Plentiful bait means fast Daytona action

[CaptScott]

Week of July 8-14, 2012
Halifax River – After a stellar couple of weeks, the bite has slowed considerably. The fish must be biting between 3 and 6 in the morning because that’s the only time I haven’t fished. As the moon starts to wane, the fish will return to their usual patterns. Leading up to full moon, the Halifax was the place for big trout and sheepshead.
The shrimp continue their run. The largest concentrations of eating size shrimp are being caught North of Dunlaughton. However, good numbers of bait shrimp can still be caught all the way up to the first island north of Granada.

Tomoka River –Similar results from the Tomoka. After an incredible couple of days leading into the full moon, the bite stopped cold. When it heats back up, expect reds, snook, tarpon, blackdrum, and flounder to be active. I prefer to work the banks with artificials while slow towing 10-inch mullet out the back for tarpon.

Tomoka Basin--Large pods of menhaden and mullet are gathering in the basin. Look for trout and tarpon to be present wherever pelicans and gulls are diving. Again, slow troll either bait far back from the boat, while tossing artificials on any rolling or hitting fish.

Volusia County Surf Report—The most productive areas are holding lots of sand fleas. Look for them where the surf meets the sand. If you find them, expect pompano, whiting, and drum to be around. Mullet seem to be almost everywhere. If they are free jumping don’t expect any predators to be lurking. However, if they are being chased and routinely scattering on the surface there’s no telling what might be lurking, but sharks, snook, tarpon, mackerel, or reds, are possibilities.