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Central Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Ron Bielefeld
April 2, 2004
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Capt. Ron Bielefeld's Indian River Lagoon Report-Sebastian Area
The fishing conditions this past week or so can be described with one word WINDY! Winds 20-30 miles per hour for more than a week straight do not make for the best conditions to catch a lot of fish and the wind continues even today at close to 20 mph. Despite the windy conditions, trout, redfish, and snook have been active. The windy and cooler conditions have demanded that you work your lures properly to achieve the best presentation; something that is always important if you want to maximize your catch, but even more critical when conditions are challenging.
Top-water time has arrived! After a long winter without my fix of top-water explosions the time has again arrived to take advantage of the warming water conditions. The larger trout are on the flats (they almost always are) and the water has warmed to the point where they will bust a top-water plug with gusto. We have been targeting shallow grass flats with plenty of sand pockets and bait. Watch for feeding birds (pelicans and terns) and fish these areas by drifting or poling. Throw a spook or popper as far down wind as possible and work the bait with a medium pace. If the conditions are very windy make sure you impart the maximum amount of action to the plug. This does not mean working it fast with a lot of movement back toward the boat, but with a lot of splash and rattle with medium to slow movement back toward the boat. When you get a strike resist the temptation to set the hook immediately, but wait until you feel the fish then raise your rod tip. Even veteran anglers are prone to this knee jerk reaction. If you strike before you feel the fish you will likely pull the plug right out of the fishes mouth. If the conditions are calm (rare these days) we have been turning to Rip Tide Brand Weedless Shrimp and Pins Minnows once the sun has been up for a few minutes to continue the action. Again, make sure you get enough action on these lures or your strikes will be few and far between.
Snook has been increasingly active and they have been taking top-water plugs right along with the trout. The snook have been on the flats, but most of our action has been around the mangroves.
Redfish have been using very shallow water. I have had difficulty getting to some of the best areas lately. The fish have been taking Rip-Tide Weedless Shrimp and Red Rippers. Look for muddy areas with mullet present. Until next time, Tight-Lines to all.
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron
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