Fishing Report

OFFSHORE

April is typically a better month than March and this March was the best we have ever seen. The perfect storm for phenomenal fishing is happening and those who are not scared to get out and take advantage of fresh salt air and vitamin D will be rewarded.

Deep drop fishing for golden tile fish is also going to be great and is the perfect plan to combo with a day of mahi fishing. It really doesn't take any effort at all to make a few test drops if mahi fishing happens to be slow the day you are out in the deep water or if you want to put a little bottom variety in the fish box. The key will be to stagger your drops by depth between 500 to 700 ft of water. Once you get a bite that will be the depth you want to stay in the rest of the day.

Live bait trolling the main reefs and wrecks with pogy's or threadfins is hands down the most action packed and consistent fishing we have. This is almost always the case no matter what time of year. April just provides a greater chance at a wide variety of species. King mackerel will be the most aggressive but you will also catch mahi, cobia, tuna, sharks, sail fish and wahoo. King mackerel might be 10 to 1 on the other species but if action and ease is what you want then live bait trolling is the way to go. I am writing this a few days ahead of time and I do not know what this virus is going to allow everyone to do. If we still have our freedom to be out and about or it quickly passes, I highly suggest getting the family on the water, in the sun, breathing in fresh salt air and taking advantage of the unbelievable fishing this month. Captain Greg Rapp Sea Leveler Sportsfishing We can expect a very good mahi run this year. The bait has pushed in and a lot of nice fish will be on this side of the Gulf Stream because of the long stretch of very calm sea conditions we have had. Sailfish and black fin tuna will also be in the mix so your very best bait is going to be small select ballyhoo rigged naked and leave it up to your teasers to bring everything into the spread.

Sea Leveler Charters 321-794-3474 sealeveler.com facebook.com/sealeveler instagram.com/sealeveler youtube.com/sealevelervideos

INSHORE

Spring is in the air! Finally, a break from the cold, windy, and down right miserable weather! Spring is here and providing multiple options when it comes to fishing the flats. From Cocoa Beach, all the way to Mosquito Lagoon, spring typically has some great fishing; whether you want speckled trout, redfish, or even snook and tarpon, spring can be a great time.

Thankfully spring is a little warmer and generally has nicer winds. Relatively dry winter water levels have stayed low and the water has been clean! These conditions can be some of the best for early season sight fishing snook and sea trout along the mangrove shorelines and docks. Look for areas with a slight depth change from shallow to deep and you’re sure to get on some good fish! Not only will the snook and tarpon start to make more of an appearance, but also the bull reds will gradually make their way to their typical spots. Larger sandbars with steep drop offs such as whale tail and tiger shoals are prime habitats. Large cut baits like ladyfish, black mullet, or whole blue crabs are the bait of choice when it comes to these giants! It’s not as common to catch these fish on artificial; most fish are 20 years old or more and have seen it all! Although, when the stars align it’s not impossible.Gulp shrimp, mirrolure lil johns, and d.o.a paddle tails are always great go-tos. The inshore bite should continue to improve and only get better as the weather gets warmer!

By Alex Hughey @capt_alex_hughey