December 7, 2007
INSHORE:
Isn't it great to live on the Treasure Coast in December??? Wonderful weather......great fishing.....it's a fantastic place to live! Hope you had an opportunity to enjoy this week and have plans to get out over the weekend. I spent last weekend on my annual voyage to Dolphin Stadium with my buddy, Pat. Not quite the same this year, but we had a fun weekend in spite of it. The fishing this week has been good for most species out there.
Snook fishing around the inlet in Fort Pierce has produced an assortment of sizes. Some slots taken while most were shorts along with some oversize. Most fish are being caught on live bait or feather jigs at night. The outgoing tide has been the best time to fish. We found some shorts along the flats this week. Don't forget you only have till December 15th to catch that keeper fish.
Bob Bergen caught this 30" gator trout on the flats at first light....
Trout season is still closed this month, but has been good this week for the catch and release anglers. Bob Bergen was aboard this week and boated a sweet 30" trout on the flats and released it to fight another day. Soft plastics has been good for trout along with suspending lures and live bait. January 1st, you can keep your slot trout.
We ran up on a small school of redfish today and missed our chance at a hookup. Look for them to hang in the shallow flats during the day to soak up the warmth of the sun. Move along slowly and quietly for your opportunity. Soft plastics, like DOA shrimp or CAL jerk baits are good choices when fishing for reds this time of year.
The pompano bite has picked up down towards the south of Fort Pierce. Live shrimp or sand fleas are great to use if you happen on a school. The flounder bite has started along the jetties and docks of the inlet. Look for them to be hanging around the docks and sandy flats of the river. Live shrimp is the usual bait of choice, but they will hit a soft bait, too. Spanish mackerel have been all over the river, especially the inlet area. We have found large numbers of them in the turning basin and along the channel edges. Live shrimp or shiny spoons will usually do the trick. Some are running in the five pound range this week. And, of course, the jacks and ladyfish are everywhere and anywhere. We found them up on the flats rolling like tarpon and hitting anything in sight. Great fun for the family!
Surf:
It has continued to be pompano and whiting along the beaches. Some bluefish have been caught along with jacks. Get some shrimp or sand fleas and head down to the surf for some great fishing weather! The surf near the jetties can also hold some flounder. Early mornings with a silver spoon can provide some exciting action and sometimes a snook or redfish cruising the beach.
Tip of the Week:
As winter creeps into the Treasure Coast, the water temperatures will vary day to day. As water temps fall, look for fish to be in deeper water in the early part of the day and head to the shallower areas as the sun warms. Trout will usually move to deeper water as it cools down. Vary your patterns to find where the fish are comfortable. Redfish will sit on the flats to warm up most of the day. Winter days can affect where and how you want to fish. Don't always keep the same routine and change things up if you aren't finding fish.
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