THE CENTRAL INDIAN RIVER LAGOON – FEBRUARY 2013 FORECAST
Winter in Central Florida is the most dynamic period as far as weather is concerned. This makes accurately forecasting what the fishing is going to be like a month from now more difficult than at any other time of year. That being the case I am going to give two forecasts, one based on continuing cold weather, and the other based on a more mild, “normal” winter.
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Cold Weather Forecast
Cold weather in central Florida, in my opinion, is when overnight lows are below 45 degrees more than half the time, or when the mid-day highs struggle to break 70. This was the case last winter and has been the case since Thanksgiving this year.
Sebastian River- I can almost sum up the Sebastian River in one word, Ladyfish. Down deep on the coldest days, throughout the water column on warmer days and sunny afternoons. Some trout will be in the lower reaches of the river around oyster bars and drop-offs. Quarter ounce jigs, including goofy jigs and D.O.A. Cal shads are all you need to have every cast action.
Indian River Lagoon- Water temps below 60 greatly limit what will be willing to bite in the lagoon. Trout and reds will be around sunny shorelines and spoil island drop-offs, but getting bites will be tough. Live shrimp are rarely refused, but finding the fish with bait can be a slow process. Start out fishing a 4” D.O.A. CAL jerk-bait on a 1/8th or 1/4th ounce head very slowly along the bottom in the above mentioned areas. Once you get a fish, see a fish, or just find a fishy looking spot switch to live shrimp and work the area thoroughly. I personally prefer lures, but when its 45 degrees and the wind is blowing 20mph, finding a spot to anchor up and float a shrimp to a school of fish is more comfortable and productive. Forget about targeting anything besides trout and reds until water temps stabilize over 67 degrees.
Sebastian Inlet- Bluefish and Spanish mackerel will be throughout the inlet when the incoming tide brings the warm ocean water in. Gotcha plugs and ½ oz. jigs will get down to the fish in the inlet current. Sheaphead, black drum and the occasional flounder will be available to anglers fishing the bottom.
Warm/Normal Weather Forecast
Sebastian River- Not much of a change, ladyfish will be abundant until the lagoon temps get over 70. The few snook left after last year’s fish kill would become more active with a warm February. Some tarpon will also be worth fishing for in the far upper reaches of the south fork. D.O.A. shrimp, tiny terror-eyz and jerk-baits thrown to cover or to rolling fish are the best bet for snook and tarpon.
Indian River Lagoon- Trout and reds will be the main draw regardless of the weather, but how and where to catch them, will change. Trout will leave the edges of the flats and move up into the warmer shallow waters. Any remaining grass beds are excellent areas to find trout lying in wait for passing prey. I do find that trout like spoil island flats and open water flats this time of year, in my opinion it is because these areas get passed over by more shrimp as they migrate toward the inlet. Redfish will also spread out on the flats. Unlike trout, redfish are not as dependent on sea grass for cover, so any shallow warm water area can hold a number of reds prowling for a meal. Since they can be spread out it is best to throw a lure that can be worked relatively quickly so as to cover a lot of ground. Gold spoons are the all time favorite, but jerk-baits, and suspending and top-water plugs are also good choices. If water temps stay above 67 some of the migratory species will again begin to use the lagoon as they move north. This includes pompano, bluefish, Spanish macks , jack crevalle, weakfish and ladyfish. The yo-zuri 3D minnow is a great little plug to throw around drop-offs and flats edges for all these species as well as reds and trout.
Sebastian Inlet- Not many changes, other than some big jacks and occasional 30 pound class redfish if things warm up. Drift live pinfish through the A1A Bridge and if a bluefish or 10 pound jack doesn’t eat it right away once and a while a big red will. These fish can also be jigged up with D.O.A. baitbusters and large Terror-eyz.
Near-shore Atlantic- I didn’t bother mentioning this in the cold weather forecast, because cold weather and its associated winds generally don’t allow small boaters into the ocean. If the opportunity arises the waters along the beaches can be very productive. Blues and mackerel will be the main targets, but pompano will also be a possibility for boaters and surf fishermen. Goofy jigs, gotcha plugs and three hook dropper rigs baited with sand fleas or cut clams will cover most of the bases.
Fish the way you have to, not the way you want to and you will find success during a Central Florida winter.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Gus Brugger
772-589-0008
www.sebastianfishingguides.com
Capt. Gus Brugger is a full time inshore fishing guide with over 18 years of charter fishing experience in the Sebastian area. He and his 18’ and 21’ Maverick flats skiffs are available for hire by one to Four anglers with reservations. Captain Hiram’s Resort is home base for Pattern Setter Charters and is a perfect get away for serious anglers or family fun. Give Gus a call today and book a trip to east central Florida’s finest fishing destination.