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The fishing has been outstanding here in central Florida the past several weeks. Schools of big redfish have been providing some drag screaming action along the flats. Find the schools of bait in the deeper water and it can be a bite on every cast from ladyfish, trout, jacks, bluefish, sail cats, and more. Along the Atlantic coast beaches, tarpon, jack crevalle, kingfish, and cobia are feeding around schools of menhaden. Both the fishing and the weather do not get much better.

While the gulf oil spill is nearing northwest Florida, we are fortunate that the east coast is oil free and full of happy fish.

BJ and Brian enjoyed a good morning of fishing for large redfish recently. Several of the fish were pushing the 25 pound mark. We had steady action throughout the morning until we were run off the water by a thunderstorm.

Joe took his son Mitchell fishing in Mosquito Lagoon to celebrate graduation. We saw lots of redfish during the day but landed only one. Fortunately, is was a trophy sized fish. Plenty of ladyfish and bluefish provided some rod bending action as well.

Last Friday, I took a trip to Mosquito Lagoon to check some places I have not fished lately. I saw numerous schools of large redfish and used a shallow running DOA Baitbuster to catch several. I had a few bites on the fly as well but did not hook up. There were huge schools of fish busting in deeper waters that would hit anything that moved including surface flies, topwater plugs, and jigs.

Sunday, I fished with Mark and his son Trevor. We had excellent weather and even better fishing. The pair landed at least ten large redfish from various schools and had several more hookups.

Now is a great time to catch a trophy redfish. With water temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees, it is important to land these large fish quickly to insure a successful release. Using 10-15 pound braided line with a properly set drag, you can keep the battle to under ten minutes. Have the camera ready before removing the fish from the water and make sure it is revived before letting it go.

For a change of pace and some nonstop action, watch for diving terns in 6-9 feet of water. There are a variety of fish under the birds with ladyfish being the most plentiful. Lots of bluefish are present as well so a short piece of wire will prevent them from cutting your line. If you enjoy topwater bites, use a surface plug with a single circle hook on the back. This prevents your plug from collecting the floating grass and makes the release safer and quicker. I have been using the single circle hook on spoons as well with great success.

Capt. Chris Myers
Orlando Fishing Guide