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Central Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Ron Bielefeld
January 28, 2003
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Capt. Ron Bielefeld's Indian River Report - Sebastian Area
The weather is starting to warm up, but water temps are still on the cold side. The cold water and rather windy conditions have made fishing difficult. Fish are feeding sporadically and they are very finicky when they do feed. Small jigs worked slowly in deeper water (greater than 5 ft.) have produced some small trout, jacks, and ladyfish. As the week progresses the water should warm. Once the water reaches the mid-60s the fish should become much more active. And for those of you who don’t know, the best times are yet to come. Plan on taking some time off to hit water hard when the water temps reach 70 for the first time this spring. Why? Well, just fish a few days on the flats when this benchmark is reached and you will quickly find out.
The water also is very clear in many areas. This is great for the sea grasses once the water warms up enough for them to start growing again, but it makes it very difficult to get close to wary fish. Make longer casts and be a quiet as you can while the water remains clear and you will catch more fish. Wading is a great way to get close under these conditions, and most other conditions for that matter. However, be careful while the water is cold. Getting wet is no big deal when it is hot and the water is warm, but it can be deadly under conditions like we have recently experienced.
On a slightly different subject, I recently heard from a couple of readers that were confused about the use of the term “flat, ” as in “flats fishing.” They have seen the term used to describe areas a few inches deep to 6 feet deep. Although there is no one true definition of a “flat,” I use the term to describe any relatively distinct area of fairly large size that is shallower than the area around it. Shallow areas of small size I call “humps.” In the Indian River Lagoon, to me, the area has to be pretty shallow and support grass beds to be called a flat. Only during very high water do any of the areas I call flats have 6 ft. of water over them. In the areas I fish, 5-6 ft. of water is deep water, and areas 3-4 ft. deep usually pertain to edges flats. So, when you read my reports at least you know what I mean when I use the term “flat.” Pray for warmer weather!
Until Next Time – Tight-Lines to All
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron
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