Michael Bales

Happy New Year!! Is it 2011 already? Time sure does fly.

The new year's fishing on the lagoon has been nothing short of fantastic. Record catches of trout and redfish have been the norm over the last few weeks of charters. Huge schools of redfish are in the Mosquito Lagoon and North Indian River, large schools of trout & black drum have also been spotted all month long. The cooler weather in late December made for some interesting and exciting days on the water. However all in all the bite has been exceptional.

The trout were eating as well. Look for them in the sand sloughs or near soft muddy bottom during periods of cold weather. If you locate one trout, there are surely MANY in the area. Try throwing gulps or DOA plastics for these holed-up fish. During cooler periods, I have also been seeing schools of several hundred trout! Many in the 17-20" range.

Water levels have been extremely low allowing for some great sight-fishing conditions when the sun is up. Fly fishing should continue to be good using small offerings such as worm flies or crab type patterns. Warm winter afternoons with light breezes can make for exceptional tailing conditions on the flyrod.

Charters these past few weeks Included Martin and His Brother Christian, Ninh from Virginia, Mark & Paul. Also a special new year's day fishing trip with my son Alec. He is my favorite fishing partner!! Have a great week and I hope to see you on the water soon! Call Capt Mike or visit us on the we for more information.

http://www.hotfishcharters.com

Fish Species: redfish, Black Drum & Trout
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Double Hook-Up! Mosquito Lagoon Redfish.
Double Hook-Up! Mosquito Lagoon Redfish.

Ninh with one of his many redfish of the day.
Ninh with one of his many redfish of the day.


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Michael Bales

About The Author: Captain Michael Bales

Company: HotFish Charters

Area Reporting: Charleston South Carolina

Bio: Native Floridian Capt Michael Bales has been fishing for over 25 years and full time professionally guiding for 10.I have been lucky enough to have fished and guided waters all over the world to include AK, the Rocky Mountain west, TN, NC, GA, and FL! Even a brief period as a Taimen and Trout guide while living in Europe! While not guiding in Alaska, you can find Capt Mike silently poling the waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon and the Canveral National seashore looking for Redfish or perhaps on the pristine flats of Homosassa in search of Tarpon. Having been an Alaska Professional Guide for 5 years guiding for all five species of Pacific Salmon, Steelhead, World-Class Rainbow trout and Halibut on Shelikopf straits in Cook Inlet. He has experience operating jet boats, float rafts and drift boats in remote coastal rivers of Alaska, as well as offshore boats and inshore boats in Florida.

352.255.8175
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Michael Bales