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Big trout and reds are eating everything that moves!
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The last week has seen the beginning of the summer season for us.
Trout spawn this time of year and "Gators"are hugging the shore line. You have to be willing to be there during the "Magic Hour", just at dawn to see the real action. Big trout are wary, as John Heer and his partner JR found out yesterday. Within minutes we had a four and three pounder in the boat . John lost a fish at the boat I estimated to be over six. John put one more in the boat in the three pound class and then it was over. As it gets lighter the fish shut off and you might as well move on, we did. In the North end of the Indian River large trout and refish are happy the water is above 70 degrees and are willing to take topwater and jerk baits. Enough said, if you want some great action before the summer heat sets in, now is the time. My special three hour trip for $275 lets you get it in early and have the rest of the day to explore Florida's Space coast! See photos in the trout section. |
09 May 2008 by Captain Russ Rivers
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Water levels rise fish bite. April 2008
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I guess I could write a report every week and maybe I should, but fishing here is like everywhere else when you get right down to it. The first quarter of the year is not the best fishing everyday. I'm not into making up stories to disappoint my clients. Weather is a very important factor and we have had some strange fronts and cold spells this year. Along with the water being low, it has been tough. We have a lot of tourists visiting the attractions who want to spend a day or two fishing during spring break and they catch fish, so don't get discouraged reading this. The good news is the water level in the lagoon system is on the rise and the redfish schools are starting to form up. We are seeing large numbers of them this year, with schools in the hundreds of fish. Big snook sre cruising the flats along with "gator" trout. You have to be willing to get on the water early, and I mean early for shots at these fish. If you want to stay out late and party, you may just as well stay in your room. While you are on vacation you should enjoy yourself and fish will bite all day. Just remember if you want to catch the bigger fish, especially during the full moon you have to be on the water fishing at dawn.
I have a new trip for those of you that just want a few hours on the water. It will be leaving from Melbourne for three hours for two people and is only $275.00. I expect these trips to fill up fast, so if you want to book one do it now. Remember I am a fully licensed USCG captain, insured to take up to four passengers. I have all required licenses and insurance and am qualified to fish up to 100 miles offshore. Make double sure your choice is a LICENSED UPV captain, believe me when I tell you some who advertise are not. Today more than ever you get what you pay for. In the last week we have caught refish, trout,snook, pompano, bluefish, ladyfish and jacks, so you see the fish are here waiting on you!
Capt. Russ |
23 Apr 2008 by Captain Russ Rivers
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Kids
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January 13th, 2008
A front moved through early today and as the temperature dropped, it rained on and off, the wind picked up. A dreary day to say the least. It brought to mind a father, son and grandfather that came to fish with me a year or so back. The conditions were not the best to say the least, but we found a place, bundled up and caught a nice redfish. The boy was happy and so was everyone else. We tend to forget a little hardship sometimes bring the fondest memories. If you love to fish or just like the idea of being outdoors, you know the feeling. Kids today are bombarded with things that would have scared my age group to death and they seem to take it in stride, we hope so anyway. My profession does move a little slower than most and anytime a young person comes on board I try to take them somewhere that has always been here, but fewer get to see or experience as we rush headlong into high-speed living. Respect for each other, the environment and our way of life seems to be slipping away and I feel privileged to share it with the younger generation. As you watch their eyes get big and they strain to bring the fish to the boat it’s easy to forget this is something they may remember the rest of their lives. I know some share the anticipation of going the night before and not being able to sleep with thoughts of what tomorrow will bring, I still have that problem too. So, I dedicate this report to all the kids, remember that there are always fish biting somewhere and sometimes we are lucky enough to find em!
Captain Russ
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13 Jan 2008 by Captain Russ Rivers
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January 11,2008 Report
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As the shallows warm throughout the Banana, Indian, and
Mosquito Lagoons it should be a good weekend to get out. Small artificial crustacean styled lures or live shrimp will be the best choices for this type of fishing. Lately the Saltwater Assassin Shrimp Cocktail in the "Arkansas glow" or 'clear" colors have been deadly when rigged "weedless" on an offset 4/0 X-Point or Daiichi wide gap worm hook. Redfish,snook, and trout are striking small artificials and live shrimp in the Grant area. The flats south of the inlet have been producing good numbers of these fish if schools of mullet are present.
Captain Russ |
11 Jan 2008 by Captain Russ Rivers
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Fishing is Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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December 2007 Report
Sorry about the long drought, now I am back up, it is time to catch up.
The entire lagoon system from Mosquito Lagoon down through the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River to Sebastian Inlet has been loaded with bait and fish since October. We have had an El Nina situation and the jet steam has been well North of us. This is a fishing blessing! Large numbers of big redfish continue to school in the Mosquito Lagoon and North end of the Indian River near Titusville Florida. Reports of slot sized red schools are numbering in the hundreds and they are starting to feed on shrimp and small crabs. Snook are still active near Sebastian inlet and oversized redfish are stacking up just outside during tidal changes. Gator sea trout are starting to show up, blasting top water plugs. Spanish mackerel numbering in the thousands are crushing glass minnows near-shore both at Sebastian and Cape Canaveral. Reports of Cobia and Triple Tail, grouper, snapper and sharks are a weekly occurrence. This is the real deal and for anyone coming to the Orlando area for vacation, cruises at Port Canaveral or attractions like Disney or Universal, planning a day or two on the water should be a priority if they like to fish. El Nina does not occur every year and it is some great fishing for those who take advantage of it. My charters over the last two months have gone away smiling, you would too if you had caught twenty to thirty redfish up to twenty-five pounds in a six hour trip! I am offering a special discount through January of $250.00 for two anglers for six hours of fishing. Contact me for details, it is one time and one time only! If you find a better deal, take it, but remember I have over a decade of fishing the area and I catch fish! I HAVE NEVER BEEN SKUNKED. I may not have the coolest website, but I catch fish, not anglers. A tip for you, ask how long your potential guide has been guiding and are they FULL TIME, you’ll be surprised.
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10 Dec 2007 by Captain Russ Rivers
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Snook
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I know it has been a while, but the fishing in East Central Florida is still some of the best in the USA. Snook. redfish,tarpon and seatrout are still busting bait from Oakhill to Sebastian and all points in between. Tim Johnson got his first snook October 8th and it was a nice 8lb fish.( see photo section)
Top water plugs are deadly this time of year and Rapala Skitterwalks offer some explosive action. A slow walk seems to be working best as the New Moon approaches. Redfish action in the Indian river and Mosquito lagoon continues to improve as the fall mullet goes into full swing. This will continue untill late November when the run slows. Now is the time to book for the Thanksgiving holidays when some of the best fishing of the year will be available. Huge schools of redfish will be making their last forage to fatten up for the lean winter months and that gives you the opportunity to catch a trophy. Book now for you chance at a Bull. |
08 Oct 2007 by Captain Russ Rivers
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