April in my mind is ripe with angling opportunities. Of course our homebody trout, reds will be available, but we also will get shots at cobia and tripletail for the more adventuresome paddlers. The trout spawn will jump off this month, but please let’s give them a break until the impact of the freezes on breeders is known.
Indian and Banana River Lagoon’s:
Many nice reds will fall for search baits such as Saltwater Assassin paddle tails weedless or on a jig head and mirro-lure suspending lures in natural colors on the vast flats of the both Lagoons. Clean water and baits of all sizes should be present-if not find a new flat. For trout (catch, photo, release), break out those topwater plugs like the Mirror-lure line of baits, Badonk-a-donk, Skitter-Walk, and Zara-Spook. Hit the water at dawn or dusk.
This month could be your last to target blackdrum in the NMZ. Schools of these drum will be in tightening as they move off the flats. Hit the outer bars, and sight fish while standing on a stable kayak like the Malibu Kayaks Stealth 14, while they rest, and if the tails are waving you can’t miss them. The best baits are a quartered blue crab, or Gulp shrimp and crabs fished still on 3/0-5/0 circle hooks.
Mosquito Lagoon:
For reds try the flats in 1-2ft. with many pot-holes. Use a Saltwater Assassin paddle tail weedless, or Mirro-lure suspending lure to locate reds holding in these sand spots. Then slow way down and put multiple cut mullet or ladyfish in each of these “holes”. Let them sit for five to ten minutes then drift to the farthest pot-hole you hit, and repeat the process.
Near-shore/Beaches including Port Canaveral:
As the water on the beaches hits the 68 degree mark cobia will become available. The Cobia can be reached utilizing the many public beaches of Brevard County . Do your dock work and seek out info on fish close to the beach, then grab a buddy and go! Look for wing tips of Manta Rays, debris, birds and bait. Some bright bucktail jigs from Handler Fishing Supply, a medium/heavy spinning rod, a drift sock, and you’re in business.
Tight Lines and Wet Paddles!
Forecast by Capt. Alex Gorichky
LocalLinesCharters.com
Kayak Fishing guide on the space coast.
Contact Capt. Alex @ 321-480-3255