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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 248
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 03, 2010 - 4:07 am: | |
September 2, 2010
Inshore Fishing:
September arrived with the usual active hurricane systems out in the ocean. Sitting here being thankful that none seems to be heading this direction and hoping that the rest of the eastern coast remains safe this season. The winds have been blowing most of the week and offshore swells have kept anglers at bay as well. I did manage a trip this week that ended up with several good rain soaking hours out on the river. We had fun in spite of getting wet.
Pat and Dalton Wells came down from Cocoa Beach for what ended up being a good day full of rain clouds all over the Fort Pierce area. Seemed like everywhere we ventured, the clouds kept pace with us until we finally got good and wet. The bite was good with trout, jacks, mackerel and blue runners keeping us busy when we could fish. It was a good day anyway. The weather will get back to normal for a while until the next storm brews up out on the ocean.
Trout have continued to bite well on the flats. We found good action in three to five feet of water around Harbor Branch area and Round Island. DOA CAL jerk baits worked best for us on 1/16th ounce jig heads. Work them slowly along the bottom for your best results. Top water in the early mornings can also be rewarded with good action. Redfish are being taken along the shallows north of Harbor Branch and around the docks to the south. DOA shrimp or TerrorEyz works great for redfish. Mackerel, jacks, blue runners and some bonito have been invading the inlet and turning basin this week. Small shiny lures can give you lots of fun action with a variety of fish. Whiting along the beaches and snapper around the bridges, structure and channel edges are still biting. The mullet are starting to move in now....so get out fishing soon!
Snook Season Opening:
Snook season will finally re-open on September 17th. The commission decided that snook season would open as previously announced. It will close on December 15th as normal, but will stay closed until September 1, 2011. You can expect that lots of anglers will be getting ready for the upcoming season and you should anticipate lots of boaters and anglers around the jetties and bridges the first several days of the opening. Live bait, TerrorEyz, deep diving plugs and jigs will be the best bet for a chance at a keeper snook this month. Make sure your snook permit is current along with your license because you know you will have a good chance at being checked. Have fun and be safe out there this snook season!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 247
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 28, 2010 - 2:16 am: | |
September Fishing Forecast
September is always an exciting month to fish along the Treasure Coast. Anglers eagerly await the arrival of the annual fall mullet run. The beaches and rivers will be filled with mullet and you can find lots of predators following the bait this month. Look for tarpon, snook, jacks, bluefish and many other species feeding on the mullet this month. Top water and suspending lures work fantastic in September. Try a DOA Baitbuster or Big Fish lure while fishing around the large schools of mullet. It's a great time of year to fish early mornings along the beach. The fish will be cornering the bait along the surf and action can be fun and exciting.
While snook season usually opens Sept. 1st, it has been delayed until Sept. 17th this year. Check www.myfwc.com regularly to keep updated on the status of the snook season opening this year. Bridges and inlets will bring some fantastic snook action in September. Anglers slowly working jigs, diving plugs, DOA TerrorEyz or live bait along the bottom of these areas can find some big fish hanging in these areas. Docks and flats will hold their share of linesiders as well.
You will be able to find some redfish schools this month as they gather up to head out to the ocean. Look around the shallow sandy flats for them to be feeding. DOA shrimp or jerk baits can coax them into biting. Trout will continue to bite around the usual flats like, Bear Point, Harbor Branch and the Moorings. Deadly Combos fished on the edges of the bait schools will find some action with trout and other species. Snapper can be found along channel edges and around structure. Sheephead, drum and snapper can be caught on the catwalks of the bridges. LIve or dead shrimp will find the fish.
September Tip:
Fish the bait schools! It's easy to spot the bait this time of year. If you don't find bait around your favorite fishing spot, you will most likely not find many fish there. Move around if you need to in order to find active bait. Fish love this time of year and they are out there gorging themselves on the bait in anticipation of the coming winter months. Early mornings can be exciting on the flats. You can find big fish in shallow water around the bait pods. It has been a long hot summer and finally temperatures will begin to mellow out and water temps will get back to normal. It's a great time of year to be fishing!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 246
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 12:57 am: | |
August 18, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
We have enjoyed some much needed rain this week, but it didn't slow down the fishing for us. Most of the weather has come after noon, so you have all morning to get out fishing. The mornings have been nice and not as hot as we have had all summer. It won't be long and the fall transition in the weather patterns will be here. If you plan on fishing the river this week, the trout and snapper bite will be one of the best bets out there.
The trout bite picked up over the weekend and we enjoyed a good catch. Pat Wells and his son, Dalton, came down to visit and fish over the weekend. We found the trout very willing to bite and caught 15 trout that were all slots size or larger. Dalton caught the biggest trout on a top water lure at first light that went 25 inches. All the fish were caught on artificial lures. DOA shrimp and CAL jerk baits and shad tails kept us busy on the trout flats. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and the west shore south of Fort Pierce has been good for trout. Find the glass minnows and you should find the trout. We even landed a nice size gag grouper that was feeding on the bait in shallow water.
Snook fishing around the jetties has continued to produce fish. Live bait, jigs and diving plugs have worked well. The mackerel, jacks and bonito have started to show up around the inlet and turning basin. Shiny, fast moving lures will get you in on some of that action. The snapper bite has been good along channel edges, docks and structure along the river. Live or dead shrimp can fill up the skillet..... Whiting and an occasional pompano along the surf has been good for the beach anglers. Its a great time of year to be fishing!
Tip of the Week:
Summer is slowly coming to an end. Hot as it was....the fishing has been good in the river. It won't be long until the much anticipated fall mullet run. With all the action it brings to the river and nearshore fishing, it's a good idea to take stock at your gear and tackle this month. Check out the line and change it if it is worn from lots of use this summer. Change and sharpen hooks on your favorite lures. Make sure reels are clean, greased and oiled. Check out rod guides and tips for broken or chipped ones. Clean up the tackle box and see what you might be missing by now. There is lots of exciting action when the mullet arrives, so be ready when it happens!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
Dalton Wells caught and released this 25" trout on the Indian River flats this week.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-49.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 245
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2010 - 1:55 am: | |
August 13, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
Hot weather continues on the Treasure Coast. Getting out early has been working great for us lately. You can beat not only the heat of the day....but the afternoon thunderstorms that have been lurking around each day. We did manage to get wet one day while trying to beat the rain. The bite was a little more sporadic this week, but the fish are out there to be caught. It's still a great time of year to be fishing.
Trout are biting, but it has slowed down somewhat with the hot weather. Our best results have been with CAL jerk baits on either a weedless hook or a CAL jig head. A 1/16th ounce has worked very well for us lately. Live shrimp or pigfish on a popping cork has also produced some good results this week. Snook fishing has been good around the inlet and docks. We lost a few nice snook this week, but Scott did land an over slot snook on the flats. LIve bait or CAL jerk baits got us hooked up on some snook this week. Clint and Thomas both had nice snook hooked that ended up winning the battle this week. Redfish have been hanging around docks and shallow flats. Clint caught his redfish while fishing around some of the mangroves with a DOA CAL jerk bait. We have found redfish hanging on the flats even during mid-mornings.
Lot of snapper have been caught all over the river. Concentrate on channel edges, structure and docks and you should be able to take home some nice sized mangroves for dinner. Live or dead shrimp will usually get these critters to bite. There have been a good many bluefish around the area lately. Craig, Scott and Cheryl found some nice sized blues to give them a good fight up on the flats. You can also find lots of jacks cruising around and crashing bait schools. Watch for the bait schools and you should be able to find some fish. Bear Point and the west side of the river has been filled with glass minnow schools all week long.
Tip of the Week:
When is the last time you checked your safety equipment?? This year??....last year??....can't remember?? Whether it is flares, life vests, first aid kit or a simple whistle, you should know where your safety equipment is located and know that it is in good condition. There have been too many boating accidents this year already. Being ready to handle situations and having equipment readily available can make a lot of difference in the outcome of any accident. Flares and extinguishers can go out of date and need to be replaced. First Aid kits need replenishing several times a year. Life vests need to be kept in good condition. Having the right safety equipment in good condition isn't just because it's a requirement....it's the right thing to do for yourself and your passengers! Take a few minutes and check yours out soon.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
A few of this weeks catch....
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/004-34.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-48.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-47.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 244
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 06, 2010 - 8:08 am: | |
August 5, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
As summer continues to bring the hot weather to our area, the fishing greatly improved this past week. We have enjoyed catching redfish, snook and trout out on the flats or around the docks. I managed to get out one day to do some scouting and another day fishing with Clint Walker of the Fishing Center. Getting out early gets you off the water before the heat of the day sets in. It was a good week fishing!
Top water has worked very well in the early mornings. It produced redfish, snook and trout this week for us. Fish the docks, glass minnow pods or along the channel edges to get your results. I did find some nice redfish up on the shallow flats in one to two feet of water at midday this week. A couple were even tailing for a change. DOA shrimp works best in shallow water for redfish. My largest was a healthy 29" this week. Try around the Moorings or north of Harbor Branch for redfish or the docks south of Fort Pierce.
Trout were biting top water, live pigfish and DOA CAL jerk baits. I even landed one on a BFL lure among the many glass minnows. Try the deeper edges of the flats or around the docks. Some big trout are out there feeding. Our largest topped 26" this week. Snook fishing remains good at the jetties for those anglers using feather jigs, TerrorEyz or live baits. I did land two this week while fishing the drop offs around the glass minnows. There are plenty more out there. Utilize the bait schools to help in your success. Lots of snapper are being taken along the channel edges and again.....around the glass minnows. Live shrimp always works best for them. Lots of ladyfish and jacks have been cruising the river to give you even more action out there. It's been a great week!
Tip of the Week:
Finally...it looks like snook season will open on September 17th. I am sure there are lots of eager anglers waiting to catch that slot snook for dinner. Sometime this month do a simple check of your license to make sure both your license and snook permit are current. You know that the FWC will be out there checking, so save yourself a headache and fine now. I think the first few days of snook season will be pretty hectic this year, so make your plans now and insure that you won't have any problem should you be checked for licenses or safety equipment. Good luck out there!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Some of this weeks fishing....
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/003-41.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/004-33.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-46.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/006-17.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 243
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 06, 2010 - 2:20 am: | |
August 5, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
As summer continues to bring the hot weather to our area, the fishing greatly improved this past week. We have enjoyed catching redfish, snook and trout out on the flats or around the docks. I managed to get out one day to do some scouting and another day fishing with Clint Walker of the Fishing Center. Getting out early gets you off the water before the heat of the day sets in. It was a good week fishing!
Top water has worked very well in the early mornings. It produced redfish, snook and trout this week for us. Fish the docks, glass minnow pods or along the channel edges to get your results. I did find some nice redfish up on the shallow flats in one to two feet of water at midday this week. A couple were even tailing for a change. DOA shrimp works best in shallow water for redfish. My largest was a healthy 29" this week. Try around the Moorings or north of Harbor Branch for redfish or the docks south of Fort Pierce.
Trout were biting top water, live pigfish and DOA CAL jerk baits. I even landed one on a BFL lure among the many glass minnows. Try the deeper edges of the flats or around the docks. Some big trout are out there feeding. Our largest topped 26" this week. Snook fishing remains good at the jetties for those anglers using feather jigs, TerrorEyz or live baits. I did land two this week while fishing the drop offs around the glass minnows. There are plenty more out there. Utilize the bait schools to help in your success. Lots of snapper are being taken along the channel edges and again.....around the glass minnows. Live shrimp always works best for them. Lots of ladyfish and jacks have been cruising the river to give you even more action out there. It's been a great week!
Tip of the Week:
Finally...it looks like snook season will open on September 1st. I am sure there are lots of eager anglers waiting to catch that slot snook for dinner. Sometime this month do a simple check of your license to make sure both your license and snook permit are current. You know that the FWC will be out there checking, so save yourself a headache and fine now. I think the first few days of snook season will be pretty hectic this year, so make your plans now and insure that you won't have any problem should you be checked for licenses or safety equipment. Good luck out there!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Some of this weeks fishing....
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/003-41.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/004-33.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-46.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/006-17.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 242
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 6:45 am: | |
July 30, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
It might have been another hot week out there, but the conditions ended up being ideal for the many lobster hunters during the mini-season this year. I took the middle of the week off to avoid the extra boat traffic and also to build a new swing set for the grandkids. It certainly is fun to spoil grandchildren!! We had a trip earlier in the week with Jason and Veronica to celebrate Noah's 10th birthday on the water.
Noah out fished everyone while catching trout, snapper and assorted other fish around the river. You find out quick that Noah is a very avid fisherman. He even hooked up on a big snook that wasn't about to be landed that day. Happy Birthday Noah! The early morning bite has been the best for us. Once the sun heats up the flats, you must move to deeper water to find any fish to catch. The trout have been feeding on glass minnows like crazy lately. If you look at the photo of Noah and one of his trout very close, you can spot the schools of glass minnows on top of the water behind him. Fish the edges of these bait pods and you can find hungry trout out there. Live bait and CAL jerk baits have continued to find trout for us. Have fun, but get out early!
The snook bite has remained good around the jetties of both inlets. Live bait, DOA TerrorEyz or diving plugs have all worked well when the snook are feeding. There are some nice snapper around the river. Try around structure or along channel edges. You can even find them feeding on the glass minnows. Look for whiting along the beach and you should find some tarpon out off the surf if the bait is around.
Tip of the Week:
Hydration is vital this time of year with the heat index over 100+ degrees every day. Drinking lots of fluids can help prevent dehydration. Lots of water, Gatorade or Powerade while out in the sun is just as important as not forgetting that favorite rod & reel or lucky hat. I post the information that the Red Cross supplies at least once a year. Below is some of their safety tips for being out in the heat. Visit www.redcross.org for more information.
Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:
Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR.
Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:
Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high—sometimes as high as 105 degrees.
General Care for Heat Emergencies:
Heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 241
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 6:44 am: | |
July 23, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
With the weather bringing windy conditions around the Indian River this week, it was a little more challenging out on the water. I had the privilege of attending the DOA Outdoor Writers Festival again this year. Not only meeting old friends and making new ones at the get-together, I was able to get out fishing on the water. I fished with Josh Harvel, who guides around Southwest Florida. We found some trout and jacks willing to bite and Josh lost a big grouper on a DOA TerrorEyz around the turning basin in Fort Pierce. We ended up our adventure on a couple acres of pompano in the river. Both us and another nearby boat couldn't coax them into biting that day.
Later in the week after visiting family in Tampa, I ended up in Steinhatchee, Florida to meet up with a good friend to go check out the scalloping this year. Both families headed out on the flats and after a slow start to the day we found the motherload before we ended up our journey. In less than thirty minutes, we gathered about seven gallons of scallops that filled our ten gallon limit. It was a fantastic meal that night before heading back home from the journey. I am sure we will be back next year for another fun trip on the other coast.
Locally, trout are still biting around the grass flats in three to five feet of water. Live shrimp, DOA shrimp and CAL jerk baits all will work on finding trout. There has been some big ones taken lately on DOA lures so get out fishing one day soon. Harbor Branch, Herman's Bay and Bear Point are all good spots to start. Snook fishing has been good around the jetties and bridges. DOA TerrorEyz continues to work well when using artificials for snook. Try around the docks when the wind permits. A DOA shrimp can stir up some good action around some of the docks south of Fort Pierce. Try the channel edges for snapper. The glass minnows continue to filter into the river. Look for action around the bait schools. Lots of fish will be feeding on them this time of year.
August Forecast:
Trout will continue to be a good fish to target. Bridges will become more active with snapper, sheephead and some black drum. Whiting will still be the target along the beaches. Snook fishing will keep improving around the bridges and jetties. Snook season will open September 1st. August is the time to check your fishing licenses. Even though the shoreline license is now free to Florida residents, you will still be required to buy a snook permit to possess a fish when the season opens. Tarpon will feed along the beaches and you can find some around Big and Little Mud as well. It might be hot in August, but the fishing will be just as hot. Have fun and get out fishing soon!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 240
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 6:44 am: | |
July 16, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
It has been a wonderful summer so far. Warm temperatures, light winds and lots of fun out there fishing. This week was a special treat for both myself and my wife, Eva. We took the grandkids for an outing on the Indian River. Brody is two years old and Chloe is almost five now and they sure enjoy a day fishing with Grandpa and Grandma! I think we enjoy it more though....
Trout fishing has picked up and there are good areas to fish like the usual Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Bear Point areas. If you haven't noticed lately.....the shrimp have really shrunk at the bait shops. It's a normal thing this time of year, but hard to fish when they get that small. A good solution for all the live bait anglers is to get yourself a couple small fish traps and catch some of the bountiful pinfish and pigfish around the river. They make great trout bait and young kids certainly enjoy playing in the livewell with them... A DOA popping cork with a pigfish is hard for a hungry trout to resist. Just ask Chloe who caught two nice trout and lost a number of other ones this week. Using a DOA jig head and CAL jerk bait, you can also enjoy some good trout fishing on artificials on the flats. Fish around the many bait schools and you should find success out there.
The snapper bite has also been improving lately. Try around docks, structure, channel edges and bridges for some excellent table fare this time of year. Live or dead shrimp works great around a good snapper spot. There have been some tarpon showing up around the Fort Pierce Inlet and turning basin. Lots of bluefish and jacks have been around the inlet, too. The usual whiting have been along the beaches for surf anglers. Snook fishing around the jetties has remained good. Lots of fish have been around the docks south of Fort Pierce. You can find just about anything lurking under the docks. Try a TerrorEyz or DOA shrimp and work them slow under the docks.
We have been watching for the glass minnows to show up in strength around the inlet. They usually show up this time of year and bring a variety of fish into the inlet to feed on them. It's a great way to end up a day on the way back to the ramp or show the kids a great time. Things should be heating up around the turning basin soon.
We lost a good friend, mentor, educator and enthusiastic fisherman recently. Bob Bergen was a familiar face around Fort Pierce and will be remembered as a teacher, mentor and friend to the Teen Anglers of the Treasure Coast. We will miss his smiling face at the tournaments this fall. He loved fishing and spent lots of time working with the Teen Anglers in many capacities. He was a friend to me and we will all miss seeing him out on the flats in his Mitzi casting a fly.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 239
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 6:43 am: | |
July 9, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
Warm summer days with a light breeze welcomed us this week out on the Indian River. While the afternoons are still hot, the mornings are comfortable if you get out early. We can expect similar weather throughout the rest of July. We had fun out there this week and found some fish to keep us busy. Lots of baitfish are moving around the river. Fish around the bait schools and you should find fish hanging nearby.
Chris, Tina, Christina and Garrett were back out for another fishing adventure. The trout bite was slower this week, but they caught some nice trout with quite a few were in the slot range. Garrett ended up with the biggest trout of the day. Little sister, Christina, caught a variety of fish, including a 22" gag grouper on the flats. It was a fun day out there. Joe, Regina, Dillon and Mattick also joined me this week to fish the river. Most of our trout were shorts, but we had some good fun around the docks. After getting broke off several times, Joe ended up with a 22" redfish for dinner.
Even though the trout bite has been somewhat slow, you can still find slot trout around the bait schools. Fish the bait! DOA Deadly Combos, live shrimp and CAL jerk baits are great ways to seek out the trout. Hit the docks when it gets hotter and you can find snook, redfish, sheephead and other species hanging around the deeper ones. Snapper can be found along channel edges, bridges and even on the flats. The glass minnows are coming in heavy now. Look for action to improve as they fill the river. Watch for the schools and fish the edges.
Bridges have been holding sheephead, snapper and some croakers. The beach has the usual whiting to savor on the grill. Catch and release snook fishing around the jetties, especially at night, has been productive. We have seen a few tarpon around the river, but not in any numbers. Schools of jacks are cruising the river and marauding the bait schools. Summer is always warm....but fun and exciting on the river.
Get out early....keep hydrated....use plenty of sunscreen and have some fun this July on the water!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 238
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 02, 2010 - 5:02 am: | |
July 2, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
With all the heat in summer upon us, it's not been too bad out there if you get out early to beat the afternoon sun. This week has been one of those special weeks for me as I had two of my favorite young anglers back in town for vacation. Keith, Cai, Turner and Frank were back on vacation and we headed out to fish and have some fun out on the water. Most days provided us with just enough breeze to keep the worst of the suns heat away.
We found ourselves fishing both north and south of Fort Pierce, but had our best luck to the south on both sides of the river. The trout bite was fair this week and we had our best bite in four to five feet of water. After catching some nice trout earlier in the week, young Frank topped everyone with a big 24.5" gator trout using a live pigfish on a DOA popping cork. Not to be outdone, older brother, Turner, teamed up with his brother to catch some nice sheephead, a nice flounder and a 22" snook. We had lots of fun out there and some nice fish to add to the excitement of the day. It was a joy to see the kids out fishing hard and catching fish!
The docks along Indian River Drive have been productive lately. We finally had a calm enough day to enjoy the fishing down south of Fort Pierce. Bear Point remains active with lots of bait and the fish are there feeding. Harbor Branch also has lots of bait holding on those flats. Frank caught his big trout just off the edges of the flats. Find some deeper docks and you can find the fish. As the day heats up, look around the docks for some good fishing action. Try the power lines down by the power plant as the day warms up. Lots of fish will take up under the pilings this time of year.
The bridges have been quiet, but you can find snapper, sheephead and jacks around there. The jetties have held jacks and mackerel lately. Look for whiting to be in the surf. Snook fishing at night continues to be productive this time of year. It might be hot....but its a great time of year to fish!
Tip of the Week:
Just as you plan on what tackle, rods, reels and baits to take when you are fishing. This time of year it's just as important to remember to pack plenty of water, ice, sun lotion and sunglasses. Keeping hydrated and using lots of sun lotion can prevent lots of problems at the end of the day. Make sure everyone on your boat is using sun lotion several times during the day and drinking lots of liquids. Sunstroke or sunburn isn't the way anyone wants to end their day on the water. It's important and the right thing to do!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Frank and Turner Mullins on their fishing vacation on the Indian River this week. Frank caught a 24 1/2 inch trout to top off his week and Turner a 22" snook for his fishing adventure.
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Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 237
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 3:52 pm: | |
June 23, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
The hot weather has really warmed up the water temperatures lately. You can find 90+ degree water during the day on the flats and that certainly has slowed down the midday bite for us. We had some good starts to some of the mornings on the flats that slowed down as the sun came out. Getting out early is important this time of year.
Seth and Brian was out to a good morning bite. Brian caught the largest trout of the day while fishing the flats in three to four feet of water. Rich and his brother was out on another day that was on the slow side for us. We caught fish, but the bite was slower than normal that day. Keith, Cai, Turner and Frank was out on a fun day of fishing. Turner and Frank had lots of fun on the river while catching fish on the flats. Dennis and Tim found a mixed bag on a slow trout day. They ended up with trout, snapper, a nice redfish and a variety of other fish on the flats. We had a fun week in spite of the hot water temps.
Trout continue to be in three to five feet of water. If you can get by the millions of baitfish out there, you can catch some nice trout. Harbor Branch and Bear Point have been our best spots for trout. CAL jerk baits and live shrimp have worked best this week. Redfish can still be found around some of the docks along Indian River Drive both north and south of Fort Pierce. Snook fishing has been best at night around the bridges and jetties with live bait or diving plugs. The snapper have started to move into the river. We have caught a few nice size mangroves on the flats. You should be finding them along the channel edges soon. Bridges have been slow lately. Not many anglers there, but as the snapper bite picks up you will find it much busier. The surf has continued to hold whiting for beach anglers.
July Fishing Forecast:
Water temperatures will continue to be hotter than normal. One of the best bites will be snapper along the channel edges, docks and bridges of the river. Live or dead shrimp can get you a tasty meal. Look to the docks for redfish this month. DOA shrimp, live shrimp or CAL jerk baits are good around the docks. Fish for trout early on the flats. Try deep tidal cuts and drop offs with the warm water. CAL jerk baits, live shrimp and Deadly Combos are great for trout. The glass minnows should be showing up in strength around the river. Fish the bait pod edges for trout in the mornings. The activity around the turning basin should become active as the glass minnows enter the river with the tides. Lots of fish will be out there to feed on them. Have a fun and safe July this year!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Brian with an over-slot trout. Cai and Turner with her trout. Frank even caught a trout this week.
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Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 236
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 4:18 pm: | |
June 11, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
Summer weather patterns continue to give us warm, sunny days and wonderful opportunities out on the water. Calm mornings provide access to the entire river and plenty of areas to fish each day. The bite was slower this week, but we did catch fish. Plan on getting out early to beat the summer heat this month. We were rewarded with a light breeze most days to take the edge off the hot weather.
Trout fishing has slowed down some this week. We did catch trout, but the slot size were more sparse in biting most days. Jay and Kelly caught trout on their outing to celebrate their high school graduation. Frank and Rich did catch some trout, but most were on the short side. Frank caught a nice redfish under one of the docks and Rich got burned by a big snook that took us for a quick ride. I ventured out later in the week to get away and was joined by my wife, Eva. On her last cast she caught and released a fat 25" trout on the flats. It was nice to spend some time on the river with her.
Look for trout to be around the deeper flats like Harbor Branch and off of Bear Point. Live shrimp on DOA popping corks will keep you busy with the shrimp. Try a DOA shrimp on the trout as well. CAL jerk baits will continue to get you some trout bites on the flats. Redfish can be found around some of the docks along Indian River Drive this time of year and there will also be snook sitting there, too. It's a great time to fish....just prepare for the hot weather.
Bridges have been slow and everyone is waiting on the snapper to move into the river. There are mackerel, jacks and bluefish around the inlet. You can still find whiting along the surf. Even with a slower bite, we had some fun out fishing this week.
Tip of the Week:
With the heat of summer upon us, make sure you have a plan for an emergency. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion is always a possibility when out on the water.
SIGNS:
Heat exhaustion:
Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat stroke:
Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.
TREATMENT:
Heat exhaustion:
Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
Heat stroke:
Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
Check out the Red Cross web site for more information: www.redcross.org
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Jay & Kelly with her jack, Eva with her 25" trout and Frank with a redfish from the docks of Fort Pierce.
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Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 235
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 4:19 pm: | |
May 16, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
After taking a few days off to enjoy a short cruise with the wife, kids and grandkids, I was back on the water this week to fish the Indian River once again. Windy weather seemed to be the norm during the time we were away and it was no different back on the water. It has been fishable and the fish cooperated for us as well. The winds will be the norm for a few more days, but summer is fast approaching. It is a great time of year to fish!
Steve Hughes and his fishing buddy, Ken, were down this way to do some trout fishing. We tried a couple spots before we found some trout willing to eat both live bait and artificials. Using DOA CAL 4" jerk baits, MirrOLures Mirrodines and DOA Deadly Combos, the guys limited out on nice trout with two above the 20" slot. In spite of windy conditions, the trout were on the flats. We caught trout around Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Round Island where we could manage the choppy waters.
Trout continue to be the best bite with some redfish around the flats as well. We did lose one nice redfish on the flats. You will find some schools around the river in May and it will continue throughout the summer. Docks, when fishable, will be very productive the rest of the month. Snook fishing will be best at night around docks, jetties and bridges. Whiting will remain the steady bite along the beaches this month. It's been a good week on the water!
Tip of the Week:
As summer is fast approaching, it's wise to stock up on sun lotions and water each time you head out on the water. The summer sun can be brutal as the winds die down and being prepared for it can keep you cool and safe from the heat. Drink lots of fluids and make sure you periodically layer on the sun lotion. A few minutes can keep you from an ugly sunburn. Take a hat and sunglasses as well to keep yourself safe and cool in the hot weather ahead.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Steve and Ken with a limit of trout on the Indian River this week.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/195.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 234
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 5:11 am: | |
May 7, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
Summer weather patterns have arrived on the Treasure Coast. Great mornings rewarded us with some fantastic fishing opportunities around the Indian River. It was a short spring, but who can complain after the winter we endured. I will certainly take the heat over the cold....anyday!
I was out helping out for the Teen Angler championship tournament the past Sunday. We always have a great time and the kids make it a worthwhile volunteering cause. I had Ariel Vance on my boat and was impressed with how his fishing skills have improved since his first trip I had with him. Fishing was tougher on most species, but Ariel caught two trout to give him second place in the tournament. Congrats Ariel and to all the Teen Anglers this year!
I managed a couple hours of scouting the river later this week and was joined by Gary, Steve and Sarah for an afternoon of fun fishing on the grass flats. They found a variety of fish biting including a few very nice trout for dinner. I found snook and redfish hanging around the docks south of Fort Pierce. On the grass flats, find the bait schools and the trout will be nearby. On the docks, I used a DOA shrimp in the new Arkansas Glow color. It's a great color. Both redfish, trout and snook will devour it. We used the Deadly Combo and live shrimp on the flats for mid-day trout fishing and had good success out there. Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and the west shore south of Fort Pierce have all been good for trout. Mark Amorello reported having good success with a MirroDine around some of the Fort Pierce docks this week. Bernie emailed me a report of catching an early morning slam at Harbor Branch on top water lures recently. It's been great fishing weather out there!
Bridge fishing has been slower lately, but you can still catch sheephead and a few bluefish on the catwalks. Mackerel are around the river and inlet area and the big jacks are cruising all over the river now. What might look like a school of mullet could very well be some 6-8 pound jacks or larger. Might not be a good fish to eat, but they will sure give a great battle on light tackle. There is bait all around the river now and if you fish the bait school, you can find the predators hanging nearby. I always love fishing in May on the Treasure Coast.
Tip of the Week:
If you haven't noticed lately, there are lots of new signs being placed all over the river marking the slow, idle and manatee zones. There are not any new zones around the area, but the old ones are being marked well. It might be fair warning to obey all signs when traveling around the river. They aren't being placed for no reason and you can expect that enforcement will happen. Ignorance is generally not an acceptable reason for not complying with regulations. Be safe and have a great summer out on the water!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Some of this weeks action on the river:
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Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 233
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 2:17 pm: | |
April 30, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
Fantastic spring weather rewarded us with great days to fish and lots of action around the river. Both inshore and offshore fishing has improved with the good fishing conditions and it promises to be a wonderful spring around the Treasure Coast. April has lived up to its reputation of a windy month, but became milder as the days wore on. May is always a month of calmer winds and great fishing opportunities.
Trout fishing remains steadfast as the best action around the river. DOA Deadly Combos, live shrimp, CAL jerk baits and top water lures are all working great on the trout around the river. Fishing in two to four feet of water around Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Round Island have all been very productive for trout action. Wayne Keever, Mario and Kathleen had a fun day catching trout on the flats. I finally managed a morning to check out some flats and found the trout and redfish to be cooperating very nicely. Most of the reds are on the lower scale of the slot, but they will be the big boys of summer very soon. CAL jerk baits and grub tails worked good on the reds for me this week. I was also rewarded with a top water redfish as well. Sandy flats or around the docks of Fort Pierce will be good areas to look for reds in May.
Snook fishing has been good around the jetties and bridges lately. You will still find bluefish, mackerel and jacks patrolling the jetties. The big jacks are filtering into the river and you should be able to find some drag squealing action around some of the deeper docks. The baitfish are beginning to fill the flats and that means lots of big trout will be there to feed on the many bait schools. It's a great time of year to get out at first light with a top water lures to get in on some great action. Beaches are still producing whiting, jacks and some pompano. The bridges have been good for mostly sheephead this week. May will provide us with some great fishing!
Forecast:
Winds will continue to ease up around the area and early mornings will give you some great top water action around the river. Find the bait schools and fish around them to look for big trout. Redfish will become much more active as the water continues to heat up. You can find reds on the flats throughout the day during May. Snook will be feeding around docks and bait schools on the flats this month. May is always exciting on the river and with the past winter, the fish are ready to fatten themselves up on the baitfish. Plan on getting out this month and have lots of fun!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
A couple of this weeks catch...
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Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 232
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 1:37 pm: | |
April 23, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
The winds slowed down this week and allowed us to fish many areas around the river. Warm, sunny days around the Treasure Coast have melted away the memories of the cold weather we had not so long ago. The bite was a little slower this week, but we still caught fish around the river. It's wonderful to see those nice spring days out there!
Trout continued to be our best catch of the week. We have fished many of the usual grass flats from Round Island down to Middle Cove. Richard and Jacob were out earlier in the week. Mark Orr joined me on another day. Dan and Jack joined me the latter part of the week. We fished both north and south of Fort Pierce and was able to find trout on most of the flats along with the usual jacks. Try the DOA Deadly Combo or live shrimp when drifting for trout. We enjoyed good weather all week! It was a nice week to be on the water.
While trout will be the best bite for now, the redfish will become more active on the flats as May approaches. DOA shrimp or TerrorEyz around the docks can find you some action. The sheephead have thinned out around the structure, but you can still find some around the river. It's the time of year that I enjoy fishing docks. As the winds begin to slow down, you can spend the mornings with top water lures before the sun gets hot and can find a variety of fish hanging under the docks. The big jacks are coming into the river now and lots of baitfish can be found around the area as well.
The bridges and inlet has held Spanish mackerel, some bluefish, jacks and a few black drum. The pompano bite has been down towards the Stuart area lately if you are looking to surf fish. You can find whiting along the beaches for some great table fare. The weather will continue to improve and so will the fishing!
Tip of the Week:
The manatee zone in the Fort Pierce inlet will be shifted to summer rules on May 1. That allows boaters to use the ICW channel at 30 mph during the summer months. Keep it safe as all inlets have lots of boat traffic, especially on weekends. Just because you can go fast through an inlet, doesn't always make it safe for everyone. Fun and relaxation is usually number one on most anglers list for heading off on the water. Observe boating regulations and, above all, be aware of boaters around you. Let's all have a fun, relaxing and SAFE summer on the Treasure Coast!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Jacob with a nice trout and Jack with a couple of his fish from the Indian River flats...
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Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 231
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 3:04 pm: | |
March 26, 2010
INSHORE REPORT:
Looks like Spring is gonna stay around this time. After one long, cold winter, we are finally enjoying nice weather. We will still have those windy days, but at least they will be much warmer now. We have had lots of fun out there fishing in spite of dealing with the winds. It's been a good week on the water.
Keith, Cai, Turner and Frank finished off their visit on Sunday. The boys ended up catching 200 bluefish, jacks, sheephead and other species during their annual fishing adventure on the Indian River. It was fun watching them reel in fish after fish. Henry Buzy and his group joined me for another day of exciting fishing around the river. Manny Rivera and Ken finished off the week with another fun day fishing around the Indian River. Lots of sunshine made it even more enjoyable.
The docks around the river have been the most productive areas along with the inlet and turning basin. Lots and lots of jacks are just about everywhere you happen to go. You would swear those fish are following your boat around the river. Sheephead continue to hang under the docks and structure. Live shrimp has worked well on those toothy critters. We are still getting some nice sized ones to bend the rods. Bluefish and mackerel are heavy around the turning basin and inlet. Silver spoons, live shrimp or DOA grub tails can get you lots of action. The trout bite has been improving on the grass flats. It will continue to get better as the water warms up. Fish two to five feet of water with a Deadly Combo, CAL jerk bait or live shrimp to get the trout action going. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Round Island are always good spots to check out.
Redfish action will continue to get better on the flats. There have been lots of them around the river this year already and Spring should bring a good bite. Try around the docks and flats to the south of Fort Pierce using a CAL jerk bait or TerrorEyz. The snook bite should also begin to pick up with the warmer water. Handle them carefully and release them unharmed. Bridges have held sheephead, bluefish, sand perch and black drum. The beaches have been producing whiting,bluefish, pompano and some weakfish for the surf anglers. The fish have been cold for a long time and they are getting hungry now. It should be a great Spring around the Treasure Coast.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 230
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 3:35 am: | |
March 21, 2010
In spite of many windy days lately, we have had lots of success out on the Indian River. Most of our fishing has been restricted due to the conditions, but we have found lots of fish out there to keep the rods bending. It's been fun, but also a challenge to get to some of our fishing areas. It should be a great Spring....if winter ever eases out of the Treasure Coast!
Chris Elmore and his party joined us for a day of fishing docks for sheephead, jacks and lots of other species. Rani Christie and his son found lots of action on a windy day out there. Bob, Mark and Tony were back again this year to catch lots of fish around the river. Keith Mullins and sons, Frank & Turner, were back again to give the boys a day full of great fishing in spite of the winds howling. It has been a fun, but blustery week!
Fishing docks will give you lots of sheephead, jacks, bluefish and maybe even some redfish. With a strong westerly wind lately, it give you a great opportunity to get to some of the docks south of Fort Pierce and enjoy some great fishing. Everyone this week enjoyed what the docks around the river have to offer. Live shrimp is always a mainstay around docks, but DOA shrimp or TerrorEyz will also get you in on some of the action. The jetties and turning basin have been loaded with bluefish, jacks and mackerel. Shiny lures or live shrimp will keep you busy. The redfish are shallow on the flats and will eat one day and turn their noses up the next. Frank Mullins caught his redfish around the docks.
The surf has been yielding pompano, whiting, jacks and blues on shrimp and sand fleas. The bridges are still producing sand perch, black drum, sheephead and blues. Live or dead shrimp is the bait of choice there. The trout bite has picked up for those who could get to the grass flats. DOA Deadly Combos are always a number one choice for trout. One of these days the winds will slow down and we will have a fantastic spring to fish the river.
Tip of the Week:
Keep your rain gear handy on these windy days on the water. The water spray can get you soaked if you are not prepared for it. I keep extra ponchos to keep customers and equipment dry when you are up against the winds. Don't forget to keep those phones and cameras in dry storage when running. Saltwater and electronics just don't have a good relationship!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Brothers, Frank and Turner Mullins with a couple of their many fish caught on the Indian River this week.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-34.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/002-35.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 229
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 05, 2010 - 5:21 pm: | |
March 5, 2010
This ol' boy is sure tired of all the cold and windy weather this winter. I would love to enjoy a few days in the 80's! We have managed a few days out on the water this week. The rest of the week has been blown out and cold. Mother Nature just doesn't want to let Spring arrive on the Treasure Coast. Fishing has been great in spite of all these conditions.
Dennis McNeer and son, Garth, were out with me on a very windy day. The guys caught loads of sheephead and jacks from under the docks. It was just too windy to try anywhere else that day. Paul Hannum and 7 year old son, Jack, were out with me on one of the few beautiful days lately. Jack enjoyed his birthday present and caught more fish than he could keep count of. After lots of jacks and sheephead, we headed up on the flats to look for a few redfish. We were rewarded with a school of about 25 - 30 redfish. Jacks first cast ended up with his very first redfish....a fat 28" beauty. He caught three more in short order while dad caught one as well. It was a great week of fishing!
Trout are still hitting DOA CAL jerk baits and shad tails. You can also get them to his slow sinking hard baits. Redfish are a little nervous in the shallows, but if you keep a stealthy mode and keep your distance you can find some great action in a couple feet of water. DOA shrimp and CAL grub tails work great this time of year. Live shrimp around the docks can keep the jacks and sheephead hitting for hours. The river is still loaded with them right now.
Bridges have been steady with sheephead and a few black drum. The bluefish are all over the river, especially in the inlet areas. Shiny lures can get them hungry. Tackle shops are selling out of silver spoons this time of year. Mackerel are around the jetties and along the beach. Pompano are scattered in the river and along the surf. It a fantastic time of year in the river as long as the winds allow you to get to some of the hot spots. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Round Island have all been good along with the many docks around the river. We should have a nice weekend to get out fishing.
Tip of the Week:
Don't forget to use plenty of sunscreen this time of year. Not only can the sun give you a good burn, but the winds can add to the problem. It takes just a minute or two to protect yourself from the suns rays. Lots and lots of brands out there, but get one that is waterproof and a good SPF rating. A little TLC can save yourself from skin problems down the road. Keep safe out there!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Seven year old Jack Hannum with two of his four redfish this week on the Indian River.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-33.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/003-30.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 228
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 4:30 pm: | |
February 25, 2010
Another week flies by.....another week closer to Spring weather! We did manage some very nice days on the water between those windy ones. The fish continue to bite this week on the Treasure Coast. Weekly weather fronts will challenge you some days, but will offer a few days each week to enjoy the water. Plan your trips to cope with mother nature.
Sheephead, pompano, redfish and jacks were the main catches this week for our adventures. Frank Miller was back this year with a couple friend from up north. They caught lots of sheephead, a dozen pompano, too many jacks and seven redfish to finish out their day on the water. Bob caught most of the pompano on a bare DOA jig head. Pat Garrett was out with his sons, Noah and Eli, and the boys caught a boatload of jacks and sheephead. We headed up on the flats and Noah landed his first redfish. I managed to get out a few hours later in the week and found the trout bite had picked up. Some nice trout in the upper slot range are hitting DOA CAL jerk baits. I found the rootbeer colors to work best on the hungry trout.
Bluefish and mackerel are still around the inlet and turning basin in Fort Pierce. Shiny lures have worked best for the toothy critters. Jacks are everywhere! No matter where we fished this week....you caught jacks. Bridges continue to produce sheephead, bluefish and a few macks. Live or dead shrimp works great on the sheephead. Most of the surf anglers are catching whiting, bluefish, jacks and a few pompano mixed in. It has been a good week on the water.
March Forecast:
As the next cold front moves across the area, you can expect the bite to pick up as the sun warms the water next week. Trout and redfish will continue to be active on the flats. You can find them on sunny days in one to three feet of water. I like CAL jerk baits on a 1/16th ounce jig head when fishing the flats. Move slowly and quietly to get close enough for casting. Docks will hold sheephead, redfish, jacks and small grouper. Try a DOA TerrorEyz or shrimp this time of year around the docks. Water temperatures will slowly begin to rise and you will find the fish becoming more active on the flats. Fish drop offs and the edges of the flats on the moving tides. Bluefish and mackerel will continue to feed around the inlet on the incoming tides. March is a great month to fish the Treasure Coast!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 227
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010 - 12:40 pm: | |
February 19, 2010
Wintertime on the Treasure Coast can bring lots of challenging days out on the water. Between cold temperatures and windy conditions, you certainly can be tested out there fishing. We found the normal weather patterns again this week. There are plenty of fish to catch out there no matter what Mother Nature does about it. We had lots of fun out there this week.
Mark Amorello called to report the trout were active earlier in the week as well as the redfish. He caught 14 big trout and four redfish while fishing the flats with DOA CAL jerk baits. The water cooled off by mid week and the bite slowed down again. As soon as we have a few warm, sunny days, you can expect the flats fishing to take off again. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Round Island have all been good flats when the water temps are nearing 60 degrees or better.
The best bite on the river has remained the sheephead. They are thick around the bridges, docks and structure in the river. Live shrimp or dead shrimp usually works great on those toothy critters. Ron, Denny and Mitch joined me this week on a very windy, cool day. We found lots of sheephead willing to bite. There are quite a few areas that can keep your rods bending while avoiding some of the wind and cold. Don Joslyn took his grandsons, Tyler and Brennan, out fishing with me and the guys found lots of sheephead to keep them occupied. Tyler and Brennan had a fun day. Brennan caught the most, but Tyler caught the largest of the day.
Deeper water will continue to be productive in cold conditions. Fish move off the flats to get in warmer water. When you find those areas, you should be able to find the fish. Trout will move off the flats into deeper cuts and channels. Fish the edges of these areas. I keep a river anchor ready to drop at the first sign of a good bite along the flats. The fish can congregate in these warm pocket to feed. We have had great success this year using the DOA CAL jerk baits to find the trout. Remember to work any bait or lure very slowly along the bottom. Fish are more lethargic and you sometimes have to hit them on the head to get them to bite.
Tip of the Week:
Fishing the flats can be great this time of year when you catch the water temperatures warming up. The trout bite can be fantastic some days. It can be challenging to drift the flats. I keep a river anchor handy to drop as we drift the flats. You can stop and fish an area and easily pull anchor, drift a short distance and drop anchor again. It allows you fish an area thoroughly before moving on. I like to have several rods rigged with different lures when working an area. Sometime one works better than another. Once you find some fish, work that area well before drifting again. It a challenging, but fun time of year out there!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Indian River action this week!
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/060.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/058.jpg[/IMG]
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[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/048.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 226
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 5:36 am: | |
January 29, 2010
The river has come alive! From what looked like a wasteland not long ago to a river teaming with hungry fish. The trout and redfish bite has been outstanding this week along the Indian River. Milder conditions have allowed us to fish just about anywhere on the river and the fish are out there feeding. Hope you get a chance to get out soon.
Mark Amorello was out with me this week. We made it pretty much a DOA day on the water. After catching several trout on Mirrolures, we switched to CAL jerk baits and the trout seemed to be fighting on who would take it next. We caught 25 plus trout and only one was below slot size. Most were in the 18" to 22" range. We fished several spots on the east shore to the south of Fort Pierce and caught trout everywhere we stopped. Three to five feet of water was the best depth and DOA CAL jerk baits in dark colors had them eager to cooperate. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Round Island will be some good areas to target trout. Adam from the Fishing Center has also reported lots of trout action while wading along the river. It's great to see the river alive and active!
We headed to some flats north of Fort Pierce and found quite a few redfish in the shallows. Mark hooked up on one that would be near the 30" range before losing it, but we managed three other hookups and got two to the boat. Reds will hit DOA shrimp, CAL grub tails or live shrimp. Move quietly and slowly along the shallow flats and watch for any activity that might be some redfish feeding along the grass flats. The Moorings, Bear Point and docks along the river are good areas to try.
Bridges are still producing sheephead, bluefish and black drum. The jetties still have some bluefish and mackerel, but the bite has slowed some recently. There are plenty of jacks and ladyfish cruising the river and crashing the bait schools. The surf has been holding whiting and pompano, but some days are too windy to fish lately. It's been a fantastic week out there.
Tip of the Week: Jerk Baits
Jerk baits are great lures to use during winter months. Trout are feeding and slowly popping them along the bottom will get their attention. I like to use either 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz jig heads when fishing them. It allows the lure to get to the bottom and the lighter weight lets it sinks slower and doesn't dig into the bottom. It takes a little practice to use a 1/16 oz jig on a windy day, but it works and catches fish. There are many colors, sizes and styles of jerk baits on the market. My prefererence is the DOA CAL series in the four inch sizes. The silver mullet and rootbeer are great colors to try. My most productive color is the Arkansas Glow. It is adaptable for both clear or cloudy water and produces fish for me. Work the lure slowly along the bottom. I seldom move it four or five inches as I give it a slow popping movement. Don't drag it, but use short, sharp pops and give it time to settle back on the bottom and sit a few seconds. Most bites occur as the lure sinks down or as it lays on the bottom. Trout have a distinctive bite and it sometimes is difficult to detect. If you haven't tried it yet....it's a good time of year to get out and give it a try.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 225
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 29, 2010 - 6:49 am: | |
January 29, 2010
The river has come alive! From what looked like a wasteland not long ago to a river teaming with hungry fish. The trout and redfish bite has been outstanding this week along the Indian River. Milder conditions have allowed us to fish just about anywhere on the river and the fish are out there feeding. Hope you get a chance to get out soon.
Mark Amorello was out with me this week. We made it pretty much a DOA day on the water. After catching several trout on Mirrolures, we switched to CAL jerk baits and the trout seemed to be fighting on who would take it next. We caught 25 plus trout and only one was below slot size. Most were in the 18" to 22" range. We fished several spots on the east shore to the south of Fort Pierce and caught trout everywhere we stopped. Three to five feet of water was the best depth and DOA CAL jerk baits in dark colors had them eager to cooperate. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Round Island will be some good areas to target trout. Adam from the Fishing Center has also reported lots of trout action while wading along the river. It's great to see the river alive and active!
We headed to some flats north of Fort Pierce and found quite a few redfish in the shallows. Mark hooked up on one that would be near the 30" range before losing it, but we managed three other hookups and got two to the boat. Reds will hit DOA shrimp, CAL grub tails or live shrimp. Move quietly and slowly along the shallow flats and watch for any activity that might be some redfish feeding along the grass flats. The Moorings, Bear Point and docks along the river are good areas to try.
Bridges are still producing sheephead, bluefish and black drum. The jetties still have some bluefish and mackerel, but the bite has slowed some recently. There are plenty of jacks and ladyfish cruising the river and crashing the bait schools. The surf has been holding whiting and pompano, but some days are too windy to fish lately. It's been a fantastic week out there.
Tip of the Week: Jerk Baits
Jerk baits are great lures to use during winter months. Trout are feeding and slowly popping them along the bottom will get their attention. I like to use either 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz jig heads when fishing them. It allows the lure to get to the bottom and the lighter weight lets it sinks slower and doesn't dig into the bottom. It takes a little practice to use a 1/16 oz jig on a windy day, but it works and catches fish. There are many colors, sizes and styles of jerk baits on the market. My prefererence is the DOA CAL series in the four inch sizes. The silver mullet and rootbeer are great colors to try. My most productive color is the Arkansas Glow. It is adaptable for both clear or cloudy water and produces fish for me. Work the lure slowly along the bottom. I seldom move it four or five inches as I give it a slow popping movement. Don't drag it, but use short, sharp pops and give it time to settle back on the bottom and sit a few seconds. Most bites occur as the lure sinks down or as it lays on the bottom. Trout have a distinctive bite and it sometimes is difficult to detect. If you haven't tried it yet....it's a good time of year to get out and give it a try.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Some of this weeks action.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/001-31.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/002-31.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/003-27.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/004-28.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 224
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 22, 2010 - 3:28 pm: | |
January 22, 2010
Mild weather conditions are back on the Treasure Coast....finally! Warm days and comfortable evenings make it nice to enjoy the outdoors. We have the usual windy days, but that's just fine after what the area has been through this winter. Fishing has been improving each day and the water temperatures have steadily came up to a more normal level on the river.
Trout and redfish have been abundant this week. Herman's Bay, Round Island and Bear Point have all been productive areas. Live shrimp, DOA gold shrimp or CAL Jerk Baits have all worked on the flats. Docks and bridges have held some nice size sheephead and black drum. Live or dead shrimp usually gets these guys excited. Bluefish have been all over the inlet area. The jetties have erupted many days lately with feeding blues. Shiny lures or live shrimp keep them reeling around there. The pompano had been off Fort Pierce most of the week. Try the Boils if you head out the inlet. A lot of boats have been trolling the channels for grouper. Remember that grouper are closed until May 1 this year.
The surf has held whiting and some pompano around the Fort Pierce area. Lots of bluefish are along the beach as well. Cut bait or silver spoons will get the blues and shrimp or sand fleas will catch the rest out there. It is nice to see our weather and fishing on the upside for a change.
Tip of the Week:
Snook fishing will most likely be slow for a while. Do not forget that the season is closed until September 1st. Any snook that you might catch should be handled very carefully and released quickly. It is important for us to do our part to help the population to recover back to the levels we have enjoyed for so long. We can still catch and release....just do it wisely.
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852 |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 223
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 5:37 pm: | |
January 15, 2010
The frigid cold from the past couple of weeks has finally left the Treasure Coast. In its wake, there are thousands of dead or cold stunned fish all over the river. We found lots of snook, snapper, lookdowns, ladyfish, tarpon, and many more species floating all around the area. It appears that the redfish, trout, black drum and sheephead were some of the few that survived the freezing water temperatures. It was a sad sight everywhere we went.
Steve and Kathleen joined me on Thursday for the first decent day to try and get out fishing. We found the best bite was around the inlet and turning basin. Lots of fish have congregated in the deeper water and they are hungry. Whiting, croakers, ladyfish and blue runners are abundant in those areas. Mackerel and bluefish are thick around the jetties. Live shrimp or shiny jigs were working for us. Steve ended up with a nice grouper from the seawall. Joe Vennarini joined me on Friday and we again found fish around the turning basin along with some sheephead and ladyfish around some of the docks. I did hear of a few trout being caught. Lots of sand perch are around the bridges, but many did not survive.
The water will slowly begin to warm back up and the bite should be fantastic very soon. The fish are cold right now and will be hungry as they get warmed back up to normal. If you do get out soon, look to the deep channels and cuts. Sea walls will be holding fish to try and get warm near them. Fish you lures and bait very slowly. The fish aren't as active and probably won't go far to chase a meal. Things will improve soon!
Tip of the Week:
It might be tempting to try and take some of the stunned fish home for dinner. I have heard of many people out doing just that. If the fish is in season, legal size and in your bag limits, it won't be a problem. Out of season fish, over/under size fish or over the limit will get you in lots of trouble out there. We witnessed many anglers being checked the past few days, so don't take the chance....it could cost you dearly!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
A few of the fish found around the Treasure Coast.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/002-30.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/003-26.jpg[/IMG]
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[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/006-15.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 222
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 08, 2010 - 7:49 am: | |
January 8, 2010
Br-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r.....The new year certainly started off cold! Freezing temperatures this past week have kept all but the brave anglers off the water. I thought that maybe they moved Florida and forgot to tell us. I hope that I won't be giving an ice fishing report next week... I will be glad to see August..... Most anglers are heading out later in the morning. That is a fantastic idea in these conditions. We did manage to get out a couple days just before the worst of the cold arrived along the Treasure Coast.
Keith, Cai, Turner and Frank were out with me again. Even with the winds, we caught fish and the boys each had fun with bluefish and ladyfish. Larry Shaw braved cold weather and winds to find a great black drum and sheephead bite going off. He caught fish after fish while trying to keep our hands from freezing. Lots of big sheephead are all over the river, especially around the docks of the river. Some trout were being taken on the flats as trout season officially opened on the 1st. The cold water will hamper the bite somewhat for now. Fish deeper water for your best chances. The snook bite has also slowed down. I heard several reports of large numbers of fish dying around the area and it most likely will get worse as the cold weather continues into the weekend. It's gonna be a long winter this year.
Tip of the Week:
The water is colder than normal right now. I got reports of lots of temperatures in the 50's and even one in the 40's around the river. Fish deep cuts, channels and docks for best opportunities. Fish slowly, as fish will be lethargic and slow to feed. Don't expect the greatest bite this time of year. Fish are cold and more intent on warming than feeding. You might see lots of big fish in shallow water on sunny days. They usually are just sunning themselves. Fish for different species. Sheephead and black drum are usually active this time of year and it can produce lots of fish. I love to use a DOA TerrorEyz this time of year. Fish it slowly along the bottom or under the docks and you will have good results. Remember.....slowly!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Cool weather fishing on the Treasure Coast.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/002-29.jpg[/IMG]
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[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/009-9.jpg[/IMG] |
Capt. Charlie Conner (Fish_tales_charters)
New member
Username: Fish_tales_charters
Post Number: 221
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 31, 2009 - 3:28 pm: | |
January 31, 2009
Wow! Here it is....the end of another year and where did all the time go again. Seems to fly by each year. We had lots of fun out on the water in 2009 and want to take a second to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope the best for you in 2010. We made lots of new friends this year and renewed friendship with many more out on the water. It was a fun year!
Cool weather and windy conditions have made it difficult to fish, but the fish are there if you can get out. Look for warmer water for your best opportunities this time of year. I was out with Wayne, Mike and Justin. The water was cold, but we did find some fish around the inlet area where the water was warmer. Keith and his boys, Turner and Frank, were back down to visit. The boys had some fun around the docks and each caught their first redfish along with a variety of other fish. Tom, Pam and Sam were back out with me again this year. Pam and Sam caught the most fish and a variety of species. Sam caught his first and second snook this trip. Pam caught a huge sheephead that gave her quite a battle. It was a fun week on the water.
Most of the action has been around the inlet area. If you can find warmer water, the trout will be feeding in those areas. Docks have been very productive with large variety of fish hanging under them. Live shrimp worked best for us under the docks, but a DOA shrimp or TerrorEyz can work just as well. Mackerel, bluefish and jacks have been all over the inlet and turning basin. Shiny lures work best for those speedy critters. Bridges have been producing black drum, croakers and sheephead. Some large sheephead have been out there lately. Flounder have been around the inlet on sandy flats the past few weeks. Pompano are around the river, but the winds have kept anglers from getting out. The surf has been rough lately, but pomps and whiting await anglers there. A couple of sunny days will warm up the water a little and improve activity on the flats.
Tip of the Week:
Wintertime......time to fish deeper cuts and channel edges. Time to slow down those lures as fish get cold and lethargic. Time to change up fishing patterns and lures to find what will produce on any given day. Time to dress in layers to keep warm early and be comfortable throughout the day. Time to appreciate that hot coffee on those 40 degree mornings. Time to dig through the closet and find those long johns. Time to use the winds to your advantage on the flats. Time to fish the back side of islands. Time to pay attention to water temperatures. Time to enjoy living in Florida.....even if it is a little cold some days!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing! Happy New Year!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Frank and Turner Mullins with their first redfish. Pam Hargrove with a big sheephead and Sam Van Ornam with his first snook.
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a378/captaincharlie/002-28.jpg[/IMG]
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