H olidays were fantastic but it is time to buckle down and focus on filling our freezers with those delicious river crickets. If you did not know, Oak Hill has soldiered up and delivered some activity since early November. But, as we all know some of the shrimp stories got blown out of proportion and created a mini stampede in December. The facts are that Oak Hill is off to the races giving up shrimp in the 4 inch range with bonus size 6” and up. The pulls have been inconsistent but anglers were pulling anywhere from a few dozen to several gallons. Crazy weather fronts and tides that were off delivered mini shrimp runs on the incoming tide.
We heard of a 5 gallon bucket pulled from the Whaler plant area but we all know how stories can go. Do I think it was possible? You bet. Commercial guys fell into some runs and were able to load up the local bait stores in Oak Hill. But, just as soon as the runs came through, they stopped. No reason, no explanation. However, January is a month that you need to pay attention too. Some of my best seasons were on the 2nd moon event. When the runs are real erratic, time your trip around the new and full moons (3 days before, 2 days after).
Try to run a South wind in tidal waters. Haulover Canal is a moody woman. Boats are in their spots but the nets remained in the air in December with mainly black drum as the prize for the night. Railroad Bridge reports are poor. The Titusville pier reports are poor. Last year the first full pull from Haulover Canal was reported end of December.
Haulover Canal is magical when you drop in on the back end of a low pressure that pushes a positive tide towards the Lagoon. Prepare yourself for a 12 hour trip from sundown to sunrise. My recommendation is for Brevard to tow to Oak Hill and put meat in your freezer. Remember slow and steady (Oak Hill) wins the race. Bonus your freezer with Brevard shrimp and prepare yourself for inconsistent action & long nights. Based on past years, Brevard is falling short and appears to be repeating the pattern that plagued this county last year skunking the S. Brevard Bridge brigades. January 10th at noon – 3:30pm, annual Riverbreeze Boat Ramp pavilion outdoor shrimping seminar BBQ. RSVP leenoga@gmail.com. Capt Lee will take you from zero to hero in 90 mins.
Captain Lee Noga
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