DECEMBER 11, 2008
INSHORE - The inshore action has been okay this week which is usual for this time of year. The bridge fishermen are having a good time with plenty of sandperch, a few snapper, croakers and sheepshead. Most of these fish were caught on shrimp. The catch and release trout action has been good one day and slow the next -- all depending on the wind. The spots to the south with the most reports this week were Bear Point, Big Mud Creek and the flats around Midway Road. To the north you will want to try around the spoil islands from the North Bridge to Round Island. Use a live shrimp or a soft plastic baits in light colors -- these have been working the best. If you want to catch a snook before the season closes on the 15th try fishing in the Ft. Pierce Inlet on the out going tide with a live bait like a pinfish, pigfish or a mullet.
OFFSHORE - The offshore action has been good depending on the sea conditions -- calm one day and rough the next. Lots of sailfish and dolphin being reported. The bite has been starting in 90 feet of water to both the north and south of the Ft, Pierce Inlet. The kingfish bite has also been steady in 50 to 70 feet of water anglers trolling Drone spoons. And, on the calm days the bottom fishing has been good for snapper, sea bass and a few grouper. Try the reefs in 90 feet of water with a piece of cut bait. And if you are just looking for a fun catch you will want to try the beaches along the Treasure Coast. They have been loaded with spanish mackerel and bluefish. These fish have been feeding on anything shiny like a small spoon. I have been getting reports of a few pompano along the beaches and they have been taking sand fleas.
BRAGGING BOARD - The Teen Angler of the Year - David Brashear of Vero Beach and his cousin - C.J. Swinford went offshore last week on the "B" with Capt. Al Bernetti. David caught his 1st dolphin and also released his 1st sailfish. C.J. also caught his 1st dolphin. They caught the dolphin in 100 feet of water and David caught his sailfish in 95 feet of water. David received this offshore trip as part of his prize package for winning the honor of Teen Angler of the Year.
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
