September Spawning Reds

September is when large "Bull Redfish", in the 20 to 40 lb. range, can be more easily caught as they congregate for the spawn in both the Mosquito Lagoon and northern Indian River estuaries.

There are several prime areas in the north Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, where these monsters congregate to spawn; however, my all time favorite is the Haulover Canal area, north of Titusville, Fl.

This time of year, a half or whole ladyfish, blue crab, mullet, croaker, or pinfish can pick you up one of those huge redfish that you read about in the sportsman's magazines.

Slot sized reds up to 11 lbs. are also scattered in the shallow flats, busting baits throughout the day.

The trout are still hitting like crazy on the flats on topwater lures, jerkbaits, and live bait if you care to fool with it.

I like my artificial lures.. No muss, no fuss, and sometimes no fish, but it's not boring.

My wife picked up a couple of slot redfish this evening, and I hit a few trout, ladyfish, and a gar that just couldn't resist my chug bug.



Somefish pics and the beautiful sunset are here for your viewing.



I'll be out of town next week but hope to be furnishing something new when I return.

Till then, Tight Lines To All!

Haulover Canal Bull Redfishing

The Bull Redfish in the pics below were caught in Central Florida's Haulover Canal.
The first fish measured over 44 inches in length, and since I had no scale with me, I have no idea of the weight. You be the judge.

It was caught on a Tournament surf rod and Okuma Coronado Saltwater Spinning Reel spooled with 60# power pro braid.

A 5/0 circle hook on 30# florocarbon on a sliding sinker rig finished off the tackle.

I used a 13 inch ladyfish for bait, with the tail cut off to prevent spinning.

I have found that any very large live or fresh dead bait works well in the canal. Live pin fish or croaker are especially good during the heat of summer.

This fish put up about a 30 minute battle on the heavy gear, and provided several good runs (actually more like one extended bulldog run) before giving up.

After reviving and releasing the bruiser, I hooked a clone to this fish on my other surf rod, rigged with 30# tackle and a finger mullet for bait.

That fish put up a slightly longer fight with the same results. The Bull Redfish was totally played out and I had to spend little more time reviving her. I try not to play my fish too long, especially in warmer water.

The porpoises in the canal will quickly pounce on anything injured or remotely acting like a meal.
Summertime in central Florida is great fishing if you know how and when to fish. The flats are great to fish very early in the mornings, however, the bite usually subsides before 10 o'clock.

Evenings are also good fishing until about 10 or 11 o'clock, if you can stand the mosquitos.

I also like mid-day fishing in deeper waters, like the canal, for the really large fish that love the cooler waters of the depths.

The best time to fish is late afternoon, or when the tide in the canal changes.

The best baits, in my opinion are large live pin fish or any really large chunk of dead bait. I favor larger baits for larger fish. I intensely dislike unhooking catfish and rays that attack the small stuff. When I get a bite.....it's usually worth the wait.

Hope my experiences help with your success.

Tight lines to all...