Fishing Recommendations Ponce/Canaveral - The Hull Truth

Parthery · 05-18-2004, 08:31 AM

OK Experts...need some help...

We are bringing the Grady down next week and through Memorial Day to visit with friends and family in the Orlando area.* While we are there, I would like to put my grandfather (who got me started on this whole fishing/boating thing many moons ago) on some fish.

I remember from the past that one could catch flounder and an occasional blue in the turning basin at Canaveral but I suspect that for security reasons you may/may not be able to do that anymore.* Also used to be able to catch tripletail and*cobia at the buoys, but its been years.* Would be willing to venture offshore if the weather is right, but closer in would work as well.

Anyone have any recommendations on spots and/or rigs?* While numbers would be great, I know that most people are fiercely protective of them.* We are not looking to win a tourney, just put some fish in the box and have a good time.*

Thanks in advance...any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

MrPat · 05-18-2004, 09:16 AM

These are on the published charts:

Port Canaveral
Northeast Grounds (29' 13.37' / 80' 36.75')
Vera Cruz (28' 43.115 / 80' 22.752')
Turtle Mound Grounds (29' 00.87' / 80' 27.60')
Barge Wreck (28' 23.853' / 80' 12.815')
Benson Reef (28' 42.00' / 80' 26.50')
Korshorn-Wreck (28' 12.35' / 80' 28.65')
27 Fathom Reef (28' 43.75' / 80' 08.50')
Tug Boat Wreck (28' 07.85' / 80' 29.00')
Kingfish Grounds (28' 31.50' / 80' 23.00')
Artificial Reef Unnamed (28' 19.67' / 80' 33.35')
8A Reef South (28' 28.30' / 80' 19.50')
Buoy R"4" SE Shoal- (28' 23.48' / 80' 29.11')
8A Reef North ( 28' 31.25' / 80' 21.00')
Buoy R"10" (28' 24.60' / 80' 34.47')
Pelican Flats North (28' 19.75' / 80' 16.00')
Lead Wreck (28' 23.391 / 80' 17.324')
Pelican Flats South (28' 14.0 / 80' 13.59')
Buoy (28' 18.71' / 80' 28.48')
Carol Lee (28'36.217' / 80' 15.966')
Buoy R"2" (28' 22.85' / 80' 25.46')
Chris Benson Reef South (28' 42.00' / 80' 26.50') Scallop boat wreck (28' 10.50' / 80' 32.61')
Chris Benson Reef North (28'45.50' / 80' 27.25')
Wreck 2 (28' 12.47 / 80' 29.20')
Damocles (28' 24.427' / 80'16.713')
Liberty Wreck (28'12.256 / 80' 19.391')
Buoy G "3" Marks end of Channel (28' 22.50' / 80' 31.80')

You can't get into the turning basin for flounder, but you can fish off the rocks outside of the basin. Light jigs tipped with shrimp will do the trick.

Dolphin should be offshore if weather permits. Find the weed lines and troll them up!

I have not fished for trips, but do check the buoys. With all this east wind we should gave some weeds is shallow. Check those for trips also.

Hit some wrecks with jigs for some fun with amberjack! Also, the tarpon should be on the beach by then. When you leave the port, turn right and head toward the Cocoa Beach Pier. Look for birds on bait schools. You may find tarpon in very close to the beach.

Pat

Parthery · 05-20-2004, 03:59 PM

Pat...thanks for the response...its greatly appreciated.

goincatchin · 05-24-2004, 03:00 PM

I would try to avoid Ponce next weekend as it is the Striking Fish Tourney and it will be a zoo.

Reelnative · 05-24-2004, 07:08 PM

I heard they are slamming the Dolphin off Sebastian right now. Supposed to be real thick, I would go for it, if it's rough you have some inshore fishing, if not troll outside.

Good area to Fish !

Sea_Dad · 05-26-2004, 07:58 AM

the seas will be 2 - 3 with a slight northeast swell. All freeking weekend long. It's gonna be a great time to be on the water.

http://www.sstcharts.com/

look in the java processed northeast florida for the port. you can do waypoints to plan your attack. but in general start trolling at 90 feet and head out to 250 if you have to go that far. pay particular attention around the temp breaks, and slicks. they have been slamming the fins in 90 - 100 - 110 depending on the day and where.

I will be listening in on 68 just yell for sea dad.

don · 05-27-2004, 07:06 PM

Bottom fishing outside both will be good if you find some live bottom.

sapnfish · 05-28-2004, 10:58 PM

I would drive an hour or so further south and hit sebastian or ft. pierce. The fishing is much better there.

Parthery · 05-29-2004, 05:42 PM

Actually, we turned west...

Just got in from Homosassa...2 trout, a mackerel, a ladyfish, and 2 grouper...and we were back on the trailer and headed back toward Orlando by 12:30.

The new boat catches fish...the curse has been shattered.* And the Homosassa river is beautiful...just stay in the middle of the channel...gets shallow in a big hurry.

Tomorrow the admiral has indicated that her preference is a ride down the St Johns to Silver Glen...have to enjoy the last day before we head back north on Monday

VHF will be on 16 if anyone is headed that way.

don · 05-30-2004, 02:20 PM

one of my regular crew fished ponce saturday and got 13 red snapper fron 12pounds up to 24 pounds.....I jhad a funeral to go to.

Sea_Dad · 06-03-2004, 02:07 PM

We pulled 150 pounds of dolphin aboard. It was a great weekend.

We marked some outstanding snapper trees on the 27 fathom ledge. If if gets boring trolling I plan to go raid the cookie jar.

Parthery · 06-03-2004, 02:53 PM

Just keep rubbing it in...we did eat one good meal though.

Sea_Dad · 06-03-2004, 03:33 PM

For me being in the boat is all I need. Catching the fish is the topping to a great time already being enjoyed.

Here's josh my son with his 30 lb'r. It alone stuffed 2 large freezer bags.

Parthery · 06-03-2004, 04:39 PM

I agree....just being out on the water makes the day.

You keep the boat at Canaveral?* We used to keep one at Coghill's about 15 years ago.

Sea_Dad · 06-03-2004, 05:59 PM

No, we trailer it over from orlando. I live about 3 miles from the beeline expressway, so it's a cinch to tow it.