September is full on spawning season for our local redfish population. While more spawning activity occurs in the Mosquito Lagoon than is commonly accepted it’s the Indian River that gets the attention of most anglers.
For those who do not enjoy fishing with the “armada” to the west try concentrating your efforts in the Tiger Basin region, especially drop-off areas of the major sand bars.
Another overlooked hot spot for the big fish during the spawn is the Haulover Canal. Fishing here is less a game of hide and seek and more a game of patience. As the breeders roam back and forth through the canal it’s a logical place to wait in ambush. Fishing here is simply a matter of keeping a few baits anchored on the bottom and waiting for a rod to bend.
While I personally don’t find this approach as exciting as hunting and stalking redfish I still recognize this location and method for the success it offers and indeed the “canal” has saved many charter trips over the years.
I prefer a live mullet or pinfish lip- hooked on a 5/0 circle using just enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom. Current flow dictates the amount of weight with one ounce being right for all but the fastest moving water. If possible I also like to free-line a live bait on one rod to entice fish moving higher in the water column. Often a big jack will find it and sometime a monster red will, but if you’re lucky a hundred pound tarpon will explode on your bait adding an adrenaline rush the likes many have never experienced.
Tackle up for this type of fishing. I find twenty pound line to be the minimum strength and prefer thirty pound coupled to forty pound leader. Lighter tackle may allow the battle to last much too long a duration for the healthy release of any big fish during summer’s relentless heat.
In my opinion it’s better to fight them hard and fast, bringing them to boat while they’re still feisty. This allows time for a quick photo and ensures the fish is strong enough for an easy revival and ultimately a successful release!
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