East Coast Mullet Run Is On!

Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, October 9, 2009

By Captain Tom Van Horn

Let me start by apologize for my lack of reports last week. I'm currently landlocked recovering from major surgery I received last week. Nonetheless, I'll be off of the water for the next several weeks, so the material within this report is generalized information provided by my good friends on the water.

Before we get into the meat of this report, I would like to remind everyone about the free fishing seminar presented by Mosquito Creek Outdoors at 170 South Washington Avenue in Apopka. The event is on Saturday October 10th from 1 - 3pm and it features Shallow Water Tactics by Captain Mark Nichols of DOA Lures and Jerry McBride from Florida Sportsman Magazine. I'll see you there, even if the wife has to drive me.

The mullet run is now, and I say now, in full swing. If you have been waiting for the heat to dissipate and the bite to improve, don't wait any longer. The mullet are thick, and the predators are going off on them in all areas of the Lagoon Coast.



Mullet run beach snook caught by Charlie Brown of Lackland while fishing with Captain Jim Ross of Fineline Charters.

Along the beaches, the baits schools are pushing south, and good reports of snook, flounder, redfish, ladyfish, blues, jacks, Spanish mackerel, sharks and tarpon have been coming in from anglers from Playlinda to Sebastian. Try throwing top water plugs like Rapala X-Wrap XR-12 lures and Skitter Walks, or sub-surface baits like the DOA Bait Buster and BFL in close along the edge of the surf and around the jetties. Concentrate your efforts in areas of bait pods, and if the artificial bait fails to produce, net yourself some finger mullet, and fish them in close to the surf's edge.

In the Lagoon, focus on areas where baits schools are passing close to shorelines and alone the causeways, and work top water plugs like the Storm Chug-Bug or the Rapala Skitter Walk. If conditions are not suitable for the top-water bite, chunking live finger mullet or ladyfish chunks are effective.

I've also been hearing reports of big cobia and tripletail working north of the Canaveral buoy line and just north on the bight of the Cape off of the Rocket Ranch.

In closing, make some time to hit the water this week and enjoy one of the best times to fish all year.

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

Good luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
407-416-1187 on the water
407-366-8085 land line


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