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Central Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Ron Bielefeld
February 7, 2003
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Capt Ron Bielefeld's Indian River Report - Sebastian Area
The last few trips have seen variable weather; cool, warm, windy, calm. The current water temp is hovering around 65 degrees.
The fishing has been steady with the best time being the last hour before dark. During other periods of the day catching has been sporadic on and around the flats, islands, and mangroves (the water is low so most mangrove shorelines are out of the water). We have been averaging about 20 fish per trip. Almost all the action has been from trout (jacks, ladyfish, and a few reds thrown in). None of the fish have been large, but many are keeper size to 3 lbs. The trout and other species have been taking DOA shrimp, Ripetide Weedless shrimp, and top-water plugs. The fish we have been targeting have been in shallow water from 1-2 feet deep. The water is very clear in most areas around Sebastian. This may explain why the fish are feeding during low light, to gain the advantage over their prey that can see very well in the clear water. Also, this is the time of day when water temps are the highest. Although the water temps have not been increasing dramatically from morning through evening.
On a general note, water levels are very low in the Lagoon, so please be careful navigating. Running across very shallow areas does nothing but spook fish and ruin grass beds. Yes, even the ones you can’t see right now. Most of the grass has senesced to a point that only the rhizomes persist. These rhizomes can be injured just like the adult plant if you dredge a trail through the bottom with your prop and lower unit. So, please, use a trolling motor, pole, or wade into these areas. Believe me you will catch more and bigger fish if you do, now and in the future.
The weather forecast is for a bit cooler weather, but nothing too drastic. Hopefully water temps will hold or slightly increase over the next few weeks. As water temps do warm over the spring the fishing will continue to improve.
My tip for this report- fish shallow for the larger fish
Until next time, Tight-Lines to all
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron
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