Inshore:
We all know that March is always a windy month around here on the Treasure Coast, and yet, we will continually complain about it....year after year! Well, this week was no different and the winds...they blew. Just about every day was a challenge on getting out...thinking about getting out and often not getting out on the water.... Looks like the winds will continue for several more days, but at least it might just slow down a little. If you do get out, do it safely!
The days we could get on the water, the trout fishing was our best opportunity most of the time. Most fishing was on the east side of the river and, remarkably, the water down south of Fort Pierce remained quite clear on the eastern shore. Doug boated a nice 20" trout on a windy day out there. Jim Simpson and Paul Spivey caught a number of short trout, just before the weather turned ugly on us. We found trout hitting jerk baits, twitch baits and live shrimp. I didn't get a chance to head up to the north end of the county this week, but I did get some reports of trout up in the Round Island area. Early mornings provided the best bite for us down around Bear Point and the power plant.
Snook fishing was somewhat hindered, but I did talk to some of the die-hard anglers who did bring in some nice slot size snook this week. Live bait or jigs were the best choices for baits. I did find some snook hanging around the edges of the flats one morning and boated a 24" on light tackle. Twitch baits worked on the flats. As the winds die off, there will be plenty of areas to get out and fish for the snook again.
We found redfish up on the flats on the days we could get there. Doug Tricarico found a nice fat 25" redfish hanging in a foot of water on the flats. He caught it on a soft shrimp bait. Look for more to feed in the shallows as the water continues to warm up now. Soft baits, gold spoons or top water will be good choices to use.
Bridges have been holding black drum, sheephead and some Spanish mackerel, while the surf has continued to yield whiting to those brave souls out in the easterly winds. Jacks and ladyfish are doing what they do best.........wreak havoc all over the river! We also managed a few bluefish who have been hanging around the ladyfish lately.
Tip of the Week: It's about that time to check and make sure you have rain gear stowed aboard you vessel. Make sure it hasn't gotten wet and mildewed since the last rains....many months ago. It can sure help take the edge off one of the rain showers we have had of late. Of course, the grass is sure happy to see them come to the area. Keep safe out there and stay attuned to the changing weather this time of year.
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
