March 12, 2009
INSHORE:
Spring finally arrived on the Treasure Coast and none too soon for us. This week has been fantastic on the water for both fishing and sunny, warm weather. Light winds have prevailed and allowed anglers to fish both inshore and offshore with success. Looks like next week is a lot of the same conditions, so it's time to get out fishing! Spring is here and no more complaining from me!!
There has been lots of activity all around the river. The jetties and inlet has been full of bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Live shrimp, diamond jigs or anything shiny has proved very successful. Tom Hull was out with me this week and we ventured just outside the jetties and landed 50 mackerel in a very short span. It was a frenzy out there. Keith Mullins and his two sons, Turner and Frank, has been out with me several days this week. They also have enjoyed catching bluefish and mackerel in the river. They are loads of fun and great to eat.
The trout bite has improved with each day this week. The water has begun to warm back up and so has the flats. Doc and ZZ Knepper were out with me and they found redfish, snook and trout all on the flats and ready to eat. Sheephead has been one of the best fish to catch as well. We fished some docks and pilings to the south of Fort Pierce and found sheephead plentiful around the river. You have had to plan your trips with the spring tides this week. Lots of low water conditions on many of the normal flats. It has been easy to drift or pole the shallows lately and there have been lots of big fish lurking there. It will only get better now!
Bridges have held the usual black drum, sheephead and snapper on live or dead shrimp. Pompano and whiting have been along the beaches. Snook fishing has been fair this week overall. As each day continues to warm up the water, you can find snook hiding under docks and mangroves. Activity increases as the water temperatures rise. Have fun and enjoy the weather!
Tip of the Week:
It is everyone's responsibility to obey the law, whether it is boating or fishing. I have discovered that there is a person gill netting around the river. He has been gill netting north of Fort Pierce for a while now and I haven't had the opportunity to get close enough to get some boat numbers. He hides back inside the islands and buries his boat in the mangroves while using the net. Keep your eyes open!
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
Turner and Frank Mullins enjoying fishing on the river. Tom Hull with one of fifty macks. Doc and wife, ZZ, with a few catches this week on the water.
