Have you ever had an experience so thrilling it was hard to describe to others? Well, as avid anglers, we have found that fishing along the Florida East Coast during the month of May can be so overwhelming that it is difficult to find adequate descriptions. This time of year, it seems every one of our prized inshore species from redfish to snook competes for our undivided attention. And it does not matter what part of the Indian River Lagoon system we are fishing, May is simply marvelous. Let’s start this report in Titusville and work our way south.
Last weekend, fishing the Indian River near Titusville, Peter Deeks, Jr. hosted Steve and Kim Stepp from Orlando, owners of Velocity Powerboats. The primary purpose of the trip was to test out the draft of Velocity’s new 22 foot center console. During the test run, they took time to sight-fish shallow pods of redfish and were rewarded with upper slot to over slot fish, including those pictured below. (By the way, there was also a 30 inch snook to anchor the trip.)
Yesterday, fishing the Banana River near Cocoa Beach, Capt. Rocky guided John Lagrande and his co-worker, Bob Noble. Bob is new to the area and wanted a tutorial on shallow-water, river fishing. The trio of anglers caught six solid redfish during their half-day charter including a gorgeous 13 spot fish, a big 34 inch monster and a double catch – all are featured below.
It was Capt. Roland guiding again on Saturday, this time in the Ft. Pierce area. His charter consisted of Vickie Raleigh and Wayne Rowell, Maverick Boat dealers from New Brunswick, Georgia. They caught a number of good fish including personal bests in sea trout for these veteran anglers – Vickie’s fish weighed eight while Wayne’s hit the scales at seven pounds. However the real story of their trip came close to noon when Vicki hooked and landed a monster 40 inch snook which weighed 22 pounds – words could not adequately describe the thrill of this experience for Vickie.
Finally, Peter and Capt. Rocky were also in the Ft. Pierce area on Saturday fishing another Treasure Coast Flats Circuit event. Both anglers managed bragging sized fish, including another inshore slam by Peter. But the big news from the trip turned out to be two snook which were well over legal limits. The biggest of these measured 43 inches and weighed 30 pound. It equaled a personal best for Capt. Rocky. Fishing in May is simply marvelous!