03-19-2001, 01:52 AM
Florida's Indian River Lagoon - America's most diverse estuary<br><br>Spring typically brings some of the better fishing in east central Florida. Jack crevalle, trout, blue fish, snook and redfish have been recent targets. Large schools of jack crevalle have been terrorizing bait fish in the Indian River Lagoon and near coastal waters. These are a great target on fly and light tackle. A hookless Top Dog or surface chugger works very well to tease a school of fish within range of a fly caster. A light colored clouser or popper is the best pattern for this situation.<br><br>Blue fish have in good numbers in and around Sebastian Inlet. Blues will take most any bait or lure including silver spoons, 7M Series MirroLures and shad tail jigs. Ladyfish are on the drop offs near spoil islands and deeper channels. Sea trout are on these drops as well, but remain scattered. During times of bright sun light, fish a plastic jerk bait very slowly. For low light and overcast conditions, a small surface plug will often has been very productive. Fishing mangrove shorelines, we have also been taking a few small snook and redfish on plastic jerk baits.<br><br>Spring will bring better snook action, toothy spanish mackerel, jumbo jack crevalle and better numbers of trout and reds. And if we’re lucky, maybe some early season tarpon and smoker kingfish.<br><br>Thanks,<br>Capt. Tod Hagan<br>http://www.fishingcaptain.com<br><br><br><br><br>