The City of Orlando is renowned for her world attractions such as Disney World and Sea World. However, Titusville, a small community less than an hour to the east of the Orlando, is home to two attractions that are literally out of this world – the Kennedy Space Center and phenomenal redfishing. For the past several months, the northern arm of Native Sons Fishing Charters has combined these later two by fishing in the shadows of the NASA facilities. And the resulting angling adventures have been the experiences for which many have only dreamed.

Late last week Hunter Tully and Mike, his long-time fishing buddy from Michigan, took a day away from the theme parks in Orlando to join Capt. Rocky stalking redfish on the flats near Titusville. These two caught six reds measuring up to 33 inches and lost two freight trains that they’ll not soon forget. Pictured below are these two good friends and several of their trophies from the day.

Earlier this past week it was Ohioan Dick DePu’s turn to join Capt. Rocky along the same stretch of water for a half day charter. Although this Buckeye did not land as many as the two from the land of maize and blue, he did get to experience the exhilaration of the incredible acceleration and raw power of the bronzed titans tearing across the flats. Unfortunately fights with five of these rockets were aborted prematurely, but the one pictured below did not escape his destiny with Dick

Fishing a bit further south along the Space Coast last week was Capt. Roland. He guided several successful charters into the pristine waters of the Grant/Sebastian area of the Indian River (55 miles southeast of Orlando) including Michiganders Vince Blumberg and his daughter Aubrei. These two caught a variety of fish on their full day charter including five reds, two jacks and a mango snapper. They also experienced Florida at her finest with manatees and dolphins under beautiful blue skies. Pictured below is Aubrei holding one their prized catches.

Finally, it was Gary Jarrold and his party with Capt. Roland for the full day charter yesterday. Again fishing the south Melbourne stretch of the Indian River (50 miles southeast of Orlando), this memorable guide trip featured six reds, two gator trout and one fine snook. The smiling angler below is Gray posing with the snook and one of his redfish.

The weather and fishing have been glorious the past few days although it is getting to be a little crowded on the water. Yesterday, fishing out of Titusville (40 miles east of Orlando) we caught nine reds to 39 inches and one trout but faced stiff competition for the fish. After poling in from 300 yards and stealthfully staking down, no less than thirteen boats tried to pole, troll or motor through the shoreline flats adjacent to our anchorage. When the armada finally set sail for greener pastures, or bluer waters, the reds were so thoroughly spooked I am afraid even a visit from Ghost Busters wouldn’t have set them aright. Pictured below, holding their newest acquaintances, are the reigning Minnesota Carp Queen and her royal court; Cindy Lehman, husband Fred, and son Paul.

Fishing in the Ft. Pierce area yesterday (70 miles southeast of Orlando), Capt. Roland guided Bob Jones of Palm Bay and Luke Marks of Lewes, Delaware. This crew finished their charter with five trout (18 to 26 inches), two small snook, two sheephead, and one 16 inch snapper.

Earlier last week, guided by Native Sons Captains Roland and Don, Dan Singer and two friends, Jim and Keith, escaped the frigid weather of Buffalo and ventured into the Indian River south of Titusville (45 minute drive from Orlando). This charter had the laughs of a lifetime as they battled a number of redfish included the monster pictured with Keith below. By the way, I believe this was the first time Keith had ever caught a fish. What an initiation to angling!

Our final report is another Capt. Roland recent guide adventure. Alan and Anna Schwartz joined him in the Grant/Sebastian area on a blustery winter day. Even though the temperature had plunged and the wind howled this merry crew found some calm water and a few fish anxious for a fight. Pictured below are Alan and one of his triumphs from the charter, a fine black drum.