January 18, 2007
Inshore:
Wind and rain has been the story of the weather this week on the Treasure Coast. Winds kept many areas out of reach most days. Several days of constant drizzling rain left us waterlogged and wet. We did have a couple of nice days, but the rest were challenging. Looks like we will have similar weather again this week. Keep your rain gear handy!
Trout are still hanging around the usual flats. Alex West took home a slot size trout for dinner on Sunday in spite of the rain. It was hit or miss on trout if you could get out to fish. Twitch baits, soft baits and live shrimp has been working the best in 2-5 feet of water. Look for clean water to find trout.
Redfish are still hanging on the flats, but scattered right now. We managed a couple Wednesday during one of the few rain breaks of the day. Doug Taylor boated a nice 23" redfish on a shad tail soft bait on the flats. Also try gold spoons or live shrimp for a chance at a redfish.
Snook reports were scattered this week. Docks and bridges have been giving up catches when fishable. The north bridge has had the best results. Winds kept many anglers away from the water. My wife, Eva, went out with me last Saturday and fought a nice slot size snook to the boat before it released itself for her! Top water on the flats and soft baits around the mangroves might just find you one.
Jacks and mackerel have been patrolling the inlets and jetties along with some bluefish. Ladyfish continue to haunt the edges of the flats. I have been seeing more pompano in the river lately and the reports have been improving on catches both in the river and on the beaches. Shrimp or sand fleas are the baits of choice. Bridges are still coughing up sand perch, snapper, black drum and sheephead.
Tip of the Week: Moisture is not your friend on your boat. Rain, sea spray and humidity can creep into any compartment in the boat and next thing you have is a mildew garden growing everywhere. I open hatches after each trip to let them dry out and reduce the odds of mildew growing. I clean out one compartment after each trip. There are many good products on the market to help keep your storage clean and mildew free. I haven't found any salad dressings that taste good on mildew!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Capt Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
