The Central Florida American Shad Run has Arrived
Capt. Tom Van Horn
January 24, 2014
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, January 19, 2014
By Captain Tom Van Horn
Event and Seminar Schedule
Saturday, February 1st - Hook Kids on Fishing Program's Train the Trainer Seminar, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Come join the Orlando Chapter of Anglers for Conservation (AFC) to learn about becoming a volunteer for the 2014 Hook Kids on Fishing Programs. The AFC Orlando Chapter has five Hook Kids on Fishing Programs scheduled in 2014 and needs your assistance. The event will be held in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 203 W. First Street, Apopka, Florida 32703 and lunch is catered by Fish on Fire.
Saturday, February 8, 2014 - Free Shad Rally at Lou Anne's Bait House in Geneva, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Hwy 46 in Geneva next to C.S. Lee Boat Ramp and Jolly Gator Fish Camp. "Free Seminar" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program. Visit www.cfshadderby.com for details.
Saturday, March 1, 2014 - Volunteers needed for Hook Kids on Fishing Program held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Apopka Wildlife Festival, Birdapaloozaat Magnolia Park 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka, Florida 32703. For more details, visitwww.birdapalooza.com.
Friday, March 14, 2014 - Volunteers needed for Hook Kids on Fishing Program held from 9 a.m. to noon at Conrad Academy, 9580 Curry Ford Road, Orlando Florida, 32825.
Saturday, April 5, 2014 - Volunteers needed for Hook Kids on Fishing Program held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida 32703.
Saturday, April 12, 2014 - Volunteers needed for Hook Kids on Fishing Program held at Lake X in support of the Osceola Sheriff's Youth Adventure Camp. More details to follow!
This Week's Fishing Report
Although we have been catching some very respectable redfish in my circles these past few weeks, the big story has been the arrival of American shad to the headwaters of the St. Johns River. As you can see from the photos, Shad Ally has been a very busy place, where the numbers of shad catches are growing each day. Currently the shad run is in full swing with many anglers reporting daily catches reaching forty fish or more. Good shad reports are coming from areas ranging from Mullet Lake Park to south of Puzzle Lake.
American shad are one of my all-time favorites, and they are the closest Florida fly anglers get to the stream fishing enjoyed by salmon anglers to the north.
Most of the shad caught this week were taken on spinning gear using a range of lures like the TTI Blakemore Road Runner, shad dart and spoon combination and DOA Tiny Terror Eyes. My spinning rod setup consisting of a 6 foot ultra-light rod and 6 pound test braid line.
Besides spinning gear, I been doing very well casting fly with the setup consisting of an 8 foot 5 weight rod and reel. The water levels in the river are still a bit higher than last year and the shad are not working the surface yet, so I've had better luck this year using a sinking tip leader and very light chartreuse Crazy Charlie style flies.
Karen's very respectable IRL Redfish
On the lagoons, windy conditions have been the norm with a few nice days mixed in, but we are still managing some very respectful redfish and sea trout. We've actually seen frost several times this past week, so on those cold days the bite has been better once the sun warms the flats a bit.
Notwithstanding the cold weather the fishing has been good, so break out the long johns and your waders and enjoy some time on the water.
As always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me, and if you are interested is a shad charter, I still have a few days open.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
407-416-1187
Visit Mosquito Creel Outdoor at www.mosquitocreek.com for all of your outdoor needs, it's where your adventure begins!
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