Hey there, folks! Captain Adam Morley here with your latest fishing report for this beautiful Friday. Let me tell you, the fish are biting, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend on the water.
First things first, let’s talk about those slot size redfish. They are definitely in the mood for some action! The paddle tails and spinner baits in the 2.5” to 3” range have been working like a charm. These lures mimic the baitfish that the redfish are feeding on, and they just can’t resist them. Cast them out and work them with a steady retrieve, and you’ll have those reds chasing after your line in no time.
But wait, there’s more! If you prefer the thrill of topwater fishing, you’re in luck. The redfish have been quite active on topwater baits as well. There’s nothing quite like the explosive strike of a redfish hitting a surface lure. So tie on your favorite topwater bait, whether it’s a popping cork, a walk-the-dog lure, or a prop bait, and get ready for some heart-pounding action.
Now, let’s not forget about the flounder. They have been quite cooperative lately, especially in the creeks and around drop-offs. Curl tails have been the go-to bait for flounder enthusiasts. Rig them up on a jighead and bounce them along the bottom near structure or any submerged ledges. The flounder won’t be able to resist the realistic swimming action of those curl tails.
However, I must warn you about the warm water attracting some unwanted guests. The catfish and stingrays are out and about, looking for an easy meal. To avoid them, it’s crucial to fish actively and avoid letting your bait sit in one spot for too long (if you’re using natural bait). Keep your bait moving and experiment with different retrieves to keep those catfish and stingrays at bay.
Another important tip is to avoid using heavy wire leaders and premade Carolina rigs with a lot of terminal tackle attached. These setups are more likely to attract the attention of catfish and stingrays. Opt for lighter leaders and minimal terminal tackle to reduce the chances of encountering these unwanted visitors.
So there you have it, folks. The fishing is hot, and the waters are teeming with slot size redfish and flounder. Grab your paddle tails, spinner baits, topwater lures, and curl tails, and head out to the creeks and drop-offs. Remember to stay active, avoid leaving your bait in one spot for too long, and keep it light to steer clear of those catfish and stingrays. Good luck out there, and may your hooks be forever bent!
Chris from Skinny Water Lures mentioned that with the dog days of summer approaching, early morning or just before sunset is your best bet for targeting redfish. We suggest focusing on topwater lures during early morning or low-light conditions. Then, switch to a Skinny Water Lures paddle tail along grass banks that are holding bait or around oyster beds during higher tides.
Flounder are still targeted on the flats during higher tides and in creeks during low tides, using a curly tail grub on a jig head. Slowly bounce or drag it across the bottom. If you can’t make it to the shallows, pitch these lures around docks closer to the inlet for flatties. Fish the last of the outgoing tide and the first of the incoming tide at Matanzas inlet, targeting deeper drop-off ledges and deep water rock/hard bottom.
There have been more reports of inshore tarpon around the Palm Coast residential canals, Matanzas inlet, and Tomoka Basin. To target inshore tarpon, use artificial lures such as topwater plugs, paddle tails, or grubs with a steady retrieve. You can also try using live mullet or shrimp on a circle hook. Look for rolling tarpon and pitch your lure a few feet in front of them, then hold on. Afternoon thunderstorms will often trigger tarpon feeding frenzies before the skies open up.
Tight lines!
