September 20, 2006
INSHORE - The snook fishing has been slow for most anglers. There are still a few that are catching fish but they are putting in their time. The best reports have been about the Ft. Pierce Inlet on the out going tide and using live baits. The second best choice is the bridges in Ft. Pierce at night and again with live baits. In both places a live pinfish or a large live shrimp has been hard to beat. The trout fishing has been OK on the high tide when the water is the cleanest. Try using a finger mullet or a live shrimp. There are some big redfish in the Ft. Pierce Inlet right now but most are over size and are being caught by anglers who are fishing for snook. Most of the keeper size redfish are coming form the Queen's Cove area and have been feeding on soft plastic baits or spoons. There has been plenty of action along the channel edges with the mangroves, under sized muttons, big jacks and ladyfish. All of these fish have been feeding on small bait fish or live shrimp. Look for the flounder around the sand bars along the Ft. Pierce Inlet. Try using a finger mullet or a big shrimp.
OFFSHORE - Not much change from last week, scattered dolphin in 300 to 400 feet of water and most of the fish were under 15 pounds. In that same area there were a few wahoo that went to 25 pounds. Live bait has been hard to find at times so ballyhoo will work just fine. If you are looking for kingfish then you need to try in 60 to 100 feet of water and slow troll a ribbonfish. I did get reports of a few sailfish showing up but they were being really picky about eating. The bottom fishing is improving over the reefs and wrecks as the water conditions improve. The mullet run is here and look for a lot of fish to be following the mullet schools along the beaches.
TEEN ANGLERS - The 1st inshore tournament for the local chapter of Teen Anglers will be held this Sunday, September 24th at Jaycee Park in Ft. Pierce. The teens will fish from 6:45am until noon. They will have a weigh-in and receive trophies and fishing gear for their efforts. If you would like more info on becoming a Teen Angler or volunteering just go tot he web at www.teenanglers.org. There is also a Jr. Teen Anglers starting up for this area for kids ages 5 to 11 years old and their 1st tournament will be October 7th. Same thing -- just go to the web for more info.
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