July Indian River Fishing

July Indian River fishing is literally "hot" if you get out on the water early.

Seasonal temperatures are always a factor in how successful your fishing trips will be, but during the summer months of July and August, the water temperatures become a critical factor.

The key to catching fish during the month of July is to find cooler waters for each species you are targeting.

The trick to find cooler waters is to fish early in the mornings before temperatures climb to levels that are uncomfortable for both fishermen and the fish.

Your best bet for the next couple of months is to start fishing before the sun comes up, and quit before high noon when July temperatures shut down the bite for most species and make fishing on the river unbearable.

The exception to this rule is tarpon, ladyfish and freshwater peacock bass that are found farther south in the canals of Dade County.

Redfish can tolerate water temperatures from 52 to 90 plus degrees but prefer temperatures in the 70 to 85 degree range. The water temperature must typically be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the spawn to occur.

During the early morning hours you'll find redfish in our area foraging for food in clean shallow water flats and just off the edges of the sandbars.

The optimum temperature range for spotted sea trout is 59 to 80 degrees.

Water temperatures of 68ºF seem to trigger spawning activity, which continues as the water temperatures increase. For female "gator" sea trout, peak spawning activity takes place when temperatures are between 77ºF and 86ºF.

Spotted sea trout will be feeding in the clean deeper grass beds near the potholes alongside ladyfish and small jacks early in the mornings and move into deeper waters as water temperatures increase.

Snook prefer water temperatures in the 72 to100 degree range with an optimum around 76 to 78 degrees.   

Snook are very sensitive to water temperatures and prefer feeding near tidal flows and moving water where they can more easily ambush their prey.

 Right now you can find spawning Snook along some of the beaches in our area.

The rocky beaches around Patrick AFB are a particularly good place to target summer snook with a large live finger mullet.

And finally tarpon.

Tarpon prefer water temperatures of 72 to 82°F. Below 60°F degrees tarpon become inactive and lethargic.

During the summer months big tarpon in the 100 plus pound category roam the beaches throughout central Florida.

You can catch them just off the beach from small craft,  kayaks and in many areas, in the surf.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that the fishing is lousy when you sleep in and don't get out on the water until around noon.

For most species, that's just about the time to start "packing it in" and heading for home.

Remember that if you want to start catching instead of just fishing "the early bird catches the worm" .

Indian River fishing in July is tailored for insomniac fisherman .

Till next time,

Tight Lines and a Happy Independence Day to you all.