East vs. West side of IRL/ML

leel33ml

Looking to target some seatrout and redfish this Mon. with the pops as he lives in Titusville. I usually fish west coast so every time I get out here its a challenge for me. I was wondering during the cold months is the west side of the lagoons better? I'm thinking with the cold water the sun rising on the East that would warm up the west side early on and get the bite going. Also any tips on a decent flat to target launching from Max Brewer bridge? I have a bay boat and will be slowly trolling on the trolling motor no push pole. Draft is 12 in.

leel33ml

Was thinking maybe the flats just north of the bridge if my logic is correct and the west side is where it's at. If not I know the area across the way near all the dirt roads (I think peacocks pocket?) can be productive, I just am unsure of this time of year.

leel33ml

By the way I was planning on throwing DOA baitbusters and shrimp imitation baits. Maybe live shrimp.

RealSeabee

Leaving Max Bridge - South under the bridge - First Island, on the North side of that Island, about 100' away the depth drops. In that area under a popping cork for Trout works most of the time (DOA Chartreuse or Glow). I usually stop by this location if we didn't pick up much around Peacocks Pocket, which is 10 minutes South of that Island on "step" in my boat. I'd be at Peacocks Early if you chose to go that direction.

Leaving Max Bridge - Going North but looking at the WEST shoreline before the R/R Bridge. There are a few landmarks, going from S to N up the shoreline they are: Behind the Hospital, the Australian Pines, the Old Crab Trap, PVC Pipe Triangle and a row of PVC (5 of'em). BE AWARE that once you leave the Channel on this side of the River it is Manatee Zone and the MAN will be watching. I typically leave the channel and get on the Trolling Motor and "Throw Artificial" on the way in to the shoreline...takes a while. When I get close I switch to the Poll but NOT required. Behind the Hospital and A. Pines you should have NO Problem easing up there fairly close. You will "SEE" what is there with regards to Grass and Sandy Highways. I usually soak Bait up in this area for 30-45minutes before moving on. To the North there is a SandBar but is very obvious, so you might have to go back towards the Channel a couple hundred feet then move North. I work this shoreline from N to S or S to N pending on the Wind Direction. Up the Shoreline at the R/R Bridge there is a DEEP Cut that parallels the R/R Tracks I SOAK Here. I have been broke-off here with massive Blacks Drums and have burned up the Trout...just timing. I have two poles set-up just for this area with 70# Flouro leader and #6 Owner Circle Hook. If nothing is going on here (and by this time of the morning) I go past the R/R Bridge and work the WEST Shoreline to the North.

I have been running this basic area for a bunch of years now and it is good most of the time. ML South and West of Whales Tail is always productive this time of year but I think EVERYONE may be there this weekend. I do not care for Crowds or "Most Popular" places and sometimes that makes for not very productive days but I do it for the "Other" days, Melting Drag Plates.

Please let me know how you and Pops do this weekend.

Later,
R/
Dave

leel33ml

Awesome. Thank you so much for the time and energy you took to write that up. I would love to try out the Mosquito Lagoon more in the future but as my Dad's place is minutes from the bridge I think it will save alot of time. I will let you know how it goes. I'm getting anxious to get out there after all of this bad weather!

RealSeabee

Bad Fog this morning but we went like above, South of the Bridge and skipped the Island. started slightly north of Peacocks. Got a few Trout 14/18" on TW (Skitters), nothing on Spoon and one nice Red on Live Shrimp.

duckmanJR

Nice Red..

It was foggy here too.

tunaman

Love those dark colored Reds! Nice report AND pic, thanks.