Wednesday, December 10, 2008

IRL Reds School In Clear Low Water

"Hot" action on Mosquito Lagoon during the cooler months

Fishing the Mosquito and Indian River Lagoon's this time of year is quite possibly one of my favorites. With the crystal clear low water levels of this beautiful refuge means only one thing......schooled up redfish! There's not much better than fishing in comfortable cool crisp mornings with feeding fish. Reds will school up very well this time of year willing to eat even on the coldest mornings. Switching your baits over to crustations such as large live shrimp tail hooked will get even the most stubborn fish to eat. Also remember to downsize your artificials and use more of a slow retrieve. It's not uncommon to get on a group of well over 100 fish bunched up together in the backcountry of Mosquito Lagoon. Stealth is key as you approach. I like to fish more sandy areas with the cooler water as it heats up faster with the sunlight.

Fishing for black drum, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, flounder, and even grouper will really start to pick up in 4-6 feet of water. Target mangrove shorelines where it drops off quickly along with branches dangling in the water. The closer you are to the bank and the deeper it is, the better. Go with a knocker rig with a small piece of shrimp threaded on the hook.

Trout season is closed in our area until January 1st, but there are plenty to be had although let's try to leave them alone during the closed season. Also remember snook season will close from December 15th till January 31st. The warmer canals off of the ICW will hold plenty of snook right now.

Flounder gigging is definantly going to pick up searching the shallow shorelines. "Doormat" flounder are a great possibility with some fish going over 10 pounds. If you stick one this big boys, HOLD ON!!! Shrimping should be good also on our outgoing tides especially during the full and new moons. Already this year we've been seeing larger than normal shrimp running. It will be pretty easy on the right nights to get your 5 gallon limit of shrimp per boat.

Check back for next months report and as always feel free to contact me with any questions or to book that true backwater flats fishing experience of a lifetime!!

Posted on 20 Nov 2008 by Captain Jeff

Reel Shallow Charters
Capt. Jeff Dorobiala

Mobile: 386-478-9555
3110 Travelers Palm Dr
Edgewater, Fl 32141
http://www.reelshallowcharters.net/

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