The water inshore is still dirty and the sea are big offshore.

November 9, 2007

INSHORE - The inshore fishing has been good for those anglers who were willing to fish in the wind and in poor water conditions. These anglers are finding snook around the bridges, in the Ft. Pierce Inlet and along the docks of Indian River Drive. A live mullet has been the bait of choice for anglers using a live bait and for the anglers using an artificial it has been a Flair Hawk jig in the chartreuse color. The catch and release trout action has been hit or miss. But, the best bite seemed to be to the north around Harbor Branch and it has been about mid morning when the tide is moving. Try using a live shrimp or a finger mullet. I am getting reports of snapper, black drum and sheepshead along the channel edges and they have been feeding on live shrimp. Look for the jacks,bluefish, ladyfish and croakers that are working their way around the Inlet and into the Turning Basin. The reports of nice size flounder coming from the Ft. Pierce Jetty have been good. Most of the flounder have been caught in the morning and on a live shrimp and a trol-rite jig.

OFFSHORE - Not much to tell this week with the wind and sea conditions not being at their best. Some of the bigger boats have been out and a few of the smaller ones did try but came back in to drift the Inlet. But, for the diehards that went they did report kingfish in 60 to 80 feet of water. Scattered dolphin in 145 feet of water to the south of the Ft. Pierce Inlet and they were hitting on a pink/white skirted ballyhoo. Also, a fair amount of sailfish are being reported in 75 to 120 feet of water to the south of the Ft. Pierce Inlet and they were taking a naked ballyhoo. If you don't mind the bouncing around -- the bottom fishing over the reefs and wrecks has been producing snapper to 10 pounds and grouper in the 20 to 30 pound range. And, all the sharks and cuda's to keep you busy.

BRAGGING BOARD - I got an e-mail and pictures from Denise Sealey about her boys -- Collin and Luke. Collin caught his first snook on a recent trip to the beach in Martin County. Luke is showing off one the many bass he catches from behind his house in Jensen Beach. Collin and Luke are both in the Junior Teen Anglers program.

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