The fall season, with its tropical rains and winds, is a time of change for the central Indian River Lagoon and adjacent waters. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it is part of the normal seasonal progression and I feel it has a rejuvenating effect on the entire estuary. Both predators and prey move around looking for their preferred habitats and water conditions and if you can find where the two come together the action can be explosive. As the cold fronts of November cool lagoon waters into the lower 70’s the numbers of resident and migratory species are at a peak and some of the best fishing of the year is possible. Let’s take a look at what you’re likely to find in the Sebastian area in November.
SEBASTIAN RIVER – Snook numbers will continue to increase in the Sebastian River as water temps fall and the linesiders instinctively work their way into the backwater winter refuges. Jacks and tarpon have been crashing schools of mullet as they come and go from the river early and late in the day, after which they move upstream into the north and south forks, presenting targets for light tackle and fly fishermen throughout the remainder of the day. D.O.A. Shrimp, Terror-EyZ and Mirro-Lure catch 2000 Jr. plugs are excellent choices for anything in the Sebastian River.
INDIAN RIVER LAGOON – The lagoon should begin to offer some of the every cast action that make the cooler months in the Sebastian area a favorite time for vacationing anglers and families with children. Bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, trout, flounder and pompano move into the lagoon and provide easy open water fishing for anglers using jigs and live shrimp. Trout and reds have not been on the open flats all year because of a lack of sea grass. The trout and reds will follow the bait into the backwater bays and along mangrove shorelines and anglers who follow suit should have success. D.O.A. jerk-baits in both 4” and 6” sizes are excellent choices on the flats and along shoreline cover for reds, trout and all other lagoon game fish. Mirro-Lures, gold spoons, live mullet and live shrimp will also catch anything that swims in the lagoon.
SEBASTIAN INLET – The inlet will continue to yield snook and redfish both day and night to live bait anglers. Pigfish, pinfish, croakers and shrimp are the baits of choice for inlet snook fishermen. Daytime anglers will find most of the fish along the shorelines and around the jetties. At night most fishermen drift through the center of the A1A Bridge and have consistent success. The big news for this November at Sebastian Inlet is the flounder run. There was a better than average number of flounder caught in the lagoon this summer, so maybe we are in for a big flounder run this fall. From November into December anglers can target flounder, some exceeding 10lbs., throughout Sebastian Inlet. Live mullet and mud minnows are excellent baits and jigs will do the trick as well.
NEARSHORE ATLANTIC – There will be calm days in the late fall, and when the opportunity arises it is worth a ride out the inlet and up or down the beach. Pelicans diving will give away the location of schools of mullet and greenies which could and should be shadowed by tarpon, sharks and big jacks. Diving terns are usually associated with schools of glass minnows a staple of the Spanish mackerel that are passing by on their southerly migration. Take advantage of the cooler weather this fall and spend a day on some of the most productive waters in Florida. Book your holiday trips early.
Capt. Gus Brugger
772-589-0008 Capt. Gus Brugger is a full time inshore fishing guide with over 20 years of charter fishing experience in the Sebastian area. He and his 18’ and 21’ Maverick flats skiffs are available for hire by one to Four anglers with reservations. Captain Hiram’s 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 Florida’s finest fishing destination.
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