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Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
January 31, 2003
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
Indian Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast, February 2003
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
Fishing on the lagoon coast of Florida last month was arduous to say the least. Consecutive cold fronts blasted the State with one wave of freezing air after another. Subfreezing temperatures and blustery winds complicated angling, pushing most fish into deeper water. At one point, water temperatures in the lagoon dropped into the forties, driving warm water species like snook, tarpon, and jacks south. On the bright side, some really nice days were mixed in between fronts and the subfreezing temperatures were short lived. There is no doubt this has been one of the coldest winters in years. Extended periods of water temperatures in the forties would devastate warm water species. If all indications are correct, our weather patterns have changed for the better and February should be an outstanding month for fishing and boating.
On the Indian, Mosquito, and Banana Lagoons, water levels are the lowest I’ve ever seen. The reason for this phenomenon is not clear, but the general consciences is the persistent westerly winds experiences this year have pushed lagoon waters out and disallowed ocean waters to return. This event has produces extremely skinny water conditions on the flats, so caution should be exercised when operating in these areas to prevent damage to the grass and your boat. Fishing opportunities on the lagoon flats this month will consist of good numbers of redfish, large sea trout, and black drum congregating in skinny water along the deeper edges. Combined with: sunny spring days, crystal clear water, and warming water temperatures, February is the prime time for site fishing. If your target is gator trout, check the docks that extend out into deeper water. Once the water temperatures begin to raise, the lager trout have a tendency to return to deeper water for the remainder of the year. Conditions are also prime for site fishing on the Banana Lagoon’s “No Motor Zone”. Good numbers of black drum are currently at hand tailing on the flats. Catching these fish can be challenging, but they will take live shrimp, clams, or fly if presented properly.
Offshore, kingfish are still present along inshore reefs, wrecks, and bars, and they will remain as long as water temperatures stay above 68 degrees. Target kings in the areas of 8A Reef, Pelican Flats, and Bethel Shoals. Also, look for cobia, and amberjack to be present on the inshore wrecks like the Carol Lee, Dutch, and Sub Wreck out of Port Canaveral.
Near-shore opportunities presented in February include: Tripletail along the Port Canaveral buoy line and under floating structure and weeds in deeper water, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, weakfish, small black drum, and whiting along the beaches, and pompano, flounder, sheepshead, and large redfish around the inlet jetties.
Hopefully, the pleasant weather conditions we are currently experiencing are a prelude to spring, and not and cruel hoax by Mother Nature. Either way, spring is around the corner, and now is the time to clean the rods, gas up the boat, and hit the water.
As always, if you need information or have questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
[email protected]
407-366-8085
1-866-790-8081 Toll Free
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