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Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
February 26, 2007
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, February 25, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors
One day last week, I had a few hours to kill between my morning and afternoon charters, so I eased Three Quarter Time back into the quite mangrove slough fingering off to the south from Haulover Canal in the direction of Dimmitt’s Cove. The water level in the Lagoon is extremely low, so I was forced to disengage the engine and poll my trusty skiff back around the bend to the point where the creek opens back up into the flat.
Before me on the vast shallows, hundreds of brown and white pelicans, cormorants, and assorted herons feverously worked over the area gorging themselves on small baitfish and crustaceans flushed out of the Mosquito Lagoon through the canal and into the north Indian River Lagoon by strong north winds. The sight of this fury caught my interest, so I staked out the boat to watch the show. I soon found myself stretched out across the deck basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun, serenaded only by the squawking birds and the whistling wind through the tops of the Australian pines. As I lie and watched, I was overwhelmed by the serenity my situation, and quickly drifted off into a restful nap.
As my mind wondered, flashbacks of my youthful days on Florida’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries filled my mind, and when I awoke from my peaceful dream, I realized how fortunate and blessed I am to have grown up in Central Florida, and to have my office on the Indian River Lagoon. Six years ago when I started guiding, I made a promise to myself to appreciate every opportunity, and to never take my situation for granted.
Yes, it has been six blissful years since I began my endeavor to work on the water and to publish this report. Working, as a guide is not all about catching fish, although that is important, it’s also about expanding the awareness of others, and providing an enjoyable and memorable experience to those you serve on the water. It is also about expanding your circle of influence by garishly stepping through the doors opened by others, grasping the opportunities, and to never forget those who helped you along the way.
With these thoughts in mind, I’m honored to announce Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka will soon sponsor this newsletter, allowing me an opportunity to kick it up a notch and reach a larger audience. For those of you who are not familiar with Mosquito Creek, their shop is loaded with outstanding fishing, hunting, camping, and outdoor gear, suitable for any situation. In addition, I will be conducting free monthly clinics on fishing Florida’s outstanding waters. So please stay tuned, and let me know the topics you would like covered. My reports will maintain the same content, plus additional information about fishing, camping, and conservation. Additionally, be sure to mark your calendar for March 10th, Mosquito Creek Outdoors Conservation Day featuring Hook Kids on Fishing Clinics, fishing and outdoor seminars, and numerous outdoors and conservation exhibitors. To learn more about the their free outdoor show, visit Mosquito Creeks website at http://www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com
My adventures this past week covered both inshore and near-shore opportunities plus some time spent supporting the Bass Pro Spring Classic.
In the lagoon, the slot redfish are still holding in the super skinny water, and they are very skittish. Although I like to throw artificial, the majority of the fish caught this week were taken of jumbo live shrimp. We also found some decent schools of black drum, which have been eating blue crab once they settle down. There have also been a number of large sea trout holding in the sandy potholes in super shallow water, but reaching them has been a challenge.
Near-shore, cobia has been the rant. The cobia have been shadowing manta rays in 40 to 60 feet of water, anywhere from Port Canaveral to Sebastian. On my one adventure out there this past week, we had one good shot at a ray with cobia on it, but the poor ray had at least four jigs and three different colors of line hanging off of it, and the cobia were wise to our attempts. If you can find the rays before the fleet arrives, you have a good chance of scoring. Also, a good number of large bait schools were located down deep, but once the water temperature warms up a notch, the bait will rise to the surface, and the cobia will follow.
Seminars and Events
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
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
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