Redfish in Florida
4:30AM Titusville, FL July 16th 89 Degrees
It feels like I was at the Costa sunglasses party only an hour ago. In fact, it’s been a quick six hours of sleep, sushi, and a short drive from Orlando, Florida to the Casa Coquina Bed and Breakfast in Titusville, Florida. We checked into an 89 year old bed and breakfast, which sits beside the Indian River.
I woke up to the sound of a gong and our ring leader, Joe Lamantia from Mid-States, flipping on lights. Paul Considine, our buyer, Rob Bolke also from Mid-States, and I cleared the Costa party blur from our eyes. Looking around, we found ourselves waking up in a museum of world market items, in a room named the Black Pearl.
Coffee was waiting for us, and so was our guide, Scott Macalla of Backcast Charters. I bought two hot dogs, slow roasted at the gas station for brunch on the boat, and we all headed out to Mosquito Lagoon in search of redfish.
Mosquito Lagoon is perhaps the most diverse estuary in North America. The beauty of this place is unparalleled on the Florida coastline, and conservation efforts in the area aim to keep it that way. For over 10,000 years, it’s been a source of livelihood for the indigenous Timucuan tribe. So, getting a chance to get out on these waters was a must for me and Paul.Our guides, Scott and Troy, know this area and its redfish as well as anyone.
By 6 a.m., I’ve botched three opportunities. Scott dropped me off on a flat, probably hoping one of these fish would give me a pity eat, while he poled Paul in to the first redfish of the day. That was not the way I intended to start two days of redfishing with Paul, and I knew I was in for some serious commentary from the peanut gallery. When Paul and I fish, there is a winner and there is a loser. Scott called Troy on his cell. Joe and Rob were crushing it as well. So, it was me and not the redfish. Luckily Scott’s a patient guide, and talented at getting his anglers in "hard to screw this up" situations. I roasted my second hot dog on the deck and watched Paul land another nice redfish, or maybe I had caught one by then? I can’t remember.
Check out our destination package to Christmas Island if you're in the mood for some more fish pics.
I do know one thing. On my first trip to the Bahamas, a long time ago, Ian Davis told me, "The people that learn to have the most fun always do the best out here." That was probably nine years ago, in 2007. I am really good at it now. I think Scott would agree. I retaliated on Paul. We got into an aggressive verbal trash talk session as we rotated spots on the casting deck:each redfish. We caught a bunch that day, but honestly, how many fish do you need to catch to have a great experience? For me, that would be zero. Gratefully, today, it was a lot more than that.
We got back to the dock, Troy ate the other hot dog after I told him about my slow roasting technique on the deck of the boat (100 degrees slow roasted in the Florida humidity). Rob and Joe had landed a dozen redfish and half a dozen trout as well. Afterwards, we headed for margaritas and stuffed jalapeños at the Mexican restaurant next to "the Pearl." Flip Pallot was having dinner there; that’s a good sign.
We took an Uber down the road to Port Canaveral to have dinner with Scott and his wife. I didn’t think I liked oysters, but I guess I do now. Rob learned that the Buffalo Club is a real thing. Melissa and Scott have a newborn and are learning that life is real now. Joe learned that Paprika shouldn’t be on crab legs. Paul learned that Rob was an easy target (which is sort of an inside joke so, I’m sorry if you’ve read this far and don’t get it, but please use your imagination). We all learned that the Mexican place next to the Pearl doesn’t have "to go" drinks, but you can get a drink and leave with it.
Day 2
The gong rang again at 4:30 a.m., two feet from bed. Melissa offered PB&J sandwiches. We skipped the incredible offer of the gas station hot dogs and went straight to the lagoon. Paul caught a redfish in two minutes. I caught a redfish in two hours. I literally let four redfish spit the hook on me before finally getting it done. Scott was impressed. Of course, we called over to Troy, Rob, and Joe who were landing more fish than yesterday. I put my little brain to work on some creative trash talk for my friend Paul, and got my head back in the game, and we experienced a great comeback that day. Scott’s point system got out of control, but in the end Paul and I tied. Dead even.
If you are in the Orlando area for anything, it’s a half an hour over to Mosquito Lagoon to fish with Scott or Troy. If you want to know where all the hot mullet and catfish sighting spots are, you can contact me. I can point you in the right direction. I spotted tons of them in the lagoon. However, for redfish and sea trout, Scott Macalla and Troy Perez are a better option. A huge thank you to our guides, as well as, Scott’s wife, Melissa. Thank you for making us those PB&J’s and for offering some incredible hospitality.