I am hopeful that May will bring a calm ocean and allow me to break free of the confines of the Sebastian areas inshore waters. For over two decades the fish filled waters of the Indian River Lagoon have helped me make casual fishermen look like pro anglers, but this has rarely been the case this winter. The rooted sea grasses that are the cornerstone of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem have not as of mid-April shown any sign of rejuvenation. This lack of open water
habitat has forced the Lagoons remaining seatrout and redfish into very shallow shoreline areas that where only the most stealthy approach has any chance of resulting in success. Whereas the present lagoon situation has made fishing tough for the family groups that make up much of my early spring clientele, my more seasoned, repeat clients who know to limit their party to one or two anglers have been able to score some very nice fish. My mantra in regards to the Sebastian area fishing has always been âIf one type of fishing is taken away, another will take its place.â This has been the case again this year. We couldnât always get what we wanted, but there was always something willing to bend a rod.
Letâs take a look at the expanded Sebastian area fishing options that May is sure to bring.
Sebastian River:
The Sebastian River will be at a peak this May. Tarpon size and numbers will increase with warming waters. Snook will stage throughout the river before making their pilgrimage to Sebastian Inlet for the summer. Many fly fishermen take advantage of the Sebastian River this time of year. Bring your entire fly selection, as these juvenile tarpon can be as frustrating as they are numerous. Light
tackle anglers can target snook and tarpon with live mullet or a variety of artificial lures. Some of the best lure choices for the Sebastian River are: D.O.A. shrimp and Terror-eyz, Mirro-Lure catch 2000 Jr. and Mirro-dyne, Rapala xrap, and a variety of topwater plugs. Mornings and evenings are always best, but the beginning of major and minor solunar periods definitely correlate to tarpon feeding periods.
Sebastian Inlet:
The inlet has traditionally been a nighttime fishery in May. Snook and reds are caught with regularity by fishermen throwing plugs and bucktail jigs from the shoreline and by boaters drifting live baits under the A1A Bridge. Jack Crevalle, Spanish mackerel, and the last of the bluefish will make up most of the daytime action at the inlet until the redfish and snook take the stage in June.
Near Shore Atlantic:
When the winds calm and the near shore waters clear, anything can happen just off the Sebastian area beaches. Kingfish, cobia, bonita, jacks, sharks, tarpon, permit, Spanish mackerel, sailfish and dolphin are all known to shadow the bait pods that are usually numerous within a few miles of Sebastian Inlet. Slow trolling live threadfins, mullet or pogies around bait pods and bottom structure keeps my clients happy and my smoker full all summer. Running the beach looking for rolling tarpon, breaking bonita and Spanish macs is also a great tactic for finding some light tackle action. Live greenies, plugs and jigs are all good choices to throw at breaking and rolling fish.
Capt. Gus Brugger is a full time inshore Âfishing guide with over 20 years of charter Âfishing experience in the Sebastian area. He and his 18â and 21â Maverick  flats skiffÂs are available for hire by one to Four anglers with reservations. Captain Hiramâs Resort is home base for Pattern Setter Charters and is a perfect get away for serious anglers or family fun. Give Gus a call today and book a trip to east central Floridaâs Âfinest fishing destination.
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