Sebastian area inshore waters in May will offer anglers of all ages and sizes the opportunity to catch trout, reds, snook and more. PHOTO CREDITS: Capt. Gus Brugger.
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 shown very minor signs of rejuvenation as of mid-April. The fringes of rooted grass in a few areas do bring hope for recovery in the future. This will happen at Mother Nature’s pace, but as fishermen we understand patience. This lack of open water habitat has forced the lagoon’s 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 on some nice fish.
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.
Indian River Lagoon
Anywhere rooted grass can be found, the fish are sure to be around. If sea grass continues to be scarce, alternate habitats such as rocky bottom, shallow shorelines and docks will hold trout, reds and snook. Stealth is the key.
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. Bull redfish, 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, bonito, 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 bonito 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.
Tight lines!