Capt. Doug Blanton's Cocoa Beach Fishing Report
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Flats Report for Cocoa Beach & Titusville areas
July 14th 2010 fishing report by Capt Doug Blanton
Summary
Tarpon, tarpon, tarpon. So far this is turning out to be one of the best years I can remember for tarpon here in Cocoa Beach. Big ones, small ones and all those in between. And if that isn't enough to get your blood pumping, most have been on fly or top water plugs. So if you have ever wanted to hook the silver kill don't wait too long or you'll have to wait until next year.
Other than tarpon we have had a few good days out with the reds and trout. We have even put a few smaller snook in the boat. Now that we have a good amount of bait working most of the flats here in Cocoa Beach it has all been about timing. Most days the reds and trout haven't had a set pattern as to when they feed. We have had some good mornings and slow afternoons as well as the other way around. The trick has been to keep your eyes on the flats work the edges of the bait.
Redfish
The red fishing has picked up a lot since my last report. We have boated a few nice fish upwards of 30 pounds on top water plugs in the early mornings. Most of the fish we have caught in the afternoons have all be caught on grubs. All of the reds have been near and sometimes in the schools of mullet so you have to take your time working the flats.
Here is a little trick for you when it comes to working reds that are in and near schools of bait. DON'T SPOOK THE BAIT! I can't tell you how many times I have been working around a school of mullet and spooked them into the schools of reds. When the bait is swimming around predators they are pretty spooky anyway so try not to set them off. This is a good time for those long casts over the mullet and reds. A lot of times this can work to your advantage when working top water "walk the dog" style plugs. The mullet are great for schooling in behind your plug making your lure look even more life like to the reds.
Trout
The trout fishing has been pretty good over the past month. We have had a few days when we have even picked up a few gator trout over 30 inches. Same as with the reds we have had our best catches in the morning on top water and in the afternoons with grubs. Most of the afternoon fishing has been on the outside of the flats in 3 to 5 feet. The worse thing about fishing the deeper water for trout is the number of smaller trout. Most days you catch a good one for ever 5 or 6 smaller ones.
Tarpon
Big tarpon on the beach and smaller ones in the river. top water spinning or fly, it doesn't matter. We have been catch just as many on fly as on spinning.
Other stuff
Rods
As many of you know I take a lot of pride in my equipment. I try to use the best rods and reels I can find to do the job. With that said I am in the process of have custom rods made. I had a chance to play with a few prototypes a few weeks back and WOW. As I have more info for you about them I will post it.
Inox Lubes
As a few of you know from time to time I find a new product that I fall in love. Well I have found on that everyone needs. Inox. If your alive and do anything this is a product you will have a use for. It does everything from liberate to stop corrosion. I have used it on my boat, reels, fly line (the best dressing I have ever used), trailer, electrical, garbage disposal, electric razor, fans, lights, wheel bearings, guns and anything else that will sit still long enough. The two best things about it is how long it lasts and that it is a green product. None of their products are made from petroleum and won't harm the environment. Inox has been around for over 20 years in Australia but has only been here in the US for a few months. I loved it so much I have started to rep for their US distributor. If you want more info on their products click here. Buy Inox online
Lanyards
Many of you have asked me over the years about the Fishing Lanyard I wear. I have started making them for the Fly Fisherman and they now have them in both stores. These make a great gift for the fisherman that has everything else. I now also have them on my website at this link Fishing Lanyards.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
To book a trip with Capt Doug click here or call 321-432-9470
Pictures of fish caught on my charters
Here is the "Inshore Flats Kit" High Roller put together with my favorite High Roller Lures. This is a must for redfish, trout, snook and tarpon. Click on this link for more information on High Rollers Inshore Flats Kit.
Places to find the lures I use.
In Titusville go to the Fly Fisherman or call 321-267-0348
My Fishing Tips
Tips for catching redfish in Cold Water
Tackle I use. rods, lures and more
Sight fishing flat, clear, skinny water
Sight catching fish with Top Water
Links to weather forecasts I use
Here's one for all you that I have convinced their is a science to fishing.