Flats Fishing, Inshore Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Redfish Fishing
January 11, 2011
Client : Jim and Al Iodice
Capt Rocky
Mosquito Lagoon Redfishing
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‘This is a big fish! This is a big fish! This is a big fish!” It was all Jim from Delaware could yell as his drag smoked and rod arched over underneath the power of a giant redfish screaming across the shallow grass flats.
Jim along with his new fishing buddy Al Iodice of New Hampshire had already fought and boated over a dozen big redfish on the spectacular morning of fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon near Titusville, Florida, most weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. However, the beast now being battled was an all-together different class of ‘big’.
Before the sudden chaos could completely grip the situation, Capt. Rocky quickly released the hydraulic Power Pole, grabbed his graphic push pole, manned the poling platform and began chasing down the big red beast.
Thirty minutes later, after thirty more shouts by Jim and thirty laps spun around the flats boat by Al with landing net in hand and thirty minutes of hard pushing by the captain while interspersing blurbs of instructions and bursts laughter, the 30 pounds, big bronzed beauty was finally aboard.
Afterwards, with arms aching, an adrenalin-drained Jim could be heard muttering, “That was a big fish.” (Pictured below are Jim and Al smiling broadly with one really ‘big fish’.)
Capt Rocky
Backcountry Fishing, Bottom Fishing, Charter Head Boat, Everglades Fishing, Flamingo Fishing, Flats Fishing, Inshore Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Permit Fishing, Trout Fishing
Top 5 most popular jigs for saltwater
Fishing using jigs will help you have better chances of landing a bigger fish as compared to using other types of bait. Jigging is done in both freshwater and saltwater alike, though it works better in areas that offer some type of obstruction.
Different anglers will surely have different preferences and favorites in terms of the jigs they choose in fishing. Also, different fish species will be attracted to different forms of jigs. Still, based on sales and usage, there really are jigs that stand out from all the rest, in terms of popularity. Whether this is because they are effective or because a lot of people are trying to fish the same fish species, it is difficult to determine but the following are the top 5 most popular jigs for saltwater.
1. Jig with a round head
The jig with a round head is quite popular because it easily sinks and moves in the direction and speed that the angler wants it to take.
2. Bucktail jig
The bucktail jig comes in different colors and shapes. What is so great about this jig is that it attracts a wide range of fish species. It is also better to use a tapered head bucktail.
3. The jig that closely resembles live bait (such as holographic live jig)
If the jig resembles live bait, there is a higher chance of tricking the fish in thinking that this is real fish or fly – effectively increasing your chances of hooking a big one.
4. Football-shaped jig
This jig is especially popular for bass fishing and was so-named because the head resembles that of a football.
5. Flipping jig
Although the flipping jig is great for seasoned anglers, many claims that this is difficult to use. Still, with technique, the jig will help you catch that elusive trophy fish.
Flats Fishing, Inshore Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Redfish Fishing
Date: 12/21/2010: iOutdoor fishing trip
Customer: Bob Gotkowski and family
Captain: Rocky-Mosquito Lagoon
Monster Redfishing
The Gostkowski family fished a gorgeous December day with Capt. Roland in the north Indian River near Titusville, Florida. The native Chicagoans were here to drink in the sun and warmth while seeing the sights. After doing some bird and dolphin watching the trio was ready for some fishing.
The redfish started moving into the shallows to feed just before noon and the Gotkowskis were waiting to greet them. A double hook-up was scored by mom and dad right off the bat with both fish well over the slot limit and nearing 20 pounds.
Twelve-year-old Michael Gostkowski, who just had hand surgery and only had the use of one hand, was the next to hook up. He worked the reel, mom worked the rod and dad keeled over laughing. It had to be one of the funniest displays of fishing I have ever seen. After a long battle, the biggest fish of the day was finally landed, photographed and released. The fish weighed approximately 25 lbs. Afterwards, Bob commented, “This experience was just like the fishing shows we’ve watched on TV, except our fish were bigger.”’
Check out Capt Roland’s profile:
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How do you POLE a FLATS boat?
Fishing on a flats boat is a unique experience because you can get pretty close to your target with this skinny watercraft. Imagine a quiet morning where it’s just you on your flats boat, your push pole in your hand, and as you glide slowly across the waters, a Redfish comes so close that you could trace the pattern of black patches on its red scales! This extraordinary fishing experience is only possible of course if you know how to pole a flats boat.
Don’t be intimidated by the popular notion that flats boat poling is difficult. It’s actually quite easy. You just have to be familiar and be comfortable in steering the boat. The best thing to take note of is that you are driving your skiff from the transom, and naturally you must steer the boat in the direction of your target area from the rear.
In moving straight ahead, you need to place the foot of the push pole on the rear of the boat, right in the center. Your target area must be parallel with the boat’s centerline. Push until you reach your target area. It’s best to position your push pole foot near the engine and drive it right to the bottom of the river.
It makes steering a whole lot easier. In poling a flats boat though, your goal is always to reach your target area, and you may do this in a straight line, or in a diagonal pattern. As long as you’re poling towards your desired area, you’re good to go.
Poling is perfected in Miami and The Keys where guides and anglers chase skinny water fish 365 days a year.
Flats Fishing, Fly Fishing, Inshore Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Islamorada Fishing, Key West Fishing, Permit Fishing, Redfish Fishing, Snook Fishing, Tarpon Fishing
What is a Flats Boat and what is it used for in the Keys?
A Flats Boat, also known as a skiff, is a saltwater fishing boat commonly used in Flats fishing in Florida and is perfect to use in protected, shallow coastal waters.
Features of a Flats Boat
The Flats Boat is the best and most durable fishing boat to use when fishing in protected, shallow waters that is 12 inches deep. There are also models though that can safely glide through the water as thin as 5 inches. This boat normally spans a length of 15 to 25 feet and is equipped with outboard engine propulsion. It can comfortably accommodate two to three people and can be maneuvered with the use of a pole. Most Flats Boats are designed to have enough casting deck space for fishing and ample storage area for fishing equipment and gears.
Flats Fishing in Florida Keys
Florida is one of the best places to fish including the flats or the shallow areas of the sea which are abundant with grass. These shallow, grassy areas are home to crustaceans that serve as food to predatory fishes. Those who want to catch these fishes may head to the Florida Keys as the area is rich in marine life that thrives in shallow waters. The best fishing vessel to use when fishing in these parts of the Keys is the Flats Boat.
A Flats Boat would perfectly run over the shallow waters of Florida Keys, providing you the convenience that will increase your chances of finding a trophy-worthy catch. Possible catches in the Keys through flats fishing include species like the bonefish, redfish, snook, and tarpon.
Choosing a Flats Boat
There are several charter companies in the Florida Keys, from which you can rent out a Flats Boat. You could also choose to purchase one should flats fishing is your regular hobby.
When finding a Flats Boat to rent or purchase, use one that will provide you a stable in shallow waters. You should also choose one that is quite otherwise it would be futile to catch a fish with all noise the engine makes. So as not to get wet, also choose a Flats Boat that provides a smooth ride since you will be standing most of the time. In most cases, the larger the size of the boat, the more stable it is. You could also choose a Flats Boat that has extra accessories like a custom flats helm tower.
The quality of the Flats Boat can also be influenced by its brand. So also take note of the following reputable manufacturers of Flats Boats:
- Action Craft
- Hells Bay
- Sterling
- Century Coastline
- Flats Cat
- Egret
- Ranger
- Sea Hunter
![Snook Migratory Habits]()
Backcountry Fishing, Everglades Fishing, Flamingo Fishing, Flats Fishing, Fly Fishing, Inshore Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Snook Fishing
Snook Migratory Habits
Snook are fish that live either in saltwater or fresh water. Tricky to catch, Snook are still much sought-after because of their delicious meat and the challenge of catching one. Like most fish, Snook are cold blooded animals. Thus, they rely on the water temperature to regulate the temperature of their bodies. Cold temperatures are detrimental to the health of this fish species and sudden drops in temperature can be deadly. Thus, Snook have to migrate to warmer waters such as Flamingo in the Florida Keys when winter begins.
The migration patterns largely depend on where they are currently located, what temperature that location has, and in what direction is the warmer body of water. Snook migrating through the waters of Florida follow an east to west pattern, as opposed to the usual north to south that many fish species do.
Snook can easily move from freshwater to salt water and vice versa. Those who have observed them swim upstream say that they stay close to the center of the water body – be it a large river or a small creek. Also, Snook love to travel during day time.
The problem with migrating Snook is that they ignore your bait, most of the time, no matter how delicious it might be. They are also easily spooked so fly fishing for Snook can be frustrating. In fact, Snook are the most difficult to catch when they are migrating. Still, if you try to be as subtle as you can, you’d probably be able to entice one to take your bait.
Snook Fishing in Florida:
Snook Fishing in Florida in the ultimate inshore fishing experience. You truly can’t beat the action especially once the snook move in during their migrations. Most of the migrations are due to mating and that search for warmer weather. Summer months are the most productive months to catch them but also the time of year that you can’t harvest them. According to FWC, Dec. 15- Jan. 31st and June 1st- Aug. 31st seasons of harvest are closed.
September 1st brings about one of the most incredible times to go Night Fishing in Fort Lauderdale. Inshore Fishing for these elusive beasts will be one of the most action packed fishing adventures of your lifetime!
