February 28, 2008
INSHORE:
In spite of the latest cold front that cruised through the Treasure Coast, it's really been a mild winter. I think I only had to dig out the ol' long johns once this season. The coming weekend should bring some mild temperatures and great fishing weather. Let's go fishing!
Bob Alton caught this 24" trout at first light...
Trout was our best fish to target again this week. We totaled over a hundred trout in three outings over the past week. Bob Alton topped off the trout catch with one around 24" at first light. The majority were caught on DOA CAL jerk baits and shad glow and root beer colors. As long as the water temps stay up above 70 degrees, look for the action to continue in 2 - 5 feet of water.
Bob also caught two pompano on the flats....
Bob also boated two pompano that went over three pounds each. They were in the same water as the trout and hit the same baits. We had picked up a couple of flounder on the same flat a few days before. Louie took home a nice flounder for dinner.
Louie took home this flounder for dinner...
We managed a few short snook from around the mangroves. Most of the snook fishing has been at night with live bait or jigs. Action around the bridges and jetties has been good during February and should continue into March. The redfish are still in shallow water during the warmth of the day, but not biting like they will next month. We will see more action as the spring temperatures warm things up.
Dave found this mackerel cruising the flats....
There are still black drum, sheephead, snapper and sand perch to catch around structure, docks and off the bridges. Live or dead shrimp will work best. The beaches will continue to provide whiting and pompano along the surf. Mackerel are still holding around the inlet and channels. And once again, the ladyfish and jacks are just about anywhere you can toss a lure.
Tip of the Week:
Popping corks are a wintertime staple for fishing. Whether you use live shrimp or soft baits, you can usually stir up some action when those corks start popping! A quick, short jerk on the line will make the popping action and the noise will make a nearby fish look to see what is going on. That's when they see the shrimp or soft baits hanging there looking like an easy meal. As always in the river, you just never know what might decide to strike at it. You will find a great many anglers out there using them, so join in on the fun!
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