 |
Indian River Lagoon
Capt. Tom Van Horn
April 8, 2007
Indian River Lagoon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, April 8, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors
First, let me start this report by wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Easter. Spring has arrived on the Space Coast of Florida; reinforced by what I think will be the last significant blast of blustery and cool conditions of the season. As our days grow longer and water temperatures increase, so do fishing opportunities in all areas of the lagoon coast.
Fishing these last few weeks has been up and down, with some fantastic days mixed in with tough ones. Water levels have started to rise in the Mosquito Lagoon, but without any significant rain, water levels will continue to fluctuate so please take extra precautions not to damage the sea grass when operating your vessel in-shore.
On the lagoon flats, baitfish (mullet) have begun their return with more and more schools arriving each day. This renewed occupation has been the key to locating gamefish on the flats. Look for baitfish schools in shallow water, and the redfish, sea trout, ladyfish and jacks will not be far behind. Currently, the redfish are in scattered schools and the larger female sea trout have been moving into shallow water in preparation for the spawn, so please handle and release any trout over 20-inches with extreme care. Again, a super stealth top water presentation during low light, early morning and late evening, has produced well. Also, another notable return to the lagoon are the speedy ladyfish and jacks.
Offshore this week, it appears that the cobia have moved north past Port Canaveral with the better catches coming from near-shore wrecks and bottom structure south of Ponce Inlet. Last week, Captain Fred Roberts out of Ponce Inlet report several productive cobia days. Additionally, the dolphin and wahoo bite has picked up, and will continue to improve as April progresses, with some of the largest bulls caught all year. Other notable species have been an abundance of kingfish on 8A reef and Pelican Flats, and some nice tripletail free swimming in 30 to 40 feet of water.
Last but not least is the schooling largemouth bass on the Saint John’s River. Instead of finding them in my traditional locations, low water conditions have concentrated the fish in the bends between Lake Jussep and Mullet Lake Park. These schooling fish are feeding on small menhaden at first light or just before dark. Once you have located fish breaking the surface, dispatch either a small live shiner or swim bait into the mix.
With that said, I would suggest taking advantage of the last few spring days, so hit the water and catch-um-up.
As always, if you have any questions or need further information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
www.irl-fishing.com
407-416-1187 0n the water
407-366-8085 Landline
866-790-8081 Toll free
More Fishing Reports:
|
|
|
|
