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Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
February 16, 2007
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, February 16, 2007
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
Cold is a relative term in Central Florida, but usually it’s my relatives from up north who are cold, not me. Yes, in Florida terms, 36 degrees is very cold and when combined with the blustery breezes typically associated with passing cold fronts, and my thin Florida blood, fishing adventures can be challenging. It doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish, but you will need to adjust your tactics to be successful.
First, pay very close attention when planning your adventure, with safety being your primary concern. Planning your days adventure is an important componen of any fishing trip, but more so when conditions are adverse. Start by checking your local weather forecast, and plan your strategy based on wind directions and speed. Winds greater than 15 knots can produce dangerous conditions in open waters, so try to pick a destination in protected waters where open areas can be avoided. In cold weather, deeper canales and dredge holes on leeward shorelines are good areas to try.
Second, dress for the occasion by wearing layers of clothing. Being comfortable will prolong your trip, and you can always remove layers as the day warms up. Consider wearing rain gear as an outer garment to stay dry, and waders if you are paddle fishing. Also consider carrying a change of dry clothing in the event you or someone in your party accidentally become submersed in the water. Hypothermia is a life treating condition us southern folks know little about and often take for granted.
Third, sleep in. Fish are cold blooded, so when water temperatures drop below 50 degrees, their metabolism and feeding activity slow down and an early start is not prudent. As the sun warms the water, the feeding activity increases, so plan your trip for later in the day. Also, consider fishing with dead bait instead of artificial because less energy is required to eat a chunk of bait. Cold fish are less likely to spend their energy chasing food, but they often find a hefty chunk of bait is hard to resist.
Focus your efforts in deeper holes where water temperatures are a few degrees warmer, and slow down your presentation. For sea trout, try fishing in the deeper canals and dredge holes. Try casting a live shrimp or shrimp imitation baits, and retrieve them extremely slow just bumping the bait along the bottom.
On the flats, focus your attention to deeper pockets and sandy potholes, and remember shorelines with western exposures warm up first, and only a few degrees of water temperature can make the difference between fishing and catching. Most of my larger sea trout caught during the winter are in extremely shallow water, and when water temperatures drop, they look for the warmest water they can find. Sand holes and black mucky bottoms warm up quicker, so target those areas.
Lastly, the next best thing to fishing is talking and learning about it, so if conditions are too challenging for you, come on by and talk to us at the Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic in Orlando. The free show features non-stop seminars by local pros and angling celebrities, tackle manufactures representatives, and great sales.
Events and Seminar Schedule:
February 9,10,11, 17, and 18th;
Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic Orlando
Coastal Angler Magazine’s Traveling Lagoon Booth
10 Saltwater kayak seminars, seminar times have yet to be scheduled.
February 19, 2007 Gander Mountain Lake Mary, Saltwater Kayak Fishing on Florida’s Space Coast, 7 to 8pm.
March 10, 2007 Mosquito Creek Outdoors Conservation Day Event
Apopka Florida
Hook Kids on Fishing Program 10am – 12pm
Free fishing seminars from 12pm –3pm.
Coastal Angler Magazine’s Traveling Lagoon Booth
April 19, 20, 21st Coastal Angler Magazine Boating and Fishing Expo.
Melbourne, Florida
New Products Showcase throughout the event
Braided Fishing Line Tying Clinic
New Products Seminars
As always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me,
Good luck, good fishing, and stay warm,
Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
407-366-8085 landline
407-416-1187 on the water
866-790-8081 toll free
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