IRL: John Kumiski

Creek Week Central Florida Fishing Report
I paddle fished solo three times this week, at three different creeks- the creek week central Florida fishing report.

The Indian River Lagoon Chronicles is now available as a paperback book, either from me or from amazon…

Upcoming Events-
-Fishing Seminar, Kayaks by Bo, March 17. In case you missed the first one. Please call to make a reservation (321) 474-9365
-Mosquito Lagoon On-the-Water Show and Tell Seminar, March 18. Learn the Mosquito Lagoon by boat! See this link…

Tuesday
My charter cancelled at the last possible minute. Within minutes the kayak was tied to the car roof and I was heading to St. Johns county, to Faver-Dykes State Park.

Last time I was there the boat ramp was mud. Now there’s a real boat ramp with a dock!

The boat was launched into Pellicer Creek and pointed east. The water was dark, not moving. It was quiet and no bites were forthcoming. An otter and several raccoons were observed, though.

I reached Pellicer Flats, where slimy filamentous green algae was found in clumps. The oysters looked healthy but I did not see a fish, or get a bite.

As I returned to the creek the water was moving, an incoming tide. After three hours of nothing, the first bite surprised me and I missed it. The second bite prompted a drop of the anchor. For an hour action was steady on the plastic shad, seatrout and a couple reds, nothing big, but all appreciated after staring down the skunk.

Wednesday
I’ve lived in central Florida since 1984, had at least one paddle vessel that entire time, and had never been on Turnbull Creek. That changed Wednesday.

It’s a beautiful little creek, winding through cordgrass marsh, surrounded by oak woods. The wind was blowing hard enough that just a few minutes out the road noise from US 1 was gone.

My first bite was a seatrout about six inches long. My second bite was a snook about eight inches long. My third (and final) bite was a redfish about 12 inches long. So it took four hours of paddling but I got some kind of miniature slam, again on the plastic shad.

Thursday
Deciding to keep it real local, I went to the Econlockhatchee. The plastic shad did not produce a fish. The fly fooled several fish- a stumpknocker, a redbelly, three bluegills, and a six-inch largemouth bass.

I was testing out a new (for me) mouse pattern I saw in Fish Alaska magazine, which is what the bass came on. It needs some modification but I think it will be good.

Another fly I’m working on is a foam caddis fly imitation. I’m tired of my dry flies sinking. A foam fly won’t need floatant, either.

the foam caddis fly

And that is the creek week central Florida fishing report.

Life is great and I love my work!

Life is short- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com