Cocoa Beach 1000 Islands Fishing 9/13 and 9/14

Got up early on Thursday and Friday mornings to launch the yak for some sunrise fishing starting around 7am.

Kinda slow on Thursday and headed back in around 11am to get cleaned up for golf.  Some small trout on topwater in the early morning but couldn’t get much else to bite the rest of the morning.

Today was a different story and ended up staying out until about 2pm.  Started with the topwater lure and caught the usual small trout and couple ladyfish.  Rain held off for the most part, but the wind picked up out of the east so headed over the to the west bank of the islands.  Brought along the cast net and a bucket today so was able to collect a few finger mullet which came in handy.  Cruised along the mangrove shore fishing the flats.  Ended the day 2 for 3 on slot reds, losing one to a mangrove cut-off, and 1 really nice trout!  Continue to see an immense amount of sheepshead, but haven’t brought the right bait for them, maybe next time…

Sight fishing is an amazing difference from normal “sit and wait” fishing, this is more like hunting.  It has taken some practice but I seem to be learning the proper techniques to be successful, including standing on the kayak and maintaining balance while getting towed around by a fish.  Really exciting to see a redfish hanging out near the shore or heading towards you along the shore, casting a bait in its vicinity, watching it eat, setting the hook and FISH ON!  Keeping em out of the mangroves is quite a skill as well, especially on the kayak with no power or anchor.

Of course I didn’t bring my phone nor the GoPro for pics, so guess it’s all just a fish story 🙂

Headed to the Keys tomorrow morning, so the next 6 weeks of blogging will be from our next destination!  Looking forward to the lobstering, fishing, diving, exploring and assortment of friends and family visitors!