IRL John Kumiski, 9/17/2016

Orlando Fishing Report, version 91716

Yes, we have a little bit of good news in this week’s version of the Orlando Fishimg Report.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mosquito Lagoon Show and Tell Fishing Seminar, October 15

Mosquito Lagoon On-the-Water Show and Tell Fishing Seminar, October 16

FOR SALE

EZ Loader Trailer- http://orlando.craigslist.org/bpo/5764303987.html

Wurlitzer Piano- http://orlando.craigslist.org/msg/5764347708.html

One of my Aunt Huguette’s last wishes was that I spread her ashes at sea. Monday morning I wanted to discharge that responsibility. As I prepped the boat for launch at Port Canaveral a 22′ Pathfinder came to the dock. Its occupants backed a trailer down and loaded her up. I walked over and asked them what it was like out there, in spite of the fact that the 15 mph winds out of the east made the answer pretty darn obvious. “Nasty,” they said. “We couldn’t get out.”

I tied the Mitzi back onto the trailer and drove to the St. Johns River, running up the Econ for a couple hours of fruitless casting. Huguette’s ashes currently sit on my kitchen table. Hopefully this week coming I can carry out her wish.

Wednesday morning saw a leisurely launch of the kayak at Mosquito Lagoon (get ready for the good news portion here). Within ten minutes I had seen four redfish. I got off the boat and started wading, looking. The first fish I threw to bit, a decent red of about 24 inches. There were bald eagles, spoonbills, manatees, dolphins, more redfish, lots of big mullet- it was an outstanding angling experience.

I ended up with four reds, an Atlantic croaker (first one I’ve ever gotten in Mosquito Lagoon), a hooked and lost red, and the usual missed shots and blown opportunities. It was solid fishing, all with a six-weight, in spite of the wind, clouds, and dirty water.

Thursday I joined Capt. Chris Myers for some more Mosquito Lagoon fishing, although the start was not nearly as leisurely, since we out there shortly after first light. I don’t generally get up that early to fish anymore, but there is undeniably a magic about watching the day unfold. Anyhow…

Chris put me on a pod of tailing reds right away. A cast, a bite, a twelve inch seatrout. The reds disappeared.

Between us we had at least a dozen shots at tailing redfish. All mine were with the same black redfish worm I’d used so successfully the previous day. There were no conversions. Chris tried with both fly and spin tackle, for no conversions as well. So finding the tailers and getting the shots worked pretty well. Getting the fish to bite did not work at all.

Still I always enjoy fishing with Chris, who’s an outstanding angler. Thank you sir, next one is on me.

I hope the east wind quits soon so I can check the ocean!

And that is the Orlando fishing report, version 91716!

Life is great and I love my work!

Life is short- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski