02-02-2006, 11:01 AM
February 1, 2006
INSHORE:
The weather had it's ups and downs this week, depending on which day you were out. Cold fronts working through during the week bought cooler weather and winds to keep you guessing each day. Once again mild weather has filtered into the Treasure Coast for a few days until the next front rolls around. Enjoy those nice days out there!
Snook season opened today and some anglers who braved the weather overnight and into the morning were rewarded with some keeper sized snook to start their season off. The turning basin in Fort Pierce was productive to anglers using live shrimp or pinfish, while the bridges were working for some others. The flats and mangroves are still holding snook just under the slot ranges. Top water works the best in early mornings and live bait once the sun rises over the horizon.
Redfish have been steady on the flats. Still somewhat skittish this time of year, but cut bait or live pinfish can coax them into cooperating. For an artificial choice, always try that gold spoon on the flats. Most of the eastern side of the river north of the bridges has continued to hold redfish most of the day.
The trout bite has probably been the most consistent this week. Ladyfish will continue to try and beat them to the punch, but fish the deeper flats in 3-5 feet of water with jerk baits, live shrimp and pinfish for your best opportunity for trout. The flats by the power plant, Bear Point and Harbor Branch have been working well for trout.
Lots of other chances for some good fishing are out there. The bridges and structure are still producing sheephead, sand perch and black drum. Live or dead shrimp is the bait of choice. Bluefish, jacks and ladyfish are still doing what they do well...... Pompano are still in the river and have been mostly caught south of the bridges and down to the St Lucie Inlet. I even had a couple of reports of tarpon around the spillway in Taylor Creek.
Tip of the Week:
With the opening of snook season, make sure you are well aware of slot sizes and limits. Do you have a way of measuring your fish? Is your fishing license current and do you have a snook stamp? There are already enough people out there who could care less about regulations. The fines are just not worth the risk! Have a great snook fishing season!
Have a safe weekend. Remember, fishing is not just another hobby.....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good fishing and be safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
[url "http://www.fishtalescharter.com"]www.fishtalescharter.com[/url]
INSHORE:
The weather had it's ups and downs this week, depending on which day you were out. Cold fronts working through during the week bought cooler weather and winds to keep you guessing each day. Once again mild weather has filtered into the Treasure Coast for a few days until the next front rolls around. Enjoy those nice days out there!
Snook season opened today and some anglers who braved the weather overnight and into the morning were rewarded with some keeper sized snook to start their season off. The turning basin in Fort Pierce was productive to anglers using live shrimp or pinfish, while the bridges were working for some others. The flats and mangroves are still holding snook just under the slot ranges. Top water works the best in early mornings and live bait once the sun rises over the horizon.
Redfish have been steady on the flats. Still somewhat skittish this time of year, but cut bait or live pinfish can coax them into cooperating. For an artificial choice, always try that gold spoon on the flats. Most of the eastern side of the river north of the bridges has continued to hold redfish most of the day.
The trout bite has probably been the most consistent this week. Ladyfish will continue to try and beat them to the punch, but fish the deeper flats in 3-5 feet of water with jerk baits, live shrimp and pinfish for your best opportunity for trout. The flats by the power plant, Bear Point and Harbor Branch have been working well for trout.
Lots of other chances for some good fishing are out there. The bridges and structure are still producing sheephead, sand perch and black drum. Live or dead shrimp is the bait of choice. Bluefish, jacks and ladyfish are still doing what they do well...... Pompano are still in the river and have been mostly caught south of the bridges and down to the St Lucie Inlet. I even had a couple of reports of tarpon around the spillway in Taylor Creek.
Tip of the Week:
With the opening of snook season, make sure you are well aware of slot sizes and limits. Do you have a way of measuring your fish? Is your fishing license current and do you have a snook stamp? There are already enough people out there who could care less about regulations. The fines are just not worth the risk! Have a great snook fishing season!
Have a safe weekend. Remember, fishing is not just another hobby.....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good fishing and be safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
[url "http://www.fishtalescharter.com"]www.fishtalescharter.com[/url]