JULY 16, 2009
INSHORE - The inshore bite had been great for snapper and trout. The trout have been taking top water baits at first light and then we have been switching to live pigfish or a live shrimp fished under a popping cork. Most of the trout have been in the 3 to 5 pound range and are in 2 to 4 feet of water. The afternoon trout bite has been steady with trout up to 8 pounds being reported and all were caught on pigfish. The channel edges are holding a good number of snapper and they are taking a live shrimp. Most of the fish have been 1 to 3 pounds this week. There are still a good number of catch and release snook in the Ft. Pierce Inlet -- just remember that the season is closed so handle them as little as possible. The tarpon are rolling at first light down at Big Mud Creek. Reports this week are that they have had lock jaw with anglers trying a variety of live baits and artificial's. There are a few sheepshead and black drum around the bridges and taking live shrimp. The pompano have been hit or miss for most of the week with only a handful being reported.
OFFSHORE - The offshore bite has been good when bottom fishing for snapper or slow trolling for kingfish. The kings have been in 20 to 60 feet of water and taking live baits. Biggest one reported this week was 35 pounds. The bottom bite for snapper has been great with fish to 8 pounds coming in to the docks. Both cut and live baits were used. There is also a good number of triggerfish and black seabass to keep you busy. Over the weekend we did have a few peanut dolphin come in and they were caught on live baits in 50 to 60 feet of water. One angler said there were schools as big as a football field with nothing but peanuts. Two boats did bring in small cobia on Sunday afternoon. One was caught on a Cobia Slayer Jig from Gulfstream and the other took a live greenie.
BRAGGING BOARD - On Friday of last week Darrell Cason was up from Ft. Lauderdale and went fishing with his friends. He caught a 25 pound kingfish which was his first. He caught him on a greenie on 25 feet of water. On Saturday I had the father and son team of Mike & Alex Romey on the boat with me. We had a great trip with snapper and trout being the fish of the day. Most of the fish were caught on live shrimp.
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
