REDFISH ARTICLE - Copyright 2003, Capt. Gary New

The Indian River, It's RED HOT!  By Capt. Gary New

Mention the Indian River to an angler and their minds will conjure up any number of fishing scenarios.  To one angler, visions of spotted sea trout will come to mind.  To another it would be snook or tarpon.  Then again, there are the shrimp runs, and any other number of angling activities to be found.  But mention the word Redfish to any serious angler and you’ll notice a visible rise of blood pressure, pulse and heartbeat.  In fact, the Redfish may be the most sought after gamefish of all.

One thing certain about this fisherman’s paradise is a diversity of fish, fishing methods, and locations.  And with the netting ban in place, the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are getting hotter and hotter as the chosen destination for sport fishing.  Only an hours drive east from the Orlando metro area, this is one of the best fishing locations in the state of Florida.

No one has to mention the fact that fly fishing for saltwater species has literally exploded in popularity in recent years.  To fly fishermen this area is a virtual playground with an abundance of inshore species that are very cooperative when given the proper weather, circumstances and presentation.  Though not predictable, the fish sometimes hit so well that fishermen tire from catching and releasing so many fish.  And it doesn’t take many fights with redfish in the 35 pound class to tire out an angler.

Local guides suggest that the area contains one of the finest redfish populations available.  Reports of two anglers catching and releasing over seventy smaller reds on a trip or another report of  over a dozen oversize fish  (over 27 inches) suggest that the redfish population is in great condition.  Even after an allowance for the fisherman’s fudge factor, it is obvious that some good fishing is available here. 

One thing unique to the Mosquito Lagoon area is that the reds never seem to leave the area, even to spawn.  Normally, redfish require a higher salinity content to spawn than that found in most of the Indian River area.  The fish are then required to migrate to the inlets and nearshore areas in order to have successful spawn.  But the conditions in the Mosquito Lagoon remain fairly stable and enable this population to live their entire life cycle without leaving the lagoon.

One of the more adventurous activities is to take a canoe into the Banana River “no motor zone.”  One local guide suggested that this was the “only” way to fish the area.  According to him, he spooks fewer fish and is able to get his clients closer to the fish with a minimum amount of noise resulting in more hookups.  Another significant advantage is the minimal draft of the canoe which makes it possible to get back into the skinny water that many bigger boats cannot reach easily.  And you haven’t lived until you have had your canoe towed around by a big redfish wondering who is going to prevail in the fight.

Whether canoeing, boating or fishing from shore an alternative method to approach the fish is to wade.  There are a lot of access points throughout the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons that are perfect for the boatless angler.  All one has to do is walk to the flats and wade out from there.  A little caution is in order because there have been numerous jellyfish spotted roaming the waters.  Protective wading shoes are strongly suggested and the angler may chose to wear a set of chest waders.

A majority of the guides prefer to fish from modern flats boats.  Most are equipped with a poling platform on the rear which enables better boat control and a quiet approach.  Another benefit is that the elevated surface helps in “sight” fishing or locating the fish prior to making the cast directly to the fish.  Many have an elevated front casting platforms giving the fishing angler that added advantage of being able to look down into the water. 

One flats boat recently encountered was equipped with a mini tuna tower over the center console where the guide stood very high and maneuvered the boat via a wireless trolling motor.  It looked as if it might really work well especially for spin fishing.  Visibility had to be great from such a vantage point, but flyfishing could be a problem from such a rig.

Redfish are spooky and particular.  There are times when the slightest noise will spook the entire school, and none of them will bite a lure.  Other times it seems that you could literally pole up and grab the fish by the tail, they are so indulged in eating whatever they have found on the bottom. 

Redfish are notorious for this “tailing” activity.  And this can be a major factor in locating the fish.  When looking at a redfish one observes that the mouth is bottom facing, hence most of his feeding activity is on the bottom.  When feeding, the fish actually sticks his tail out of the water for balance.  Nothing gets the heart racing more than seeing a school of tailing redfish actively feeding.

Another way to locate the fish is by observing their “V” wakes as they cruise the flats.  When conditions permit, this is a fast way to locate an active school.  But should you be fortunate enough to see them tailing, you’ll not only know that you have located fish but that you have located feeding fish.

Redfish move around a lot.  A school encountered one day may be quite a ways away the very next day.  Try fishing the flats either starting deep and working shallow or vice versa.  White sand patches that dot the flats are excellent targets for finding fish.  Often the fish can be easily seen over these lighter patches of bottom.

When the flats don’t produce Reds are often found around the drainage culverts, around the islands, the channels and sand bars.  They also cruise the docks and waterways and can be located almost anywhere, including offshore.  During cooler weather they may frequent the warm water discharges at one of several power plants.  Schools of roving mullet are a good place to fish by working the chosen bait on the edge, but working along with the school.  The trick to finding fish is to keep trying different depths and different baits.  Above all be alert for tailing fish or “V” wakes, an absolute indicator of a fish.

Once the fish are located one must be careful to observe their direction of travel and try as quietly as possible to keep up with the school while maintaining a safe distance.  This is where silent poling pays its greatest dividends.  Whether fishing baits such as live shrimp, freshly caught finger mullet, or artificials, redfish are often eager to cooperate.  In fact, many consider casting a live bait to a tailing redfish as almost cheating.  Here again, the age-old controversy rages on concerning live bait -Vs- artificials.

In addition to offering live baits there are a number of artificials that work very well.  Many prefer jerk baits and jig and tail combinations for spin fishing.  Zara Spooks, Super Spooks, Rebel Jumping Minnows and MirrOlures are also very popular.  One of the best baits for the flats and grassbeds is the gold spoon with a trailer tail.

For the fly fisherman a local favorite is a Brown or Copper Liz.  Other patterns include anything that imitates a shrimp, crab, or mullet.  Brown, Gold, Chartreuse, Black, Orange, White, and Silver are very popular.

When the hit occurs it is important not to make a hard hook set.  Rarely does an angler have difficulty setting the hook once the fish hits, but a hard hookset, if missed, jerks the bait away from the fish and out of the strike zone.  When stripping a fly it is more like simply another strip of the fly instead of using the rod to make the hookset.  Often, if the bait is missed the fish will hit again.

One factor that is making for great fishing is the strict enforcement of size and slot limits.  This is designed to protect the breeding stock of redfish which reach sexual maturity just above the 27 inch maximum length.  Another way that anglers can help to protect the future of the species is by avoiding “prop dredging” in the seagrass beds on the flats.  These seagrasses provide a very important start for many of our saltwater gamefish and a prop scar may take years to recover. 

  As with any new fishing venture, be sure to check the regulations before going fishing in the Indian River area.  Regulations have remained fairly stable where redfish are concerned, but are subject to change.  Call the local Marine Patrol office for current regulations.

Above all, check out the action, and find out for yourself why it’s “red hot” on the Indian River.

REDFISH - a closer look! (Suggested Sidebar to Main Article)

By Capt. Gary New

 Red Drum (redfish)

Sciaenops ocellatus

A/K/A Spot, Channel Bass

 Family Sciaenidae, (Drums) - Scianidae, which means making sounds. Drums use their swim bladders as a resonating chamber to make noise.

 Description: chin without barbels; copper bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; the head is blunt, one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and opening downward; scales large.  The shape is similar to its cousin the black drum, but has no chin barbels.

 Size:  Average size ranges from three to eight pounds, but some reach 30 pounds plus.  Minimum legal size is 18 inches and none may be kept over 27 inches.  One of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds. 

 Age -Vs- Length

2yrs      18 in.                3yrs      29 in.

5yrs      31 in.                10yrs    38 in.

11-35 years      39-44 inches.

IGFA Record:  94 pounds, 2 ounces (42.69 kg) caught out of Avon, North Carolina on November 7, 1984 by David G. Deuel.  Florida Record: 51 pounds, 8 ounces.

 Remarks: These are a hardy fish and do well with catch and release.  The spawn occurs from August to November in the nearshore waters and Mosquito Lagoon.  Severe cold snaps may kill redfish in the shallow waters.  Feeds on crustaceans, fish and mollusks with the blue crab suspected as being the primary food.  Life span of 37 years, perhaps longer.