July 25, 2007
Inshore:
The Treasure Coast has come alive this past week as the bait moves into the river. Acres of glass minnows have invaded the area bringing lots of fantastic fishing with them. The Fort Pierce inlet has been frothing with ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, bonito, tarpon, snook, sharks and many other species lurking for an easy meal. You can find them around the beaches, jetties and filtering into the inlet as the tide rolls in. Tie on something shiny and hold on!
Sarah DeHart caught this nice trout while fishing this week.
All the charters this week enjoyed some fast, exciting action to end the day. I had Dave and Alex with me and we thought we were watching Jaws as an 8' bull shark kept chasing Dave's fish. Finally it took a huge ladyfish at the other end of Dave's line and we broke him off as he was stripping line off the reel. Bob Bergen was with me and the 8-10 pound bonito wore us out around the jetties, so we came inside and toned down on some Spanish mackerel. Jerry from Melbourne was also with me when the big ladyfish were boiling the water. It's a great time of year to enjoy fishing!
Jerry caught this snook while searching for redfish....
Trout were off one day and on the next. We caught a few nice slot trout in spite of the hot weather. Live pinfish, pigfish or shrimp can get you a nice trout on the line this time of year. Top water can work early mornings. Move to deeper flats as the sun heats things up.
Capt Pat Wells showing off one of the many bonito that have invaded the inlets....
We found redfish on the flats a few mornings. The super low tides kept the area to a minimum during the days. I did get a few reports of redfish catches south towards the Power Plant. The water has remained very clear recently and that give the fish a chance to see you well beyond casting range. Stealth is a must this month. Soft baits are working well on the flats.
Snook are being caught around the inlet with the baitfish feast. Some large snook have been caught from the jetties to the bridges. Live bait or plugs have worked best of late. Remember to handle them with care and give them a safe, quick release.
Lots of snapper have continued to be caught along the channel edges and structure. The surf has been holding whiting and the tarpon have been off the beaches. It's time to gather up the kids and show them some of the fishing fun we have around the area. Take some time to enjoy the great fishing out there! Look for August to continue to be HOT and lots of afternoon thunderboomers. Get out early or late and drink plenty of fluids.
Tip of the Week:
It was a pleasure to watch all the boats around the inlet fishing beside each other with courtesy and friendship. People waving and getting excited with each catch. Everyone was having fun together and enjoying the great fishing. There have been lots of boats around the inlet lately and it was nice to watch all the boaters sharing the spoils together. It's times like these that make you proud to live in the area. Hats off to everyone on the Treasure Coast!
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
