[dropcap]A[/dropcap]pril is a great month to fish in the Sebastian area. The inshore and near-shore waters of the Sebastian area are a hot bed of fish activity as water temperatures and day lengths increase. From the headwaters of the Sebastian River to the Gulf Stream, anglers will find fish species eager to challenge them. I am hoping to see the sea grass beds of the lagoon begin to regrow from where they left off last fall. This will certainly enhance the fishing for the rest of the year.
Sebastian River
Snook, tarpon and big bull sharks are available in good numbers in the Sebastian River in April. The fish of the Sebastian River can be stubborn, but if you are patient and put forth a good effort, the rewards of fishing in this beautiful place can be extraordinary. D.O.A. shrimp and TerrorEyz, MirrOLures and live mullet are a step in the right direction. Throw to rolling tarpon in both forks of the river and pound the shoreline cover for snook. Bull sharks can be caught on live and dead baits in the lower river between the railroad and US 1 bridges.
Indian River Lagoon
April’s list of available species is the most extensive of the year. The techniques used to catch just about all the species can be as simple as bait and a float or bouncing a D.O.A. jig. These techniques are so universal that you never know what’s on the end of the line until it’s at the boat. April is family vacation time and the fishing in the Indian River Lagoon is tailored perfectly to anglers of all ages and skill levels. April is also the most likely month for seasoned anglers to catch a Sebastian Slam—trout, redfish, snook and tarpon.
Sebastian Inlet
During the day I target the schools of sizable jack crevalle that station themselves in the inlet’s swift current looking for a meal to float by. Live pinfish are the best bait most days. I also have consistent success with big D.O.A. TerrorEyz and Bait Busters rigged with heavy jig heads. At night things get serious as snook and redfish get active. Anglers in boats prefer drifting live baits, while shore-bound fishermen throw bucktail jigs, soft plastics and diving plugs.
Near-Shore Atlantic
Anything can be feeding along the beaches in April. The waters within a couple miles of the beach can boil with schools of Spanish mackerel, and bluefish are often within a stone’s throw from the beach. Big tarpon, cobia, king mackerel, bonito and spinner sharks are often close by. Jigs and spoons catch the Spanish and blues, while live baits, plugs and swim-baits get the attention of the larger predators.
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