February 15, 2007
Inshore:
It was one of those weeks where one day the fish are biting and the next you are scratching your head. The last part of this week provided warmer water and the fish reacted to it. Guess it won't last too long with this next cold front bearing down on us from the frozen north. Dress warm if you are heading out this weekend!
The trout bite was good over the weekend, but downshifted earlier in the week to slow. Even the ladyfish were taking a few days off. The water had warmed up by Thursday and the trout were back to their usual areas and hungry. We boated 8 1/2 on Thursday.....one was cut in half by a shark on the way to the boat. Live bait, soft baits and top water should get you a strike this weekend if the water stays on the warmer side. The western flats to the south of Fort Pierce held trout later in the week.
The redfish have continued to stay on the flats when the sun is out. John M. was down and we found several on the flats, but they were just not feeding earlier this week. The bite picked back up on Thursday along the mangroves. Some good reports have come from the eastern side of the river. Soft baits have worked best when targeting redfish. Fish your lures slow this time of year.
Snook reports have picked up the latter part of the week. Mostly shorts, but a few anglers have reported slots being taken. We managed two shorts along Bear Point on Thursday. Soft baits and top water on the flats and mangroves will be a good choice of baits for snook.
Live bait and jigs around the inlet and bridges will give you the best chance at a hook-up. Jetty anglers are still fishing for bluefish, jacks and Spanish mackerel. Bridges are yielding sheephead, black drum and some croakers. Live or dead shrimp is the bait of choice for these. Pompano are still being skipped along the river, but the bite just hasn't been here this year. A few are being taken on the surf along with whiting.
Tip of the Week:
Winter is always a good time to check your batteries in the boat. Cold weather and batteries just don't always mix well. A worn and tired battery can suddenly die on you at the ramp. It also gives you the opportunity to make sure connections are free of corrosion. Of course, some days you keep looking for the heater and just can't seem to find it!!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Capt Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com/
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852