JUNE 4, 2009
INSHORE - The inshore fishing this week has been okay but nothing great. As everyone knows -- snook season is closed but, I am still getting reports from the anglers fishing in the Ft. Pierce Inlet and around the local bridges about some over the slot fish. Hopefully these anglers will handle the fish as little as possible and release them quickly. The best trout action has been to the South where the water has been cleanest. A live pigfish has been the top bait to use and fish it in 3 to 5 feet of water. I am also getting a few reports of redfish coming from along the docks on Indian River Drive. The reds have been feeding on shrimp or crabs. The snapper fishing should be good as soon as the water clears up. Try along the channel edges to the north of the North Bridge.
OFFSHORE - There has been plenty of kingfish action along the beaches in the afternoon in 20 to 30 feet of water and they have been taking live baits. The dolphin have been scattered from 70 to 300 feet of water but on Tuesday and Wednesday they were in 80 to 140 feet. The dolphin have been taking ballyhoo. I have also been getting reports of a good sailfish bite in 50 to 130 feet of water and they have been to the south of the Ft. Pierce Inlet and taking both live baits or a trolled ballyhoo. The bottom bite over the reefs and wrecks has been producing some nice snapper, big AJ's and a few nice cobia. Look for the schools of tarpon following the baits along the beaches.
BRAGGING BOARD - Last Saturday the Machovina's -- Paul, Scott and dad -- Dan caught a 14 pound dolphin in 140 feet of water on a ballyhoo. I got an e-mail and photo from Dennis Howell about his trip last Saturday. On the way out he caught a 15 pound king, a cuda about the same size and lost a big bull in 170 feet. On the way back in he caught a nice size cobia -- 25 plus pounds in 85 to 90 feet of water just south of the power plant. And, last Saturday I had Alvar Lindbald and his dad on the boat with me. They caught several trout and kept 2 big ones. Mr. Lindbald caught a 4 foot bonnethead shark and they caught a mix of other fish.
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
