The redfish and trout bite in the Banana River has been strong on the flats north of Pineda, throughout the thousand islands of Cocoa Beach and on the bombing range in the north part of the river. The gamefish are staying with the mullet schools and anglers finding success are fishing the mullet schools and potholes with the Rapala XRap Pop in Silver or Bone & Trout pattern Skitterwalks early and switching to soft baits as the topwater bite slows down. Shrimp or finger mullet on a 3/0 VMC circle hook free lined in the potholes are a good bet for the reds or the trout also.
The Grand Canal in Satellite Beach as well as the creeks from Sebastian to Melbourne are a good place to target tarpon and snook in September. Look for rolling fish and fish live finger mullet or greenies on a 5/0 VMC circle hook. The docks in these areas also hold good numbers of snook that can be fished with live bait or subsurface plugs. Give the Rapala BX Minnow in Silver a shot when the sun comes up and the bite slows down to get a reaction bite.
Snag Harbor, Mullet Creek and Hog Points have all been productive the last few weeks for small reds, jacks and snook. TriggerX Shrimp and jerk baits fished slowly along the mangrove shorelines will do the trick or free line a live shrimp in the same areas. There are some big snook in the mangroves and around some of the docks, but it will take live baits and a lot of patience to get them to eat.
The Indian River from Dragon Point up to 520 is a great place to target snook and reds. Best baits are live greenies or finger mullet free lined under the docks. The mangrove snapper are also feeding well on the greenies and live shrimp. With snook season open, you may be able to bring home snook and snapper for dinner from the same trip.
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