|
|
|
Fishing Report
12-3-06
Last week brought the first significant cold front of the season to east
central Florida. Following the front, we had temperatures in the 40's and
gale force winds. This week we had above average temperatures which reached
into the 80's but no break from the high winds. As a result, I have only
fished three days in the last two weeks. The weather has been less than
pleasant but, on a positive note, the fish have been plentiful and willing
to eat. Holding the boat in position and getting a good presentation can be
a challenge when you are fighting the wind.
Last week, Tim and Tom O'Brien joined me in the Mosquito Lagoon. While
waiting for the sun to get high and the clouds to clear, we anchored and put
out a few cut baits. Tom caught two reds and we decided to make an attempt
at sight fishing. Sighting the fish was easy, casting a small lure to them
into a 20 knot wind was not. Tim was able to get a gold DOA jerk bait in
front of a redfish despite the wind.
[img]http://floridafishinglessons.com/sitebuilder/images/Nov2406red-534x399.jpg[/img]
We found a somewhat protected cove holding a few fish and the brothers
caught three more redfish before we called it a day.
Monday, I went to Mosquito Lagoon in search of some fish willing to eat a
fly. The day started off good with moderate winds and sun. Within the first
thirty minutes, I landed a 30" redfish and a 24" trout all on a brown and
copper #2 bendback. My good fortune was short lived, however, as the wind
and rain arrived my mid morning. I sought shelter against a lee shore and
found a few tailing fish. This one was kind enough to allow me to get a
picture before I caught him.
[img]http://floridafishinglessons.com/sitebuilder/images/redtail22-550x406.jpg[/img]
I ended the day with four redfish and two trout on the fly and was happy
with that, considering the weather conditions.
Friday was more of the same, clouds and plenty of wind. With the wind coming
right down the middle of the Lagoon, there were few places to hide from it.
I picked the shore with the least amount of wind and convinced seven reds to
eat a black/gold DOA CAL 3" shad tail rigged on a weighted worm hook.
The cooler water has brought an abundance of tailing redfish. Although these
fish are usually the most forgiving and will allow you to get numerous
shots, they can also be the most frustrating. Often, they are so fixated on
digging the prey out of the grass, they are oblivious to your lure. Many
anglers like to add a small rattle to their bait to help get the attention
of the fish. If you don't have a rattle, cast past the fish and bring your
bait within a few inches of it's nose and let it drop. Wait until the fish
comes up out of the grass and give your lure or fly the slightest twitch.
You will usually be rewarded with an instant and aggressive strike. Casting
accuracy is much more important than the type of bait you choose. To cast
accurately when it is windy means you need to practice when it is windy. A
few minutes of casting practice per week at home will bring huge rewards
when you are on the water.
|
|
Vote For Top 100+ Outdoor Sites
| ||||
