Are Mayan Cichlid any good eating? Fun Ultra light inshore fishing for lunch.

Aug. 16th 2024
Have a little time this morning, so I wanted to check a few spots. This week, i did some shore fishing and kayak fishing and got skunked each time. Fishing has been a grind. Hot humid weather, random storms, and some milky dirty water.
Finding clear water or grass seems to be key to hooking up lately here on the Space coast of Florida in areas like the Indian River Lagoon and the Mosquito Lagoon.
Today, I'm headed to Cocoa Beach, the banana river side. Try a few spots i know, ponds, canals, and docks. Then head back to merrit Island and also try Sykes Creek.
Some action but no luck, very picky fish.....so i change the game plan.
Let's catch some lunch. I have been seeing many lately catching Mayan cichlid and saying how good they are....well lets find out.
We are using a z-man micro jig.
I caught a few good-sized ones and ended up taking home two to try out.
From the water to my cast iron skillet....under an hour. Doesn't get more fresh than that.
Wow, it's not fishy. a nice flaky white meat. Great blackened and on some crackers. Definitely try it sometime.