Well, August is here and the dog days of summer have sure rolled in. Lagoon water temps will be reaching their maximum temperatures over the coming months, so look for the water quality to diminish.
The warmer waters are a breeding ground for all manner of little critters that will cloudy up our lagoons and limit the number of sight fishing opportunities this month. Switching your tactics to involve earlier starts and late aafternoon’s utilizing search lures to find your fish is the way to go. Seatrout and red fish will both be targets even on the hottest summer days using this method. Another great tactic this time of year is to “skip” DOA, or other imitation shrimp far under docks and mangrove edges. Just as the shade gives us relief on a hot summer day! Both reds and trout will seek out the cooling properties of natural and manmade shaded areas as the sun climbs and super heats the flats. These fish will be positioned in some of the most formidable structure like barnacle lined pilings, riprap, bikes, and tons of other fun stuff people cram under docks to attract fish. So be ready for the bite and some braided line will better your odds of wrenching a large fish from its hiding spot.
One of the Banana Rivers best and most productive paddle fishing areas is the No-Motor-Zone (NMZ). Playing host to miles of undeveloped shore lines, pristine grass flats, and big fish that meander in from the closed Space Center areas north of NASA Cswy. All this makes it easy to understand why fisher folk from all over flock to this paddle/sail only body of water. The NMZ was restricted from motorized boat access in 1990, but some of us still remember running boats all the way to NASA Cswy to fish and watch launches. The years since have been kind to the NMZ waters and successful days of fishing are very common place. Of the two most use launch sites for the NMZ (KARS Park-west side/Cruse Terminals-east side) KARS park is by far the safest and most friendly. The shore line on the opposite side from Port Canaveral’s cruse terminals is a good place to start (and free) on the east side, but does not offer the same vehicle protection and creature comforts as KARS. Though wind predictions will likely be the major influence in your launch point to most anglers. KARS Park is found at the end of Hall Rd. on north Merritt Island and for many years was only open to NASA employees and contractors on the Cape. Times have changed however; now not only can retired/active military acquire a yearly pass, but any person can pay $5.00 a day-a boat to launch in this secure facility. Just remember you are guest on federally owned property and access is given be respectful and clean up any trash. All those who fish in the NMZ are on waters known as the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge same as Mosquito Lagoon, and so will need obtain a refuge fishing permit. Any hired guide should also be able to produce their CUA permit for refuge waters, and if can’t clients risk a bumpy time on the water. Next month we will dive into the fishy differences between the East and West side of the NMZ.
Be sure to save the date August 7th. I will be doing an in-depth seminar on the Banana River No-Motor-Zone at Boaters Exchange in Rockledge.