Big Redfish are Back
Capt. Tom Van Horn
February 14, 2010
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, February 12, 2010
By Captain Tom Van Horn
As in my last report, foul weather has been our dominant concern this past week on the Indian River Lagoon Coast of Florida, and the week ahead looks even colder. Although not freezing, back to back passing cold fronts have generated windy, cloudy and cold conditions, and as I sit here composing this report, snow flurries are predicted in north Florida. The good news is as each front passes; the closer we are to spring.
Even though the weather has been difficult, I still managed to fish on several occasion this past week with limited success. My first trip was on Monday where I was joined by Paul and Lee Faircloth as we ventured down to the St Johns River for some American Shad fishing. The American shad run has been slow for me thus far, and on Monday it still hadn't improved. The weather was actually very nice for us, but I wish I could say the same about the catching. At the end of five hours of fishing, Paul managed four hook ups on shad with one Palm Beach release boat side, and Lee and I each ended the day with only a few crappie.
Hopefully, the shad run will pick up before the Shad Rally on the 20th at CS Lee Park east of Geneva.
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of fishing the Mosquito Lagoon as part of a four boat charter. As usual it was cold and very windy by Florida standards, but for our fine Canadian guest it was like a spring day. My plan was to avoid the wind and cold as much as I could by soaking blue crab in protected areas. This tactic paid off for us as we boated three redfish ranging from 36 to 40 inches. In addition to our catch, the three other boats returned with decent catches which just goes to show that the fish will bite notwithstanding the weather.
In closing, if you are in or would like to be in the Shad Derby, registrations are still ongoing at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, and a free seminar on shad fishing will be conducted at the Shad Rally from 10 am to noon on Saturday February 20th at CS Lee Park in east of Geneva on Hwy 46, compliments of Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando and Fishing Florida Radio. For more details on the Shad Derby go to www.fishingfloridaradio.com.
Also, be sure to check out the new February addition of Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando in print and online for free at www.coastalanglermagazine.com.
As always, if you have questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
[email protected]
407-366-8085 office
407-416-1187 on the water
For all you outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors at www.mosquitocreek.com.
Target Species:
Redfish
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