HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Treasure Coast Inshore Forecast- January
I find it hard to believe that the year has passed by so quickly . 2007 is here with high hopes and new resolutions. I hope that everyone will resolve to keep our waters safe, clean and preserve our wonderful fishing experience for generations to come! 2006 was a great year for fishing along the Treasure Coast and I anticipate this new year will bring even better opportunities for us all.
January brings about more cold fronts working through the Treasure Coast each week and if the water temperatures remain mild like last winter, we can expect the fishing to be just as good this year. Lots of windy days will determine where or if you can fish, whether inshore or offshore. There are many places in the river to fish and stay out of the wind on those gusty days. I always like to keep Round Island and Jaycee Park ramps in mind on such days.
You can find gator trout on the flats in winter, like this one caught this week.....
The opening of trout season on the East Coast of Florida begins this month.. Trout should be feeding on the grass flats in 2 - 4 feet of water during this time of year. Live shrimp on a popping cork is always a good choice. Soft baits on jig heads or twitch baits should also antagonize a trout into striking. On calm mornings, get out the good ol' top water and try it. Look for clean water in the winter for the trout to be hanging out on.
Snook can be found along the flat edges, inlets and docks....
While snook season remains closed this month, there is nothing wrong with catch, photo and release on the linesiders. Always popular places are around the bridges and the inlet area. Live shrimp or pinfish will be your best choice this month. Out on the flats during January, I like to target the flats south of Fort Pierce with popping corks and large shrimp in 2 -4 feet of water. Snook will be hanging around those flats looking for an easy meal.
Cool front can't stop the trout from feeding....
Redfish will head up on the flats as the sun warms the water. Being extra stealthy will get you a chance for a spot tail. I like soft baits and gold spoons during the winter months. Top water can also work on calmer mornings. This is the time of year you can find small schools tailing in the early mornings on the flats. Live or cut bait can also get you a bite from a redfish this time of year. Try Round Island flats or the flats on the west shore south of Fort Pierce towards the Power Plant. Hitting some of the docks both north and south of the bridges can also get you a hookup.
Bridge anglers will be fishing for croakers, sand perch, sheephead and black drum this month. Live or dead shrimp is always the bait of choice on the catwalks. The inlet will continue to hold jacks,
bluefish and Spanish mackerel during January. Pompano should be hanging around the deeper cuts of the flats and along the beaches. I have already started seeing them in several areas and look to see more soon. Don't forget to try your luck in the surf for pompano
this month.
I hope your New Year is filled with exciting fish tales and adventures! Have a great year on the Treasure Coast!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good fishing and Happy New Year,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
