December is usually the start of the winter fishing season in the Sebastian area. As the water temperatures begin spending more time below 70 degrees than above it the glamour species such as snook and tarpon become incidental catches on warm days. Trout and redfish are once again the mainstay of inshore anglers and some of the seasonal species approach the peak of their availability. For the next few months light tackle is all you need to fish the Sebastian area and it is also a great time to bring the kids for plenty of action.

Sebastian River – The Sebastian River plays a number of roles during the winter season. To me its main role this time of year is that of a sanctuary from the sometimes lack luster winter weather. I can slip into the river and have every cast action on jacks and ladyfish when most other anglers decide to stay home and wait for the wind to lie down and temperatures to return to Florida levels. This is great fun for family groups and jigs or live shrimp are all you need. Trout, bluefish, pompano and even a resident snook or tarpon can surprise anglers jigging the deeper areas of the north fork. Trout and reds seek shelter in the river during cold spells and can be targeted in the lower river with plugs, jigs, and live bait. Anglers looking for that last snook or tarpon of the season will find the Sebastian River the right place in December. The key is to fish the nice days when water temps get into the seventies.

Indian River Lagoon – Redfish get top billing in the lagoon in December. This is not only because the reds are very available in December, but also because as lagoon waters cool they also become clear and allow for some of the best sight fishing opportunities of the year. Flyfishermen and light tackle anglers can stalk along mangrove shorelines and get shot after shot at individual reds as well as pods of up to a dozen fish. Delicate presentation is more important than fly pattern or lure or bait choice. Seatrout fishing remains solid in December with the larger fish still preferring shallow waters and the schoolie trout beginning to group up around the edges of the flats and drop-offs of the spoil islands. The action fishing that I look forward to this time of year can also be found in these areas as well as over deeper flats. Working D.O.A. cal jigs in these deeper areas is a great way to tighten a line. Trout, weakfish, pompano, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, flounder, snappers, juvenile grouper, Spanish mackerel, and whatever else decides to swim in Sebastian Inlet to enjoy the bounty of the lagoon will hit jigs, plugs and live shrimp.

Sebastian Inlet – Flounder take center stage at Sebastian Inlet from Thanksgiving on. Gulf flounder A.K.A. three spot flounder, are leaving the inlet in December, but the larger southern flounder are just beginning their run. Land-bound and boating anglers both find soaking live finger mullet on areas of broken rocky/sandy bottom is the best way to put a doormat in the cooler. Flatties up to 15 pounds are an annual catch at Sebastian.  Snook season will close December fifteenth and depending on ocean water temps legal fish can be caught right up to the deadline. Giant reds invade the inlet in December. I’m not talking about the normal 12 to 20 pounders that can be caught year round; I’m talking about 30 and 40+ pound fish that I believe may come down from the Carolinas with the December cold snaps. Big live baits do the trick around tide changes.

 Nearshore Atlantic – The beaches all along the treasure coast begin to fill up with snowbird surf fishermen in December, and for good reason. Schools of pompano cruise the troughs and sandbars along the coast hunting down sand fleas, crabs, clams, and glass minnows. Pompano, my favorite eating fish, is also an excellent gamefish. Ten plus foot surf rods with three hook pompano rigs is the standard technique for both pompano and the tasty whiting that share the surf with them. Live sand fleas are top bait followed by cut clams and pieces of fresh shrimp. Blues and Spanish macks will also keep surf fishermen and boaters busy along the coast in December. Cut bait, spoons, jigs and gotcha plugs are all good choices for these toothy gamesters.  

The Holidays are time for family and Sebastian is a family friendly fishing destination in December, so give me a call and take the short ride to a great family experience this holiday season. Gift Certificates Available for the fishermen in the family.

Happy Holidays and Tight Lines,

Capt. Gus Brugger

772-589-0008

www.sebastianfishingguides.com

In our never ending effort to be fun and fresh, we have added a new offering at Capt Hiram's.  We are now renting kayaks, stand up paddle boards and bicycles from the Ship Store 7 days a week. So whether you are a water enthusiast or a landlubber we have something for you to get out for a little exercise and fresh air on the Indian River.  And what beautiful sites there are to see on your adventure on the river front.  Then, when you get back we'll have an ice cold beer or frosty rum runner to cool you right down.  So come on down and check out our new additions and get out a play!

The waters are full of life off the shores of Capt Hiram's.  Spring is here and with spring comes Cobia, Dolphin and Wahoo. Pods of bait are all over the place, from just off the beaches to the offshore reefs.

If your looking for Cobia, first try the beach. Look for Rays; the Cobia will be swimming with the Rays or just under them. You will also find them on the offshore reefs. If you're bottom fishing the reefs, Cobia will follow hooked fish up to the surface; be sure to have a rod and a bait ready when they come up to the boat.

Fishing for the Dolphin; look for color changes, rips and weed-lines. And keep an eye on those birds, they can lead you right to the fish.   

Congratulations go out to Capt Gus Brugger and Gary Beach!  Gary Beach, the new chef at Captain Hirams Resort, spent his first afternoon away from the kitchen fishing with Capt Hirams owner Tom Collins aboard the Pattern Setter with Capt. Gus Brugger. This 31" (79cm) Gator Seatrout weighed 10.25lbs and will be submitted for an IGFA all tackle length record. It hit a D.O.A. 4" C.A.L. and was released to fight another day.   

AND the fish keep showing up on our dock! Capt Terry Wildey and The Big Easy delivered this catch on Saturday March 16th! We do have the best Capt's and Charters around! Check them all out on our Fishing Page

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the SISA 40th Annual 2012 Spring Fling Tournament, April 28th (Capt's Meeting on April 27th) always a great time!

That's all for now.... Capt Michael Barkle