May – Indian River Lagoon ( Vero Beach) Fishing Report
May 11, 2017 | by Steve Beare
May is a great time of year along the Treasure Coast. As the water temperatures rise, we can expect the fishing to improve. Water temps in the mid- 70s will entice the bite. May is a well known time to target Redfish. Large schools of slot sized redfish will be found roaming along the flats. Pilchards will be plentiful, and for the fly I like to use a shrimp style fly or gurgler. For artificial, I like to use a DOA Shrimp under a popping cork, jerk bait of your choice (I prefer the Down South Lure in “Kickin’ Chicken”), a Skitterwalk V and the ol’ reliable Gold Spoon. Most of the flats from Wabasso south to Harbor Branch have been holding redfish so keep a weary eye out for the pot holes holding fish.
Flounder should start showing up along the river banks and flats while Jack Crevalles continue to provide explosive hits and valiant fights. Ladyfish will continue to provide bent rods and aerial displays only over shadowed by returning Tarpon. Tarpon will start to show up around the turning basin during the incoming tide and by the power plant. But they will be a little feisty and most likely shy away with out live Pilchards.
Snook fishing first light, or early mornings on the tide, will prove to be worth waking up so early. Snook will be out roaming the flats in search of a free and easy meal. While Pilchards and Shrimp are the best live baits this time of year I know we have several who prefer arti only. For the fly, small baitfish patterns or seaducer patterns have provide the most opportunities for my clients. For night fly fishing I like the small clouser pattern in gray/white with a lot of flash or shrimp pattern. Artificals that have been the most productive for us have been the Down South Lure in “Blue Smoke”, “Purple Rain” and “Magic Grass” jerk baits rigged on a 3/8 oz jig head or rigged weedless. MirrOLure Greenback Mirrodone’s and Rapala Skitterwalks are also great lures to entice a Snook bite. Target the Mangrove Lines, docks and seawalls for the most action. Don’t forget…Snook season closes May 31.
The big Sea Trout have been feeding at first light and as the sun and temperatures rise, they will head off the flats to deeper water. There are still some gator trout hanging around. We been the most successful using pilchards or live shrimp. Your favorite jerk baits and DOA’s Deadly Combos are solid performers also. As always, if you’re looking for your next adventure feel to visit our reservations page.