As of the time I write this forecast (mid-June) it’s fair to say the water clarity is much better in the north Indian River than the south Mosquito Lagoon. However, I feel it’s also fair to say the bite is better in the Mosquito. While this may seem counter-intuitive it is what it is and if the fish are chewing better in the dirty water I’ll choose the better bite!
The good news is with the lower than average water levels the savvy angler will take advantage of the tails waving at us as the redfish, black drum and yes, catfish show us their exact location. I mention the catfish as a reminder to us; all that glitters is not gold…
When tailing activity is slow or non- existent concentrate your efforts on the outer edges of the shallow flats. These slightly deeper areas become high use areas after the shallows become too skinny to support the gamefish. Edges alive with mullet become especially attractive to the predators and should be attractive to the anglers as well.
When the fish are less than aggressive it’s tough to beat a live finger mullet, pinfish or pigfish for catching a few reds or spotted seatrout. Do not rule out the attractiveness of dead and cut bait using this same selection. Placing your offering in a sand-patch will up your odds and remember your patience will often be rewarded.
Lure selection gets a little tougher this time of year because of all the debris floating on the surface or rotting on the bottom. Grass and algae seemingly reach out and attack anything with treble hooks and twitch-baits become tangled too if allowed to reach bottom. I tend to throw soft plastic shad tailed and curly tailed swim baits rigged with a weedless Mission Fishin’ jig head. Of course, a weedless shrimp imitation is a great choice especially when fish are tailing or holding in sand patches. I really like the Pimpin’ Shrimp from Banks Lures as long as the puffer fish aren’t too abundant.
For a great top-water lure that is very weedless try the Z Man Shad Popz on a 5/0 worm hook. This lure can be fished across the thickest grass mats just like a bass anglers floating frog!
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