Redfish Article 2 Copyright 2003

East Coast Anglers Seeing RED!  by Capt. Gary New

No, its not an invasion of Russians, but an explosion of reddish-bronze submarines that are sure to put up a good fight.  Redfish that is!  And since the passing of the statewide net-ban and conservative bag limits, their populations are soaring.  They’ve become such a popular angling species that the redfish may currently be the most sought after gamefish of all.

Considered one of the best fishing locations in the state, the Mosquito, Banana, and Indian River Lagoons, are only about an hours drive east of the Orlando area.  Professional fishing guides suggest that the area contains one of the finest redfish populations available.  It has, in fact, produced several redfish of world-record proportions.

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 of the more adventurous fishing trips is to take a canoe into the Banana River “no motor zone.”  Here there are no motors allowed, either gas or electric.  One guide suggested that this was the “only” way to fish the area.  He says that he spooks fewer fish and can get closer to the fish with less noise, resulting in more hookups.  A 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 easily reach.  And you haven’t lived until you have had your canoe pulled around by a big redfish, never knowing 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.  And 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.  But watch out for the Jellyfish and other creatures.  Protective wading shoes are strongly suggested and the angler may chose to wear a set of 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 also have an elevated front casting platform, giving the angler that added height advantage of being able to look down into the water. 

Redfish are often spooky and particular.  There are times when the slightest noise will spook the entire school, and none of them will bite a lure or even a live bait.  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 to root up from 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.  Often when feeding on the flats, the fish actually sticks his tail out of the water which can be spotted from some distance.  And 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 sometimes move around a lot.  A school encountered one day may be quite a ways away the very next day or they may be in the same spot that you left them.  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 the surf and even far offshore.  During cooler weather they may frequent the warm water discharges at one of several power plants.  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.

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.

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.

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 they’re “Seeing Red” on the east coast of Florida!

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.