THE SEBASTIAN AREA INSHORE FISHING FORECAST – JUNE 2013

Summer brings several things that improve the fishing in the central lagoon area, some of which include stable weather, light winds and increased variety and numbers of baitfish. The light winds open new territory to small boat anglers (i.e. the ocean). This allows anglers a chance to pursue species that are out of their reach the rest of the year, as well as having better conditions to fish the inshore waters. Being able to get outside the inlet is going to be more important this summer than in those of the recent past. The grass beds of the Indian River Lagoon are still showing little sign of recovery and until they do the flats fishing will remain tough.  There is no quick fix, but we can help speed nature along by taking it easy with the fertilizer (especially waterfront residents), and making sure our septic systems are functioning properly.  There is plenty of fishing available in the Sebastian area if you know what to look for. Here is what I intend to do this summer.

Near shore Atlantic – I personally look forward to getting outside in the summer. The techniques are simple and the fish average larger than the biggest inshore specimens I catch the rest of the year. The summer time near-shore fishery is our best chance of the year to catch fish weighing out in the double and sometime triple digits. Large migrating tarpon, smoker kings, hard fighting little tunny, toothy barracuda, brawling cobia, colorful dolphin, and even sailfish are possible within small boat range of the inlet. The methods I most often imply include; slow trolling live greenies and mullet, trolling large plugs, casting baits and lures to breaking and cruising fish and bottom fishing the shallow reefs. The near shore fishing is a great option for family groups and can be productive regardless of an angler’s skill level.

Sebastian River – The top of the list in the Sebastian River in early summer is tarpon. There are tarpon throughout the Sebastian River, but the larger fish seem to frequent the entire north fork and the lower south fork.  Flies, Mirro-Lure catch 2000 junior plugs, D.O.A. shrimp and Terror-Eyz are all good artificial for both snook and tarpon. Small to medium sized mullet are the best choice for live bait. There has been an increase in the snook population over the last year as large snook find their way back to the productive waters of the Sebastian area after the killer freezes of 2010. Most of these snook are slot size or larger so they are tough to get to bite and even tougher to wrestle to the boat.  Catch and release snook fishing may be the best option for die hard inshore anglers.  

Sebastian Inlet – This is the time to take advantage of the inlet. The tips of the jetties have always been the best spots this time of year, the north jetty on the outgoing tide, and the south on the incoming. Live bait is the only way to go during the day; croakers, pigfish, and shrimp are the best choices. Get them down using anything from a split-shot to a 2 oz. egg sinker and you have as good a chance at catching a picture worthy snook or redfish as any place in the world. I expect to see 20-40 lb. redfish move into the inlet this summer like they did the last few years.

Indian River Lagoon – Early morning provides the best chance at trout and reds on the many flats of the central lagoon. Top-water plugs are the best bet, with D.O.A. jerkbaits, live mullet and pigfish being good choices as well. Look for rolling tarpon and bull sharks in some of the open basins of the lagoon this month. Try floating a live ladyfish on stout gear with wire leader for the bull sharks and cast Mirro-lures, flies, D.O.A Bait-Busters and live mullet at rolling tarpon. Typically, snook of all sizes will be laid up tight to cover getting out of the sun during the day. Twenty pound Fins wind-tamer braid combined with D.O.A. shrimp or a jerk-bait will do the trick on stubborn snook.

For more Sebastian Area fishing info check out the frequently updated videos on my website homepage at www.sebastianfishingguides.com

Tight Lines,

Capt. Gus Brugger

www.sebastianfishingguides.com

772-589-0008

 Capt Hiram's Resort, located at 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL is celebrating 27 years on the Treasure Coast.

There is plenty to fill your time while you are at Capt Hiram's, with fishing, boat rentals, kayak tours and eco-cruises on the new River King, right on property.  And with the completion of our North Dock and the addition of Breakfast seven days a week there is truly something for everyone.  Capt Hiram's still features live entertainment seven nights a week, including the Capt Hiram's Concert Series where you can enjoy national recording acts in the intimate setting of the SandBar. We are so happy to have Jan Taylor back at the helm of our entertainment machine - good things to come on the Capt Hiram's Music Scene.

 AND, we have plenty of great events planned, including Full Moon Parties and Cruises, Super Bowl Party complete with Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders and St Baldrick's Shave event in March to benefit Children's Cancer Research, and that's just in the first quarter!  Also in the planning is our 2nd Annual Pirate Fest to be held the first weekend in November again this year. We have lots of great things to look forward to in 2013!

All this and so much more, in one location.  Come to Capt Hiram's, where you can be lazy or crazy!  For more information about the Sebastian Florida Beach resort, contact the Captain today or visit online at www.hirams.com!

We have so many fun things going on at Capt Hiram's this October, November and December and a lot of "Firsts".  October 6th is our First Annual Capt Hiram's Beerfest - bringing you great Beer, Beer Games and great music.  Then there is our epic Halloween Bash where we will take you back to the 80's with Metalucious - these guys put on one heck of a show so put on your 80's best and come out for our Halloween Cosutume contest with cash and prizes worth $1000.

Next is another first - Capt Hiram's First Annual Pirate Fest, November 1-4.  Unleash that inner pirate and join in all the fun activities going on that weekend.  We have a real pirate ship, sword fights, black powder cannon demo and so much more.

We are also working on a two day event to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project - details are in the planning stage but it will be a great weekend for an even better cause.  And that brings us up to the holidays and a bevy of great holiday parties at Capt Hiram's.  Where are you having yours? There's still time to join the fun here; we just love a good party.  Speaking of great parties, Hypersona will be rocking us into 2013 - what better way to celebrate the new year.