Spring is getting close to arrival in Central Florida. Baitfish are starting to show up in good numbers again and water has been warming quickly after a good dose of cold in January. Mosquito Lagoon redfish have been present in good numbers and given us the best bite since the fall. In addition to seeing good numbers of redfish, we’ve also located good numbers of big speckled trout laid up on shallow mud flats. There continues to be good schools of black drum roaming around the Indian River Lagoon. The New Smyrna Beach creeks and backwaters have had great numbers of snook schooled up.
The past month in Mosquito Lagoon has given us the best redfish bite since the fall. Our redfish fishery isn’t what it used to be a decade ago…redfish numbers are much more limited and tougher to find. Having said that, a dose of consistent cold, low water and has schooled them up which made for some great sight fishing opportunities. As the weather fluctuates so does the catch numbers. We’ve had several days of 10-20 redfish, and several others that were just a couple. There’s no way to predict it in advance, just got to see what kind of weather we have to work with. They should continue to give us good opportunities through the end of April. Giant bull redfish over 25 pounds are starting to form into smaller spring schools in the Indian River Lagoon. We are sight casting these monsters and things will only improve on those chances throughout the spring and summer as they get more active.
The cold low water has also pushed up a bunch of big spotted sea trout into the shallows of Mosquito Lagoon. Speckled trout don’t school like redfish, but where you find one you’ll usually find a dozen or two scattered around nearby as well. It’s the best time of year to see some of the biggest trout you’ll ever see, problem is they are very lethargic and spooky in the clear water. Good news is things will only get better for catching the big gator trout in the Lagoons as we get into late spring and summer when more baitfish begin to show up. May through July will feature some of the best chances ever to get a trout approaching 10 pounds or better.
Even though we haven’t really been doing any good catching them right now (it’s been too cold and they are refusing everything), it’s an outstanding sight to see how many snook are hanging around in schools in the backwaters around New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet. They have definitely picked up the slack in fish numbers as redfish numbers have declined. As the water begins to warm snook will start to migrate back to their summer spots and when they do the bite will dramatically improve.
The Indian River and a few spots in Mosquito Lagoon have large schools of black drum roaming around. These fish are getting ready to spawn during the next month or two and as things warm up they will scatter widely. I typically don’t spend a lot of time targeting them but if we happen to stumble into a school, it’s game on!
If you’re reading this report chances are you’re wondering what we’ve been catching prior to booking a trip. Please realize March and April are two of the busiest months of the calendar year. Each are already over half way full and both will be full booked so short notice trips will be tough to come by. Don’t wait!!! I have about 10 days open in March and about 12 days open for April. I take last second scheduling if time permits. Text me or call me at 386-212-4931 or even send me an email to secure a date. Read my fishing charter page to view the top reasons why you should book your trip with me today. I look forward to fishing with you soon…
Pictures from the past month can be found on my website...http://www.floridasightfishing.com/report.htm
