April 22, 2009
INSHORE:
It certainly has been a fantastic week on the water without worrying about temperatures, winds and weather for a change. We had some productive days fishing the Indian River and I for one am thrilled that Spring is here to stay......finally! I had some friends return for a fishing adventure along with new friends. It has been fun out there with an assortment of species around the river.
Chris, Al and Ryan joined me this week. Keith and Megan were back to battle some fish and Dennis was on his first voyage with me. We all had some fun and excitement catching fish and having some others get away. Ryan stole the show on their trip by catching an assortment of fish, including snook and grouper. Chris had the big one get away this year. Dennis found some nice trout on the flats and caught a big 30" snook that he released. Keith caught a very nice redfish, while daughter, Megan, worked very hard to get her 30" snook out from under the dock. After wrapping around the motor, we finally got it in the boat to her excitement. A lot of fun awaits anglers out on the Indian River this week.
Snook fishing has continued to be good when fishing the tides. The first part of the outgoing tide has been best for us around docks and the inlet. Night fishing has been producing all sizes of snook. Live bait has been the best choice, with jigs and DOA shrimp working for artificials. The redfish bite picked up this week as the water continues to warm up to their liking. Live bait, DOA CAL jerk baits and TerrorEyz are all good redfish baits. Trout have been hitting the Deadly Combo with a vengeance. Work them a little more aggressive as you would live shrimp and you will be surprised at the results.
The big jacks have invaded the river. Megan got one this year after being beaten last year by a bruiser. Keith also boated a big jack before losing a monster around the docks. Dennis also was broken off by one of the big boys. Live bait on a jig or float can give you a lot of fast, intense action. The mackerel and bluefish disappeared this week from the inlet. There are still lots of big sheephead around the docks and bridges. The jetties have been full of jacks lately, along with some macs and blues. The macs have been along the beaches again this week. Whiting and some pompano have also been in the surf. Fishing has been great around the area!
Tip of the Week:
Dock fishing can be an exciting adventure in Spring. Begin fishing long before you are near the docks. Lots of big fish will be patrolling around the docks and you can get hookups on the outer edges of the docks. It is always amazing at the variety of fish that hang around docks. We are especially fortunate that we enjoy a vast array of docks all along the Treasure Coast. I usually gear up a little heavier for dock fishing than flats fishing. Not much more, but a size heavier line and leader might make the difference in catching rather than getting broken off. I like 20# Power Pro with a 30# Fluorocarbon leader. It give you a little more power to work a fish out of the dock, but light enough to have lots of 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
