March 2017 Kayak fishing

It’s tough to sit and write of impending spring fishing on the Space Coast this year.  That is mostly due to the fact that our winter was much more like spring than typical, and a warm winter will make everything a little crazy for us anglers.  There are many ups and downs when we have a mild or in this winter’s case, no winter.  Snook will continue to become even more prevalent and push their range north with every passing warm winter.  Migrations like tarpon, cobia, nearshore kingfish, mangrove snappers, and many more will happen early by days, weeks, or even months in some cases.  It pays to be on your toes on a warm winter/spring transition.  Couple a wonky winter with lagoon issues and it will make some areas tough to fish.  However it could make others fire off for some of the best days ever experienced.   Covering ample amounts of water and keeping a sharp eye out for any indicators of fish is a must on our lagoons for this spring.  Pods of large black mullet will typically hold a few reds and trout so be sure to see that “activity” where you plan to fish.  Dead water, is as it sounds.  Will be areas that are devoid of movement be it baits, large mullet, crabs, rays, puffers, or catfish and should be quickly past up for greener pastures.  Grass is still hard to find in some areas and fish are taking notice.  I’ve seen more fish holding to docks, mangroves, and hard bottom than ever before.  Be sure to focus in these areas especially when the sun climbs high in the sky.  Black drum are still making a show on most flats, but will be looking to spawn out and slide to deeper water as the flats warm more and spring progresses.  Get on these schools while you can to have a blast.  Many lures and such will catch them but nothing beats a fresh dead/live shrimp. Be ready for that topwater seatrout bite to ramp up as the month draws to an end and they get hungry before the spawn.  As typical I will recommend any trout over 22inches swims free, and without a doubt any fish over 24inch due to the fact it can only be an egg bearing female needed for reproduction not a fish sammich.  Also as this month draws to a close, be mindful of the sad anniversary the 21^st holds.  That’s right folks!  It’s been one year since a massive fish kill/extinction event rocked our Banana River Lagoon and No-Motor-Zone.  Let me tell you it’s been a long year for those troubled waters.  We are seeing some improvement, many people became aware of an issue unknown prior to, and we even managed to take steps in a positive direction with the Lagoon Tax.  The Banana is still slow with resident fish like Seatrout and reds, but the visitor species seem to be enjoying some clear water and lots of bait.  We can only hope that positive signs and positive actions continue to be the “talk of our Lagoons”.  Sadly the No-Motor-Zone (NMZ) was hit hard and is still stumbling to recover fish stocks.  The picture show is my first client caught fish (black drum) from the NMZ for over a year.  I had stopped fishing it months before the kill due to algae density.  It was a great moment shared with wonderful clients doing something I love (my job) in an area I’ve grown up fishing.  Pure stoke is what I like to call it!   Its slow but we/I will be back to sample the NMZ’s bounty.

Summer 2015 Kayak fishing

Summer time has come for central Florida’s kayak anglers.  Look for the fishing to be just as hot as those still and muggy mornings!  The brisk spring winds of May will become a distant memory.  Kids are out of school and it’s time to get fishing.  Many of the baits that are so small in the spring that you won’t even notice them have become perfect bait sized morsels, and certainly caught the attention of or predatory fish.  Threadfins, baby pogies (small Atlantic menhaden), pinfish, mojarra, and several types of mud minnows will supplement a diet that has consisted of mullet for the past few months.  I will be putting out some short videos on catching, caring for, and using these baits.  Those video’s, a weekly forecast by Local Lines Charters, and much more can be found at http://spacecoastfishingforecasts.blogspot.com/ be sure to check frequently for updates.

In-Shore Lagoons:  The early and late in the day topwater bite is in full swing.  Fishing these low light conditions with walk-the-dog type lures can be an extreamly productive way to spend your time on the water.  It can take some practice to acheve the side-to-side motion needed to rtuely get the most from this lure.  The reward for a well worked plug is easily the most hart stopping experience an angler can have.  Witnessing any of our “top four” unload on your plug in the slicked out shallow water will certainly stop a hart. The space coasts Redfish, Seatrout, Snook, and Tarpon (“top four”) are all predators that love to go ham for these pieces of plastic.  

November 2015 Fishing Report

November has crept in and fall came with a bang this year.  We enjoyed a fantastic mullet run and the surf could still be hot for the first part of this month.   As the mullet dwindle flounder with become frequent catches around Port Canaveral, Sebastian Inlet, and Ponce Inlet.  For the fast flowing inlets its best to keep your kayak out of the main flow and most dangerous sections for safety reasons, not to mention it’s very tough to effectively kayak fish those areas.  Targeting the Intercostal lagoons and beaches adjacent to these inlets is a great way to safely intercept the flounder as the push out of our backwater areas and make their way offshore for the winter spawn.  Fish with small live baits (fishfinder rig), Slayer Inc. SST’s (paddle tail)/jig head, or small bucktail jigs (tip w/strip bait) on drop-offs, around structure, bottom transitions, and sand to rock/oyster areas to find the concentrations of fish.  Slowly work your baits close to the bottom and be ready with the landing net!  A great many trophy flounder have been lost by holding their head out of the water.   Flounder have a Houdini Ninja magical way of spitting the hook as they shake their head on the surface.  To get the flounder in the kayak simply put your landing net a few feet under the water and glide your tasty treat in.  Port Canaveral stands as the calmest “inlet” for anglers to kayak and target flounder.  However, what Port Canaveral lacks in sketchy moving water, it more than makes up for in large/small boat traffic.  It pays to keep an eye out when on the water, and to understand the posted security rules.  The fall flounder migration is a great time to test your angling skills on a challenging opponent.  Not to mention the flounder is one of our best eating fish on the Space Coast.

We don’t get many “New” things in our Local kayak fishing scene, but that has changed!  First, for those with Christmas on the mind Kayaks by Bo in Titusville has started a gift registry.  Now you can pick out the exact kayak or accessory’s you desire and all those that care can buy it for you.  Yet another great program from the awesome folks at Kayas by Bo to ensure a great experience on the Space Coast’s waters.  Also, our coastal wave condition data just got a (free) kick in the pants from CheckTheWaves.com.  An enterprising (small) private company has managed wading through red tape to bring the Space Coast and beyond an amazing data set produced by several deployed “wave height” buoys close to the coast.  Offering a range of vital information on wave height, peak period (dominant swell interval), Sea surface, and sea floor temperature several times an hour for free on their website ensures those of us ocean fishing from beach, kayak, or boats will be happy.  As of writing this article the Cocoa Beach Buoy is being tested and will see deployment soon after.  With buoys already deployed off Jenson beach and Indialantic Beach this team is just getting started.  Several more buoys will be deployed including one off Daytona Beach that could complement the kayak reachable artificial reef recently sunk very well.  Billy Wells of Check the waves said “Real time surf reports, driven by real time data”, and I believe once us fisherman find this resource it will turn to “REEL” time surf reports.  The resource is free, not funded by the government and a benefit for all who venture to the ocean.  The will have and app. coming soon and are still working on the feel of their website, but the data is flowing and CheckTheWaves.com has quickly become a “favorites tab” for this surfing fisherman.  Go check them out.

Past Forecast Sept16

September is on the calendar and fall is just around the corner.  Two words should fill every kayak anglers mind when it comes to this time of the year.  Mullet Run!  No, we are not reliving the bad hair fad from the 80’s.  I am speaking of the fall mullet (baitfish) run that will engulf the entire east coast from now until October.  For those that have not witnessed the spectacle of massive mullet pods being demolished by every predator we like.  Now is your chance!  When cold fronts dip into the Deep South and typically far before we feel even a chill, mullet of every size will start their yearly push southward.  From finger mullet to giant (hog leg) mullet they all shift through our waters on an endless march to the warm winter waters of South Florida.  As they pass by our coast the gamefish take notice.  In the lagoons Snook and Tarpon will feed hard in preparation for winter.  Many times they leave with the bait if the weather cools early.  Our resident redfish and seatrout will also look to do the same, though they don’t leave with the bait.  Topwater plugs and soft plastics like the SlayerInc.com SST mimic the readily available mullet and have you in the fish for sure.  I always tend to have a topwater rigged at all times for actively feeding fish.  The lagoons can be great at these times, but where the real action goes down is the Atlantic.  Miles of bait pour down the beaches in steady streams.  Live baiting in the surf zone and just outside of the breakers can be phenomenal for us kayakers after a beach launch.  I’ll fish finger mullet on a fishfinder rig with typically 1oz of weight.  Using 30-40lb leader and 3/0 hook to finish the rig.  Keep yourself and kayak a safe distance out from the break and cast towards the shore.  Maintain the line and hang on.  Everything from redfish, snook, bluefish, flounder, jacks and more will give you a tug.  For large Jacks, Sharks, Giant Tarpon, and even kingfish look to slow troll Large (8-12inch) Mullet on a 8/0 Circle hook with 4-6 foot of 60lb leader. Many times the surf can be a challenge for beach launching kayakers at this time of year.  When the breakers exceed your comfort level look to launch from the boat ramp at Port Canaveral for an easy go of it!  Fishing inside the port, and the beaches north or south will have you in steady action.  The areas around Sebastian Inlet will also be alive with tons of bait and hungry predators.  For the artificial crowd lipped plugs are king, 40-60lb leader and a good selection of floating and sinking plugs will have you set.  Fish the floaters in the breakers and the sinkers outside for Tarpon and such.  Those of us who have fished this area for a number of years know the current condition of our lagoon is unsustainable.  We have an opportunity to secure solid funding through the proposed lagoon Tax.  Is the plan that’s been devised enough to fix these lagoons?  Sadly no, but it is a start down what will be a long path of recovery.  And certainly the first time we’ve had an opportunity of this magnitude.  So please help us stand up for these amazing waterways.             

    

        His (Grandpa's) passing will most certainly affect me in ways I'm unable to imagine.  I miss him so much already!  We had so many great adventures and so much fun on the water.  I wouldn't trade my life with him for anything in this world.  He was always "real" with me about starting my business with a young family and what it would take, but he was always supportive and proud of what I've accomplished.  Anyone who crossed paths with my grandfather was treated fairly and most became quick friends with this great man.  He wasn’t flashy, nor was he rich, and had a strange obsession with silver ford trucks in the later years..lol (inside family joke)  My grandfather loved his family and friends passionately and the only stern words I’ve heard him speak were in defense of either.  Infinitely calm and resourceful; I can think of many occasions offshore when I was very young.  Back in the days of very unreliable equipment, and half the technology.  His ability to rig (anything) and machinist mind saved our asses many times.  I’ll never forget the day long mask rings on his face as I scampered around the boat waiting for another diver to surface, and the boat loads of keys mahi.  I remember the long naps on spray filled rides west (home) propped up against him and next to my dad (taking all the spray in his face) at the T-crafts helm.  I remember when it became me taking the full spray in the face and hands gripping the wheel, instead of the child sleeping.  Many people have influenced my life over the years.  For better or worse!  I can honestly say; I would not be the man I am without my grandfather.  Many don’t get these opportunities, and I am so thankful I did. I am happy Grandpa can rest peacefully now and fortunate that he was with loved ones when he left us.  No hospitals, no machines, just peace. 

I wrote this in 2011 for Coastal Angler Magazine (below: Grandsons Thoughts). 

Grandsons Thoughts

     It’s funny how some of the smallest things can flood our mind and body with memories.  For some it may be a certain smell, or the sound of laughter, and sometimes just the smile on a loved one’s face is enough stir your subconscious.  For me an e-mail that contained several pictures of my grandfather on very successful day of cobia fishing from Port Canaveral let the memories flow.  Though I was absent for this remarkable day; off spending the afternoon with my wife and kids playing on the Banana River. 

 

    The scene of the elder Alex Gorichky (Sr.) with bent rod and a giant smile is one that has been watched by my eyes many times.  Upon opening the picture I was swept back to my youth, as that salty skinned adolescent admiring the strength and poise of a great man.  Another picture was not needed as my mind filled with the hum of an outboard, scream of the drag, and the sound of dad yelling “grab the gaff”.   Fatigue of battle with one of the oceans great fish takes longer for grandpa to shake off these days, but his love for family and fishing always bring him back.  Memories of all will stand the test of time, and even as we age a simple trigger will bring them back in a flash.  I applaud all the men and women that envelope children in a love for the outdoors your contributions will ensure life long bonds and fill your memory bank.  As for dad and grandpa a quick shot of grandpa’s fat cobia was all they could muster after a long day of battling.  Though I believe a cold beverage and some cobia on the grill could put a little pep in their step.  Just remember folks take a kid fishing, and if you have several take them too!  You won’t regret it.  If you run out of kids; volunteer at a Hook Kids on Fishing event for the Anglers for Conservation (AFC), we could use your help.

Capt. Alex Gorichky III

Local Lines Guide Service

****Space Coast Fishin Forecast****
Well folks it has happened.  The super high water conditions of our past few weeks are starting to recede.  North winds are ushering tons of water south after it was stuck in place.  With this fish are on the move, couple that with the fall cool down and bait migrations and hold on, because the fishing is red hot on the IRL, BRL, and M. Lagoon.  As this water drops slowly many fish that have found their way into the flooded backwaters will make their way to more open flats.  Both bait and gamefish will make this transition so be sure to check the outflows and areas adjacent to “backwater” marshes for concentrations of bait.  The predators won’t be far behind!   Topwater plugs in low light and Slayer Inc. SST’s as the sun climbs should have you on fish the entire day.   Look for the slot reds to be pushed from our mangrove shorelines as this water drops also.  They should stage just off the shoreline and be really hungry.

Snapped this pic to show how much water we have lost in the past few days.  This is seagrass hung in the base of a tree by the high water, and the contrast of color shows that drop real well.  This is as close as we will ever get to tides on our lagoons.  

The Juvi poons have already started to shift off the flats and this drop in water will speed that process.  The canals and ditches will hold their fish a bit longer, but the sight of school up juvi’s all over a flat is one you might not see until next summer.  If you do find that group in open water, I suggest you cherish the moment and put some silver in the air, because it will soon become a novelty. 

Mullet are still coming, though the run seems to be weakening on the beach.   Snook can still be had along with some epic mixed bag fishing.  Just cause it’s a bit choppy doesn’t mean that the beach is shut down so go and hit it before that comes to a close too.

Being the end of summer/early fall the redfish spawn is still in full swing, and this filling out of the moon will have them happy.  Please be respectful of this fishery.  Use proper gear to handle a 25lb + fish in a timely manner.  Schools can be found on open flats along with groups of fish in Haulover, and even in the Canaveral Bight.

A great client fish this week. 

The wind is backing off as we come into this week so some great opportunities are at hand.  I have several days open this week including Sat/Sun (rescheduled trip) , So give Local Lines a call to get on some fish.

Also, any grass reports would be awesome.  I’ve been seeing some scary stuff as the water is cleaning up, and wondered if others have also seen this.   Post on my FB page if you’re seeing bare lagoon bottom where it wasn’t a few weeks back.

Space Coast Fall Fishing Seminar

*****Fall Fishing Seminar from Local Lines Charters*****

Hey folks thanks for checking out Local Lines Fall "Bloginar".  This is an on-line seminar series I am publishing quarterly (winter, spring, summer, and fall) that will cover fishing on the Lagoons and Near-Coastal waters of Brevard County, Fl (Space Coast).  As if a dozen or so (in person) seminars, monthly articles in Coastal Angler Mag. Brevard and Orlando, and continuous articles in Merritt Island Now mag every year isn’t enough; we’re gonna bring you this too! 

                                Beautiful Lagoon Bull red and Capt Alex G. from a clients view.

It’s fall on the Space Coast and if you’re not amp'd on getting some fish, well then you’re not paying attention.  The annual “Fall” mullet run is kicking off nice with this front\tropical rain event we have been experiencing for several days.  As this weather event moves out of our area the winds are predicted to stay from the north.  With every cold/cool front driven north blow we get, more waves of mullet will come.   Much like a train that’s hard to slow.  As the mullet run increases momentum it’s hard to slow until they all pass through.  On the Beaches and Near-Coastal waters a steady stream of south bound mullet will get the attention on every predator in town.  Obviously with this much bait in the water it’s hard to get that artificial bite sometimes.  Having a cast-net and method of live bait retention (bait bucket) is really paramount to success.  In current or surf that you will encounter while fishing from the Inlets and beaches a “fishfinder rig” works great with a live mullet, pinfish, croaker, or white bait.  Be sure to match the egg sinker size to the conditions.  You want to get the bait down, but not stifle its movement.  Fishing the jettys, beaches, and inlets in this manner will score you snook, reds, mangrove, Snapper, jacks, tarpon, and sharks.  Slow trolling large mullet 9-14inchs long from just outside the breakers, all the way to 50ft depths will get you shots at big kingfish, tarpon, cobia, and sharks.  20-30lb class conventional rods with light tips work well in this live bait trolling situation.  Rig with a “kingfishlive bait rig” and sub out wire leader to the lead hook with 60-80lb mono/flouro, but keep the wire to stinger hook.  Find the concentrations of bait to find the fish by foot, boat, or kayak.  It can truly be a sight to behold if you catch the right day at the right time, so keep an eye to the beaches for some fun fishing. 

Top method Artificial:  Plugging the beaches with “bomber style” lipped plugs by foot.  This can be done with heavy river tackle 10-20lb class spinning setups.  Fish the troughs and washouts from the sand to breakers.  Many times the main target (snook) is in the first trough and even running bait onto the sand on higher tides.  40lb leader and braid from 10-20lb works well, I typically like braid in this situation for the lack of stretch and smaller line diameter in churning waves.  Be sure to cast horizontally not just straight out.  You won’t tend to have much in the way of snags so have some fun with these fish.

Top method Natural Bait:  Live bait trolling like described above.  Mullet are hardy baits so load up that livewell.  When you find a fishy area or the bite gets a bit slow, just toss out a few free ones.  They will likely hang with the boat or the baits your trolling. Fish always love freebies!

The lagoon waters will also burst at the seams as the months dwindle into the new year.  Some bait will stay through winter, but much of the mullet (most prevalent Space Coast Lagoon bait) will head south to warmer winter waters.  Get those shots at your tarpon (juvi) and snook in the lagoons now, because after a good cold snap or two they will become increasingly tough to find.  The trout and reds know a change is coming also, so they will feed heavy in fall to pack on the pounds for winter.  Look for search baits like the Slayer Inc. SST rigged weedless on a keeper hook to produce fish at all hours of the day.  Favorite colors are Bounty Hunter, Gumbo, pearl, and molting for this time of year, or just about any time of the year for that matter.  When conditions allow; a topwater plug can produce explosive strikes at any time of the day or night.  I say when “conditions allow” due to the amount of floating grass typically encountered this time of year.  Just like your law stops growing in the fall and winter.  The lagoon grasses will do the same, along with breaking loose, and making it generally sucky to work anything but weedless.  Focus on areas the make bait change their movements.  Things like dock lines, points, and drop-offs or edges will interrupt the south bound mullet and create ambush points.  These ambush points will become fish staging areas and consistently produce until the lagoon run slows with winters chill.   Not that you won’t find tailing reds chomping on shrimps and such, but most fish will be hunting mullet.  As with the beach mullet run, the lagoon one can become so heavy with bait that an artificial bite is very tough.   Grab the net and freeline some mullet, it works wonders on your catching.  The redfish spawn is in full swing so please be respectful of these fish, one-and-done (don’t pound the school), and use heavy tackle to limit fight times.  We have a very unique group of bull reds on the space coast, and it’s our responsibility to care for them.

Top method Artificial:   topwater plugs on outside edges of flats or drop-offs.  It doesn’t always happen, but if you find big schools of bait pushing on a 2ft + drop-offs or deeper flats. Pay them some serious attention with a large topwater plug.  A true mixed bag lagoon session can be had with trout, big redfish, tarpon, jacks, ladyfish, and a few other visitors.  Great fun and it can happen at any time of the day.

Top method Natural Bait:  Bullet mullet (3-5 inches) freelined tight to the mangroves.  I look for deeper, open flat shorelines with some adjacent canals.  Tail-hook the small (bullet) mullet just under his second fin on top of its back.  Keep tension and the bait won’t wonder around, but sit in the same spot (preferably next to or under the mangroves) and just wiggle.  Snook, Tarpon, trout, and reds will pop this bait from underneath.  It is quite visible and fun to watch.

 Be sure to check NoFill No Kill for any updates on the proposed rail line over the lagoon. Some great things are happening on that front, so get involved.  I was doing the weekly report, but a survey of the people said they like to see my charter pics daily.  So back to that we go!  Make sure to “Like” and “Share” Local LinesCharters or my personal FB page for the most up-to-date charter fish pics, and info.  I will still post Blog reports and forecasts, maybe monthly, and Of course these quarterly Blog seminars (Bloginar’s).  Hope you enjoyed and Please feel free to book a charter for these exciting fishing adventures.  The New boat is coming along great too!

Tight Lines

Capt. Alex Gorichky 

Here's some pic's of our catches over the past few weeks.  We have open dates the 26th and 29th of Sept., so be sure to grab a day if your looking to close the month out right.  Plenty of openings in October too!