Capt Hiram's Blog

June 2013 Fishing Report - thanks go to Capt Gus Brugger

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:33:00 -1000

THE SEBASTIAN AREA INSHORE FISHING FORECAST – JUNE 2013

Summer brings several things that improve the fishing in the central lagoon area, some of which include stable weather, light winds and increased variety and numbers of baitfish. The light winds open new territory to small boat anglers (i.e. the ocean). This allows anglers a chance to pursue species that are out of their reach the rest of the year, as well as having better conditions to fish the inshore waters. Being able to get outside the inlet is going to be more important this summer than in those of the recent past. The grass beds of the Indian River Lagoon are still showing little sign of recovery and until they do the flats fishing will remain tough. There is no quick fix, but we can help speed nature along by taking it easy with the fertilizer (especially waterfront residents), and making sure our septic systems are functioning properly. There is plenty of fishing available in the Sebastian area if you know what to look for. Here is what I intend to do this summer.

Near shore Atlantic – I personally look forward to getting outside in the summer. The techniques are simple and the fish average larger than the biggest inshore specimens I catch the rest of the year. The summer time near-shore fishery is our best chance of the year to catch fish weighing out in the double and sometime triple digits. Large migrating tarpon, smoker kings, hard fighting little tunny, toothy barracuda, brawling cobia, colorful dolphin, and even sailfish are possible within small boat range of the inlet. The methods I most often imply include; slow trolling live greenies and mullet, trolling large plugs, casting baits and lures to breaking and cruising fish and bottom fishing the shallow reefs. The near shore fishing is a great option for family groups and can be productive regardless of an angler’s skill level.

Sebastian River – The top of the list in the Sebastian River in early summer is tarpon. There are tarpon throughout the Sebastian River, but the larger fish seem to frequent the entire north fork and the lower south fork. Flies, Mirro-Lure catch 2000 junior plugs, D.O.A. shrimp and Terror-Eyz are all good artificial for both snook and tarpon. Small to medium sized mullet are the best choice for live bait. There has been an increase in the snook population over the last year as large snook find their way back to the productive waters of the Sebastian area after the killer freezes of 2010. Most of these snook are slot size or larger so they are tough to get to bite and even tougher to wrestle to the boat. Catch and release snook fishing may be the best option for die hard inshore anglers.

Sebastian Inlet – This is the time to take advantage of the inlet. The tips of the jetties have always been the best spots this time of year, the north jetty on the outgoing tide, and the south on the incoming. Live bait is the only way to go during the day; croakers, pigfish, and shrimp are the best choices. Get them down using anything from a split-shot to a 2 oz. egg sinker and you have as good a chance at catching a picture worthy snook or redfish as any place in the world. I expect to see 20-40 lb. redfish move into the inlet this summer like they did the last few years.

Indian River Lagoon – Early morning provides the best chance at trout and reds on the many flats of the central lagoon. Top-water plugs are the best bet, with D.O.A. jerkbaits, live mullet and pigfish being good choices as well. Look for rolling tarpon and bull sharks in some of the open basins of the lagoon this month. Try floating a live ladyfish on stout gear with wire leader for the bull sharks and cast Mirro-lures, flies, D.O.A Bait-Busters and live mullet at rolling tarpon. Typically, snook of all sizes will be laid up tight to cover getting out of the sun during the day. Twenty pound Fins wind-tamer braid combined with D.O.A. shrimp or a jerk-bait will do the trick on stubborn snook.

For more Sebastian Area fishing info check out the frequently updated videos on my website homepage at www.sebastianfishingguides.com

Tight Lines,

Capt. Gus Brugger

www.sebastianfishingguides.com

772-589-0008

THE SEBASTIAN AREA FISHING FORECAST - APRIL 2013 by Capt Gus Brugger

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:11:00 -1000

Variety is what makes April a great month to fish in the Sebastian Area. The inshore and near-shore waters of the Sebastian Area are a hot bed of fish activity as water temperatures and day lengths increase. From the headwaters of the Sebastian River to the Gulf Stream, anglers will find fish species eager to entertain them. The month of April has added significance this year; it will be the month we find out if the grass beds will come back or not. With the clear water we have had in the lagoon this winter some grasses should begin to appear if viable seeds are present. These sprouts will be sparse at first but as the plant develops and sends out runners coverage will increase. If this re-colonization of grass beds begins to happen we can likely breathe a sigh of relief. If we see no sprouting, we are in for a long road to recovery. Either way, April will bring better fishing than we have had in recent months, so take advantage of it. I’ll describe some of the fun and productive options I pursue with my charters in the Sebastian Area in April, and maybe I’ll see you out there before months end.

Sebastian River – A sportsman’s paradise. This is where you come to soak in nature’s beauty and have the opportunity to hook into some of the largest gamefish Sebastian has to offer. Snook, Tarpon and big bull sharks are the quarry and artificial lures and bait will both do the job, sometimes. The fish of the Sebastian River can be fickle and at times down right stubborn, but if you are patient and put forth a good effort the rewards of fishing in this beautiful place can be extraordinary. D.O.A. shrimp, Mirro-Lures and live mullet are a step in the right direction.

Indian River Lagoon – Variety is the spice of life. The lagoon is why I can advertise “Guaranteed Catch”. April’s list of available species is the most extensive of the year. The techniques used to catch just about all the species can be as simple as bait and a float or bouncing a D.O.A. jig. These techniques are so universal that you never know what’s on the end of the line until it’s at the boat. April is family vacation time and the fishing in the Indian River Lagoon is tailored perfectly to anglers of all ages and skill levels. April is also the most likely month for seasoned anglers to catch a Sebastian Slam, trout, redfish, snook and tarpon.

Sebastian Inlet – During the day I target the schools of sizable Jack Crevalle that station themselves in the inlet’s swift current looking for a meal to float by. Live pinfish are the best bait most days. I also have consistent success with big D.O.A. Terror-eyz and baitbusters rigged with heavy jig heads. At night things get serious as snook and redfish get active. Anglers in boats prefer drifting live baits, while shore-bound fishermen throw bucktail jigs, soft plastics and diving plugs. Sebastian Inlet is no kiddy pool; it deserves its reputation as one of Florida’s most dangerous inlets. “Local knowledge necessary to safely navigate this inlet” just like the sign on the bridge says.

Near-shore Atlantic - The weather will dictate when to poke out the inlet. If you can get out, anything can be feeding along the beaches. Light tackle or heavy there can be something for everyone. The waters within a couple miles of the beach can boil with schools of Spanish mackerel, and bluefish making their way north for the summer. Big Tarpon, cobia, king mackerel and sharks are often close by. Jigs and spoons catch the Spanish and blues, while live baits, plugs and swim-baits get the attention of the larger predators.

For more Sebastian Area fishing info check out the frequently updated videos on my website homepage at www.sebastianfishingguides.com

Tight Lines,

Capt. Gus Brugger

(772) 589-0008

Big Plans for 2013

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:23:00 -1000

Capt Hiram's Resort, located at 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL is celebrating 27 years on the Treasure Coast.

There is plenty to fill your time while you are at Capt Hiram's, with fishing, boat rentals, kayak tours and eco-cruises on the new River King, right on property. And with the completion of our North Dock and the addition of Breakfast seven days a week there is truly something for everyone. Capt Hiram's still features live entertainment seven nights a week, including the Capt Hiram's Concert Series where you can enjoy national recording acts in the intimate setting of the SandBar. We are so happy to have Jan Taylor back at the helm of our entertainment machine - good things to come on the Capt Hiram's Music Scene.

AND, we have plenty of great events planned, including Full Moon Parties and Cruises, Super Bowl Party complete with Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders and St Baldrick's Shave event in March to benefit Children's Cancer Research, and that's just in the first quarter! Also in the planning is our 2nd Annual Pirate Fest to be held the first weekend in November again this year. We have lots of great things to look forward to in 2013!

All this and so much more, in one location. Come to Capt Hiram's, where you can be lazy or crazy! For more information about the Sebastian Florida Beach resort, contact the Captain today or visit online at www.hirams.com!

THE SEBASTIAN AREA FISHING FORECAST by Capt Gus Brugger - DECEMBER 2012

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 07:48:00 -1000

December is usually the start of the winter fishing season in the Sebastian area. As the water temperatures begin spending more time below 70 degrees than above it the glamour species such as snook and tarpon become incidental catches on warm days. Trout and redfish are once again the mainstay of inshore anglers and some of the seasonal species approach the peak of their availability. For the next few months light tackle is all you need to fish the Sebastian area and it is also a great time to bring the kids for plenty of action.

Sebastian River – The Sebastian River plays a number of roles during the winter season. To me its main role this time of year is that of a sanctuary from the sometimes lack luster winter weather. I can slip into the river and have every cast action on jacks and ladyfish when most other anglers decide to stay home and wait for the wind to lie down and temperatures to return to Florida levels. This is great fun for family groups and jigs or live shrimp are all you need. Trout, bluefish, pompano and even a resident snook or tarpon can surprise anglers jigging the deeper areas of the north fork. Trout and reds seek shelter in the river during cold spells and can be targeted in the lower river with plugs, jigs, and live bait. Anglers looking for that last snook or tarpon of the season will find the Sebastian River the right place in December. The key is to fish the nice days when water temps get into the seventies.

Indian River Lagoon – Redfish get top billing in the lagoon in December. This is not only because the reds are very available in December, but also because as lagoon waters cool they also become clear and allow for some of the best sight fishing opportunities of the year. Flyfishermen and light tackle anglers can stalk along mangrove shorelines and get shot after shot at individual reds as well as pods of up to a dozen fish. Delicate presentation is more important than fly pattern or lure or bait choice. Seatrout fishing remains solid in December with the larger fish still preferring shallow waters and the schoolie trout beginning to group up around the edges of the flats and drop-offs of the spoil islands. The action fishing that I look forward to this time of year can also be found in these areas as well as over deeper flats. Working D.O.A. cal jigs in these deeper areas is a great way to tighten a line. Trout, weakfish, pompano, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, flounder, snappers, juvenile grouper, Spanish mackerel, and whatever else decides to swim in Sebastian Inlet to enjoy the bounty of the lagoon will hit jigs, plugs and live shrimp.

Sebastian Inlet – Flounder take center stage at Sebastian Inlet from Thanksgiving on. Gulf flounder A.K.A. three spot flounder, are leaving the inlet in December, but the larger southern flounder are just beginning their run. Land-bound and boating anglers both find soaking live finger mullet on areas of broken rocky/sandy bottom is the best way to put a doormat in the cooler. Flatties up to 15 pounds are an annual catch at Sebastian. Snook season will close December fifteenth and depending on ocean water temps legal fish can be caught right up to the deadline. Giant reds invade the inlet in December. I’m not talking about the normal 12 to 20 pounders that can be caught year round; I’m talking about 30 and 40+ pound fish that I believe may come down from the Carolinas with the December cold snaps. Big live baits do the trick around tide changes.

Nearshore Atlantic – The beaches all along the treasure coast begin to fill up with snowbird surf fishermen in December, and for good reason. Schools of pompano cruise the troughs and sandbars along the coast hunting down sand fleas, crabs, clams, and glass minnows. Pompano, my favorite eating fish, is also an excellent gamefish. Ten plus foot surf rods with three hook pompano rigs is the standard technique for both pompano and the tasty whiting that share the surf with them. Live sand fleas are top bait followed by cut clams and pieces of fresh shrimp. Blues and Spanish macks will also keep surf fishermen and boaters busy along the coast in December. Cut bait, spoons, jigs and gotcha plugs are all good choices for these toothy gamesters.

The Holidays are time for family and Sebastian is a family friendly fishing destination in December, so give me a call and take the short ride to a great family experience this holiday season. Gift Certificates Available for the fishermen in the family.

Happy Holidays and Tight Lines,

Capt. Gus Brugger

772-589-0008

www.sebastianfishingguides.com

Fall is Fun and Full of Firsts at Capt Hiram's

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:47:00 -1000

We have so many fun things going on at Capt Hiram's this October, November and December and a lot of "Firsts". October 6th is our First Annual Capt Hiram's Beerfest - bringing you great Beer, Beer Games and great music. Then there is our epic Halloween Bash where we will take you back to the 80's with Metalucious - these guys put on one heck of a show so put on your 80's best and come out for our Halloween Cosutume contest with cash and prizes worth $1000.

Next is another first - Capt Hiram's First Annual Pirate Fest, November 1-4. Unleash that inner pirate and join in all the fun activities going on that weekend. We have a real pirate ship, sword fights, black powder cannon demo and so much more.

We are also working on a two day event to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project - details are in the planning stage but it will be a great weekend for an even better cause. And that brings us up to the holidays and a bevy of great holiday parties at Capt Hiram's. Where are you having yours? There's still time to join the fun here; we just love a good party. Speaking of great parties, Hypersona will be rocking us into 2013 - what better way to celebrate the new year.

Sebastian's Fishing Report for September 2012

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 09:03:00 -1000

Here is the September Fishing Report for Sebastian, brought to us by Capt Gus Brugger:

As of August the Indian River Lagoon is still devoid of sea grass beds in the Sebastian area. Without this keystone lagoon habitat, some questions are sure to be on the minds of inshore anglers; will the masses of finger mullet that make up the annually anticipated “Mullet Run” find their way into the lagoon without the cover and food provided by the grass beds?; will the late summer mullet run alone be enough to draw migrating gamefish into the relatively desolate lagoon?; will the resident populations of trout and redfish suddenly swim out from wherever they’ve been hiding and begin to feed ravenously on anything approximating the size and color of a finger mullet?

My answer is yes, with limitations. We will see an increase in the types and numbers of gamefish in the lagoon and trout and redfish will magically appear to terrorize the schools of finger mullet. The extent to which this will happen will be helped by late summer rains that will raise water levels and moderate the temperatures of the backwater bays that provide a good secondary habitat, in lieu of rooted sea grass, for the mullet and their predators. I believe we will see a repeat of last winter and spring, where the large open water flats most anglers are accustomed to drift fishing will not hold predators or prey without the protection of the sea grass. Trout, reds and snook will have to seek ambush spots further up in the mangrove lined bays and coves, where they themselves are less likely to become prey for dolphins, ospreys and anglers without flats boats and trolling motors.

Sebastian Inlet will be the big focus of Sebastian area anglers with the start of snook season September 1^st. Cold water upwelling along the Treasure and space Coasts has made catch and release snook fishing unproductive this summer, but those willing to snorkel the 68 degree waters of the Sebastian Inlet on August incoming tides report that the numbers and size of the snook are impressive. The upwelling cold waters have never lasted into September in my recollection, but until the summer weather pattern is broken the possibility exists. I am hopeful that bunches of big redfish will follow the mullet down the beaches and take up residence in the inlet through the fall. Spanish mackerel, jacks, bluefish and tarpon also give inlet fishermen a passing shot at them as they follow the bait down the beach in the early Fall. The Sebastian River will spark back to life as the finger mullet enter the estuary. Snook and tarpon are both available throughout the river in September and finger mullet or something resembling them is sure to draw strikes.

I have always enjoyed fishing the late summer season in Sebastian. The swiftness of the changes can be reminiscent of how quickly life appears with the coming of spring in the northern climes. A tropical storm in September or a cold front in early October and viola you’re fishing what seems to be a whole new place. The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most delicate ecosystems in the U.S. and the pleasures gained by living near it’s shores will be short lived if we take it for granted.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Gus Brugger 772-589-0008

For more Sebastian Area fishing info or to book a charter with Capt. Gus check out the frequently updated videos on my website homepage at www.sebastianfishingguides.com

The Sebastian Area Inshore Fishing Forecast – May 2012 from Capt Gus Brugger

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:09:00 -1000

The Sebastian Area Inshore Fishing Forecast – May 2012

The warm winter enjoyed by Sebastian area residents and visitors has, and will continue to bump the fishing calendar up a month or so. I am considering this a blessing because the grass beds have not, as of mid-April, shown any sign of recovery. The trout and reds that call the grass home in the latter part of the spring are very scattered and spooky making them tough targets. Hence, we will have to seek alternative methods and species to keep the rods bent this month. With the fishing ahead of schedule due to the warm weather, the alternatives are plentiful.

The tarpon bite in the Sebastian River has been better than average because of high water temps in the early spring. This will only get better as migratory fish move in for the summer. My favorite artificial lures include D.O.A. Terror-eyz and Mirro-lure catch 2000Jr... Mullet and freshwater shiners are good natural baits for Sebastian River tarpon. Fly fishermen will also score regularly on silver kings to 40 pounds. Snook numbers have started to increase in the Sebastian area and many of them will be found in the Sebastian River. D.O.A. shrimp along shoreline cover and docks is a great method anytime, but big plugs and live mullet are preferred after dark. Don’t swim in the Sebastian River it is full of bull sharks.

Stealth, persistence and finesse will increase your odds in the Indian River Lagoon. Gator trout and redfish of all sizes are available in the lagoon, but the window of opportunity and margins of error have been shrunk due to the lack of grass beds. Light line, long casts, small lures and a silent approach will help anglers score in the lagoon.

I begin to focus on the ocean in late May. This year most of the species I pursue along the beaches in the summer are already available in April. King Mackerel, Cobia, Spanish, Little Tunny, Jacks, Sharks and Tarpon have already made appearances in April and should be thick outside Sebastian Inlet in May. I always have a variety of lures and live baits ready when I cruise the ocean looking for action. Gotcha lures are great for Spanish, blues and little tunny, as is the D.O.A. Terror-eyz. The Catch 2000 Mirro-lure also catches little tunny as well as cobia, Spanish, jacks and tarpon. Large diving plugs can be cast or trolled for kings, when live threadfins are hard to come by. Live threadfins slow trolled over bottom structure and around bait pods will draw strikes from any and all of the above mentioned species.

May is the new June. The weather is hot, but the fishing will be hotter.

For more Sebastian Area fishing info check out the frequently updated videos on my website homepage at www.sebastianfishingguides.com

Tight Lines,

Capt. Gus Brugger

772-589-0008

Now on Pinterest!

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:45:00 -1000

Yet another way to follow your Capt Hiram's favs; how could we not! Yup the Capt is on Pinterest and he's ready to get pinned. We try to include something for everyone - where to go, what to do, and how to find great stuff. And of course we have to feature all the wonderful things you can do right here at Capt Hiram's. The Capt is oh so social these days so check out all our favs on our Pinterest page. And if you have Twitter, Facebook or Myspace - we get social there too! (Watch out Google+ you're next!)

Kayaks and Bicycles and Paddle Boards - We've got'em

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:20:00 -1000

In our never ending effort to be fun and fresh, we have added a new offering at Capt Hiram's. We are now renting kayaks, stand up paddle boards and bicycles from the Ship Store 7 days a week. So whether you are a water enthusiast or a landlubber we have something for you to get out for a little exercise and fresh air on the Indian River. And what beautiful sites there are to see on your adventure on the river front. Then, when you get back we'll have an ice cold beer or frosty rum runner to cool you right down. So come on down and check out our new additions and get out a play!

March/April 2012 Fishing Report

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:15:00 -1000

The waters are full of life off the shores of Capt Hiram's. Spring is here and with spring comes Cobia, Dolphin and Wahoo. Pods of bait are all over the place, from just off the beaches to the offshore reefs.

If your looking for Cobia, first try the beach. Look for Rays; the Cobia will be swimming with the Rays or just under them. You will also find them on the offshore reefs. If you're bottom fishing the reefs, Cobia will follow hooked fish up to the surface; be sure to have a rod and a bait ready when they come up to the boat.

Fishing for the Dolphin; look for color changes, rips and weed-lines. And keep an eye on those birds, they can lead you right to the fish.

Congratulations go out to Capt Gus Brugger and Gary Beach! Gary Beach, the new chef at Captain Hirams Resort, spent his first afternoon away from the kitchen fishing with Capt Hirams owner Tom Collins aboard the Pattern Setter with Capt. Gus Brugger. This 31" (79cm) Gator Seatrout weighed 10.25lbs and will be submitted for an IGFA all tackle length record. It hit a D.O.A. 4" C.A.L. and was released to fight another day.

AND the fish keep showing up on our dock! Capt Terry Wildey and The Big Easy delivered this catch on Saturday March 16th! We do have the best Capt's and Charters around! Check them all out on our Fishing Page

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the SISA 40th Annual 2012 Spring Fling Tournament, April 28th (Capt's Meeting on April 27th) always a great time!

That's all for now.... Capt Michael Barkle