Friday, July 10, 2009

Mosquito Lagoon Weather / Fishing Are Hot

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, June 21, 2009

By Captain Tom Van Horn

Events and Seminar Schedule:
July 25, 2009 "Free Fishing Classes" Introduction to Saltwater Flats Fishing Series, Class 4 of 8, "Hard Bait Applications" 10 am-12 noon at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 S Washington Avenue in Apopka. Instructors are Captains Chris Myers and Tom Van Horn. For more details or directions, contact Mosquito Creek Outdoors at (407) 464-2000 or visit their website www.mosquitocreek.com.

Captains Chris Myers and Tom Van Horn
It's no secret; both the weather and the fishing have been hot. For those of you trying to fish through the afternoon hours you know what I mean. The heat and humidity have been oppressive in the afternoon. The hot temperatures (Lagoon water temps at 90 degrees in the afternoon) and full moon have created a less than optimal fishing scenario, and as a result the catching has only been fair this past week. To beat the heat, go early and late, very early mornings and late evenings have produced the best action for all species on the flats. Late morning and early evening efforts have produced some nice ladyfish, sea trout, sail catfish and jack action along the NASA Causeway and other open water areas. This doesn't mean they are not biting in the afternoon for those who can take the heat. Top-water plugs and jerk baits have produced the most strikes both early and late. Storm Chug Bug (Blue Chrome) has worked well during calm condition. Small to medium size snook are around the mangroves, docks and creek mouths during the day and are venturing out on the flats as the daylight fades. Additionally, some small tarpon are starting to show up in the lagoon around the docks and finding glass minnows has been the key. Also look for glass minnows in the open water for fast and furious action.

The summer heat is on and there is a ton of bait of all shapes and sizes in the lagoon. This can make for slow fishing at times. However, if you play it right some nice fish can be caught. Get out to your favorite flat before first light and start casting until the fun slows. Another good time is from 7:00 pm until dark, and, don't forget the night fishing after dark especially during a full moon. Are storms in the afternoon putting a damper on your fishing? Don't let them. One of the best times to fish is in the evening just after a storm has rolled through. Don't fish during the storm, but do be ready to get out on the water when the coast clears. The rain cools off the water fast making fish more active, and the winds usually subside to near nothing producing great conditions for sighting tailing redfish.

Also, fishing around dock lights at night is very productive for a mixed bag of sea trout, snook, ladyfish and jacks. Some of my favorite locations are the ICW in Edgewater, the docks south of JB's Fish Camp and those along the east shore near the Ponce de Leon Inlet. My best results come from casting a Nite Glow DOA Shrimp up current of the dock and letting the lure drift out of the darkness into the light.

Near-shore along the beaches, good reports of heavy baitfish (pogies) have been reported from Patrick AFB to New Smyrna Beach, with scattered reports of large jacks, kingfish and tarpon shadowing these bait pods. The key has been to keep looking until you see fish working the bait, and then slow troll live pogies on steel kingfish rigs within the mix. Remember the Space Shuttle is poised for lunch on Saturday afternoon, so all security zones are in effect.


As always, if you have any questions or need information, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters

407-416-1187 on the water
407-366-8085 office
www.irl-fishing.com

Visit www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com for your outdoor adventure needs, its Where the Adventure Begins!

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