January 30, 2009
INSHORE:
A few nice days of weather in between windy and cool periods found a good bite this week on the Indian River. The water temperatures began rising and that got the fish in the mood to feed. With the next cold front already moving in the area, it looks like the nights will continue to be cooler and winds to blow most of the week. Welcome to winter in Florida!
We began our days by fishing deeper water for trout. Finding cuts and channels that were six feet and deeper gave us a good trout bite along with grouper and snapper. Once the sun rose in the sky, we moved into three to five feet of water to find trout, ladyfish and jacks in a feeding pattern. Redfish, snook and trout are coming onto the shallows later in the day to warm up under the sun's rays. As the water temperature continues to warm up, the fish will become more active on the flats.
To find trout, look for clean water. Most of the east shore south of Fort Pierce has remained clean and you can find some clean water to the north around Harbor Branch and Round Island. We caught all of our trout on DOA CAL jerk baits in several colors that were mostly dark in nature. Snook season opens at midnight on Saturday night and many anglers are preparing to head out to get the first chance at a slot fish. Remember to check your license and snook stamp prior to getting on the water. Redfish can be found in many areas in shallow water around the river. DOA CAL grub tails are my favorite this time of year for the reds. Rootbeer is a good ol' standby that can't be beat on the flats.
Bridges slowed down this week with some black drum, snapper and sheephead being caught. The mackerel, bluefish and jacks have been thick around the jetties and along the beaches this past week. Pompano have been around the channels and beaches, but the bite wasn't heavy lately. It should be picking back up this week. I took my wife, Eva, out for a spin on the St Lucie River this week. We had a nice cruise and it was good to get her back on the water again.
Tip of the Week:
Safety equipment in your boat is not only just a requirement, but an essential part of your boating experience. Having the right gear might not seem important until you have a situation where it is necessary for safety or survival. Check the U. S. Coast Guard requirements for your particular vessel. You should check flares for expired dates and that fire extinguishers are current. First Aid kits should be checked and stocked regularly to be ready for any emergency that might pop up on any given adventure on the water. Life vests should be inspected for mildew and broken straps. Instruct passengers on locations of emergency equipment on your boat. These are a few things that always seem to be at the bottom of the list and last to be thought of until an emergency happens and you need your safety equipment. Boat and fish in a safe manner to prevent accidents, but be prepared when the unexpected might happen on your vessel. Have a safe and fun 2009!
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
