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Well I will call it… It’s Springtime! I don’t need some fury mammal surround by a bunch of over dressed men to tell me it’s here. How do I know you ask? The fish are starting to school up and the first sightings of mullet have been made on the flats of the Mosquito Lagoon.
The last few days the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon have been on fire. After experiencing one of the coldest winters in recent memory the worries on anglers’ minds were what would be the affects and how it would resonate into the spring fishing season. I am happy to say it appears that the redfish and black drum are no worse for wear. Since the warm weather broke this past week I have seen monster schools of redfish and black drum on the flats. Schools that number over 500+ fish have been working up and down the most popular flats of the area.
Shrimp, blue crabs, and stink baits have been the right choice to trigger bites. Remember to be patient when working these schools. Dropping your trolling motor and chasing these schools all around the flat will make the fish lock up and you frustrated. Instead read the school and pole your way into their path and wait for them to work up to your baits. I’ve paired up my Power Pole with a shallow water anchoring system from Skinnywater Products which allows me to hold the boat square and the baits in the strike zone.
As the springtime gets into full swing and the finger mullet start to show up swim baits will be the choice bait in the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. Many companies are introducing new lures into the market for 2010 like the SW Exude Cigar Mino. Keep a look out for an upcoming article where I review some of these new plastics.
It’s springtime that means two things remember to set your clocks ahead on March 14th and go out on the water and “Get Your Fish On… Florida Fisherman Style!”
Capt. Mike Ortego
The Florida Fisherman
