 |
Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
December 30, 2003
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast, January 2004
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
This past Friday at first light, I found myself skipping across the Lagoon’s surface alone in my trusted flats skiff, “Three Quarter Time”, on a mission to scout fish for an up coming charter. The brisk salt air robbed the warmth from my face, as the vast splendor of the lagoon before me soothed my soul. Easing into the shallows of Tiger Shoals, I reached down and turned off the engine. At that instant, the sun’s fingers of light reached out from below the horizon across the surreal water and touched the western shore.
As I reflected on the moment, I pulled a crumpled paper from my wallet. Written in faded type was my last year’s resolution, which simply read “ spend more time on the water, watch more sunrises, and catch more fish”. It’s hard to fathom how quickly last year passed, but with reflection, I can truly say I kept my resolve by moving forward in life and my livelihood, with the help and guidance of good friends and a loving family. Although this past year was a tough one for fishing charter industry, I still managed to broaden my horizons, reaching out like the finger of the sun across the Lagoon, to enlighten those within my circle of influence. It’s with these thoughts in mind, that I resolve to continue to spend more time on the water, watch more sunrises, catch more fish, and to expand my influence on others by my actions and my words. Fishing to me is not just a recreational activity, but also a way of life, and the IRL is much more than a reusable resource, it’s a force that compels me to become one with nature. With that said, I will get off of my soapbox, and get on with my fishing forecast for January.
Winter on the Indian River Lagoon system is not defined by any specific dates, but rather by the temperature differences generated by passing cold fronts. These variations are subject to change from year to year, and they are difficult to predict. Average daytime temperatures usually range from the 50’s in the morning to around the 70’s by afternoon. Likewise, water temperatures average in the upper 60’s, but they can drop as low as the 50’s during extended periods of cold weather. On warm sunny days, water temperatures can increase as much as four degrees on the shallow flats and sandbars. All of these factors greatly affect species targeted and methods used.
Redfish and sea trout will seek the warmest water they can find. Start out working the deeper edges of the flats in the morning and then move into the warmer wind protected flats around mid-day to late afternoon. An early start is not a requirement this time of year. Additionally, both redfish and sea trout love to warm themselves in the shallow water sand pockets within grassy flats. On colder days, focus your attention on the deeper holes using a very slow presentation. Other species encountered in January are black drum, flounder, sheepshead, jacks, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish. Also, January is the best time of year to find black drum tailing on the flats, especially in the Banana River “ No Motor Zone”. Both shrimp and clams are the preferred bait for black drum, but they will eat both artificial and fly when presented properly.
Inlet fishing has been good this past month weather permitting, with Sebastian proving to be the most productive. There are still some reports of flounder moving through the inlet, but the bite has slowed. On the inside of the inlet, look for good numbers of pompano, ladyfish, and jacks to be present on the flats both north and south of the cut. Also, January is the month when the jumbo reds move in and feed in the mouth of the inlet.
Near-shore, January is the month when the tripletail begin to show up on the Port Canaveral buoy line, and their numbers will increase as the month progresses. The other hot ticket near-shore is the presents king mackerel holding along the 70 to 90 foot reefs of North Pelican and 8A. Weather permitting; bottom fishing on deep structure should remain consistent. Look for snapper, cobia and sea bass in depths of 80 t0 140 feet, and grouper and amberjack along the 22 fathom ridge and deeper.
Again, the primary factor in catching fish along the Lagoon coast in January is temperature, so keep an eye on the weather and plan your trip accordingly. Also, be sure to visit Coastal Angler Magazine’s Traveling Lagoon Booth at both the Stuart Boat Show, January 9th-11th, and the Central Florida Boat Show in Orlando, January 22nd-25th. As always, if you have questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
[email protected]
407-366-8085
407-416-1187 on the water
866-790-8081 toll free
To be added to my e-mail list, contact me at [email protected].
More Fishing Reports:
|
|
|
|
