Sebastian Inlet, Florida, USA
Sebastian is situated on the Indian River Lagoon, a huge expanse of semi-tidal brackish water. Sebastian is famous as it is the location of one of the very few inlets where the ocean can enter the lagoon. This results in a rich and diverse selection of fish birds and other saltwater and freshwater animals and plants.
Many species of fish use the lagoon for spawning and it serves as a nursery area until the fry are large enough to take to the open seas. Hurricanes and extreme rainfall can slow the fishing down but generally, this area is a year round fishery.
Prominent species include bluefish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, tarpon, jacks and snappers. In September, the snook arrive and attract a huge army of anglers as does the flounder invasion around Thanksgiving.
Fly fishing is a great way to explore the Indian River Lagoon and to date I have recorded 23 species of fish on the fly. Light tackle fishing for ladyfish (with 5wt) is spectacular and the normal 8wt still allows for plenty of fun. A 10 wt or even a 12 wt outfit is also a good idea if the tarpon or very large jacks are around.
Our trip in September 2009 was somewhat interrupted by house hunting but we managed three good days. Numerous species were caught - the best day saw 11 different species to the boat and a total of 15 species were taken on the fly. Nothing large except for a 10 foot long bull shark that inhaled a 24" ladyfish and was briefly attached to my line.
A nice mangrove snapper on a shrimp pattern
Ron Oldroyd with a big ladyfish