Yes, redfish spawning occurs in the Mosquito Lagoon, too, and the deep waters of Tiger Basin is a known breeding area, at least by our local marine biologists. It seems as our local fishing community ignores this fact and concentrates their efforts on the Indian River Lagoon.
Be sure there is a mixing of the local redfish population between the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon. It is fairly common knowledge that big redfish pass through the Haulover Canal; the bent rods from both boating and shore bound anglers is obvious proof. While the canal can offer terrific fishing opportunities all year and for many species it can be magical during the spawning season. Personally, this is not my preferred method of fishing for a trophy, but for many anglers patiently waiting for a bite will indeed lead to a successful battle!
Tackle up, while the light rods, reels and line we use on the shallows will certainly handle these monsters it is not in the fishâs best interest. Please remember how fragile these critters are, especially in the warm condition they live in during the spawning season. Warm water holds smaller levels of dissolved oxygen than cool water and low oxygen levels contribute greatly to fatigue. The rigors of an actual spawn depletes much of their energy reserves and coupling an extended battle on top of a recent spawn can fatigue a fish to the point of no return. I much prefer to land these awesome fish as quickly as possible, well before they are exhausted. Using heavier than ânormalâ gear allows this. My big-fish gear includes seven and a half foot rods and reels filled with fifteen or twenty pound braided line. A battle lasts only a few minutes with this gear and is much more intense than a 30 minute fight on an eight or ten pound outfit.
Handle your catch well and quickly to ensure a successful release. Everyone wants a photo of their trophy and I personally allow this on my boat. However, it is imperative this happens quickly. Please do not take it personally if I overly stress this upon you as you are fishing with me. While WE may have hours to accomplish our goals, the fish just boated only has about a minute. Support your catch properly and keep it in a horizontal position during its time out of the water. Holding the fish by a lip and lifting it vertically is considered by many to be improper. Over the years I too have come to believe this. Yes, you will see photos of past clients from long ago doing this from my boats and I simply do not allow the practice any longer. Please, I implore you; take all the time necessary to revive your catch!
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