Artemis I wasn't the only thing that went up - Spanish mackerel & snook catches are, too

Ed Killer, Florida Today
·4 min read

This week, we're still dealing with Nicole's aftermath and what the next cold front is going to bring to the area weather-wise.

Building seas from northerly winds probably make Sunday unfishable for beaches and offshore anglers. Lagoon specialists will want to use shorelines to stay out of the wind.

Sebastian Inlet State Park opened on the north side following Hurricane Nicole damage, but the north jetty is still closed until further notice. Part of the closing for north jetty is the grates on the deck have to be put back in. But the south side is open to fishing.

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A permit inshore was one of the catches with Capt. Glyn Austin of Going Coastal charters in Palm Bay on Nov. 13, 2022.
A permit inshore was one of the catches with Capt. Glyn Austin of Going Coastal charters in Palm Bay on Nov. 13, 2022.

Closures & regulations changes in effect: Anglers are reminded about these fishery harvest closures currently underway and ones about to begin and end.

  • Flounder: Harvest closed from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30. Harvest reopens Dec. 1.

  • Hogfish: Harvest closed from Nov. 1 to April 30, 2023. Harvest reopens May 1, 2023.

  • Spotted seatrout:  Harvest closed from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin & Palm Beach counties. Harvest reopens Jan. 1, 2023.

  • Snook: Harvest closed from Dec. 15 through Jan. 31, 2023. Harvest reopens Feb. 1, 2023.

  • Grouper: Harvest closed from Jan. 1, 2023, through April 30, 2023. Harvest reopens May 1, 2023. Includes gag grouper, red grouper, scamp and six other lesser species.

  • Redfish: Harvest of redfish is banned in the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon beginning Sept. 1.

  • Alligator: Hunt season is open Aug. 15-Nov. 1. Permits required.

  • Lobster: Regular season opened Aug. 6.

  • Dolphin: New fishing regulations began May 1 for state waters. Bag limit is now five fish per day per angler; Vessel limit is now 30 fish per day. Captain and crew may not be included in limit.

  • Tilefish: A commercial fishing closure is in place beginning July 6 until Dec. 31.

  • Bass: Bass at Headwaters Lake will soon become all catch-and-release.

For complete fishing regulations in Florida go to MyFWC.com.

Mosquito Lagoon

Capt. Jon Lulay of 2 Castaway charters in Titusville said his anglers have been catching snook and redfish in the lagoon and Haulover Canal. Use live shrimp to cast to island shorelines and points. Freeline them or fish them under a Cajun thunder or other popping cork to give them that trout-feeding sound.

Offshore

The fall dolphin run is underway and the green and gold fish are swimming along the currents and eddies of the Gulf Stream. They're heading south along with blackfin tuna. Both can be caught by trolling ballyhoo. Grouper are on the dep ledges in 200 feet of water.

Surf

There has been reports of seaweed at some beaches. Others near Satellite Beach for example are severely eroded from Hurricane Nicole last week. When you find the beach that is free from seaweed, whiting, croaker and pompano are being caught on Fishbites and pieces of shrimp. The incoming tide seems to be the best time to fish.

Sebastian Inlet

The north side did open to park visitors Wednesday, but the north jetty is closed until further notice. Boaters will be able to take advantage of good snook fishing at the rocks there. The south side is offering some good fishing. The T Dock is a spot where flounder and redfish can both be caught and released. Snook are also being caught there on live croakers.

Indian River Lagoon

Fish the spoil islands near Grant and Palm Bay with 1/8-ounce jigs to catch pompano, permit, jacks and trout. The end of the incoming and beginning of the outgoing has been the best times to target this action. Around the Thousand Islands near Cocoa Beach there has been better fishing for snook and black drum. Use small crabs for the best bite.

Freshwater

Parts of the St. Johns River system are above flood stage again from Hurricane Nicole. Use caution when boating to spots like the Little Econ River and Lake Hell N' Blazes because high water can partially submerge obstructions or make it difficult to launch watercraft..

Ed Killer is florida today's outdoors writer. Friend Ed on Facebook at Ed Killer, follow him on Twitter @tcpalmekiller or email him at  ed.killer@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Snook, Spanish mackerel catches are launching like Artemis I mission