Greetings, fellow anglers!
It’s time for another exciting fishing report from Captain Adam Morley. This week, I must admit that the weather has not been on our side, leading to a relatively slow week for reports. However, despite the challenging conditions, there were still some noteworthy catches worth mentioning.
First off, let’s talk about the ever-popular Flounder. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, there were several good Flounder reports throughout the week. Flounder fishing can be a rewarding experience, and targeting these delicious flatfish requires a bit of finesse. When going after Flounder, it’s essential to focus on areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, such as estuaries, channels, and nearshore structures.
To target Flounder, you’ll want to use a bottom-fishing approach. A popular technique is to rig a live or artificial bait on a Carolina rig or a simple jig head. Some successful baits for Flounder include live minnows, shrimp, and soft plastic grubs or paddle-tail lures in natural colors. Cast your bait near the bottom and slowly drag it along the sandy or muddy bottom, imitating the movement of a small fish or shrimp. Be patient, as Flounder are known for their stealthy strikes.
Now, let’s shift our focus to a thrilling catch made by Rod with Kiss My Fish Lures.
Just south of the 206 bridge, Rod managed to land a Tarpon using one of their plugs. Tarpon are known for their acrobatic jumps and strong runs, making them one of the most sought-after gamefish. Targeting Tarpon requires specific tactics and equipment.
When going after Tarpon, it’s crucial to have sturdy tackle capable of handling their powerful fights. A medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rod with a high-capacity reel and a robust drag system is ideal. Tarpon are often found in areas with structure, such as bridges, jetties, or deep channels.
For bait, Tarpon are known to respond well to live or cut baitfish, such as mullet or ladyfish. However, some anglers also have success using large artificial plugs, like the one Rod used. These plugs mimic the movement and profile of a wounded baitfish, enticing Tarpon to strike.
When targeting Tarpon, it’s important to have patience and be prepared for long battles. They are powerful fighters that can test both your gear and your stamina. Always remember to handle Tarpon with care, practicing catch-and-release to preserve their population.
Chris from Skinny Water Lures mentioned that the inshore bite continues at first light. He recommends tossing your favorite topwater lure along grass banks at high tide or along sandbar edges at low tide.
During low tides, look for schools of reds gathering in the deepest parts of the flat or along oyster bars. We suggest targeting these reds with a Skinny Water Lure in the Green Goblin or Pickle Back color paddle tail.
The ICW banks are holding some nice trout when the current is moving and bait is present. Look for trout to school up around ICW creek mouths, deep holes in creek bends, and Matanzas Inlet. Soft plastic lures like Skinny Water Lures paddle tails or curly tail grubs have been attracting the schooled-up trout.
Big doormates and flatties are being caught along creek mouths and drop-offs around the Long Creek area. Using 3-inch paddle tails on a spinner blade has been effective.
Remember, as we start getting into these hotter months and the water heats up, the best time to target these fish is early mornings or late afternoons.
And Chris with Palm Coast Canal Fishing on Facebook, said that their bite has been hot, with an abundance of redfish, snook, and tarpon making their presence known.
In addition to the prized catches, they’re also experiencing a surge in jacks. These feisty fighters are putting up a great battle and providing anglers with thrilling moments on the water. Alongside the jacks, they’re also seeing a good number of redfish and Mangrove Snapper being reeled in, adding variety and excitement to the fishing experience.
Now, here’s a noteworthy tale, while stationed at the dock, I had the surprise catch of a juvenile hammerhead shark. Initially, I believed it to be a bonnethead shark, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a different species altogether. This unexpected encounter serves as a testament to the diverse marine life that inhabits our waters.
As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that fishing conditions can change. However, for now, the bite remains hot and promising. So grab your gear, hit the water, and make the most of this incredible fishing season. – Capt. Adam Morley
