NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The sea surface temperatures around the surf and the adjacent inlet waters of Volusia County have been in the 80s. Menhaden and large mullet are holding in these waters as are some tarpon but there have been no reported catches of tarpon. Catches of bluefish, pompano, and sharks provided the most action in these waters.
In Ponce Inlet area the main action is in redfish, trout and snook. Along the jetties there have been good catches of whiting and sheepshead and some large redfish. In Mosquito and Indian River Lagoons, there has been good redfish action and the trout bite is blazing. The best bait seems to be pigfish. In the Halifax River and the Tomoka River and Basin the redfish bite has been excellent using live shrimp, mullet and artificial (Gulp) baits.
In addition there were good flounder, sheepshead and trout bites. Offshore Captain Fred Robert landed a sailfish in 65 feet of water. Kingfish and cobia are still in the inshore waters. Offshore to the East, Captain Bruce Tippins released Genuine Red Snappers all day and landed numerous triggerfish, snappers, and groupers.
Florida Fish and Wildlife: Campfires banned on state lands due to drought
In light of significant drought conditions and the increased threat of wildfires, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in cooperation with the state Division of Forestry and other partner agencies, is continuing its executive order of June 16, prohibiting campfires in wildlife management areas, wildlife and environmental areas and all other lands it manages.
"Special regulations are necessary to mitigate risk to public safety and to minimize the likelihood of igniting fires that will adversely impact wildlife and wildlife habitat," said the order, signed by Nick Wiley, FWC executive director.
Both agencies have been dealing with multiple wildfires within wildlife management areas, wildlife and environmental areas and other lands managed by FWC.
Only cooking fires contained in commercially designed apparatuses are allowed. Any violation is considered a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. Law enforcement agencies on each respective state property are responsible for enforcing violations.
Capt. Budd's PostScript
It has been written “Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” So, whether you charter, ride a head boat, run your own vessel, stay in the river, surf fish, or fish from shore or a bridge, there are fish to be caught. Fishing is not a matter of life or death; it is so much more important than that.
Tight lines, Capt. Budd
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