Indian River Fishing Report – December 2016

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to go fishing. Spending time with family, friends, or even just by yourself is a great way to enjoy some of God’s greatest gifts. During the month of December, anglers can expect to catch a variety of game fish.

To begin with, the mid morning trout bite should be good. Live shrimp rigged under a popping cork or small top water lures such as MirrOlure Model: 74MR, Length: 3-1/2”, Weight: 5/8 Oz. (color 18 green back, white back, silver scale) will be a great way to target a nice spotted sea trout. When using these baits, anglers will be more successful when fishing their baits slowly near sandy pot holes or small schools of bait fish. Anglers should keep in mind that trout can be easily spooked. With this being said anglers should make long accurate cast to a targeted area and fish their bait as slowly as possible. During the month of December, anglers can expect for many of these fish to have an average length of 15” with some of these trout measuring up to 20”.

Anglers can also expect to catch a few nice redfish and black drum. During the cooler months, these fish will feed on live shrimp, cut baits (mullet or ladyfish), scented jerk baits or even gold spoons. When using shrimp or cut baits, anglers will want to concentrate their efforts near channel drop offs, mangrove islands, or boat docks. Having a little patience and fishing these baits on the bottom is the best way to hook up with one of these hard fighting fish. For those who enjoy casting artificial lures your approach will be a little different. Rigging spoons or soft plastic baits such as MirrOlure’s 4’Soft-Shed MRSS4 Paddle Tail (color 10 plum/chartreuse tail) will be a good way to increase your chances of bringing a fish boat side. When using artificial lures I suggest using a 7 foot medium action spinning reel combo equipped with 20 pound test braided line and 15 pound test mono leader. During this time of year many of these reds will measure within the legal slot size of 18 to 27 inch.

Capt. Keith Mixon
Mixin’ Work With Play Fishing Charters
www.mixinworkwithplay.com
321-212-8484