Fishing Report 3-12-2011 Tomoka Grand Slamin

This past month has offered some extremely good fishing here in good old Ormond Beach, Fl. The Snook have made it abundantly clear that they intend to make a dramatic comeback for 2011. What a huge improvement their population has made since the 2009 freeze. I have almost caught as many Snook this year, then all of 2010, and we're only in March. There has been Big trout in the Tomoka River for the past few months. The Tarpon have also been actively eating at the West end of the river. Reports and personal catches of large numbers of Redfish from Strickland Creek, Tomoka River, Tomoka Basin, Halifax River, up to the mudflats and creeks at Highbridge are abundant. Oh ya, dont forget the Flounder. Drag pretty much anything along the many mouths and bars of the Basin area and you WILL catch a Flounder or 5. The Basin has been tough due to high winds but it looks like smooth sailing this weekend.

Try trolling for Trout. Rig a 1/4oz jighead to a chartreuse paddletail and cast it behind your boat or yak. Vary your trolling speed until you start getting fish. When you find fish, stop and fish that spot, they will most likely be schooled up.

I would like to take a second to acknowledge local fishing Guru and Guide Captain Kent Gibbens. Kent has been fishing and guiding professionally here in Ormond much longer then anyone else that I know of. His knowledge of the area is truly top notch. Captain Gibbons Charter information can be found on his website http://www.backcountrycaptain.com/ Captain Gibbons, my hat is off to you!

To give you an idea of how good the fishing has been, here is a quick story with pictures. A few weeks ago I called a buddy of mine Sean, to see if he wanted to get out and catch some fish. I had been wanting to check out his Gheenoe Classic with 25hp for some time and figured this would be a great time. Also, he had never caught a Tarpon and I was really hoping we could change that. We met up around 7am to fish the West end of the Tomoka River. We got to the spot and within a very short time Sean hooked up with a very nice size Tarpon. After a nice fight, he got the fish boatside for a quick picture and successful release.

After a handful of nice ladyfish and a few more Tarpon misses, we decided to start fishing the Banks. Next up it was Largemouth Bass time. It was becoming apparent that today was going to be Seans day.


After the Bass, it was Sean again with a nice Snook. Tomoka Slam!


Now its time for a Tomoka Grand Slam. Sean gets into the trout and as he's unhooking his fish, I finally contribute something worth mentioning with a near slot Red.



Tomoka Grand Slam complete! Sean then proceeds to smack me in the face with some 20"+ Trout.

What a day! Great work Sean!

This is prime time to get out and fish. I am now booking reservations for guided kayak fishing trips. Please visit my site for more information on my services.