January 4, 2007
INSHORE - The inshore reports have been slow coming in this past week. With the opening of trout season the best bite has been along the docks along North and South Indian River Drive. From dark to daylight try free lining a live shrimp. This has been working the best this past week. The redfish have pushed in close to the mangroves -- try using a soft plastic baits or a live shrimp. The only catch and release snook this week were reported along the docks in the Ft. Pierce Inlet after dark. The anglers fishing from the local bridges this past week reported that the sheepshead, black drum and sand perch were up one day and down the next. The flounder bite at the South Jetty has slowed way down. Over the weekend the reports were of 4 to 8 flounder per person. A live shrimp and a trol-rite hook was the way to go.
OFFSHORE - The offshore is still a little on the rough side for the smaller boats but, the bigger boats are reporting good sailfish action in 120 to 140 feet of water to the north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet. They have been trolling a ballyhoo and also using a live bait. There continues to be a steady dolphin bite in that same area but most of the fish have been small. A couple of wahoo were reported in 180 feet of water in that same area. Look for the bottom bite to improve as the sea conditions get better. There has been plenty of spanish mackerel, bluefish and jacks along the beaches. Just find the birds and you'll find the fish.
TEEN ANGLERS - The next inshore fishing tournament for the local chapter of Teen Anglers will be held on Sunday, January 14th at Jaycee Park in Ft. Pierce. The teens will fish from 6:45am until noon. They are awarded trophies and fishing gear for their efforts in both the middle and high school divisions. If you would like more info on teen anglers or would like to volunteer just go to the web at www.teenanglers.org. And, the next Junior Teen Anglers from shore tournament will be coming up on February 3rd at Harbour Pointe Park. This is for the 5 to 11 age group.
If you would like to report a catch call me at 772-201-5770 or e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com.
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe's River Charters