Indian River Marsh Redfish

An often overlooked fishing area in the Northern Indian River Lagoon system, is the marsh canals adjacent to the main body of the river.

These areas provide some great fishing, especially when the culverts are open and water is flowing.

The running water signals a "dinner bell" to redfish, trout, snook, and lately small tarpon that cruise the banks.

My wife and I call it "jump fishing", and it produces phenomenally at times.

Shiloh Road, and others in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, provide some great "jump" fishing opportunities that are often missed by landlocked anglers.

The pics here are poof that slot sized, and over sized redfish, occupy the marsh side of the roads, as well as the Indian River shallows.

This one was right at the slot limit, and was caught on a Johnson gold spoon at dusk. A slow retrieve got the most strikes with reds and trout.

Since it was so late, and I didn't feel like cleaning the fish for dinner, this one will live to fight another day!

The water level in the river is up due to rains these past few weeks, and the trout and redfish are still hitting artificials with gusto. Prior to catching this redfish, we caught several trout and of course a catfish or two to fill out the short trip.

I've got two weeks worth of vacation time to spend finding the fish, and will report on other areas soon.

Till then, tight lines!