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
www.irl-fishing.com
407-366-8085 landline
407-416-1187 on the water
866-790-8081 toll free
If you would like to be added to this mailing list, please contact Captain Tom at captain@irl-fishing.com.
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