7-23-2013 Bright moon = bad fishing

As we set off on our trip early yesterday morning (7-22).  We were greated by a very bright night light in the sky.  As beautiful as it was, I knew it might have negative effects on our day.  The full moon fishing during the morning/day has a reputation of being somewhat slow at times.  Although, there have been plenty of occasions we have gone out only to have extremely successful days during the full moon.  You can never tell for sure and most of us are going to go fishing regardless.  

At our first stop, the exact spot that we were catching redfish after redfish just the day before, at about the same time, the only fish we could muster were a Jack and a Blue.  We headed over to Jones cut and had a few good topwater blow ups but no hook ups.  We then shot back into the basin and managed a nice mid slot Redfish and a Snook.  We lost a few fish there as well.  From there we went up river to pluck off another Snook and a fat Mangrove Snapper.  We had a few suspected Tarpon takes but no hookups.  And that was our morning.  Not the best, not the worst.  

7-18-2013 Fishing Report Daytona/Ormond Beach Florida

Well if you follow me on Facebook you know that it has been a great week of fishing. We have been catching a good mix of nice size fish. The Flounder bite is strong in the river and its a rare trip we don't get at least a few. Loopy Lopez with a big 22" Flattie

The Redfish are scattered around the Basin, up in the Tomoka River, and also up in the mudflats at Highbridge. Captain Richard with a nice Tomoka Basin Redfish

The Tarpon bite is continuing to pick up steam. In fact I had the pleasure of guiding Dave and his sons to their first ever Tarpon this morning. Each of the boys were able to hook and land their own fish, which made for a very memorable morning.

The Snook bite is also strong. On a solo trip Monday I hooked over 30 Snook and landed about half. The largest fish landed measured 22" but 3 of the fish lost were easily slot sized fish. Keep in mind that Snook are still out of season and must be carefully released. We don't keep Snook on our charters anyway, at least for the next few years until their numbers get back to normal. The Mangrove Snapper bite is in full force from the Basin up past the island in the Tomoka. We are catching them up to about 15". Jacks and Ladyfish are also a regular catch. That about sums things up for this week. Don't forget to check back often for new reports and photos. Have fun and stay safe out there, Capt. Eric