March 12, 2010
Hopefully winter has left us and spring has decided to move into the Treasure Coast. Milder weather has put us back into a somewhat normal spring transition period. It's been one long cold season. The water temperatures will begin to warm up and so will the fish. It's a wonderful time of year!
We were able to dodge the winds and rains this week and get out on the good days. Richard Cosman and Aaron Swain were out with their parties and we found the fish very cooperative. Fishing docks has been very productive for a variety of fish including sheephead, jacks, bluefish and pompano. Redfish are shallow and feeding on the outgoing tides. We have found many hanging around the mangroves and willing to eat a live shrimp or DOA CAL grub tail. The trout bite is starting to pick up now that the weather has broke and the water will begin to warm up. Fish in 3-6 feet of water and expect them to move shallow as the sun rises each day. DOA jerk baits or Deadly Combos will work on the trout around the grass flats.
Bridges are holding sheephead, bluefish, sand perch and some black drum. Live or dead shrimp is always the bait of choice around the catwalks. The inlet has been filled with bluefish and mackerel. Of course, the jacks are everywhere right now. The next few weeks should provide lots of fishing action. The fish will become more active as the temperatures rise. It's an exciting time on the Indian River!
Tip of the Week:
I love springtime fishing. Top water lures come into play on mornings that the wind lays down. Fish will come shallow to feed and are more willing to strike. Once the sun comes up, I switch to jerk baits or shallow running hard baits. Continue to work the lures slowly as the water temps are still on the cool side. The water is very clear most days now. I like to fish the sand holes along the flats. Fish are traditionally lazy and will sit in the deeper holes waiting for the tides to wash their food to them. Casting beyond the sand holes and working your lures across them can be very productive right now. Have lots of fun this spring!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
