July 17, 2009
INSHORE:
It's been hot out there on the water lately. We have been hitting the water by 6 am to beat some of the hottest parts of the day. It has been flat on the water and top water fishing will be at its best at first light. Baitfish are all over the river, inlet and beaches right now and lots of fish are out there gorging on them. It's a great time of year to fish the Treasure Coast.
There is some great action around the inlet and jetties this month. As the acres of glass minnows invade the area, you can find Spanish mackerel, bonito, jacks, snook and tarpon around the Fort Pierce inlet this time of year. Any lure that resembles a glass minnow will surely get you in on the action out there. Tom Hull and Ed were out with me this week and we hooked up on three jack crevalle at once. Get out and have some fun!
Trout have been holding near the glass minnow schools and feeding on live shrimp or pinfish. We have also been having luck on the DOA Deadly Combo as well. Pop it sharply as you work it to get the attention of a hungry trout. I have also had luck on the DOA glow shrimp when working it slowly around the bait schools. Chad Lambert had the catch of the week on a Bomber top water lure when he caught a fat 26" gator trout on the flats. Snapper fishing has been good around the channel edges. We have been catching some muttons on the flats, but all have been shorts. There have been some good sized mangroves reported this week. There have been some redfish caught around some of the docks south of Fort Pierce. Lots of snook have been hanging around the jetties and bridges. Handle the fish carefully and release it quickly.
Tip of the Week:
Florida residents will need to have a fishing license as of August 1st when fishing from land or structure. They are now on sale. Think carefully before purchasing a shorebound license. If there is any chance that you might want to fish in a boat, then buy the regular saltwater license. Once purchased, you cannot change the license. If you have a shorebound license and want to fish in a boat, you will have to purchase a regular saltwater license at that time. The regular saltwater license covers fishing from boats or land. You will also be required to have a snook permit to keep snook in season from land or structure. Non-resident anglers will need to purchase a non-resident license when fishing anywhere in Florida. Don't get caught without a license!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
