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Fishing Report
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, June 13, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka Florida
The wind has finally subsided and as the summer weather patterns heat up, so does the catching along the Indian River Lagoon Coast of Florida. Calm mornings have provided for some great sight fishing and top-water plug action in the Lagoon, and the clean green water has pushed in close to the beach bringing the kingfish, jumbo jacks, bonito, sharks and tarpon action near-shore. These conditions have provided for some excellent catches this week, and if they hold, next week as well.
My week started on Friday June 8th, where I had the pleasure of fishing with Dale and Damon Little and their friend Jason for a day of redfish and sea trout on the north IRL. Our first location was a culvert flushing runoff into the Lagoon, and the swift water quickly yielded 3 redfish and several nice sea trout caught on a combination of RipTide Flats Chubs, and Storm Chug Bugs. Our next location was on a deeper flat, (3 to 5 feet), where we located a school of ladyfish feeding on glass minnows and the fast and furious action netted us a half dozen ladies, and some small trout, caught on Al’s Goldfish spoons, Chug Bugs, and RipTide 4” White/Red Mullet on an 1/8 ounce Screw Jig. From there we targeted several different flats looking for redfish, ending the day with several upper slot redfish and a 6-pound sea trout caught by Dale.
My next adventure was on Sunday where Vic Hall, and his friends Phil and John joined me for another redfish and sea trout excursion again on the north IRL. We launched early to avoid the weekend crowd, and we followed the same routine as the previous trip, which yielded us 5 upper slot redfish and a half dozen sea trout.
Today, I was honored to facilitate three brothers, Randy, Dale, and Ben Schwartz on a near-shore charter out of Port Canaveral where we found a solid kingfish bite. As we cleared the south jetty, we located a large ball of pogies, and I floated the net with one cast. After the bait was secured, we started trolling, and we ended the day with five kingfish up to 20-pounds, missing a good number of strikes, and pulling hook on two quality fish. The bite was steady, and most of the fish were taken in about 40 feet of water.
In closing, I would like to invite everyone to join me at the Mosquito Creek Outdoors Father’s Day Celebration scheduled for Saturday June 16th in Apopka, Florida. Besides having great sales, gift ideas for Dad, and activities for the entire family, free fishing and outdoor seminars will be conducted by Mosquito Creek’s Pro Staff. Also, be sure to check out their new indoor fly-casting pond, and demo a new kayak while you are at it.
Seminar Schedule:
12pm to 2pm, Fishing basics for the entire family Captains Chris Myers and Tom Van Horn 2pm to 3pm Fly Casting with Captain Chris Myers 3pm to 4 pm Kayak Fishing with Captain Tom Van Horn
As always, if you need more information or have questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 landline 886-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, May 23, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka Florida
Well I was hoping to publish this report on Friday, but after two quality days on the water, the east beast started howling again and 20-knot winds forced cancellations of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday charters. Hopefully, this weather pattern will shift by Saturday, allowing us fishable conditions, at least inshore, for the holiday weekend.
My week starter on Sunday when repeat clients Craig Welch and his son Max and his grandfather graced the deck of Three Quarter Time for a day of fishing on the Indian River Lagoon. Although the east wind of 15 plus knots was challenging, it was the nicest day we had all week, and my goal was to put Max on some serious fish like the trip before. We starter out working the FPL discharge in hopes of a snook, but Max was pleasantly surprised when his line tightened, and his first tarpon tail walked next to the boat.
Our next stop included fast and furious action as we located a heard of ladyfish, sea trout and gaff top sail catfish working over a school of bay anchovies (glass minnows) in deeper water. To locate these schools, simply watch for diving pelicans accompanied by small terns dipping into the water. If the pelicans hold their heads down into the water after they surface from their dive they are straining small baitfish from the water before swallowing, and you’re in the right spot. The action is fast, and small jigs and flies, spoons, and top water popping bugs work well.
Although the feeding frenzy was hot and heavy, the crew had big redfish on their minds, so we were off to leeward shoreline and the quest was on. I poled at least a two miles of shoreline loaded we thousands of finger mullet to no avail, and we ended the day with only one slot redfish, and a wet ride back to the dock.
On Monday, I was joined Frank King form Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, and his lifelong hunting buddy Mike Mason from Orlando, with the same game plan as the day before but with much better results, sorry Craig, Max and Granddad. The weather was much nicer, but still windy. Mike had a little experience fishing for redfish on the west coast, but this was Franks first attempt at fishing for Florida’s coastal species, so the challenge was on.
I started the dual with some top water plug fishing on a lee shoreline with limited results, and we quickly shifted to jig fishing the glass minnow school, with the same results as the day before. As the wind gained and conditions deteriorated, I opted to chunking ladyfish on a lee shoreline, and we stumbled into a redfish chew fest. For the next two hours, the redfish bite was going off, and I spoiled both Frank and Mike with 21 redfish, 2 over slot sea trout, and believe it or not, a five pound bluefish. You know you are in a serious redfish feed when you are trying to land a hefty redfish, and several others follow it up to the boat trying to steal the bait. Out of the 21 fish landed, only two were upper slot fish, and the rest were over slot up to 36-inches.
In Closing, both myself and Captain Chris Myers, will be conducting free angling seminars on Saturday June 16th at the Mosquito Creek Outdoors Father’s Day Event in Apopka, Florida, so stop in and check out their newly renovated angling and outdoor adventure training facility and sign up for future classes. Stay tuned for more details, as we get closer to the event.
So, with that said, I leave you with hopes on calm seas, and for the next three to four days, it’s boat and equipment maintenance, and honey do’s for me.
As always, if you have any questions, or need any information, please contact me.
Good Luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters 407-366-8085 Landline 407-416-1187 On the water 866-790-8081 Toll Free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, May 5, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka, Florida
As many of you know, catching opportunities last month were challenging due to blustery breezes and low water conditions, but as we turn the page on April the weather and fishing will only get better. May serves as a transitional period between April breezes and the summer doldrums of June and July, providing us with some outstanding conditions and some quality catches.
My time on the water these pasts few weeks was limited as my trusty skiff, Three Quarter Time, received a major refit. A new Yamaha 115, new hydraulic steering, and all new controls have provided a smooth and reliable ride. Don and Eddie over at Chain of Lakes Marine in Sanford completed the installation last week, and I must say they have once again they have out done themselves. If you have a Yamaha engine, and you’re in need of repair or service, I highly recommend you contact Don at Chain of Lakes.
Without a skiff, my first few fishing adventures were out of the Old Town canoe with completely opposite results. The first was a three-boat charter intended for the No-Motor Zone with Captains John Kumiski and Chris Myers, but faced with a stiff south wind our paddle home would be extremely difficult, so we opted for plan “B” and fished the New Smyrna backwaters out of River Breeze Park. Although conditions were blustery and cloudy, we had plenty shots at a good number of fish and we didn’t see another boat all day.
On the following day the winds were still from the south with a prediction of a prefrontal shift to the west. My client for the day, Chris Duerksen, was an experienced paddler, so I made the decision to paddle in with the wind behind us, and once the wind shifted we would stick to the west shoreline for the long paddle out. Chris was very excited about the prospects of fishing in the Zone and catching a hefty redfish. Well the wind never shifted, but the fishing was good. After a solid day of fishing and a two and a half hour paddle home into the teeth of the wind, our total for the day was nine snook with one in the slot, five redfish with two over 40 inches, one slot sea trout, and a ladyfish. The majority of the fish were caught on Pumpkin Seed/Chartreuse Tail RipTide Flats Chubs with the exception of the 40 and 46-inch redfish, which couldn’t resist fresh ladyfish steaks for lunch. Chris also succeeded in catching his first slam of the year.
On Thursday, I had the pleasure to once again joining Captain John Kumiski for a two-boat charter in the Mosquito Lagoon only to be frustrated by extremely spooky fish. Throughout the morning we located schools of slot redfish only to have them push up and hightail it before we could reach a reasonable casting distance. My clients were beginners, and fast moving fish proved to be difficult targets.
On Thursday, I had the honor to welcome longtime fishing buddies Billy and Charlie from Palm Bay aboard Three Quarter Time for the shakedown cruise, with the goal of catching them their first redfish. Both anglers have fished together and after recently moved to Florida they were eager to learn how to fish the Lagoon. I appreciate it when anglers new to our area take the time to learn about our local fishery and our fragile resource before the venture out on their own, and in this case, they were rewarded with three upper slot redfish and a good understanding of the value of our fishery.
Last but not least, I would like to remind everyone the Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and Mosquito Creek Outdoors is loaded with great gifts ideas for the ladies close to our hearts who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, and while you are in the store, you might as well check out their outstanding line of fresh and saltwater tackle.
As always, if you have any questions, or need more information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 Landline 866-790-8081 Toll Free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, April 15, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka, Florida
Well, if you have been waiting for a great fishing report, this isn’t it. Over the past week, I fished on three occasions in the No-Motor Zone, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Mosquito Lagoon, and on all three days, the fishing was great, but the catching varied.
My adventures began on Monday when Gary Colton and his son Brent from Detroit joined me for day of fishing on the Banana River No-Motor Zone. I knew where the fish were, and that it would require a lengthily paddle, but I soon learned that Brent was unprepared for the journey. As we reached the halfway point, Brent lost all desire to continue so we finished the day catching some nice sea trout on top-water plugs, and soaking crabs on the deeper edge of the sandbar just offshore from KAR’s Park.
On Wednesday I was scheduled for a double charter, but when my morning client reported sick with the flu, I spent the morning scouting some of my favorite venues on the north end of the Indian River Lagoon. At my first location, I found a school of large ladyfish, and spent about 30 minutes playing tog-a-war with 2 to 3 pound speedsters. I also manager some nice sea trout, all on top water plugs. I spent the rest of the morning looking for large redfish with little avail. At around 2pm, I returned to Parish Park to join up with Gary and Brent again, and although we had some shots at some rather large redfish, we only accomplished some slot size sea trout on Rip Roller plugs. For the most part, the conditions were nice, but once the sea breeze front kicked in, the fat lady started singing.
On Thursday, I made the decision to try the north end of the Mosquito Lagoon, where Joe Koziel and his brother in-law Brian joined me with hopes of catching some slot size redfish. As we pushed up on the first flat, Captain Chris Myers and his party for the day sent an enormous school of redfish our way. The fish were pushing so hard we could see them from a hundred yard away, and as they approached the boat at a high rate of speed, both Joe and Brian had only one shot before the school blew by us and disappeared into the sunrise, never to be seen again that day. This turned out to be the prelude for the day, as we spent the rest of the charter chasing spooky fish. At one point we switched to chunking bait, but our only rewards were a half dozen hard heads, and a sore back from poling into the wind. After covering about six miles on the pole, we called it a day and headed back to the dock.
On Saturday, I was scheduled for another venture into the No-Motor Zone, but with a southeast wind of 10 to 15 knots predicted, we scrubbed the trip. 10 to 15 knot winds do not sound too challenging, but a southerly wind of 15 plus knots can be brutal on the seven-mile paddle home into the teeth of the wind.
Today, I was scheduled to fish, and we all know how that turned out, so I’ve spent the day sitting behind this keyboard catching up on my writing instead of fish.
On a side note, I’m am scheduled to be off the water for the rest of the week in support of the Coastal Angler Magazine Fishing and Boating Expo, where I will join up with Captain Chris Myers as we conduct the Mosquito Creek Outdoors Angler’s Skill Improvement Clinics. Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka Florida has stepped up to the plate by sponsoring six clinics each day, and Captain Chris and I will be covering Braided Line Applications for Shallow Water Applications, Knots, Line, and Leaders, and Rigging Soft Plastics. Also, admission is free on Friday, and discount coupons can be found by visiting: http://www.coastalanglermagazine.com/docs/flyer2CAM.pdf
There will also be some offshore clinics and some great seminars, and a hook kids on fishing program on Saturday.
As always, if you need more information, or have any questions, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom van Horn Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 866-790-8081 toll free
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 407-416-1187 0n the water 407-366-8085 Landline 866-790-8081 Toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, March 24, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Dreams are the fuel powering our imaginations and desires; nightmares are reflections of our subconscious fears. You may wonder what heading I’m on with this leading statement. You see, last week I awoke from a restful nights slumber with a racing heart and beads of cold sweet flowing. It wasn’t demons of evil sprits provoking my panic, but a dream of my reincarnation as a silver mullet.
In my dream, I raced across the flat looking back franticly from side to side with shadows of hungry sea trout armed with flashy bucked teeth looming in every direction. Soon I was lost and leaping for my life, and around every unrecognizable corner loomed another hungry marauder eager for my demise. Shallower and shallower I swam seeking the protection of the shoreline, only to find a gaggle of ravenous great blue herons and egrets awaiting my approach, and that’s when the alarm clock sounded signaling the first day of spring, and another day of fishing. One thing about fishing is it never works out very well for the bait, and the other critters at the bottom of the food chain.
Spring has arrived on the lagoon coast of Florida, and along with the warmer water comes the arrival of the spring mullet run. Not as pronounced as the fall mullet run, the spring run occurs on a more gradual basis, and it coincides with the return of ladyfish, jack carvalle, snook, tarpon, and the first spawning cycle of the spotted sea trout. As the days grow longer and warmer, hungry predators move up on the flats pushing baitfish in closer to the shoreline, so locating areas of concentrated baitfish, will improve your chances of fooling some respectable predators into a match of tug-a-war.
My angling tactics this past week shifted from the north IRL and the Mosquito Lagoon to areas south of the 528 causeway to escape the FLW Tournament zoo, and the extreme easterly winds. Once we located baitfish along the shoreline, we located fish. The bait pattern of choice this week was top-water plugs like the Rip Roller, and the Chug Bug during periods of low light, and gold PT Spoons and the RipTide Flats Chubs in green shades with Woodies Rattle capsules inserted as the sun grew brighter. To locate areas to target, simply let the birds lead you to the bait. Egrets and herons have the advantage of seeing the bait from above, and they are simply too hungry to waste their time in non-productive waters.
Near-shore along the beach, the cobia is still around, but rough sea conditions have kept anglers in Port. Near the end of next week when the winds subside, be sure to take advantage of what remains of one of the best cobia seasons experienced in years. Before this latest blow, good catches of brown clowns were taken just outside Port Canaveral in 40 to 60 feet of water, and that is where I would start looking.
I typically head south out of the Port in the morning looking for bait pods and tripletail under flotsam, and then begin a slow return once the sun gets high overhead. If you locate a concentrated bait pod, try tossing chartreuse or pink bucktail jig into the mix; let it sink to the bottom, and then jig it up through the bait. You should also look for free swimming cobia within the bait. Once the sun grows high and you begin your ride home, look for free swimming cobia, turtles, and manta rays, and take extra care not to hook the rays. If you find fish in any of the last three situations, try throwing the bucktail first, with a selection of live finfish, blue crabs, or live eels as backup if you can get them.
Additionally, mark your calendar for the Coastal Angler Magazine Boating and Fishing Expo scheduled for April 20th, 21st, and 22nd at the Melbourne Auditorium. Look for more information to come on exhibits, seminars, and clinics.
As always, if you have any question or need more information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, March 16, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors
Although another blast of cooler weather is around the corner, the signs of spring on the lagoon are abundant. During my time on the water last week, I was delighted by the return of good numbers of finger mullet and other baitfish, and the return to a consist top-water plug bite. Top-water plugs have always been my favorite style of fishing, and I will never get over the excitement of a hefty game fish exploding on your lure. Another exciting feature of plug fishing is you never know when, where, or what is going to attack your offering, because seatrout are not the only gamefish attracted by them.
Also, with the arrival of the first new moon on March 18th, comes the first wave of spawning seatrout as the smaller males call their mates up on to the shallow flats to get jiggy. Seatrout are in the drum family and shortly after dark; the males form up on the flat and begin calling, drumming or croaking, the larger females in and they spawn together in an aggregation.
Spotted seatrout reaches sexual maturity at one to two years. Most large spotted seatrout caught are females and commonly live to be nine or 10 years of age. Anglers long ago recognized that very large trout were usually female and appropriately called them "sow" trout. A female spotted seatrout may spawn several times during the season. Younger females may release 100,000 eggs and older, larger females may release a million eggs. Recent studies indicate that spotted seatrout spawn between dusk and dawn and usually within estuaries and lagoons. They prefer shallow grassy areas where eggs and larvae have some cover from predators.
On the days before and after the new and full moons, look for the larger females to be staging along the deeper edges, and than move up in the shallows during spawning activity. Remember, most of the larger seatrout caught are egg laden because they do not release all of their eggs each time they spawn, so it is very important to handle and release them with extreme care. Also, the mortality rate on catch and release seatrout is about 30 %, so mash the barbs on your hook, leave the fish in the water, and use a dehooking device. The less we touch these fish, the greater our chances we have to catch them again, and their offspring are the future of our fishery.
Spotted seatrout are opportunistic carnivores whose feeding habits vary with size. Small trout feed primarily on small crustaceans. Medium-size trout feed on shrimp and small fish. Large fish feed almost exclusively on other fish like mullet, pinfish, pigfish and menhaden. This preference for large fish makes large trout difficult to catch unless you target them using larger baits, both live and artificial, and that’s where the top-water plug falls into place.
My preferred times to target seatrout is during periods of low light, and at night. I like to be on the flat ready to fish at first light. Focus your attention on areas of concentrated baitfish, especially if they are being harassed. And when you locate fish, stake out and concentrate on that location. It is also very important to approach the flat as stealth as possible, because these sows are extremely sensitive to sounds and motion in the water, and they are usually aware of your presence long before you ever see them.
In the spring during calm conditions I prefer casting spitting and chugging plugs like the Rip Roller or Storm Chug-Bug, and when water surface gets rough, I will switch to a walk-the-dog style like the High Roller, Florida Special color, a red and white Zara Spook, or Rapala Skitter Walk
Oh by the way, I did manage to get some cobia fishing in this week before the wind picked up. The cobia run continues, as I joined my good friends Scott Bradford and Mark Blythe aboard the Afternoon Delight. Scott is an excellent angler and Captain, and we located the cobia working a weed line in 60 feet of water. As we worked along the weedline, we had shots at seven fish, hooked three, and Mark successfully boated a nice 33-pound brown clown, for which we gladly took home for dinner.
I would also like to take this opportunity thank all who made the Hook Kids on Fishing event a tremendous success last week at the Mosquito Creek Outdoors Conservation Day event. Coastal Angler Magazine, along with its sponsors and volunteers guided 138 kids and their parents through the program, and each child left with a wealth of knowledge and a new fishing pole and tackle box, well done!
Additionally, mark your calendar for the Coastal Angler Magazine Boating and Fishing Expo scheduled for April 20th, 21st, and 22nd at the Melbourne Auditorium. Look for more information to come on exhibits, seminars, and clinics.
As always, if you have any question or need more information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, March 7, 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors
My undertakings this past week were exhilarating with three quality days spent on the water with a weekend of fishing show mixed in.
On Sunday the 24th, Daniel Blackburn from jolly old England joined me for a day of fishing on the North Indian River Lagoon, and despite the strong winds from the south and an inconsiderate fellow guide who ran a circle around the fish; we still managed five respectable redfish with two over the slot. Although the school was spooked, we staked out on the flat, and once they settled down, we caught all five fish on cut mullet.
My next day on the water, I was honored to lead a party into the No-Motor Zone consisting of Dave Cameron, owner of Freedom Hawk Kayaks, Eric Sharp, Outdoor Editor for the Detroit Free Press, Captain Rodney Smith, and Rodney’s son Jake Smith. For those of you who haven’t checked out the Freedom Hawk (http://www.freedomhawkkayaks.com/Freedom_14.htm), it is a kayak designed specifically to stand up and fish. As we worked our way into the zone, it became apparent that conditions weren’t favorable for site casting. But despite windy and cloudy conditions, we still managed six redfish with Eric scoring a nice black drum and a 44 inch redfish.
Next, it was off to the Frank Sargent Show in Tampa for the annual meeting of the Florida Guides Association, some great seminars, and a chance to visit old friends and make some new ones.
Today, I returned to the Zone joined by Bob Evans and Jeff Brown for a very enjoyable day, which stated out with three nice redfish before the sun cleared the horizon. The bite was hot and heavy at first, and then quickly cool off as the fish developed a serious case of lockjaw. We had good shots at many fish, but failed to connect again. All in all, it was a great week on the water, and although the seas are predicted to increase due to a low pressure system moving up from the southeast, the winds look favorable and fishable next week.
In closing, if you are interested in conservation or have kids interested in learning how to fish, plan on attending the Mosquito Creek Conservation Day event in Apopka this Saturday (http://www.coastalanglermagazine.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=335).
Seminar and Show Schedule
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 have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 landline 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast, March 2007
Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors
As the days grow longer and warmer nature’s subtle changes signal the demise of winter and the commencement of spring on Florida’s east central coast. The sweet fragrance of citrus carried across the lagoon on the shoulders of a west wind, the magnificent bloom of the azaleas and camellias, and the brightly colored pristine buds on the maples and the cypress all signal springs arrival and the beginning of the fishing season.
The Indian River Lagoon’s unique diversity is renowned as an estuary consisting of three distinct inshore lagoons, five ocean inlets, and 156 miles of near-shore and offshore reefs all nurtured by warmth and richness Gulf Stream. Transitioning from tropical to temperate climate zones, the IRL system supports over 700 species of fish, and some of the best angling in the world, and blessed are we who live and breath the IRL.
As the ocean begins its gradual warming phase, 67 to 68 degrees, watch for the progression of baits schools (Atlantic menhaden and mullet) from deeper waters into the near-shore waters bringing the cobia and other predators with them. Additionally, warmer waters will draw manta rays into the shallows shadowed by pods of cobia. Other notable species are tripletail around the buoys and under flotsam, heavy weight jack carvalle, large redfish, and sharks following bait schools. Currently, both the cobia and the ray are concentrated in our near-shore waters ahead of schedule.
Moving out into deeper water, the spring kingfish run should begin with the smaller kings showing up around the middle of March, followed by the smokers, 30 to 50 pounds, in April on the near-shore reefs and wrecks like Pelican Flats and 8A reef. If the bait moves in close to the beach, look for the larger kingfish to follow them. Also, April marks the beginning of the fishing season for many of the blue water anglers with the start of the April/May northern migration of dolphin in 120 feet of water and beyond, and the run usually includes some of the largest bulls taken all year. Again, good reports of dolphin have been coming in, also ahead of schedule.
In the inlets and along the beaches, whiting, pompano, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel should remain a staple with sheepshead and black drum holding on jetties and rock piles. As we move into the later part of April, watch for the snook and tarpon action to heat up in Sebastian Inlet, and then move north following the bait progression.
On the lagoon, rising water levels will draw the slot size redfish schools up onto the shallow flats, with the larger breeder schools holding along the deeper edges and sand bars. On the cooler days, focus your attention on sand pockets or potholes, and once the afternoon sun warms the water, look for tailing fish on the shallow flats. Also, April signals the return of finger mullet into the estuary, and the beginning early morning and late evening top water sea trout and redfish action. Remember, April is the month when sea trout become egg laden for the spawn, which happens just before the full and new moons, so it is very important to release the large females with extreme care, fore their survival is essential for the proliferation of the species.
Seminars and Events
March 10, 2007 Mosquito Creek Outdoors Conservation Day Event Apopka Florida
Hook Kids on Fishing Program 10am – 12pm First 100 kids receive a new fishing rod and reel. Free fishing seminars from 12pm –3pm. Coastal Angler Magazine’s Traveling Lagoon Booth
For a complete list of exhibitors and seminar schedule, visit http://www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com
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 407-366-8085 landline 407-416-1187 on the water 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, February 16, 2007
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
Cold is a relative term in Central Florida, but usually it’s my relatives from up north who are cold, not me. Yes, in Florida terms, 36 degrees is very cold and when combined with the blustery breezes typically associated with passing cold fronts, and my thin Florida blood, fishing adventures can be challenging. It doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish, but you will need to adjust your tactics to be successful.
First, pay very close attention when planning your adventure, with safety being your primary concern. Planning your days adventure is an important componen of any fishing trip, but more so when conditions are adverse. Start by checking your local weather forecast, and plan your strategy based on wind directions and speed. Winds greater than 15 knots can produce dangerous conditions in open waters, so try to pick a destination in protected waters where open areas can be avoided. In cold weather, deeper canales and dredge holes on leeward shorelines are good areas to try.
Second, dress for the occasion by wearing layers of clothing. Being comfortable will prolong your trip, and you can always remove layers as the day warms up. Consider wearing rain gear as an outer garment to stay dry, and waders if you are paddle fishing. Also consider carrying a change of dry clothing in the event you or someone in your party accidentally become submersed in the water. Hypothermia is a life treating condition us southern folks know little about and often take for granted.
Third, sleep in. Fish are cold blooded, so when water temperatures drop below 50 degrees, their metabolism and feeding activity slow down and an early start is not prudent. As the sun warms the water, the feeding activity increases, so plan your trip for later in the day. Also, consider fishing with dead bait instead of artificial because less energy is required to eat a chunk of bait. Cold fish are less likely to spend their energy chasing food, but they often find a hefty chunk of bait is hard to resist.
Focus your efforts in deeper holes where water temperatures are a few degrees warmer, and slow down your presentation. For sea trout, try fishing in the deeper canals and dredge holes. Try casting a live shrimp or shrimp imitation baits, and retrieve them extremely slow just bumping the bait along the bottom.
On the flats, focus your attention to deeper pockets and sandy potholes, and remember shorelines with western exposures warm up first, and only a few degrees of water temperature can make the difference between fishing and catching. Most of my larger sea trout caught during the winter are in extremely shallow water, and when water temperatures drop, they look for the warmest water they can find. Sand holes and black mucky bottoms warm up quicker, so target those areas.
Lastly, the next best thing to fishing is talking and learning about it, so if conditions are too challenging for you, come on by and talk to us at the Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic in Orlando. The free show features non-stop seminars by local pros and angling celebrities, tackle manufactures representatives, and great sales.
Events and Seminar Schedule:
February 9,10,11, 17, and 18th;
Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine’s Traveling Lagoon Booth 10 Saltwater kayak seminars, seminar times have yet to be scheduled.
February 19, 2007 Gander Mountain Lake Mary, Saltwater Kayak Fishing on Florida’s Space Coast, 7 to 8pm.
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 407-366-8085 landline 407-416-1187 on the water 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, February 5, 2007
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
Before I get into this weeks adventures on the water, I have to admit my thoughts and prayers have been with those who suffered devastating loses this week at the hands of Mother Nature. In our opulent lives, we often take the simple things for granted, and in times like these we should first reach out and help our Central Florida neighbors, and second, take a moment to reflect on our own lives and count our many blessings.
Like most of my adventures this winter thus far, my quests this past week have been subjected to adverse weather conditions. Forceful winds, cloudy skis, and cold temperatures continue to dominate, making sight fishing and catching tough. Monday night, our first substantial cold front of the year dropped air temperatures into the upper 30’s, and when my warm-blooded clients requested a postponement, I obliged and then joined my good friend Captain Chris Myers for a day of scouting on the Mosquito Lagoon. Trust me, it was definitely cold on the Lagoon, but on many occasions, some of my best days of catching have fallen on days when the mercury bottoms out.
As Chris and I arrived at our first location, the water temperature was 48 degrees, and a school of about 100 redfish pushed up in front of us. The reds were concentrated in about a foot of water, and they were chasing glass minnows nonetheless. Shortly after locating the school of slot reds, we lost our sunlight and the fish, but we still managed 4 slot redfish and 1 hefty sea trout, casting RipTide Realistic Shrimp, Exude Crab, and fly. In addition to the fore mentioned fish, we also managed two black drum at our second location, mine on a RipTide Shrimp, and Chris’s was on fly.
Although Monday was the coldest day of the season, it was my best day of fishing compared to the remainder of the week. On Thursday I postponed a trip due to high winds, Fished Friday with Mike Davis and his sister Diana from Central Florida only managing one 38-inch redfish, and I fished Sunday with longtime clients Kent, Ray and Lexi Roberts, managing only two hardhead catfish, all due to nasty weather conditions.
Hopefully, we will see some nice fishing conditions soon, because the weather always improves, eventually, and when it does, look out.
Also, I was just informed that the speckled perch are on the beds along the edges of lake Jessup, Monroe, and Harney, so if you can get out and fish tomorrow, you may be able to catch your limit before the spawn is over.
Seminar and Event Schedule
February 9,10,11, 17, and 18th;
Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine’s Traveling Lagoon Booth Continuous Free Seminars from Central Florida’s Top Guides I will be covering Kayak Fishing on Florida’s Space Coast
February 19, 2007 Gander Mountain Lake Mary, Saltwater Kayak Fishing on Florida’s Space Coast, 7 to 8pm.
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 have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, January 20,2007
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
After reviewing my past fishing archives, I’m please to say fishing in January 2007 has been above average. The warmer weather has the fish behaving in spring and late fall patterns, and the influence of El Nino has generated both hit and miss trips this past week due to varying wind conditions.
My adventures this past week began when Chris Fox from London joined me for a day of fishing on the Lagoon. Chris owns a tackle shop in England, and he was excited about the challenge of catching his first redfish. As usual, the winds were predicted to be east at 5 to 10 knots, but once it was all said and done, 15 to 20 knots was more realistic.
Once we arrived at our fishing destination, the early morning calm conditions displayed tailing redfish right off the bat, and Chris quickly accomplished his goal before the sun peaked above the horizon. As the winds increased and sight fishing conditions diminished, and we switched our attention to a sunken spoil Island and completed our day catching 26 sea trout up to 24-inches. All of the fish were caught throwing nite/glow RipTide Realistic Shrimp with pink tails on a Daiichi Butt Dragger Hook with Woodies Rattle Capsules inserted, and all were released to catch another day.
On Sunday, I have the pleasure on spending a day of paddle fishing in the No-Motor Zone with Sue Cocking who is an outdoor editor for the Miami Herald. Again, the morning started out nice and Sue quickly caught a respectable tailing redfish, but as soon as I released her first redfish the wind picked up and we finished the day catching a good number sea trout blind casting soft plastics.
On Monday, Dick Jones and his good friend Bill joined me for a day of redfish and black drum in the Mosquito Lagoon. Dick is an outdoor writer from North Carolina, and our goal was to catch a couple decent fish and then tour the Mosquito Lagoon Pole Troll Zone for an upcoming article. As it turned out, we couldn’t have planned a more gorgeous morning. The sky was crystal clear and the water was as slick as glass, and we were on multiple schools of tailing redfish as the sky was just getting light. Between the two of them, they scored 4 quality redfish up to 30-inches and 1 nice black drum before 8:30am, and we spent the rest of the morning touring the Mosquito Lagoon.
Well so far things sound like fishing was fairly good, but that was before the cold front slammed us with rain and wind. On Wednesday, I was joined by three hardcore anglers in town from Iowa for the Shot Show. Dusty from Orlando and his two friends Jack and Bill from Iowa, insisted on giving fishing a try even though we faced 20 to 25 knot winds from the north to north east. My plan was to launch at River Breeze Park and stay out of the open water sticking to the backwaters of New Smyrna. This was a great plan for the sake of safety, but it failed miserably in catching fish. After poling in the wind for six hours, we ended up with a total catch of 2 flounder and 1 sea trout.
Also, FYI, the shrimp run is in full swing with reports of 5-gallon limits reached in less than two hours. I have heard good reports from both the Titusville area and Oak Hill, so dust off your nets and hit the water. If you need equipment or information on shrimping, visit Skeeter Lagoons bait shop on garden Street in Titusville.
After receiving a number of reports from shad anglers on the St Johns River, the shad run has been puny thus far. Most of the anglers I’ve talked to this week are reporting catching just a few fish each trip. The water levels are extremely low this year and that may be holding up the run. On a good note, the bi-catch of largemouth bass, brim, and speckled perch have made up the slack from the weak shad run.
In Closing, I’ve listed some of the events and seminars I will be involved in this spring, and if you get a chance come to one of these events and visit, please do.
January 30, 2007 Gander Mountain in Lake Mary, Saltwater Kayak Fishing 101, 7 - 8pm.
February 9,10,11, 17, and 18th;
Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine’s Traveling Lagoon Booth 10 Saltwater kayak seminars, seminar times have yet to be scheduled.
February 19, 2007 Gander Mountain Lake Mary, Saltwater Kayak Fishing on Florida’s Space Coast, 7 to 8pm.
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 have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 landline 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, January 11, 2007
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
I would like to tell you the fishing this past week along the Indian River Lagoon coast of Florida was exceptional, but the truth be known; it was the catching that varied. We are currently under the influence of an El Nino weather pattern, which has presented warmer and windier conditions and some tough days on the water. I fished four out of the past six days, and on each occasion the weather has held the upper hand.
My adventures this week started last Friday where I had the pleasure of fishing a half-day redfish charter with Marvin Fisher and his son Louis on the North Indian River Lagoon. If was a prefrontal morning with a strong south wind, but despite the tough conditions the father and son team managed to put five fish in the boat All fish were caught blind casting soft plastics in less than 18 inches of water.
On Saturday, my good friend Larry Carter joined me for a day of shad and crappie looking on the upper St. Johns River. The weather was actually not bad, but the catching was tough. We covered the river from the Econ Creek south of Lake Harney to the mouth of Lake Jussep and back, and our grand total for the day was one speck, one bluegill, one stump knocker, and one shad. So you could actually say that our crappie fishing was actually crappie. Now you might think the shad run hasn’t materialized, but hearsay has it that there are a good number of shad currently in the area of Highway 50, upstream from where we checked.
On Monday and Tuesday, I had the pleasure of once again fishing with Len and Jeff Holdorf from Sprit Lake Iowa. Len is a retired Pure Fishing scientist with an extensive background in the fishing industry, and he has a wealth of knowledge in the research and development of Gulp Baits. Both Len and his son Jeff fished with me last year, and both caught trophy fish, but on this occasion, the wind spoiled their prospects.
On Monday, we attempted to fish in the No-Motor Zone, but we were blown off of the water by a 15-knot plus wind from the south. Again the weatherman misled us by predicting a west wind. In an attempted to salvage the day, I suggested we give the beach a try, and believe it or not, small cut up pieces of white Gulp Shrimp on a pompano rig worked great. When it was all said and done, we caught a good number of whiting, bonnet head sharks, small black drum, croakers, and several large stingrays. Again, it was another prefrontal day and the surf was warm, so the day wasn’t a total loss.
On Tuesday we decided to give the Lagoon a try, but the passing of a cold front during the night dropped air temperatures into the low 50’s, and the wind howled from the north at 15 to 20 knots. Again, the flip-flop weather made fishing tough. We fished hard and spotted a lot of fish, but with the high winds and rough water, we were blowing out the fish before we could get a cast to them. All in all, we still caught two redfish, but it was a disappointing and frustrating day nonetheless.
Last but not least, some nice cobia and tripletail were caught out of Port Canaveral last weekend, so if the weather and the seas lay down a bit, the catching should improve.
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 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 886-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, January 3, 2007
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
Although we have started out the New Year with some halcyon mornings and calm evenings, the general weather conditions have remained overcast and windy. Another overshadow force this week is the full moon. The combination of the above characteristic has made sight fishing demanding, so my best results this past week have come from soaking live blue crabs in areas known to support larger redfish and black drum. I know it’s not the most glamorous style of fishing, but in many cases the results are the difference between fishing and catching.
As a fishing guide, my first job is to evaluate the experience and skill levels of my anglers and adjust the tactics required to provide them with their best opportunity to catch fish. I do my best to meet their expectations, but sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to catch fish.
This past week, I fished in for different locations from the Mosquito Lagoon to the Banana River, with limited results with the exception of a half dozen quality fish.
Overall, it was definitely not the best week of catching, but I’m not complaining.
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 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, December 17, 2006
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
How many times have you heard local anglers say the fishing is awful during the winter in east central Florida? I’ve heard things like it’s too windy, it’s too cold, or the fish are dormant and they don’t eat. Well you keep on believing what your hearing, and I will continue to enjoy the empty boat ramps, unpressured fish, and quality catches experienced in December and January. I have to admit rough weather conditions do make it trying at times, but if you are willing to suck it up a little, dress for the occasion, and be cautious during rough conditions, the rewards can be memorable.
The winds finally began to settle down this past week, and some great catching reports have been coming from all areas of the lagoon coast. In the Mosquito Lagoon, I received good reports of slot redfish schooling on just about every major flat from Georges Bar all the way to Whale Tail. I’ve also heard the same from other anglers and guides fishing in the North Indian River Lagoon and the Banana River Lagoon. The redfish have started to school up, and they have been holding in super skinny water. I have also heard reports of large sea trout in the same waters. As always, stealth presentation will greatly improve your numbers, and when the weather kicks up be prepared to switch tactics.
The past week, my adventures led me in three completely different directions with mixed results and some quality catches.
On Tuesday I was scheduled to remove a large hurricane damaged water oak from my front yard but rainy conditions forced a postponement, so I opted to hook up Three Quarter Time and scout the upper St Johns River south of Lake Harney for signs of early American Shad. Like the Lagoon, the water levels on the river are extremely low this year and there were no shad located. I did manage a half dozed speckled perch and a brim taken on a hot pink crazy charley fly. I did receive one report of a nice shad taken by a local angler, so they are starting to arrive. When I hear more I will let you know.
My next oppertuinty was on Friday where I ventured into the No-Motor Zone with my good friend Art Roseberry and his friend Harold Hollis. Both men are world-class anglers and Alaska residents with homes on the Kenai River. Art and I have been trying to fish the NMZ for the past several years, but every time we plan a trip, the wind blew 20 knots or better or the Zone was closed for a shuttle launch.
This time the winds were east at 10 to 15 knots with a 70% chance of rain, so we decided to suck it up and break out the Frogg Toggs. As it turned out, the wind was fishable at first, and Art was the first to score with a nice 20-pound redfish taken on a nite glow/pink tail RipTide Realistic Shrimp on a Daiichi Bleeding Bait Copperhead hook with a Woodies Rattle capsule. Art’s next fish was a nice upper slot size red, but before we knew it the wind kicked up and our sight fishing opportunities were over. Both Art and Harold have tackled king salmon over 50 pounds, and both were eager to tackle such a fish in Florida, so on my way to the lagoon I made it a point to stop by Skeeter Lagoons Bait and Tackle in Titusville and purchase 8 live blue crabs, and in this case I was glad I did. After the wind picked up, we staked out on the deeper edge of the flat and started chunking blue crab, and in the next two hours we landed five over slot redfish up to 54 inches and a nice 25-pound black drum.
On Saturday both the wind and seas were up a bit, but I couldn’t decline the offer to join my good friend Scott Bradford aboard the Afternoon Delight on an early season cobia exploration out of Port Canaveral. To add icing to the cake, Captain Rodney Smith and Scott Ashmore joined us. Scott Bradford had a hunch we would find cobia holding on the near-shore wrecks in 60 to 80 feet of water, and he was right. At our first stop, we brought five cobia to the boat with two keepers going into the icebox. The technique we were using was to drop a one-ounce Fair Water Big Bend Cobia jig tipped with squid to the bottom and then jig it back to the surface. After the bite slowed at our first stop, we headed offshore to check some other wrecks, but between the increasing winds, seas, current, and overcast skis, we were unsuccessful in locating any more fish. Another positive note was that every stop was loaded with bait, and we sighted several sky rocketing kingfish, so the fish are there.
Last but not least, Captain Rodney Smith and I have been asked to cover for Boudreaux so he can visit his momma for Christmas in Louisiana, so be sure to tune in to WQTM 740 AM Saturday morning December 23rd from 5 to 7am for the Boudreaux’s Boondocks Hunting and Fishing Radio Show, and call in and talk to us about fishing, hunting, and the outdoors.
Have a safe and happy holiday, and 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 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, December 7, 2006
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
I wish I could tell you that fishing has been great on the Space Coast of Florida, but as many of you already know, stronger than normal winds have held the upper hand for the past two weeks. We did get a bit of a break the last two days, but I think Mother Nature was just taking a breather because as of tomorrow, the winds are expected to reach gale force again, and our weekend looks to be blown out as well.
Although I have canceled or postponed five charters in the past two weeks, I have managed to get out on the water and catch a few fish.
On the 28th, the winds rested a little, so I jumped at the opportunity to kayak fish the No-Motor Zone with two of my Lagoon mentors, Captains John Kumiski and Rodney Smith. We still faced a challenging east wind of 15 knots, but at least the sun was out. Both John and Rodney are expert fly guides, so we chose to hit the water armed only with the long rods, and despite seeing a good number of redfish and some black drum, we only managed a few respectable fish each. The catch of the day was a very nice 4-pound pompano caught and released by Captain John.
My next adventure was actually a family photo shoot in the north Indian River Lagoon, and while waiting for the afternoon sun to set a bit, I inadvertently hooked and almost landed a huge doormat flounder. We had positioned ourselves in a protected cove, and while we were waiting I decided to flip a nite-glow DOA shrimp, but with no net in the boat, the only option I had was to try and hoist the huge flat fish out of the water with only the leader and I don’t think I need to explain what happened next.
Today, the wind was predicted to settled down again, so I eagerly joined Captain Chris Myers for a day of scouting and some fly-fishing on the Mosquito Lagoon. Our day started out good with sunny skies and a north wind of 10 knots, but the nice conditions didn’t last long as the wind soon picked up and clouds moved in and despite seeing hundreds of redfish, we ended the day catching only four. On a encouraging note, the redfish are starting to school up in very skinny water, but they are super spooky and a long cast and quite presentation is a must to get them to eat.
Also, now that the weather for this weekend is predicted be a blowout, I suggest a weekend of holiday shopping or boat and tackle maintenance, so if you get a chance swing by Bass Pro Shop in Orlando Saturday, I will be conducting free seminars from 10:30 to 5:30 pm on winter fish patterns in the Indian River Lagoon and I will be answering any questions you may have regarding shallow water angling.
As always, if you have any questions or need information, please contact me.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn 407-416-1187 on the water 407-366-8085 land line 866-790-8081 toll free
Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, November 26, 2006
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
The fact you are reading this report is proof I’ve once again survived my annual quest to put the brakes on life and escape to the confines of the Sebastian area of the Indian River Lagoon. For over 22 years, I’ve taken a week off in November to do nothing but fish. My only dilemma was a week of seaside fishing adventure, cool salty breezes, magnificent starry nights, spectacular sunrises, and good friends, passed by in the wink of an eye. The old adage is certainly true, time flies when you’re fishing and having fun.
Although life is Sebastian was great, the typical blustery November weather kicked up the seas and muddied the water making conditions a challenge, and passage through the Sebastian Inlet in a 17-foot Maverick tough. As we all know, fishing is fishing and hardcore anglers never let the little stuff bother them. So we sucked it up and made the best of it, and we still manager to catch a ton of fish. Each day on the water was an adventure, and I even had to break out my winter shorts on a couple of the cooler mornings.
Listed below are some observation made on our quest:
Snook: The snook bite was going off while drift fishing the inlet at night during periods of tidal change. Many of the local anglers returned to the dock with limits of snook caught on a single drift through the gauntlet of boats and shore anglers using live pigfish, and pinfish. This is full contact fishing, so stay alert and be patient with other anglers.
Mullet Run: There are still good concentrations of finger mullet present in all areas of the central lagoon. When conditions settled down, bait showering the water’s surface to escape predators was a common site. The mullet schools have begun to thin out in the Canaveral area, and they will begin to diminish in Sebastian as the water cools.
Flounder Run: Flounder concentrations at the inlet have been limited to mostly small gulf flounder. This week we targeted flounder each day managing only one decent sized fish taken on a RipTide Mud Minnow jig. The run should intensify as soon as the water cools down a bit, so be prepared to hit the inlet at a moment notice if you are a flounder pounder. </ |
