One of the most popular and most successful places to fish in the East Central Florida region is Haulover Canal. Haulover Canal connects the Mosquito Lagoon with the Indian River and is part of the Intercoastal Waterway. The canal is heavily trafficked by boats moving from one body of water to the other, fishing the canal and by sight seers. This is also a great location to catch fish moving back and forth from the river and lagoon.
Because the canal is littered with large rocks and debris through most of its length, one of the more successful methods of fishing this area is to free line live bait. Free Lining is a fishing technique that uses no terminal tackle (wights, swivels, beads etc…) other than a hook. The bait is put on the hook and allowed to swim, or crawl, freely. This technique allows for a very natural bait presentation as well as it helps keep the bait from getting snagged in rocks other obstructions along the bottom.
Haulover Canal Current
The current at Haulover Canal can range from stagnate to very strong. Flow fluctuates in direction based on prevailing winds and moon conditions. This current will dictate how a free lined bait is fish, or if it is even possible.
– No Current
When no current is present, free lining is fairly easy and quite effective. Simply cast your bait in the area you think fish will be located and let it swim around until it is eaten!
– Low Current
When a small amount of current is present, cast your bait about 20-40 feet up-current of your target. All the current to naturally drift your bait through the strike zone. If the bait is not taken, allow it to drift about 20-40 feet past your target and start again.
– Medium Current
When there is a fair amount of current present the technique is similar to low current with a few small tweaks. Cast the bait AS FAR up-current of your target as possible. This will allow your bait to be in the water longer and drift further. The rest is the same as low current.
– High Current
If you are fishing in high current, free lining can be difficult if not impossible. The best method is to be directly up-current of your target and allow the bait to drift, and hold in your target area, IF POSSIBLE. If this is not possible, you may have try different techniques.
Bait
Some baits perform better free lined than others, but here is a list of great free lined baits for Haulover Canal
- Live Finger Mullet
- Live Pinfish
- Live Pigfish
- Live Shrimp
- Live Crabs
