August 2, 2006 INSHORE: The sun has been shining down on the Treasure Coast lately. Hot and humid weather has prevailed out on the water. Afternoons can be unbearable out there, so plan your trips wisely.... Fishing has been great this week and other than the possibility of Tropical Storm Chris bringing us some rain, it should continue to be productive out on the flats.
Redfish have been very active this week. Most trips have produced a decent number of hookups and catches. We boated from three to eight reds on each trip this week. All have been running in sizes from 24" up to several big 30" specimens, which is great to see in this area. Winfred and Debra Johnson boated 8 redfish in three hours. Pete, Sue and Brent Knoll boated four in two hours. Top water, spoons and soft baits have been our most productive lures for hooking up with a nice redfish. Queen's Cove and Round Island continue to hold redfish. With the low tides of late, look for them in a few feet of water on the flats. Keep a stealth mode to keep from spooking them.
Snook have continued to be productive in the inlets and bridges. Live baits are the preference for now along with some of the DOA's. It's still catch and release for now. Snook are still hitting the flats in early mornings and you can coax them into hitting at a top water lure. Our trout bite has been slow again this week. I don't usually toss out too much bait, so with patience you can still get the trout to hit. We have had so much luck on redfish this week, we sort of lagged on trying for trout. Top water lures will again provide you with the opportunity at getting trout early. With all the heat, it's a short top water bite in the mornings.
A lot of bluefish have been on the flats. We boated a few and had a number of cutoffs. Snapper have been along the channels and around structure. Live or dead shrimp should get you some for dinner. Ladyfish and jacks are still looking for an easy meal. Lots of fun for the kids! It's been a hot, but fun week on the water..........hope you had a chance to get out. Tip of the Week: Don't wait! Now is the time for all good anglers to check their licenses prior to snook season opening on September 1st. I wouldn't recommend being caught with a snook in possession and an expired license or snook stamp! Remember the new measuring system, too. There will be many fish that will now fall in or out of slot size with the new measurements.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe, Capt Charlie Conner www.fishtalescharter.com email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com 772-284-3852
