The red drum is one of the most sought after fish
along the Space Coast. Pound for pound, this fish is one of the flats' strongest.
These fish can be spotted as far away as 200 feet when they are feeding on the
bottom with their tails sticking out of the water. The most common way to catch these fish
is to stalk them across the flats, trying to cast as close as possible without
spooking them. Once you have landed one of these powerful fish you'll be hooked.
Common Redfish sizes average from 30 to
50+ inches, or 15 to 40 lbs. Currently the state record is 52 lbs.,
5 oz. Numerous state records have been caught in
the Cocoa Beach area.
Unlike their red cousin, these drum are usually
caught in the deep water around bridges with live or dead bait. These fish are true
powerhouses, taking a strong arm to pull them up into the boat. I have seen these
fish break 100 pound test like it was thread as they made their run.
Common Black Drum sizes range from 10 to 60+ inches,
with the average around 25 lbs. Currently the state record is 96 lbs.
The snook is another greatly desired fish found in the
Indian River. Not only is it a strong competitor, it can move as fast as lightning. There
are few things better in life than watching one of these monsters grab a top-water lure.
This fish is most commonly found around shaded or rocky areas. However, it is not uncommon
to find them moving across the flats in the early morning hours.
Common Snook sizes range from 5 to 8 lbs. on the flats.
Currently the state record is 44 lbs. 3 oz.
The Spotted Seatrout is one of the most common fish caught
in the Indian River and a lot of fun on light tackle. These fish will hit almost anything
that moves, anywhere in the river. Because of the number of people that caught these fish
in the 50’s and 60's, this area of Florida was called the "Trout Capital of The
World". Unfortunately, over-fishing by net fisherman in the 70's to early 90's made
it hard to find them. Five years ago, a law banning net fishing in the river was passed,
and now their numbers are exploding. There has even been talk of bringing back the name,
"Trout Capital".
Common Trout sizes range from 10 to 36 inches or 1 to
12 lbs.
Currently the state record is 17 lbs. 7 oz.
You may think trout are a lot of fun but you haven't had a
good time till you’ve caught a Jack. It doesn't matter how big or small, these fish
will run you ragged when they are in a feeding frenzy. I have followed schools of 2 to 3
pounders around till my arms were so sore I couldn't hold my rod. These fish are most
commonly found near schools of bait fish. If you want to hook into something that packs a
big punch for its size, you have to give these fish a try.
Common Jack Crevalle sizes range from 12 to 30 inches or 1
to 15 lbs. Currently the state record is 57 lbs.
If you are looking for power and size, tarpon are your fish.
They are the largest, most powerful of our part-time river residents. Unfortunately, the
larger fish (100 to 170 lbs.) are only here for a short time in the spring and fall. But
when they are here, Hold On! You haven't felt the power of the flats till you hook into
one of these giants.
Common tarpon sizes range from 20 to 60 lbs. Currently the
state record is 243 lbs.
The smaller cousin of the tarpon, the lady fish is anything
but what its name suggests. These fish will hit a lure as fast as it hits the water, and
when they do, most of the time they head straight for the air. Don't let their size fool
you, this fish has a lot of heart. They are also a lot of fun on light tackle
and fly. These fish are a great
way to teach the little ones how to fight a fish.
Common Ladyfish sizes range from 1 to 3 lbs. Currently the
state record is 6 lbs.
