August 23rd, 2006 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Sorry this took a bit longer than I said it would. The bulls are charging. We started out fishing one school of reds in the 20 to 30 pound range and then it got better. We are now fishing 2 to 3 schools of reds between 20 and 40 pounds. It has been great because on some mornings we have been able to catch them on top water. The other good thing is that we have been able to catch them on most days all day long.
Redfish
The schools of reds we have been fishing have been pretty spooky. All of the fish we have boated have been caught poling on their outside and letting them come to us. This has been a little bit of a challenge on some days when we have had a number of boats try to work into the areas we have been fishing with their trolling motor or motor up on a flat. The good news is that they haven't been spooking off far. When some one ran a motor near us they just stopped tailing. When this would happen we would just set there and watch. Almost every time they would rise up again in a little shallower water and go back to feeding.
One the morning we were first to find the schools they were happy to take top water. The were still a little spooky with prop baits but pounded on the soft action of the 4.25 High Roller. It was just a mater of long casts and a soft walk the dog along the outside edge of the school. Once the top water bit slowed down we have been catching them best on the 3 inch trout fingerling by high roller. This brings up some good news about High Roller. I know they have on their website that they are out of the trout and black and gold fingerlings. I spoke to Terry just the other day and he told me that they had plenty to go around. So for all of you that have been waiting give Terry a call at 877-205-1764. The Fly Fisherman in Titusville should be getting in a shipment soon also.
All of the larger reds we have been catching have been have been on the outside edge of the flats outside schools of bait. They have been feeding in the thick grassy areas in 2 to 4 feet of water. Like I said the key has been not letting them know you are there. Something you may want to try if you would like to get more than one fish is to only cast when you see tails. I have been doing this for years and have days that I could work a school of spooky reds for hours. Also, don't chase them if they spook off. If you pole off to there side and give them plenty of room you will put more fish in the boat.
If you think it's to hot to go fishing all day here is another clip from the "Bull Reds Show" we shot last August with Mike Surman and All About Fishing.
Trout
The trout fishing has been a little hit and miss. We are catching a lot of schoolies but only a few with any size. The funny thin has been that most of our better fish have been caught after 10 am on top water. Unlike the reds the trout have hit better on prop baits like the 4.25 Rip Roller Redhead. The key to finding them has been glass minnows in 2 to 3 feet. If you can find them you should be good to go.
Snook
The snook bite has slowed down a little. This has been due to most of the bait holding in the middle of the river all night. With a few of the moonless nights we have had over the past few days we have been able to catch a few. This could also be due to the amount of time we have been spending with the reds in the early mornings.
Tarpon
I haven't been looking for the tarpon for a few weeks now so anything I would say would be second hand.
I can tell you that I still have a few days left for the October Tarpon run. If you have done it with me in the past you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't you are missing out. We put up to 10 tarpon a day in the boat during those 4 to 5 weeks of October and early November. 3 years ago we had one day we jumped over 90 and put 30+ in the boat. If you have ever wanted to catch tarpon on fly it doesn't get any better.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug go to www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470
