Compliments of Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka Florida
As spring progresses and the weather warms up, fishing condition along the Indian River Lagoon Coast will also show improvement. Although we experienced windy conditions and some storms this past week, we still managed some nice catches. On the lagoons, the redfish are beginning to school up and take top-water plugs, well presented soft plastics, and live or dead bait. When targeting schooling redfish, it is important to first take a moment and study the schools behavior and movement. Approach the school as slowly and quietly as possible, and when within casting range present your offering to the outside perimeter ahead of the fish.This tactic will help keep from lining fish thus keeping the school in a happy mood. Once your fish is hooked, work it away from the school as quickly as possible. If the school blows out, have a member of your crew keep an eye on the group if possible. Another trick is once the captured redfish is revived and ready for release, it will usually swim in the direction of the school in an effort to rejoin them, tipping you off as to the schools location.
Dave Demarrais's 30-inch No-Motor Zone redfish taken on a Johnny Rattler plug.
Ryan Tebbenkamp's 40-inch redfish caught on a well presenter blue crab half.Another hot bite continues to be schooling large mouth bass in our local lakes and the St Johns River. The bass are feeding on schools of menhaden, pushing the baitfish to the surfaces at first light and dusk. The best tactic is to look for wading birds and white pelicans feeding along the rivers edge and fish busting on the surface, and then cast a small top-water plug into the mix.
Taylor's hefty large mouth taken on a small Storm Chug Bug, photo by Larry Carter.
Future Hook Kids on Fishing Event:
April 19 - Melbourne: To register contact the Melbourne Leisure Services 321-255-4608.
If your or your organization would like to support these events by volunteering, please contact me and I will point you in the right direction, or you can call Coastal Angler Magazine at 321-777-2773.
Events and Seminars
April 18, 19, 20 Melbourne: Mosquito Creek Outdoors Angler's Improvement Clinics held in conjunction with the Coastal Angler Magazine Boating and Fishing Expo at the Melbourne Auditorium. Both Captain Chris Myers and I will be conducting clinics throughout the event, so if you have any questions about tackle selection, rigging, or anything else just stop by our booth and ask. It is the perfect opportunity to learn from the pros. Additional sponsors for the clinics are: RipTide Lures, D.O.A. Lures, Woodies Rattles, Tti-Blakemore Fishing Group, Rapala, and Daichi Bleeding Bait Hooks.
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
http://www.irl-fishing.com
407-366-8085 landline
407-416-1187 on the water
866-790-8081 toll free
Book a charter, and let's go fishing.Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.comfor your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!
