December 7, 2006
Inshore:
December winds can keep you off the water one day....and you are out there the next. Just watch the weather as each front moves across the Treasure Coast and hopefully the conditions are favorable for the days you are planning on heading out on the river or ocean. There were a few very nice days this week for anglers to enjoy the sun and water. Mild temperatures made those days seem summer-like.
Earlier in the week, snook, trout and redfish were biting on the flats. Soft plastics and shallow running lures worked best for them. I like the shrimp tails or shad tails on the flats. Again, root beer or new penny colors were my best choices. Chartreuse in the shallow running lures worked best also. We had a nice redfish on for a short time today along the mangroves, but boated a couple nice slot size on Tuesday. Hit the deeper flats early and move up to the shallows as the sun warms up the water.
The ladyfish were everywhere this week. I had Rob and Ron on the boat and after we lost our redfish, we headed to several spots that kept them busy with big ladyfish to end our day. They tend to beat the trout to the bait. We found some pompano skipping around the Harbor Branch flats today. Bob Bergen and his fishing buddy boated a nice pompano this week. Jacks were hitting also earlier in the week. Jetty anglers and the bridges were getting nice catch of sand perch most of this week. Snook fishing in the inlet has slowed down some. Some slots are being caught, but it seems the bite this year hasn't lived up to last years so far.
Looks like it is gonna blow again for another few days, but by Sunday things might ease up a bit to get out. That's one great thing about the Indian River here......you can always find somewhere to fish in just about any wind conditions.
Tip of the Week:
As the water temperatures continue to cool along the Treasure Coast, it's time to slow down your retrieve as you work your lures. Fish move more slowly as they wait for the suns warmth each day. As their metabolism slows, they will not be in any hurry to waste energy chasing lures. Slow it down and you will catch more fish.
As always, 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