Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, March 24, 2011

[Fishing Report]

Mosquito Creek Outdoor's Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, March 24, 2011




By Captain Tom Van Horn



Upcoming Seminars and Events



SaturdayApril 9th Free Fly Fishing Class



10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, April 16th



10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish "Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program



10:00 - 12:00 Hook Kids on Fishing Program



Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com



This Weeks Fishing Report



Fishing on the lagoon this past week was tough at first, but shown significant improvement in the last few days. I think it may have had something to do with the super full moon we experienced over the weekend. Either way, I still managed several memorable experiences, and I'm looking forward to the remainder of my charters booked in March.



Early in the week, I had the pleasure of sharing the deck of Three Quarter Time with the Rambo family from Orlando. It was Frederick's sixth birthday adventure with his sister Victoria and his dad, and we spent the day catching sea trout and exploring the lagoon spoil islands. The trout bite has been very good, with over 50 fish caught in a 5 hour charter. The larger trout were caught in the early morning fishing top-water Storm Chug Bugs and the remainders were taken on a ¼ ounce DOA jig and CAL paddle tail.




Fredrick proudly displays his birthday sea trout.

fredrick and Victoria enjoy spring break on the Indian River Lagoon.






One of the great attributes of working as a guide is the diversity of anglers you fish with, and this week I covered the spectrum with young 5 year old Victoria and 6 year old Frederick Rambo fishing with their dad to 88 year young James Van Vanderender fishing with his grandson James Kennedy from Oviedo.




88 Year Young James Van Vanderender with his first redfish.

Grandson, James Kennedy and Grandpa, James Vanderender with a double header.








On the latter trip, we manager to locate two schools of redfish in two completely different locations, and in both cases, the fish were holding within 20 yards of the shoreline, and of the two I cleaned, they were loader with small crabs.



I didn't have the opportunity to fish offshore for cobia due to windy conditions and inshore charters, but the brown clowns are still out there, and should be moving north soon.



Also, I've been hearing reports of the schooling largemouth and striped bass beginning to school up on the St. Johns River, so stay tuned for more details on that fishery.



Lastly, we are in need of volunteers for several Hook Kids on Fishing events scheduled in April, so please call me if you are interested in helping out.



As always, if you have any questions or need more information, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,



Captain Tom Van Horn

Mosquito Coast fishing Charters

(407) 416-1187 on the water

http://www.irl-fishing.com



For all of your outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.











































Volunteers Needed for Three Central Florida Kids Fishing Events

Okay folks, as anglers living in Central Florida, we are very fortunate to enjoy the vast resources available to us. Now is your turn to pay it forward by volunteering to assist Anglers for Conservation (AFC) and Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando with three Hook Kids on Fishing Programs. After completing five hands on learning stations each kid receives a new rod, reel and tackle box, and they catch a memory for life.

Friday April 15th Sponsored by Mud Hole Custom Tackle, AFC and CAM Orlando.

Teacher's Hands Academy, 9am - 12 noon, 9850 Curry Ford Road, Orlando Florida 32825

80 Kids, on site freshwater fishing pond.

Note: This event is during the week, so a special need is for volunteers who can support a Friday program.

Saturday April 23rd Sponsored by Devereau Florida, Fishing Florida Radio, AFC and CAM Orlando

Turkey Lake Park, 10am - 1 pm, 3401 S Hiawassee Road, Orlando, Florida

700 Kids

For more details contact Steve Chapman at steve@stevecgraphics.com

Saturday April 30thSponsored by Mosquito Creek Outdoors, AFC, and CAM Orlando.

Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 10am - 12 noon, 170 S. Washington Ave., Apopka, Florida 32703-4263. Registration is open for the first 80 kids, call 407-464-2000 to sign up.

If you would like to volunteer for any or all of these events, please contact me at mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com, 407-416-1187 cell.

Thank you, Captain Tom Van Horn






Mosquito Creek Outdoors Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Forecast



March 2011



By Captain Tom Van Horn





Saturday March 12th 10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing



10: 00 - 12:00 Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, March 19th Cobia and Dolphin



10: 00 - 12:00 Cobia and Dolphin "Free Seminars" instructed by Rapala Pro Staffer Rodney Sahr, "Spring Tactics for Cobia and Dolphin", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.



March Fishing Outlook



Spring is just around the corner, and fishing opportunities on the Indian River Lagoon coast have begun to heat up. Spring in Florida is not defined by any specific dates, but more so by temperature and weather patterns. I have also learned over the years to watch for subtle changes in the local flora which signal spring's arrival. These changes can be slight or quite dramatic, they're easy to recognize, and they correspond with the activities and migration patterns of fish. As an example, I always watch for the bloom of my lavender Formosa azaleas as a signal of the beginning of the spring cobia run along the beaches and near-shore waters of the Space Coast. Another example is the fragrance of orange blossoms drifting across the Lagoon, which hint to the formation of redfish schools on the flats and beginning of the spring bait migration northward.








By the way, my azaleas are loaded buds, and good catches of cobia have been reported offshore of Stuart and Sebastian. It won't be long before these fish arrive in the Port Canaveral area as long as the warmer weather pattern holds. Also look for tripletail hanging on flotsam, weeds, and around buoys, and for heavy weight jacks, oversized redfish, tarpon, and sharks shadowing bait pods near the beaches and inlets close to the end of the month.






As the days grow longer and the ocean begins its gradual warming phase, 67 to 68 degrees, the spring fishing bonanza on the Indian River Lagoon coast commences. Increasing water temperatures facilitate the progression of bait pods (menhaden and mullet) from the deeper waters into the near-shore waters bringing predators we love so much with them. Additionally, warmer waters will draw manta rays near-shore with cobia shadowing them. As always, weather, water clarity, and sea conditions will determine the number of fishable days we will experience in March. This is especially true for those of us who target deep-water species in skinny water boats.


Moving out into deeper water, the spring kingfish run is just around the corner, and it should hold solid for the next six months. Look for the kingfish to begin showing up on the near-shore reefs and wrecks around the middle of the month, and then move in close to shore following bait pods. Most anglers, including myself, prefer slow trolling live pogies, but spoons and frozen Spanish sardines dressed with king buster skirts will also work if live bait is hard to find.







Inshore, the water levels should be on the rise, and schools of slot size redfish have formed up ahead of schedule on the shallow flats, with schools of larger redfish holding along the deeper edges of bars. Also look for the larger sea trout to be holding in sand pockets on the skinny flats.





Last but not least, now is the time to target American shad in the upper waters of the St Johns River. Good reports of shad have been coming from the area south of the Highway 46 Bridge near Geneva and areas south of Hatbill Park. The Second Annual American shad and Crappie Derby ends on Monday February 28th at sunset after two fun filled months of fishing, so stay tuned for my next report and the winners of this years event.





As always, if you have any questions or need more information, please contact me.

Good luck and good fishing,



Captain Tom Van Horn

Mosquito Coast fishing Charters

(407) 416-1187 on the water

http://www.irl-fishing.com



For all of your outdoor shopping needs, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka, Florida. For more details, visit http://www.mosquitocreek.









Mosquito Creek Outdoors Angler Improvement Clinics



2011 Clinic Schedule







Free Spin & Fly Fishing Classes



Become a better angler by learning from the pros.



Veteran lagoon fishing guides Captains Chris Myers and Tom Van Horn will provide instruction on the skills and techniques necessary to become a more successful angler through free seminars, provided as a service to you by Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando. Would you like to learn what it takes to be a successful Angler? Here is your chance and all it will cost you is your time.



April 9th Free Fly Fishing Class



10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, April 16th



10: 00 - 12:00 Freshwater Bluegill and Panfish "Free Seminars" instructed by Captain Beau Osborne of Beau Tyed Charters, "Spring Bluegill and Panfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday April 30th Free Hook Kids on Fishing Program



10:00 - 12:00 Hook Kids on Fishing Program



Mosquito Creek Outdoors and Anglers for Conservation presents a free fishing kids seminar. After completing five learning stations all kid will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box (limited to the first 100 kids registered. Located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, http://www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, May 21st Near-shore Tarpon Fishing



10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars", instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers," Summer Tarpon and Beach Fishing Tactics ", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, June 4th Summer Kingfish



10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars" instructed by Rapala Pro Staffer Rodney Sahr, "Summer Kingfish", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.





Saturday, June 11th Introduction to Fly Fishing



10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, July 2nd Summer Lagoon Tactics



10: 00 - 12:00 Summer Lagoon Fishing Tactics "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Summer Tactics for Redfish and Sea Trout", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.



Saturday, August 13th Introduction to Fly Fishing



10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, August 20th Snook Fishing

10: 00 - 12:00 Snook Fishing Tactics "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Snook Fishing Tactics ", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.



Saturday, September 10th Introduction to Fly Fishing



10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com



Saturday, September 24th Fishing the Mullet Run



10: 00 - 12:00 "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Preparing for the Fall Mullet Run", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.



Saturday, October 8th Introduction to Fly Fishing


10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.



Saturday, October 22nd Fall Lagoon Tactics

10: 00 - 12:00 Fall Lagoon Fishing Tactics "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Fall Tactics for Redfish and Sea Trout", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.



Saturday, November 5th, Flounder and Pompano

10: 00 - 12:00 Flounder and Pompano "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers, "Fall Tactics for Flounder and Pompano", located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida, www.mosquitocreek.com.

Saturday, November 12th Introduction to Fly Fishing

10:00 - 12 Noon, Free Introduction to Fly Fishing Class instructed by FFF Certified Instructor and veteran Mosquito lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers. Located in the Outback section of Mosquito Creek Outdoor, 170 South Washington Ave. Apopka Florida www.mosquitocreek.com


Tight Lines and Let's Go Fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn
Mosquito Coast Fishing Charters
407-416-1187
http://www.irl-fishing.com