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Central Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Ron Bielefeld
January 19, 2002
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian River Report - Sebastian Area
The weather has warmed a bit over the past week so water temps have climbed from the high 50s into the high 60s late in the afternoon. As a result, fish have been feeding in shallower water. The winds have been cooperating as well, so we have been able to fish all the good spots without difficulty.
We have been finding trout in about 2 ft. of water just off of islands and flats. Birds have been pointing out the areas with small bait. Pin fish also have been frequenting these areas providing trout from 14 to 19 inches with stuff to eat. We have had our best success using small jigs with plastics. Live shrimp attract too many hit from undesirables. Work the jigs slowly, bouncing them along the bottom. Pin fish will take off the tails of the plastics. Make sure you put on a new one when this happens, you will catch more fish.
Reds have been scattered in small schools. When we have found them, it has been on the flats around bait fish late in the afternoon. These fish have been quite willing to hit SOF spoons with silver patterns. We have been working the spoons slowly, almost like jigs. A tip on using these spoons; replace the treble hook with a single hook. The single hook does not grab vegetation like a treble and thus gets fowled up less often. In addition, when you hook a fish with a single hook, as long as you keep pressure on the fish, you probably will not loose it. Moreover, fish are not injured as bad by single hooks and the release goes much smoother for both you and the fish.
Jack, ladyfish, black drum, and snapper have rounded out many of our catches lately. All of these species have come using the aforementioned techniques.
If the weather stays relatively warm, fish should continue to use shallow water areas. If the water gets above 70, then top-water may be worth a try. Until then, I suggest sticking with slow presentations bouncing the bottom. The colder it gets, the slower and deeper you should fish; to a point anyway.
Until next time,
Tight-Lines to all.
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron
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