9-11, FOWA & SEOPA
Capt. Tom Van Horn
September 21, 2012
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, September 20, 2012
Up Coming Event and Free Seminars
Saturday September 22, 2012 - 10:00 to Noon (Free Seminar) "Successful Saltwater Flats Angling Tactics" Instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers. Located at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka, Florida
http://www.mosquitocreek.com
This weeks adventures on the Indian River Lagoon
It's always a challenge to compose a fishing report when your boat is in dry dock, but here it goes. First, let me start with a status report on Three Quarter Time. After 17 years of service, my classic Maverick Master Angler flats skiff developed a fuel leak from the tank. My dilemma was choosing between a new skiff or repair and replacement of the leaking tank in the Maverick. Three Quarter Time has served me well over the years, and after conferring with my insurance carrier, Charter Lakes, I learned they would cover opening up my boat as the tank is sealed below the deck, paying for the surveyor to inspect the old tank and close the boat up. I choose to repair and refit my skiff. Currently, the tank has been replaced and the deck is back in place, and refinish work is under way. While we are at it, we are fitting the skiff with a new Talon anchor and I-Pilot trolling motor and electronics. Hopefully by mid-October I'll be back on the water.
Although my skiff's been out of service it's been a busy week for me, both on and off the water. As most of you know, besides guiding, I've also served 31 years as a firefighter at the Kennedy Space Center and on Tuesday September 11th we dedicated our new 9-11 memorial. This project was completed in honor of our fallen heroes without the help or assistance from NASA or the Kennedy Space Center. All work and materials were provided by base firefighters and employees, so it's dedication was very rewarding in many ways.
My next adventure was attending the Florida Outdoor Writers Association conference sponsored by Brevard County Tourism and the City of Titusville. FOWA conferences are always a hoot, with shooting, paddling, outdoor and fishing events, but this year was very special for me. During the awards ceremony I was presented with the Frank Philpott Conservation Award. This award is given annually to a deserving FOWA member or organization for outstanding conservation efforts on behalf of the Florida outdoors. As a founding member of Anglers for Conservation, I was honored by this presentation of this prestigious award. The FOWA fishing tournament was also great fun as I was teamed up with Reb Steward and guided by Captain Glenn Austin from the Sebastian area. Although we didn't win the catch and release event, we did catch some nice sea trout an DOA Baitbusters, and I was highly impressed by Captain Glen and his Shoalwater Skiff. If you get a chance, check out the Shoalwater Skiffs out of Texas and book a trip with Captain Glen in Sebastian. The tournament was held out of the Titusville City Marina, and I found that the water has cleaned up considerable and the area was loaded with bait.
Next Sunday, it's off to Johnson City to attend the Southeast Outdoor Press Association Conference (SEOPA) for another dose of outdoor adventure southern style.
As always, if you need information or have any questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
407-416-1187
[email protected]
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