Native Sons Fishing Guide Peter Deeks, Jr. and Native Sons Outfitter Guide Robert Rohmann are tearing up the 2011 Florida Flatsfishing Association Tour. They currently have a commanding lead over the other 65 plus backwater teams for the overall (team of the year) and trout division titles. They are also currently running third in the redfish classification. Through the first three events of the season they have taken first in two slams, a first and third in trout and a third in redfish. It is an incredible start for the 2011 tour for Peter and Robert who are, incidentally, the back-to-back defending champions of the FLFA.

We have been after Capt. Peter for a while to provide the website with a good photo of his new Hewes flats-boat. Last week he had the rare privilege of guiding a professional photographer who took the following super cool shot.

Dr. Pat Holden of San Antonio, TX while fishing with his son, Dr. Carl Holden of New York, NY, caught a 59 spot redfish on a charter with Capt. Rocky. Redfish with multiple spots are not too uncommon but to find one with so many spots is extremely rare. Congratulations Dr. Pat!

Roland and Debbie Jones have taken a temporary assignment in Phoenix, Arizona for the next six to nine months. Since they have never been west of Tallahassee, Florida this will be a new and exciting adventure for them. Peter and I are going to miss ‘Capt. Grizz’ during his southwestern sabbatical, however, such will certainly not be the case for the fish in south Brevard County.  Roland expects to return this summer in time to terrorize the snook and tarpon.

Winter fishing can present challenges for anglers along the Space Coast as the severe cold and wind may limit accessibility to the wide-open shallow grass flats. In a typical winter week, we’ll have three or four prime days where we can fish anywhere and three or four inclement days where we must fish canals, rivers, creeks and leeward sides of spoil islands. During the prime days, winter fishing can be spectacular for redfish, black drum and trout. These charters are well documented by the many great stories chronicled in our fishing reports. During the inclement days, we’ll catch a wider variety of smaller fish in greater numbers.  In short, we’ll adapt to whatever weather presents us, catch fish and create great memories. (Pictured below is a photo from winter flats fishing followed by a pair of photos from winter canal fishing.)

Pictured below are Rusty and Julie Van Hoose with their newest ‘catch’, Stephaie Noel Van Hoose, born December 6, 2010 in Huntsville, Alabama. Proud grandparents are Capt. Rocky and Jerri Van Hoose.

Dodging cold fronts can be challenging this time of year but the fishing, when the weather permits can be simply outstanding. The following is a description of the half-day charter from this weekend.

Nick, Jill, and their son Dylan from Michigan came to download and escape the snow by exploring central Florida. After doing the crowds of Disney World in Orlando, they were ready for some peaceful time while relaxing on the water with Capt. Roland. Unfortunately for them their fishing was anything but peaceful and relaxing. The morning started out cold but quickly warmed up. With perfect conditions, the shallow grass flats of the north Indian River were filled with redfish tails. The captain quickly positioned them near the closest school and started fishing The reds were big and aggressive.. Ten reds were landed between 13 and 20 lbs. The trio commented afterwards this will be the highlight of their trip.

The annual fall mullet run is in full migration mode. Millions of the mullet are streaming south for the winter filling the Port and Inlet with tons of bait and frenzied feeding action. There are several ways to book Native Son guides take advantage of this annual phenomenon. One charter we offer is a late afternoon and early evening trip in Sebastian Inlet. Typically breeder redfish snook, tarpon and bull sharks stack inside the Inlet on falling tides awaiting the mullet to be swept towards them. The action is phenomenal. The other charter offered is in Port Canaveral during the evening for snook and redfish gathered to gorge on the streaking mullet. Call to book a charter now … this action will only last for a couple of weeks.

Native Sons Guide Capt. Peter Deeks, Jr. and partner Robert Rohmann claimed three important titles this past month from the Florida Flatsfishing Association Circuit. The duo won the coveted ‘Team of the Year’ from nearly fifty teams and finished first for the year in the spotted trout category. They also took first place in the year-ending Championships out of Sebastian. This marks the second time Peter has claimed this award making him the first angler to become a double champion. Congratulations Peter and Robert!