August 31, 2007
Inshore:
SNOOK SEASON OPENS TONIGHT! There are a lot of eager anglers waiting for the stroke of midnight to get out in search of a slot size snook tonight. The inlets have been holding lots of linesiders and tonight will give many the opportunity of a keeper snook. You can expect this weekend to be a very busy time on the water. Tournaments happening, snook season opening, Labor Day Weekend....etc....etc.....will make the ramps and channels overly busy with boat traffic. Be prepared for a wait at the ramp and take extra caution to watch for potential boat hazards all over the area. Have a safe and successful Labor Day Weekend!
Trout have continued to be the fish to target on the river these days. Early mornings on top water and switching to live bait once the sun rises over the shoreline can give you the best chance at a hookup. Lots of reports of smaller trout this week, but there are still some slobs out there. Largest I managed over the weekend was 23" on a jerk bait. The Power Plant has continued to bring good catches to those heading south of Fort Pierce and from Queen's Cove to Round Island to the north.
Snapper have been biting along the channel edges and also on the flats. I caught several keepers in the shallow water, but most have come from the channels. There are some nice size snapper in the river and live or dead shrimp have worked well out there. Most reports I have had are to the north of Fort Pierce.
Redfish have been scattered with the hotter water on the flats this month. I did manage to scare a school that was in shallow water at first light, but they hustled off the flats in a hurry. I would suggest trying the docks along the west shoreline to try for a redfish this time of year. As the water begins to cool off, look for them to get more active on the flats.
Bridge and jetty anglers have been catching snapper, sheephead and a few flounder. The river continues to be loaded with ladyfish and jacks out looking for a meal. It's a great time with the kids this time of year. The fall mullet run is just around the corner and look for lots of action as the bait schools begin their parade along the Treasure Coast. The river and beach will be alive with mullet and all the things that love to eat them!
Tip of the Week:
Holiday weekends can be frustrating and trying times if you don't plan your trip on the water. Make sure your boat is running prior to heading off to the water. Get your boat prepped before you back into the ramp. Ramp time should always be minimized to allow other boats to get launched in short time. If you launch early, like I do, turn your headlights off when backing down the ramp. It allows the boater on the ramp next to you to launch without headlights glaring in his mirrors. Be prepared to a long line of anxious boaters and patience, wisdom and a little prep will help make your holiday weekend a fun and safe experience! Happy Labor Day!
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
