The stench of rotting fish has finally faded as the Indian River Lagoon licks its wounds and begins to recover. After Florida’s most devastating freeze since 1989, fish stocks may take years to recover. But, as soon as the temperatures warmed and the winds switched and came in from the south, the redfish and trout bite turned right back on.

Both inshore and offshore tournament fishermen will have a plethora of events to chose from this season with an extra surprise in one of the series. Capt Jeff Brauer of the Florida Flats Fishing Association has announced that the series can now be fished as a “Team Event” or as a “Single” angler as in the past. Capt Brauer stated, “The series participants asked for it and we were able to provide it to them.” For more information, go to: www.myflfa.com

Here’s the skinny!!!

Trout/Redfish: Many anglers have reported large schools of slot-sized reds all up and down the Space and Treasure Coasts. Since the freeze and the loss of so many baitfish, these species have been ravenous for any live or artificial baits thrown at them.

Snook: Slot-size snook will begin to move back into Port Canaveral, Sebastian Inlet and the Fort Pierce Turning Basin. LEAVE THEM ALONE! The moratorium will continue until Sept 01, 2010 and there’s no reason to even target this species until the state can determine just what damage has been done.

Surf: Can you say “Surf Grand Slams”? Whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel and bluefish will move up and down the beaches all day. 

Offshore: Those black fins seen moving up and down the coast are not sharks but manta rays heading for the Keys. Under those rays are schools of cobia migrating right along with them. Prior to breaking up and hitting the deeper ledges and wrecks, the “cobes” will inhale any large topwater popping plug or jig tipped with a live eel. Bottom fishing for many species of grouper and snapper will remain closed until the foreseeable future. 

Dive Report: Spiny lobster season will end on March 31, 2010. Divers who want to get their last dives in before the season ends should plan of diving deep for the keepers. Don’t forget the spear guns! The reefs will be covered up with breeder grouper and snapper. And don’t forget your safety stops.

Tournaments: I again will have the honor to chair for the 7th annual South Brevard Ducks Unlimited “Band the Slam” Inshore Flats Classic on Friday, April 30 – Saturday, May 01, 2010. Squid Lips Overwater Grill in Sebastian, Florida, will again host this year’s tournament. The mandatory captain’s meeting will take place out on the docks starting at 6:30 PM on Friday night.

On Saturday morning, there will be a “gentlemen’s start” on the water with lines overboard one hour before sunrise.  Scales will open from Noon to 3:00 PM. Awards ceremony at 4:00 PM. Prizes include: cash, firearms, fishing equipment, limited edition prints and sculptures. Door prizes, raffles and auctions will also be conducted at both the captain’s meeting and the awards ceremony. Both parties are open to the public and you do not need to fish the tournament to participate in the auctions and raffles.


“See you on the boat or in the blind!”

Capt Jeff “The Commodore” Kraynik