THE CENTRAL INDIAN RIVER LAGOON – JULY 2013 FORECAST
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Sebastian River – The top of the list in the Sebastian River in mid-summer is tarpon. The tarpon have been cooperating with my clients since early May. The numbers have dropped off since early June, but both forks should have fish showing in the early mornings. Live mullet early and late in the day are the best bet, but jerk baits, diving plugs, D.O.A. shrimp & terror-eyz and flies can be successful when the fish turn on. Some big snook continue to reside in the Sebastian River throughout the summer. Fish docks and cover by day and lighted docks and oyster bars in the dark. Snook season remains closed until at least September first, so catch and release only.
Indian River Lagoon – Early morning provides the best chance at trout and reds on the many flats of the central lagoon. Topwater plugs, D.O.A. C.A.L. jerkbaits, Mirro-lures and live pigfish are good choices. Small pigfish begin to be available this time of year with the commercial hook and line trout season opening June1st until August 31st. Fished below a float or free-lined these inshore members of the grunt family have been favorite summer trout bait for generations. Bull sharks and tarpon have been congregating in the open basins of the lagoon the last few years. Try floating a live ladyfish on stout gear with wire leader for the bull sharks and fire Mirro-lures, flies, C.A.L. jerkbaits and live mullet at rolling tarpon. Snook of all sizes will be laid up tight to cover getting out of the sun during the day. Twenty pound power pro, D.O.A. shrimp and weed-less rigged C.A.L. Shads will do the trick.
Sebastian Inlet – This is the time to take advantage of the inlet. The tips of the jetties have always been the best spots this time of year, the north jetty on the outgoing tide, and the south on the incomer. Live bait is the only way to go during the day. Croakers, pigfish, and shrimp are your best choices. Get them down using anything from a split shot to a 2 oz. egg sinker and you have as good a chance at catching a picture worthy snook or redfish as any place in the world. Shore bound anglers can also enjoy this great fishery, and possibly be at an advantage especially at night when live bait is optional and big bucktail jigs and diving plugs are commonly used. Permit and Bull redfish are also July visitors to Sebastian Inlet.
Near shore Atlantic –The summer time near shore fishery of the Sebastian area is our best chance of the year to catch fish weighing out in the double and sometime triple digits. Large migrating tarpon, smoker kings, bonito, barracuda, cobia, dolphin, giant Jack crevalle and even sailfish are possible within small boat range of the inlet. The tarpon are generally within a mile of the beach, they will generally hit a free-lined mullet or greenie tossed in front of them. Keep your eyes open, your baits lively and have a heavy spinning or bait-casting rod with plenty of 20-30# line. Keep a light spinner or fly rod with you as well while you are searching for tarpon, chances are you will find as many or more schools of Spanish macks and little tunny busting bait than tarpon. Slow trolling inshore is easy and productive. I run two lines off my flats boat, a surface line and a downrigger. Stinger rigs made of #4 or #5 wire do fine and baits from a 4-inch greenie to a 14-inch mullet are usable. Medium action conventional rods with TLD15’s or TLD25’s, spooled with 20# mono are my preference for slow trolling.
Looking for a weekend summer getaway? Conveniently located within a three hour drive of Miami, Sebastian is the answer. The fishing is great and the people are friendly. Call Capt. Gus for Area Info and Charter Reservations.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Gus Brugger
www.sebastianfishingguides.com
772-589-0008
Capt. Gus Brugger is a full time inshore fishing guide with over 17 years of charter fishing experience in the Sebastian area. He and his 18’ and 21’ Maverick flats skiffs are available for charter 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.