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Mosquito Lagoon April Report
2009-04-14 14:37:12
Mosquito Lagoon, Florida - Saltwater Fishing Report
North End.
April Fishing Report 4/13/9
Letʼs just say the weather here on the space coast has varied from pleasant boat-free
backcountry tailing fish (more on that later) to ABSOLUTELY HORRID rainy and windy
days. As I write this report the wind is howling at 30 mph and gusting to 50! With all of
this crazy weather the water levels have fluctuated dramatically as well. Several
charters have had to be re-scheduled this month due to this April weather.
Mosquito Lagoon and the North Indian River continue to be the place to be for Redfish,
Black Drum and Trout! Lots of the "larger" winter schools have broken up making for
lots of singles, cruising fish and tailers if you get out on the right day. We all know this is
a toss of the dice in April.
Last week on a charter with Mike from CT, we actually fished an entire bay by
OURSELVES for six(6) hours. I later spoke to a friend of mine who said there were at
least ten(10) boats in an area known to produce black drum this year....Can you believe
that? All in an area the size of a football field!! Iʼm happy to say that MANY fish are
being caught WITHOUT other boats around!! Iʼve seen anglers casting over others
lines from 10 feet away and boats actually bumping into each other to achieve position
on a TERRORIZED school of fish. I remain committed to avoid this!
The go-to bait this week has been a fresh live finger mullet or as always, a sight-casted
riptide plastic, live shrimp, or fly. The reds have been working along the flats throughout
the day and if you locate a fish without spooking them you can usually make them eat.
The weather has been marginal for the fly-fishermen, gold tinsel toads and small crab
patterns have been the ticket. Also this month, I caught a very interesting fish in my
neighborhood...(ON Fly!) I was testing some new clear fly line sent to me from MONIC
(these guys make great lines for spooky fish!)on a local pond and this was the result.
Why would this guy EAT a crab?
Happy anglers this week include Mike from CT with a truly great day of tailing reds,
Dave and his wife Sheila from Orlando were treated to perfect weather and schools of
Black Drum as well as a NICE 6 lb. trout on a finger mullet.. (all released fish!)
Go fishing!!
Or you can always call me at 352-255-8175 or visit us on the web at
www.hotfishcharters.com
Take a Kid Fishing! They are the Future....
Capt Mike.
Fish Species: Redfish, Trout and Black Drum
Bait Used:
Method Used:
Water Depth: 1-2 feet
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction: Everywhere
Wind Speed: Gusts to 50mph
Mike from CT with one of many nice ones!
Why would this guy EAT a flyrod crab?
About The Author: Captain Michael Bales
Company: HotFish Charters
Area Reporting: Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River
Bio: Native Floridian Capt Michael Bales has been fishing for over 25 years and full time professionally guiding for 10.I have been lucky enough to have fished and guided waters all over the world to include AK, the Rocky Mountain west, TN, NC, GA, and FL! Even a brief period as a Taimen and Trout guide while living in Europe! While not guiding in Alaska, you can find Capt Mike silently poling the waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon and the Canveral National seashore looking for Redfish or perhaps on the pristine flats of Homosassa in search of Tarpon. Having been an Alaska Professional Guide for 5 years guiding for all five species of Pacific Salmon, Steelhead, World-Class Rainbow trout and Halibut on Shelikopf straits in Cook Inlet. He has experience operating jet boats, float rafts and drift boats in remote coastal rivers of Alaska, as well as offshore boats and inshore boats in Florida.
352.255.8175
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Michael Bales