Saw nothing until I got near the Disney cruise ship, where a small school of tunny was busting. I hooked two on a jig and lost them both.

By now the wind had laid down. I went back to the cape hoping the tarpon would be there. Nope! I looked for them the whole way back to the port, saw nothing, not even jacks. Tossed all the pogies back in the ocean, loaded the boat onto the trailer.

Tuesday– Launched the Mitzi at Beacon 42 shortly after sunrise. Looked for fish on the outside of the spoil islands (wind was west) while blindcasting, up to marker 25. Got a few small trout, very slow going. Went and looked along Tiger Shoal. Historically big trout were there this time of year, feeding on mullet and laying eggs. The mullet were there. The trout were not.

It looks like algae is starting to bloom. I hope I’m wrong.

One of two reds I saw.

Worked some of my favorite east side spots. Saw two reds working the shoreline. I got the first on a DOA Shrimp. My cast to the second was too good. You know that kind of cast, the one that screams “death from above” to the fish?

So for the day I got one red and maybe eight small trout.

Wednesday– launched the Mitzi at sunrise at Port St. John. Went looking for tarpon without success. Loaded the boat and trailered it to Marina Park. Looked along the shoreline, saw a few trout and black drum. No one would bite.

Ran from the railroad trestle up to Scottsmoor, across to the bombing target, and south to the ICW. I moved exactly one fish. Water on the west side looked terrible. It was fairly clear on the east side but still devoid of life, although I did not check the shoreline. I do not need to go up there again for a while.

Thursday John Berry joined me for some Mosquito Lagoon fishing. Tossing DOA Shrimp exclusively, we got five species of fish between us- trout, snook, and one each of flounder, snapper, and ladyfish. All of the fish were on the small side, but the bite was pretty steady. We were done at noon.

Friday, still looking for tarpon, I went to the Port again. I had a hot tip the fish were “way down south.” I wasn’t sure what that meant, but I hoped to find out.

You could tell that dust cloud is here. The sun rose through a veil.

The dust caused serious haze.

The sea was glassy. You could see a tarpon roll a quarter mile off. I went to Satellite Beach and saw exactly one. I’m starting to think way down south means Sebastian Inlet. The Mitzi has a six gallon fuel tank and I carry an extra two. Sebastian is a little out of range.

I turned around at Satellite Beach and looked farther out. Scattered tunny were busting, nothing readily targetable. I love tunny, but they certainly aren’t tarpon.

I spent an hour off the cape. A few fish were rolling there, but again, nothing you could really target. Tossing a pogy out and hoping for the best got me two sharks. I told Susan I’d be home around 1 PM, so quitting time came around noon.

If anyone knows where I could find some tarpon, in the lagoons, or out of the Port or Ponce Inlet, I would love to hear about it.

Life is great and I love my work!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Orlando Fishing Report, port canaveral fishing report · Tagged: , , , , , ,

Visited Old Spots Fishing Report

June 13, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Visited Old Spots Fishing Report

Thank you for reading this Visited Old Spots Fishing Report.

I moved to Florida in 1984. Was a fisherman when I got here. I fished and guided the Banana River Lagoon, the Indian River Lagoon, the Mosquito Lagoon, the near-coastal Atlantic from both Ponce Inlet and Port Canaveral, and the St. Johns river system as my local waters, and have travelled and fished all over the state. Since I got here, and particularly over the last five or six years, I have watched the water quality decline, and the quality fishing areas shrink, to the current pitiful state. There are many places I have fished where I’ve thought at the end of the day, “I don’t need to check here again for a long time.”

This week was dedicated to visiting some of those areas again.

Monday I visited what used to be a favorite St. Johns River system lake. It was full of vegetation- milfoil, eelgrass, dollarweed, bulrushes, others. The bass fishing was fantastic. A couple years ago, when the FWC declared herbicide war on all aquatic vegetation, I visited this lake with Tom Van Horn. The vegetation was all dead or dying. The bullfrogs were silent. There were no alligators, and no fish. I don’t need to check here again for a long time.

Best fish of the day.

Monday’s visit was nostalgic. The marsh is beautiful. Bullfrogs sang loudly, and so did the blackbirds. Tilapia chased each other around. I snuck up on a four-point buck, in velvet, that was feeding at the water’s edge. I fished hard for six hours, came up with four dink bass. There is still no vegetation, and not many fish. I still don’t need to check here again for a long time.

Wednesday I launched the Mitzi at Kelly Park and ran it down to Pineda Causeway. Was hoping to see tarpon, and the weather was perfect for it. No tarpon, though.

Used the electric motor to work my way most of the way to Georgiana Island. Found one small school of large redfish. I didn’t think they existed anymore! One slurped up my bunny leech in plain view and I caught it, the largest red I’ve gotten on fly in 10 years. That was way cool! Truly, God smiled on me. The entire episode was so unlikely.

I could not lift this fish into the boat.

Other than that, there were small scattered trout. Ran north of 528 and checked from the Barge Canal to KARS Park. Saw a few reds, a handful of five pound black drum, and two small snook. Got one dink trout, did not touch another fish. I don’t need to check here again for a long time.

One dink trout.

Back at the ramp two guys had an open fisherman on a trailer. One of them came over to me. “You got a screwdriver?” he asked. “Of course, I have a screwdriver,” I said. “He doesn’t,” the man said, pointing to his buddy. “Then why did you go out with him?” I said. Seriously, if you have a boat, you need some basic tools. It doesn’t get more basic than a screwdriver.

Friday On a perfect morning Scott Radloff and I went kayak fishing on the Indian River lagoon. Our boats hit the water at sunrise, and we were out until mid-day. Not a fish did we see. I hardly made any casts. Beautiful morning, lovely birds, I don’t need to check here again for a long time.

All other things being equal, the experiment will continue next week.

Non-exclusionary by its nature, fishing embraces all creeds and colors, all manner and kind of man and woman, gay or straight, whole or broken in body or spirit; every seeker, every pilgrim, every hopeful traveler who believes that in the art and sport of angling something purposeful, meaningful, traditional, wonderful, fun, and spiritual can be found. – Paul Quinnett

Life is great and I love my work!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Orlando Fishing Report, St. Johns River Fishing Report · Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Vernal Equinox Central Florida Fishing Report

March 21, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Vernal Equinox Central Florida Fishing Report

In spite of the craziness caused by COVID-19 I was able to get out and fish this week. A wonderful thing about fishing as practiced by me- you’re not likely to run across any virus-carrying humans.

The equinox was this week- celebrate a little!

Upcoming Events

I had intended to run the Mosquito Lagoon Show and Tell Seminar on March 28. Given that I’m in a high-risk demographic in the event I’d contract the virus, I have decided to cancel this event. Maybe in the fall…

Fishing

Saturday I launched the Bang-O-Craft at River Breeze Park, intending to do some scouting for an upcoming charter (since cancelled). Every time I do something like this I’m reminded of why I avoid fishing on weekends. I had to park most of the way back to Burch Road, the lot was full to overflowing.

My plan was to scout north of the park. I went up to the Blue Hole and started working my way back. In five hours I saw a half-dozen redfish and had one bite from a decent trout. In some of my formerly favorite places the water was almost opaque or the bottom looked diseased. It was not a great outing. I won’t be visiting that area for a while.

Monday Susan joined me for some more Mosquito Lagoon scouting. I launched the Mitzi in the wind and mist at Beacon 42.

Got two of these on a DOA Shrimp. Photo by Susan Surprise.

In the first spot we got two slot redfish, a bunch of dinker trout, and hooked and lost a nice trout.

Susan with a nice trout, released right after the shutter clicked.

 

Floundah! Photo by Susan Surprise.

In the second we got a nice trout, a flounder, and a few dinker trout. I wanted more spots but Sue was done, so we loaded up and drove home.

Monday night the trip I was scouting for was cancelled.

Tuesday I was on the way to do some Indian River Lagoon kayak fishing when I passed a breakdown. There was a child standing there and dad was lying under the truck. I stopped. “You under control?” “I don’t know where the jack is.” He had a gheenoe on a trailer. The trailer tire was shredded.

I was like a knight in shining armour. Because I have trailers, I have tools. I had him back on the road in 20 minutes.

I launched the kayak a few minutes later. The water looked OK, but there were no minnows, no mullet, no birds. I thought, “If I get a fish it will be a miracle.”

I paddled to the end of the spot, stood up, and began looking as I started back.

I saw three fish. I put the kayak in shallow water, staked it out, and waded back to the area, peppering it with casts. Just before I was to give up a fish struck. It was a lovely trout, about 20 inches.

I did not see another fish, nor was another bite forthcoming. The weather was spectacular though, and I had a great time.

Thursday Susan joined me. We went to CS Lee Park and launched the Bang-O-Craft. At the mouth of the Econ I had a solid strike on a 1” Sassy Shad. To my surprise it was a large tilapia. I was about to call my Aunt Rochelle when the hook pulled out. One does not get many tilapia bites.

I did get a pair of stumpknockers there, though. No thoughts of keeping them!

The mighty mudfish gets no respect. Photo by Susan Surprise.

We went up the Econ a way and I stopped to cast. I had another solid strike and a fish came cartwheeling out of the water. It turned out to be a bowfin, mudfish here in Florida. Got a crappie there, too. We went further up the very low river, dragging bottom in places and hitting lumber in others. It was very dead up there except for the gar.

This little guy followed the Chug Bug right to the boat. Photo by Susan Surprise.

I tied on a small Chug Bug and worked it for a while. Got a bite (it surprised me) and caught a seven-inch bass, the final fish of the day.

Friday sister Cheryl and I went kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon looking for birds. I brought a fishing rod but never picked it up- did not see a fish other than some mullet. We did see some eagles, spoonbills, coots, ducks, etc. etc. Nice paddle on a nice day.

And that’s my central Florida fishing report for this week. Thanks for reading it!

“Fishing is not an escape from life, but often a deeper immersion into it.” -Harry Middleton

Life is great and I love my work!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Orlando Fishing Report, St. Johns River Fishing Report · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Mosquito Lagoon and more Fishing Report

February 11, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Mosquito Lagoon and more Fishing Report

Thank you for reading this Mosquito Lagoon and more Fishing Report. The more includes the St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon. Since I’m typing this on Tuesday, and I won’t be fishing tomorrow, next week will be a bye week. No sense in posting a two-day fishing report.

Long-time angler and friend Todd Preuss sent me the following-

Thought I should share. BTW, I do have a will.

FISHING

Monday
Old friend Walt Jennings joined me for some shad fishing on the St. Johns River. I told him to meet me CS Lee Park at 1000. I got there at 0830 and Walt was already there. Talk about prompt!

We spent five hours looking for shad, from the outlet of Lake Harney to up near Puzzle Lake. We also went up the Econlockhatchee. We got five shad in five hours, plus a few small crappie. Shad fishing was pretty crappy. It’s been that way all season.

Tuesday
Old friend Tom Mitzlaff joined me for some Mosquito Lagoon scouting. We met at River Breeze. Tom was not an hour and a half early!

We looked in a lot of different places, and saw very little. We could have seen them, too- the water was pretty clean. We got a handful of dinky trout and a single dink redfish, but it was not looking good for my charter the next day.

We actually found a few sprigs of seagrass trying to photosynthesize. I wish them the best of luck!

Wednesday

Bob opened things up by landing this beautiful sea trout.

Matthew Pineda and his friend Bob joined me for a day’s fishing on Mosquito Lagoon. Tuesday showed me where not to go. We got some fish at our first stop. Bob’s first fish, a handsome seatrout, turned out to be the fish of the day. We got more trout, although most were small. All in all it was a pleasant day, with a decent number of bites.

Matthew got this fish a few minutes later.

Thursday and Friday

Did not fish due to high winds.

Saturday
I try not to fish on Saturdays and Saturday’s Mosquito Lagoon scout trip reminded me why. There was a redfish tournament going on and the place was a zoo. I really dislike fishing tournaments.

I launched at Eddy Creek. Thought I should check the south end of the lagoon, since I hadn’t been there in a long time. It was a waste of time- the water was opaque brown. No need to go back there for a while!

I ran around a lot, even going through Haulover Canal in to the Indian River Lagoon. I did not see much and got one bite all day, a dink redfish on the spin rod.

A word of caution- trying to pull the boat out at the Eddy Creek ramp with my two-wheel drive RAV4 dug a nice hole in the sand under my front tire. If a couple of muscular young guys hadn’t come along and pushed me out I would still be there.

Sunday
Chris Kent joined me for some fly fishing in Mosquito Lagoon. We mostly had the place to ourselves, surprisingly. We found a flat that had quite a few redfish on it, which surprised me in a good way. We worked it on five separate passes and did not get a bite, changing flies, angles, everything I could think of. Yes it was frustrating. I thought he should have hooked at least two and perhaps more, fish that responded to the fly but said no.

We found a spot with some nice trout. His line would hit the water and big mud poofs would come up. Those fish wanted no part of us, either.

The only fish we got were some small trout from a deeper spot, blind-casting with a Clouser Minnow. We saw 50 or more reds over the course of the day and couldn’t make a deal.

Monday
Johnny went kayak fishing in the Indian River Lagoon, all by hisself. He paddled to where he intended to start, and spent the rest of the time wading. He missed his first strike, but got the second, and nice trout of 22 inches or so. The fish took a black Clouser Minnow. There was a long time between bites, so he switched to a spin rod with a DOA Shrimp tied to the line. He was rewarded with two redfish (small ones) on back-to-back casts.

A word about spin tackle- I am transitioning to ultralight spin tackle- 1000 series reels, 5.5 and 6 foot rods. A few years ago this would have been unthinkable. Now the average size of the fish has dropped so much it seems to make good sense. Even the small fish seem sporty on tiny tackle. Sooner or later I’m gonna hit a real one and get my clock cleaned I bet…

Anyway, I ended up with a half-dozen nice trout, all in the slot or above, plus those two rat reds. It was not hot fishing by any means, but I’ve certainly had worse days.

And that’s my Mosquito Lagoon and more fishing report. Thanks for reading it!

Life is great and I love my work!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Orlando Fishing Report, St. Johns River Fishing Report · Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Central Florida Smorgasbord Fishing Report

February 1, 2020 by · Leave a Comment

Central Florida Smorgasbord Fishing Report

Thank you for reading this Central Florida Smorgasbord Fishing Report. I got out every day this week, and managed at least a few fish every day.

NEWS UPDATE
Today, February 1, the rules for taking seatrout change statewide. Here in east central Florida the slot changes from 15-20 inches to 15-19 inches. The bag limit per angler changes from four to two. Formerly, one fish of the bag limit could exceed the slot, per person. Now one fish may exceed the slot, per boat. For more info click this link- https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/271263f

FISHING
Monday was to be a scout day. I got to the Indian River and the boat battery was dead. I brought the boat home and put the battery on the charger. Then I hooked up the Bang-O-Craft and went to the St. Johns River. Four hours of casting turned up a half-dozen shad and a half-dozen crappie.

Shad boatside.

At the ramp when I got back was an FWC Creel Survey man. I like talking to those guys, you get some good information from them. He told me my six shad were the best report he’d gotten all week. Ouch.

Tuesday I launched at Beacon 42 for some scouting. It was blowing 10-15 and the water was full of mud. I got a few small trout and a floundah! Saw seven or eight decent reds, had shots at two. Both blew out when the lure hit the water. In general pickings were pretty slim.

This picture is for Tammy’s fans.

Wednesday Tammy Wilson (who has fans!) joined me for that Indian River Lagoon scout. We went to three spots, did not see anything living. I pulled the boat and went to River Breeze. We got a couple redfish and a few smallish trout. In general pickings were pretty slim.

Thursday Tom Campbell and Jack Florio joined me for some Mosquito Lagoon fishing. It was overcast, with a forecast of 10-20 out of the north, awesome weather for flats fishing. We launched at River Breeze and had a go of it.

We got five species of small fish- trout, flounder, catfish, puffer, and pinfish. When it started raining we packed it in. Pickings were really slim.

Friday Tom and Jack joined me again. We launched at Beacon 42 this time. The wind was not blowing, although it was still overcast.

Jack with the best fish we got in two days.

We found a lot of trout. With two or three exceptions they were all small. We found a few redfish. They were all small too. Everyplace we looked for larger fish looked like a virtual biological desert. There is no grass, we saw no bait.

Tom with his best trout. It would have held batter!

Tom and Jack, thank you for fishing with me again, and good luck in the Keys!

And that’s my Central Florida Smorgasbord fishing report. Thanks for reading it!

Life is great and I love my work!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2020. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Orlando Fishing Report, St. Johns River Fishing Report · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »