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Central Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Ron Bielefeld
January 20, 2001
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian and Sebastian River Report
On Monday Walter Elden, his son-in-law Ed, and I went out to try our luck on the Sebastian and Indian Rivers. Well, some skill is involved, but a little good luck never hurts. It was extremely foggy when we left so we put in on the Sebastian River and started casting for ladyfish and jacks. The action was fair with several ladies and jacks falling for our crystal minnows. After getting the reels and rods warmed up, and the fog cleared, we ventured out to the Indian River after trout. The day before, I had taken two gators (27” and 28”) off a flat in 2 feet of water on jerk baits in just a few minutes of fishing, so we tried the same area. However, after a couple of drifts without any takers we switched to deeper water and live shrimp. We were able to boat several trout to 15” and one sea cat. Water temps never exceeded 63 degrees so the action was pretty slow. Walt and Ed had a good time and learned some new techniques they can apply on their home waters. Hey, catching fish is great, but the name of the game is having fun and maybe even learning a little something at the same time. I know I learn something just about every time I am on the water. The day before with sun and calmer conditions the water temps reached 68 degrees in the same areas. I look for the magic 70 degree mark. Can’t wait to get there. The approaching cold front may delay my bliss a little longer, but it will get warmer and calmer. Won’t it?
A couple of other trips to the Sebastian River during the week resulted in some great top-water action for ladyfish, jacks, and tarpon. For those of you who have experienced tarpon attacking a top-water lure you know that the sight will get even the most weathered angler’s pulse racing. For those of you who have not experienced this may lay, now through May, with April and May being the best, is a great time. 30 and 40 fish in an hour, no not tarpon, jacks and lady fish, was not uncommon when the fish turned on late in the day. One trip up the south prong netted a snook and redfish among numerous ladies and jacks. Saw a few tarpon rolling, but no hook-ups.
To sum up, most of the fish still are using relatively deep water. They are venturing into shallow water when water temps are suitable, but those times are still rare. Look for warm water and areas calm enough to fish and you should find some body willing to take your bait. Deeper holes around spoil islands with associated flats, deep areas in the Sebastian River, and shallow grass areas 2-3 feet deep when they warm up to near 70 degrees have been producing some fish. For the trout, fish very slowly with jerk baits or live shrimp.
Until next time, keep casting, and hopefully catching!
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron
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