Tomoka Basin to Sebastian Inlet
Includes Daytona Beach, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa and Melbourne

July 25-27

EC

PONCE INLET

OFFSHORE-Scattered wahoo and dolphin are striking trolled ballyhoo and mullet. Most of this action is happening outside of the 160-foot mark. King mackerel and cobia have been holding on the reefs and wrecks in the 60 to 90-foot ranges south of the inlet. Look for manta rays in the 30 to 60-foot depths to hold cobia as well. Bottom fishing for snapper and grouper is fair on the 120 to 180 foot reefs.

INSHORE-Small tarpon and snook are hitting live finger mullet and shrimp or flies imitating these baits. Rivers and creeks such as Spruce, Halifax, and Tomoka that are currently flowing into the ICW have been very good with the recent rains. Look for areas with good amounts of small minnows or other baitfish to hold the best numbers of these two predators. Redfish, shark, and other game fish are feeding along the jetties and surf zone close to the inlet. Live pinfish, mullet or pogies will be the best bait choices.

PORT CANAVERAL

OFFSHORE-Mangrove and red snapper are hitting live and cut baits on the 120 to 180-foot reefs. King mackerel, cobia, small dolphin and others are a best bet on the 80 to 90-foot reefs and wrecks this week. Look for cobia following manta rays in the 50 to 75-foot depths as we encounter another bout of cold water along this stretch of the reporting area. Captain Billy Bright reported landing 16 cobia to 43 pounds between Buoy 2 and 8A Reef this past Sunday afternoon while using live sardines as bait.

INSHORE-Trout catches remain good throughout the Banana and Indian Rivers this week. Smaller fish are targeting glass minnow schools in the deeper 4 to 6 foot flats while larger fish are holding along the 2 to 3 foot drop-offs along the deeper edges of flats. Paddle tail and shrimp tails rigged on 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jig heads are working very well during mid day periods. Try using top water plugs that pop or walk-the-dog during lower light conditions. Big redfish are feeding during mid day period son the 2 to 3 foot flats as well. Cut ladyfish, mullet or other smelly baitfish are just the thing to make them strike.

SEBASTIAN INLET

OFFSHORE-King mackerel, jack, tarpon, and shark are following baitfish schools north of the inlet. Many of these fish are being caught just outside of the surf zone. Look for birds "working" bait pods in this area to give away the better locations. Snapper and grouper action remains good as the cold water doesn't seem to have come through this area as of Wednesday.

INSHORE-Trophy-sized snook (though out of season) are hitting live pigfish at the inlet on nighttime outgoing tides. A few over sized redfish and tarpon are getting in on this action as well. mangrove snapper to 5 pounds are working in the inlet at times as well. If they are present live finger mullet, pinfish, and majorra are three of the better baits to try. Trout and redfish are scattered across the flats and snook are present around most of the docks in this area.

Until next week...catch a memory!!!

Captain Jim Ross Florida Sportsman Magazine Live Radio Host Saturdays from 8 to 9 am on WWBC 1510 am. Fineline Fishing Charters-Catch a memory! www.finelinefishingcharters.com or (321)-636-3728 Indian River Fishing Academy Instructor www.irfac.com

By Capt. Jimmy Ross| www.captainjimross.com | captjimross@cfl.rr.com | 321-636-3728