Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
May 9, 2003
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian River lagoon Coast Fishing Report
Indian Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, May 9, 2003
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
For the pasted week, a high-pressure ridge has planted itself firmly over the Indian Lagoon coast producing clear skies, hot rain free days, and a steady south to southwest wind between 5 to 15 knots. To many this sounds like a wonderful weather pattern, especially for those who live in the central states, but for anglers on the lagoon coast, it represents a change in fish patterns, fishing plans, and strategies. Summer is clearly here, but the typical sea breeze fronts that normally develop over the mainland during the day and cool us off in the afternoons are absent.
As for me, don’t stand too close; I’ve had a black cloud following me around all week. While working a charter on Monday, I lost a seal in my hydraulic steering unit and had to call it a day early. Saturday while fishing the Redbone Celebrity Tournament on the north Mosquito Lagoon, my push pole escaped and is now floating freely somewhere on the lagoon or it’s found a new home. Sunday night, my neighbor’s son lost control of his car, and he made short work of my beautiful stone mailbox, and last night my lovable and loyal doberman Whinny broke her toe. I know it’s a long shot, but if anyone knows of an emerald green push pole found in the north end of Mosquito Lagoon last week, I could sure use it back.
On the bright side, David Justus of Stern called, and he’s sending me some of their new Stern Super-Braid line to try out, this line is scheduled for market introduction next month. I also received an endorsement from Woodies Rattlers, who makes Rattle inserts for plastic baits, rattle hooks, and versatile rattles which can be attached to any lure or bait. These rattles add the element of sound to your baits. Woodies has been in business for over twenty years, and my first largemouth bass over 12 pounds was caught on a Boon black worm with a rattle insert in it, twenty years ago.
On the lagoon last week, the early morning trout bite was good working in the areas of sand bars and spoil islands, but it seemed to turn off a couple hours after sunrise. Redfish were scattered on the flats, but those who managed to locate schools did well. There was also a good number of ladyfish and jacks moving north up the IRL.
Out of Port Canaveral and Sebastian, the bait schools along the beach were tough to find, but once located, good catches of tarpon, large jacks, and sharks were reported. There were also a good number of bluefish and Spanish mackerel located just outside the inlets.
Near-shore, most anglers fishing the reefs and wrecks like 8A, and Pelican Flats are returned to port with their limits of kingfish. Most fish were talked slow trolling live and dead bait. With baitfish (pogies) difficult to locate, it would be wise to take a box of frozen sardines with you for back up.
Offshore, dolphin will be the hot ticket for most blue water anglers outside Port Canaveral. I also heard reports from more than one source that the marlin bite was on in deep water out of Daytona Beach.
As always, if you have questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
[email protected]
www.irl-fishing.com
407-366-808
886-790-8081 toll free
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