September is here and the Space Coast kayak fishing opportunities are numerous. The beaches are swarming with bait and large pelagic fish. The end of summer wave patterns are calm and ease hand launching boats from the surf this month, so hit it before the fall season builds the seas. Be on the lookout for steady days of rain and/or tropical disturbances this time of year as a sign of swollen outflows dumping into the river. The fishing has been good on the lagoons with some nice trout pushing shallow and the grassy areas are holding nice slot reds. All of the drops, bars, and troughs will be playing host to the monster reds of our Space Coast Lagoons as they use these features to cruise; expect them to push up shallower and feed for a moment. Then return to cruising along those features. Cut mullet and lady fish will get picked up on heavy gear if soaked on these edges and drops, or you might sight one as it feeds a bit shallower and opt to cast a Slayer Inc. SSB or even top water to get a strike. These mature fish are in pre-spawn mode and will be prevalent through fall.
Port Canaveral holds the most kayak- friendly flounder waters. Be mindful of the security rules, have all your safety equipment, and enjoy! In the Port, focus on the jetties, locks, drop offs, and docks/ pilings. The west boat ramp will give you access to the locks, drawbridge, west basin, and the south side seawalls. The east (Jetty) boat ramp will put you around the Jetty’s, south side docks/wharfs, Rinker docks, and Morton Salt docks. In most situations, dragging a 3-6in. finger mullet or mud minnow along the bottom with a fish finder rig will put flat fish in your cooler. The fish finder rig is built by placing an appropriate size egg sinker to hold bottom on your main line followed by a barrel swivel. Finish it off with 12 inches of 30lb. mono and a 1/O-2/O short shank J-hook. Pin your bait by the lips, and a live shrimp will also work in a pinch. If live bait is not your kayak fishing style, then try a buck tail jig paired with a strip bait. For buck tail jigs, choose a fist-style from 1⁄2-1 1/2 oz. Colors like white, chartreuse, and clown work best. Fresh strip baits of mullet, jack, or flounder belly sweeten the deal. Work it back slowly, and with all flounder fishing, be prepared to lose tackle. Work all drop-offs and changes in the bottom composition. Contact Captain Alex Gorichky at 321.480.3255 to book your trip for these and other exciting Space Coast game fish. Experienced and beginner anglers, from kids to seniors, can enjoy kayak fishing. Fully rigged Hobie Mirage Drive fishing kayaks available or bring your own!