The New Year is upon us, and this year I resolve to challenge every Floridian new and old to take at least one additional measure in 2007 to promote the wise use of resources we love so much. It is as simple as joining a conservation organization like the Coastal Conservation Association, assisting in a local clean up, taking someone who has never fished fishing for their first time, and encouraging those within our circle of influence to do the same. Together we can make a huge difference by expanding the awareness of others, and our legacy will be a healthy fishery for generations to come.
Winter has settled in on the Lagoon coast of Florida, and as always, weather and temperature play a prominent roll in determining our tactics and success. Tropical species like snook, tarpon, jacks, and mullet, have either traveled south for the winter or migrated upstream into the creeks and rivers seeking the warmest water they can find. As water temperatures drop, so do the metabolisms of many species, so it is important to seek out warm water locations and slow down your bait presentation. Additionally, feeding patterns of many species change as their available forage changes. With these thoughts in mind, fishing gets better as the day warms up, so an early morning start is not necessary.
On the flats of Mosquito Lagoon and other non-tidal estuaries, falling temperatures and water levels set the stage for some of the best sight fishing experienced all year. The water is shallow and clear and the fish are spooky, so a stealth presentation and long cast are critical. As the sun begins to warm the water, target sandy potholes within the expansive grass flats where both redfish and sea trout lay seeking the warmth of the sun's reflection on sand. On colder days, target areas of deeper locations where the water is a few degrees warmer, and slow down your presentation. Some other warm water refuges are concrete structures that hold heat longer like seawalls, ramps and bridges, and deeper holes with black muck bottoms that absorb heat. As the day grows longer and the flats heat up, the feeding and tailing activity redfish and black drum improve as the shallow water warms up faster. Another very important part of the equation is to match the hatch. Remember as stated earlier, mullet are tropical fish, so during the winter the primary forage on the lagoon switches from finfish to crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. When targeting redfish, black drum, and sea trout during the colder months, I like to downsize my bait, slow down my presentation, and fish with a shrimp or crab imitation baits like the Rip/Tide Realistic Shrimp and Crab on a Woodie's Rattle Hook.
If fly-fishing is your game and large inshore game fish are your desire, nothing beats the Banana River Lagoon's No-Motor Zone in the winter, and nothing gets your heart pumping like the sight of a huge black drum or redfish tailing in your direction. In 1994, the federal government set aside 10,500 acres of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to serve as a manatee refuge, restricting the use of motorized vessels of any kind. In an effort to protect the then endangered species, the government established a marine sanctuary accessible only by paddle or sail with very little angling pressure at all. The NMZ's undeveloped shoreline and pristine sea grass beds are as close to old Florida as it gets. It is one of the only places I know of where forty pound black drum tail on the flats, and a well-presented black Clouser Minnow will reward you with the fight of your life.
Also, the American shad fishing on the upper Saint Johns River south of Lake Harney should be in fill swing by mid January. The American shad are the largest species of herring, and they migrate up the river from the ocean to spawn. This activity is prevalent along the entire Atlantic seaboard, but we are the first to experience the spawn, as our waters are the first to warm up. Shad are great fun on a fly rod and light spinning gear, and try throwing a Crazy Charlie fly or small jig.
In closing, I encourage all of you who live for the sport of fishing to visit the Angler's Legacy website at http://www.anglerslegacy.com and take the pledge to take someone fishing for their first time.
Good luck and good fishing,
Captain Tom Van Horn
www.irl-fishing.com
407-416-1187 on the water
407-366-8085 land line
866-790-8081 toll free
If you would like to be added to my mailing list, contact me at captain@irl-fishing.com.