|
Central Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Ron Bielefeld
August 10, 2002
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Capt. Ron Bielefeld's August 10, 2002 fishing report - Indian River Lagoon, Sebastian Area
The mainstay over the past two weeks has been trout. There have been mornings when literally every cast was greeted by a strike. When the wind has been up producing a nice chop the action has lasted past noon. The trout have been running from 15 inches to 5 pounds, with the majority of the fish in the 15 to 18 inch range. Top-water plugs have been the most effective by far. Some fish will take jigs and live shrimp, but the pin fish are so numerous that these techniques have proven to be less productive. The fish have been holding along the edges of grass flats in about 3.5 to 5 feet of water. However, with the recent rains and cooler ( a relative term during August in south Florida) temperatures, water temps have dipped to 80 degrees in the mornings. Consequently, the trout have moved up into shallower water of about 2 feet. These areas are full of glass minnows, small mullet, and pinfish - perfect food for hungry trout.
Snook have been active very early in the mornings and late in the evenings along mangrove shorelines and docks. Most of the fish are taking top-water plugs and soft jerk baits. We had a fish in the 20 lb class up to the boat two evenings ago, but this fish ended up eating our lunch. Snook, continue to teach me lessons like to use heavier tackle when fishing for them near mangroves and docks. Out on the flats you can get away with using a medium light rod and 14 lb fluorocarbon, but near the mangrove it is best to go to a medium-heavy to heavy 7 ft rod with 20 – 30 lb flouro, or you will loose the bigger fish as they take your line and lure home with them into the labyrinth of roots. You must be able to turn fish quickly to keep them in the clear and this takes a rod and reel with a bit more beef.
Reds have been spotty, but we have been able to hook up on a few now and then on top-water and jerk baits on the flats late in the mornings. The fish have been located in fairly shallow water amongst the grass.
The strong east to northeast winds of late have made getting off the beaches a non-option. So, the Spanish and tarpon will have to wait until conditions calm down. Soon, as cooler temps and the bait from the north arrive, the fishing will do nothing but get better. This tends to happen in about mid- to late September and into October. During this period, the flounder will run, and snook, trout, and reds will look to fatten up on the new flush of food. A urge all to get during this period and take advantage of the end of the dog-days. Until, then take what you can get.
Until next time,
Tight-Lines to all.
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron
More Fishing Reports:
|
|
|
|