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Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
February 26, 2003
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
Indian Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast, March 2003
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
For various reasons, I always look forward to the magnificent bloom of my lavender Formosa azaleas. Their vivid color is not only pleasing to the eye, but it also signals the end of winter and the beginning of the spring bait migration. As the days grow longer and the ocean begins it’s gradual warming phase, 67 to 68 degree range, the spring fishing bonanza on the Indian Lagoon Coast commences. As always, weather will serve as the determining factor in establishing the magnitude and progression of the bite. Also, like the bloom of the delicate azaleas, the bite will sometimes pass before you have a chance to really experience it.
Water temperature increases will facilitate the progression of bait pods (menhaden or pogies and mullet) from the deeper water into the near-shore waters bringing the predator fish with them. Water clarity and sea conditions will determine the number of fishable days we’ll experience in March. This is especially true for those of us who target deep-water species in shallow water boats.
Good catches of cobia have been reported offshore of Stuart, and these fish should be moving into our area soon. Both the bait pods and cobia have begun to show up outside Port Canaveral and Sebastian. Captain Muligan of Mully Charters reported taking a cobia in excess of fifty pounds this past week on floating structure in deeper water.
Other near-shore options consist of tripletail hanging on floating structure and weeds, heavy weight jacks, giant redfish, and sharks shadowing bait pods near the beaches and inlets. The window of opportunity can be short, so plan your trip, and pray for calm seas and hungry fish. When site fishing for cobia, keep the sun to your back and consider fishing in the latter part of the day when the sun is high. Also, always keep a chartreuse colored buck tail in the ready position to cast towards any white-striped big moth brown logs you see.
The spring run of kingfish is just around the corner, and should last for a solid six months. Look for the kingfish to begin to show up on the near-shore reefs around the middle of March, and then move in closer to shore following bait pods. Most anglers prefer slow trolling live pogies, but spoons and sardines dressed in king buster skirts work equally as well.
Inshore, look for the larger trout to start moving into the shallows and the grass flats. This usually occurs in conjunction with the influx of spring bait, (mullet). March is also a good time to target redfish in skinny water. The lagoon water levels are the lowest I ever seen, so be prepared to do the stingray shuffle in order to reach the tailing reds.
Last but not least, good reports of American Shad have finely started to come in. The best catches seem to be in the area south of SR 46 on the St Johns River. We are on the downside of the winter spawning migration, but anglers are reporting good numbers of fish in the deeper bends of the river as far south as Hatbill Park.
Also, if you interested in hearing more about angling opportunities on the Indian Lagoon Coast, come see me at Coastal Angler’s Traveling Lagoon Booth at the Central Florida Boat Show in Orlando, February 28th, thru March 3rd. If you’re interested in booking a charter, call early to reserve a spot.
As always, if you have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
[email protected]
www.irl-fishing.com
407-366-8085
1-866-790-8081 toll free
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