Fresh Ozello Fishing Reports

The scallops have been great this year and are still going strong in about 3-7ft of water. The redfish bite has been steady, and the water is cooling some, so the trout have begun to show up on the flats and River mouths. Snook have been aggressive and their season opens September 1st as well as grouper.

The spring transition is in full force. the trout are moving out onto the reef and the redfish and snook are working their way out of the creeks and rivers and into the outer islands and flats. The bait is becoming more plentiful, so switching from shrimp and shrimp profiles to a live bait fish or bait fish profile has been really effective. The trout on this trip were caught on a nose hooked fluke in white. The redfish were caught on a live mud minnow free lined into the mangroves.

The Redfish bite is getting fired up with the water temps warming. We have been finding limits of quality reds in the mid to upper slot all week. They seem to be liking that cooler water from the start to the top of the incoming tide. Live shrimp or mud minnows on a 1/8 oz jig head under a popping cork, floating past the mangroves with the current is sure to get you bit. Watch for any cuts in the mangroves with flowing water as they will be holdng reds and snook both. With the water temps starting to rise don't overlook the artificial baits. Soft plastic jerk baits as well the Mirrolure Mirrodines are working very well. Slow your retrieve for the reds and speed it up a bit for the snook. The next couple of weeks looks great for inshore fishing. Don't forget there is less than a month until scallop season starts so get your fishing in now before the boat traffic. After July, early morning and late evening bites will be epic and will help you beat the heat!

If we had a dollar for every time our customers under 14 said “This is so much fun”, we could take every one of you scalloping on us! It’s not about limiting out folks but about the smiles, quality family time, and eco-system education. Our most frequently asked questions are about age limits and our answer is loud and clear, BRING US YOUR KIDS! Not only is a trip with us safe and fun for children, but the education on our natural science and memories are priceless!