August 20, 2009
INSHORE:
It appears the Hurricane Bill will miss our area, but most likely steer some wind, waves and rain our way sometime in the coming days. Otherwise, we have had some great weather, just a little windier than normal this time of year. We have easily found areas to fish and the fishing had been good most days on the water. I guess the Bill will give us a reminder to check hurricane preparedness as we head into the heart of the season.
I had the privilege of having some good friends of DOA on the boat this week. Jim Sutton of the Florida Times-Union, Byron Stout of the Fort Myers News Press, Mark Bradbury of Coastal Angler Magazine and Eric Burnley, an author and outdoor writer from Delaware. We had a challenge fishing in the morning winds both days. Byron had the best day by hooking up on two reds, landing one. He then hooked a nice size snook that broke him off under the docks. Later, Byron caught trout after trout on the flats. He certainly had the touch that day. DOA CAL jerk baits proved our best lure, with the TerrorEyz our best choice for snook fishing. Mark hooked a big trout the next day, but it decided not to come to the boat and spit the hook. We later had some big 20-25 lb jacks make some swipes at our DOA BFL lures. We did have fun both days just being on the water.
Trout fishing has been best to the north of Fort Pierce. Harbor Branch, Round Island and Queen's Cove have held good numbers of trout and snapper. There have been tarpon hanging around the jetties, inlet and up around Harbor Branch and the Moorings. Snapper have continued to be a hot commodity on the channel edges and bridges. Snook are still being caught around the jetties and some of the deeper docks in the river. It's a great time of the year to be fishing!
Tip of the Week:
With the constant hot days we have had this summer, it's important to get out early if you intend to fish the shallow water. We have fished just at daybreak in one to three feet of water and had some good action on top water lures. This week our best action was on the DOA CAL jerk baits on a weedless hook. You can work it right on top of the water at any depth with success. Once the sun rises, move off a little deeper and fish more towards the bottom. Jig heads and jerk baits work great. Work your lures slow on the bottom and you might be surprised at your results. Move to docks as well once the sun gets hot. Many fish will be lurking just under a dock and you can find some good bites in the middle of the day at those spots. Plan your trips around where the fish will be moving. Good luck out there!
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