JULY 2, 2009
INSHORE - We have had a steady trout bite early in the morning down around Big Mud Creek to the south and to the north it has been at the Moorings flats. Most of the bigger trout are being caught on top water baits or live pigfish fished in 2 to 5 feet of water. There are still some tarpon in the 20 to 50 pound range cruising around the Moorings canals at first light. Try a live mullet or a D.O.A. Bait Buster. I am still getting a few reports of redfish along the docks on Indian River Drive but, they have been very spooked easily and it has been hard to get them to eat. Small live pinfish or pigfish should work for you. The catch and release snook action remains good in the Ft. Pierce Inlet when fishing with live baits. The snapper bite along the channel edges has been improving every day. Try a live shrimp when you can get them.
OFFSHORE - There has not been a lot happening out there but, I am getting a few reports about scattered dolphin from 60 to 600 feet of water. Most of the dolphin have been taking a skirted ballyhoo in pink/white. There is plenty of bonita and sharks around to fight with and look for some big kings around the beaches and they will be chasing the schools of bait fish. There are still some big tarpon in the 100 pound range also around the bait along the beaches -- try around the Vero Cove. The bottom fishing over the reefs and wrecks has been steady for sea bass, triggerfish, some snapper and AJ's. They have all been taking live baits.
BRAGGING BOARD - I got an e-mail from Dennis Howell about a trip last weekend out of the Jupiter Inlet. He stated that Tim Stewart, Brad Bass, Joe Ferante and himself went out early and were in about 180 feet of water and were high speed trolling. Brad had the luck of hooking up with a big hoo. Dennis said that it was 54 inches long and pegged his 50 pound scale. A few minutes later Joe had a chance at one that looked bigger than the first but the hook pulled at the boat.
If you would like to report a catch you can e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com or call me at 772-201-5770. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe's River Charters
