The Indian River Lagoon system is fishing the textbook early-summer pattern this week. Redfish continue to tail on the lower tides, snook are stacked on the bridge structure and dock lights, and trout fishing on the deeper grass has been steady. The Lagoon water quality has been reasonable this week with limited algae visible in most stretches.
Mosquito Lagoon — Tailing Reds Continue
The Mosquito Lagoon redfish fishery remains the headline. Tailing schools are working the lower tides through the JBs, Pole and Troll zones, and Whale Tail areas. The early window from first light through about 9 AM has been the consistent producer. Sight casting with weedless gold spoons, 1/4 oz weighted soft plastics, or live shrimp on light tackle is the standard approach. Light leader (20-25 lb fluoro) and quiet boat handling are essential.
Catch-and-release ethics are non-negotiable in the Lagoon — slot fish only, careful release, no oversized fish in the boat for photos.
Indian River — Snook, Reds, Black Drum
The Indian River through Titusville down to Sebastian continues to produce the species mix. Snook are stacking on the spillway outflows and around the bridge structure. Live mullet or pilchards on circle hooks are producing the bigger fish — heavy tackle is essential, particularly around the bridge pilings.
Sebastian Inlet remains a top-tier producer. The night incoming tide is the high-percentage window for snook, big jacks, and the occasional tarpon ghost. Heavy tackle required — 40 lb fluoro and a 6500-class reel minimum.
Black drum continue on the bridges and channel edges. Live shrimp or cut clam on circle hooks is the standard.
Spotted seatrout are on the deeper grass flats in 3-5 feet of water. Live shrimp under a popping cork is producing limits when fish are located. The Wabasso and Vero Beach grass flats are reliable producers.
Beach Pattern
Snook have settled into the dawn and dusk beach pattern from Cocoa Beach through Vero Beach. White or bone-colored swimming plugs and DOA Bait Busters in the trough produce the explosive surface strikes. Catch-and-release season is in effect (verify FWC dates).
A few tarpon are starting to push through the beach water for sight casters running the beach at first light. The June peak is approaching.
Offshore — Mahi, Kingfish
The offshore mahi bite has been productive. Boats running 8-15 miles east from Sebastian Inlet are finding scattered schools on weed lines. Trolled ballyhoo on light fluoro is the standard. Schoolies dominate.
Kingfish reliable on the nearshore reefs in 60-80 feet of water. Slow-trolled live blue runners producing daily action.
Lagoon Health Notes
Water quality has held up reasonably this week. No major algae blooms reported in the active fishing zones. Continued vigilance on catch-and-release best practices — slot fish only, quick photos, careful release into clean water.
What’s Ahead
The new moon is June 5 — expect strong tarpon push and active migration cycles. Water temperatures climbing into the upper 80s in the Lagoon. Afternoon thunderstorms beginning to build.
For this weekend: dawn tailing reds on the Mosquito Lagoon, snook at the Sebastian Inlet on the night incoming, trout on the deep grass mid-day.
Tight lines.