It has been a windy week on the Treasure Coast. It kept most anglers at home as a result. I did my usual duties around the house and spent time working on the boat and tackle to while away the time in anticipation of the winds letting up so I could get on the water. Expect more windy days as we go through November and look for water temperatures to continue to cool down as winter approaches us. Fishing will be good throughout the month. It just might be a challenge to get out on some days.
Just prior to the front moving into the area, Clint Walker of the Fishing Center, and I got out for a morning scouting trip. We spent some time enjoying the mackerel, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish and other species that were tearing up the flats to the south of Fort Pierce. Small shiny lures kept us busy having fun on the river. We went back into the mangroves and found several snook and redfish that were hiding under them and willing to hit a DOA CAL paddle tail. Once the winds set in, it was time go give it up for the day. Now that the weather has calmed down, I will be back on the water tomorrow.
Mangroves will be holding redfish, snook and snapper in the shadow lines. CAL paddle tails on a 1/16oz. jig head or DOA shrimp are great artificial lures around the mangroves. I like the paddle tails in particular because they are much easier to skip back under the mangroves to find the fish. Look for trout in two to five feet of water. Look for the cleaner water for best results. It has been pretty rough on the water lately so clean water is essential to finding the fish. Top water lures, DOA shrimp or CAL jerk baits are great ways to find the bite both in the mornings and during the day. Hit the top water lures early and switch to the soft baits as the sun rises. Work your lures much slower now that the water temperatures are dropping. The snook bite has been good around mangroves, docks and around the inlet, especially for night anglers. DOA TerrorEyz, feather jigs or live bait have all worked well for snook fishermen.
Around the turning basin you can find a variety of fish on the incoming tides. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and others are coming in with the bait schools and feeding heavily. Anything small and shiny can get you hooked up for some exciting action. There are still lots of snapper around the river. The bridges have been holding lot of snapper and sheepshead. Surf anglers are certainly happy that the winds have slowed somewhat. Everyone is anticipating the arrival of the pompano to the area. Shrimp, sand fleas or clams are favorites along the beaches for most fish. November is an active month to enjoy the fishing on the Treasure Coast. REMEMBER! The slow speed zone through the channel around the bridges in Fort Pierce go into effect on November 15th. Don't be the one that gets caught running the slow speed zone.
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852