Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
August 7, 2005
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, August 7, 2005
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, August 7, 2005
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
As the summertime weather patterns settle in along the Indian River Lagoon Coast, angling patterns require some adjustments to beat the afternoon heat and afternoon thunderstorms. It is prudent to be on the water before the crack of dawn, to have the boat trailered before lunch, and then finish things off with a little catnap in the Lazy Boy as the afternoon showers develop outside.
This past week, hot sunny days combined with heavy storm runoff have stressed some areas of the Lagoon, causing alga blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels in the early morning. These conditions have produced some scattered fish kills, but they have only been prevalent in isolated areas thus far.
On the lagoon, focus your attention in areas with deeper water access to shallow flats and areas of moving water where oxygen levels are higher. Also, concentrate your efforts in areas of baitfish activity during the early morning hours. Sea trout and ladyfish are still easy to locate in the deeper waters. Just watch for pelicans, cormorants, and terns working the pods of glass minnows. Once you’ve located the school, fish slow with a RipTide Realistic Shrimp with a Woodies Rattle Hook. In many cases, the larger fish will lay low underneath the school near the bottom. If you’re looking for snook and tarpon, work the residential canals, creeks, and areas with flowing water. Culverts are excellent places to locate fish during periods of heavy flow. Anchor out away from the culvert, being careful not to spook the fish, and cast live bait at the discharge letting it drift back with the current. For redfish, try working the edges of the flats with a gold weedless spoon. This is an excellent method when water conditions darken due to inflow of tannic runoff.
Cobia and kingfish in fair numbers have been reported on the near-shore reefs north of Cape Canaveral, and some kings in the 20 plus range are still holding on the Port Canaveral buoy line. The problem with the kingfish lies in the availability of live bait. Currently, baitfish (pogies) have been very tough to net both inside the Port and along the beach, so you may want to consider catching some live mullet inside the lagoon, of buy a box of frozen Spanish sardines (spinning minnows) before heading out.
As always, if you need more information of have any questions please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
407-366-8085 office
407-416-1187 on the water
866-790-8081 toll free
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