Mullet Run
They are here and the fish are biting.Mullet are king for a while every fall and this year is no different. We have been catching a mess of Snook and a Tarpon here and there with DOA Shrimp and Zara Spooks. I expect the action to stay hot and even get hotter as we go through October and November . Last Thursday with Alan Julier we caught 40 Snook along the Mangroves with DOA Shrimp and had aother day with 23 and another one with 10 all last week. Most of the Snook were small but we caught some decent fish. As the water cools the Reds and Large Trout will bite a little better and we look forward to a Great fall fishery !
SW FL-Bonita Beach: Offshore Fishing ExcellentThis Week
We no sooner got rid of Tropical Storm Fay’s effects when Hurricane Gustav threatened the Gulf coast. We were again fortunate, much more so than the folks in New Orleans were…although, they too are counting their blessings after a small, last minute change in course saved them from the worst case scenario. But our offshore waters felt the effects even here in SW FL, with lots of wind, some rain, heavy surf and high seas. Fishing was not an option for another week or so, into the Labor Day weekend. Monday, skies cleared, but seas remained rough, even into Tuesday, 9/2, so I fished the backwaters Tuesday with Bill & Terry Major, their daughter and son-in-law. Fishing was fair in the bay but with so much fresh water, probably not as good as it would usually be this time of year. We released a 22 inch snook and sheepshead, all caught on live shrimp. Even live shrimp were in short supply, due to the shrimp boats being unable to get out in rough seas. But we had a good time catching and releasing.
And, a few more words to say about local fishing recently: “Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, and slow-season! Although we were very fortunate to have few serious effects of the storms, they did disrupt fishing with their fringe effects that included gusty winds, high seas, rain and fresh water influx. Add to that mix the slowest of all seasons in SW Florida and the result doesn’t add up to a lot of time on the water. On the bright side, with October’s page nearly ready to be showing on the calendar, many of our seasonal residents have been calling to arrange fishing trips. This week, I finally have a few trips to report. After waiting for the winds and seas to clam down from a breezy start to the week, I fished Thursday, 9/25, with Roger & Donna Briehqcek. It was still pretty rough way offshore, but we managed to fish in about 40 feet out of New Pass, where it was a bit sloppy but tolerable. We caught five keeper mangrove snapper, a keeper lane snapper and a 23 inch Spanish mackerel there, and we released lots of gag and red grouper shorts, along with a small mutton snapper. We moved to a spot closer to the beach later in the morning, where we caught and released three oversized redfish, two measuring 28 inches and one 30 inches ( see photo.) We used live shrimp for all. The fishing was good again on Friday, when I fished with Jeffrey Frost and Brad Bernardy in selected spots from 5 to 18 miles west of New Pass. We caught a nice variety on live shrimp, including two redfish, one over-sized at 28 inches, which we released, and one keeper at 26 ¾ inches, nine Spanish mackerel to 26 inches, whitebone porgies, six keeper lane snapper to 12 inches, three keeper mangrove snapper and a keeper mutton snapper at 16 ½ inches. We released a four-foot sandbar shark, a ten-pound bonito, four undersized mutton snapper, some short yellowtail snapper and gag grouper shorts to 19 inches.
Seas were a little rougher Saturday, but Bill Newhard and Dave Kovach toughed it out for some excellent fishing. We headed out to about 36 miles west of New Pass with live shrimp and Spanish sardines. Dave caught a keeper 21 ½ inch red grouper and we released several more red grouper that were just short of keeper size. We also caught a 16 ½ inch keeper scamp grouper, eight keeper yellowtail snapper to 15 inches, a couple dozen keeper lane snapper, a half dozen keeper mangrove snapper to 14 inches, triggerfish and a mess of grunts. We released three sharpnose sharks, all about 3 ½ feet long, along with lots of smaller mangs, yellowtail and grouper. We also saw three schools of peanut-dolphin (also called chicken-dolphin and mahi-mahi). Those were about 18 inches long and they surrounded the boat. We’d have loved to locate their daddies, but with no light due to cloud cover, we were unable to spot any larger ones. All in all, it was a great day of fishing.
South Indian River Fishing Report
September 26, 2008
INSHORE:
It was another good week fishing on the Indian River Lagoon. We had some fantastic sunny days along with a few days that you dared not venture out. Overall, the weather has held up nicely and we are in for another great weekend of fishing on the Treasure Coast. We fished both north and south of Fort Pierce this week. Hope you get a chance to get out fishing.
The trout bite picked up this week, finally. CAL jerk baits caught most of our fish this week. Try colors that will resemble baitfish or mullet. Those worked well for us. Arial, Kaleb and Jordan fished with me in the Teen Anglers tournament and we hooked up on nearly two dozen trout. The guys had more trouble getting them to the boat that day than hooking up. Scott Ring and his son, Jeremy, was also out with me and we hooked up on the trout as well. Most are schoolie trout up to 18 inches. The tides were high so you can fish closer into the banks on some of the flats. Most of our fish came in 3-4 feet of water.
We also caught some short snook, grouper and jacks while fishing the trout flats. Some big fish were crashing bait along the outer edges of the shallows. There have been lots of jacks around the river lately. Most of the snook action has been around the bridges, jetties and docks and mostly at night. Live bait has worked the best for them. We did find a few big snook around some of the docks. Not many reports of redfish this week. The water quality continues to improve and so will the fishing. The better water has been south of Fort Pierce on the east side. Bear Point has held lots of bait this week.
Not much to report on the catwalks or surf this week. The winds had the surf churned up most of the week and the catwalk anglers were not reporting much on catches. Some black drum, snapper and flounder are being taken. Mid week bought the windy conditions and not many anglers were brave enough to get on the water.
Tip of the Week:
Fall is fast approaching and fishing conditions always change with the seasons. Plan on varying your fishing patterns and try something different if the bite changes. Right now, with the mullet run in force, you can use mullet type lures and colors with good success. As the mullet move out, watch for changes in baitfish, temperatures and water conditions. It’s a great time of year to fish on the Treasure Coast!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby….it’s an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Ft. Pierce Inshore - Offshore Report
September 25, 2008
INSHORE - The inshore fishing had started to improve with a steady trout bite along the edges of the flats. Most of the fish reported were from 1 to 5 pounds and caught on soft plastic baits. I did get reports of several trout over 5 pounds and they were caught around the Pete Stone Creek area on a live finger mullet and just before dark. The redfish are still around the docks along both North and South Indian River Drive. A live finger mullet or a crab are the baits of choice. The snook have been hit or miss depending on where you were fishing. Most of the slot size fish that I had reports on were coming from the North Bridge or from the Ft. Pierce Inlet and fish the tide changes. With all the finger mullet working their way into the Ft. Pierce Inlet they have been the best bait to use. For the bottom fishing along the Intercoastal and around the bridges look for snapper, sheepshead and black drum feeding a live shrimp.
OFFSHORE - The offshore fishing was starting to improve until Wednesday when he NE winds were blowing 20 to 25 knots making the offshore fishing not an option. But, over the weekend I had reports of scattered dolphin to 30 pounds from 300 to 500 feet of water and they were taking a ballyhoo with a pink/white skirt. There are still some kings being reported in 50 to 70 feet of water and they were taking live baits or a ribbonfish that was slow trolled. And, as always for those who were trolling there were plenty of bonita, cuda’s and sharks taking just about anything you could troll. The bottom fishing had also gotten better for snapper, sea bass, triggerfish and a handful of grouper. Try the reefs to the north in 20 to 90 feet of water and a live bait or cut bait will work. There are still a few tarpon being reported along the beaches and they are following the schools of mullet.
TEEN ANGLERS - The local chapter of Teen Anglers started their 9th season this past Sunday with an inshore tournament. There plenty of fish caught but not a lot of them were on the fish list.
In the Middle School Division
1st place - Austin Doyle - St. Andrews -Ft. Pierce - redfish
2nd place - Micah Begelman - Jackson Heights Middle - Oviedo- sheepshead
3rd place - Helen Kinchen - Stuart Middle - Stuart - black drum
In the High School Division
1st place - Chad Merrill - Centennial High - Port St. Lucie - snapper
2nd place - Tyler Moyher - Lincoln Park Academy - Ft. Pierce - snapper
3rd place - David Brasher - Vero Beach High - Vero Beach - snapper
Biggest fish of the tournament went to Austin Doyle for his 5lb. 13oz redfish.
The next inshore tournament will be held on Sunday — October 19th at Jaycee Park in Ft. Pierce If you would like more info on joining Teen Anglers just go to the web at www.teenanglers.org
BRAGGING BOARD - I got an e-mail from Rob Gluckman about his fishing trip on Sunday — September 21st. He stated that Steve Sanderson, Robert Szika and myself caught 4 dolphin to 20 lbs and a 10 lb Wahoo while fishing aboard my boat M’Ocean to Strike. We caught them between 395 and 425 feet of water just north of Jupiter. We caught them on naked ballyhoo skipping on the surface.
If you would like to report a catch you can e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com or call me at 772-201-5770. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters
South Indian River Fishing Report
September 18, 2008
INSHORE:
Mother Nature sure dealt us a great week of fishing weather. Winds inshore were mild most days and we had some fantastic fun out on the water. Fish were in the mood to bite and the water clarity has continued to improve, especially south of Fort Pierce. Looks like this weekend the forecast calls for more of the same conditions, so plan on fishing and enjoying the sunshine!
I was out scouting a couple days and found snook, jacks and bluefish around both the river and along the surf. Large schools of jacks are roving the water and can provide some great fun out there. Snook have continued to hit around the jetties, bridges and docks of the area. The best bite has been the outgoing tides. DOA TerrorEyz, shallow running Baitbusters and the Big Fish Lure has been the best producing artificials along with top water lures. Live mullet or pinfish are the preferred live bait. Redfish have been hitting around the inlet and docks this week as well. The bait has flooded into the river and the hungry predators have followed it.
I also had the pleasure of having Will Whitehead and Ty Fisher on the boat this week. I could tell right off that it was gonna be one of those competitive days. We found jacks, snook, redfish, flounder and grouper as we fished the area. The guys caught a number of snook, a couple of nice slot reds and a host of other fish. We lost a couple big snook and had several big grouper break us off. It was a great day out there with wonderful weather and hungry fish.
Today, I ventured down to the beach to see what is happening out there in the surf. Anything that resembles a mullet will catch you some fish right now. The trough along the beach was loaded with snook, jacks and bluefish. I ended up with one slot snook (released) and lots of jacks and bluefish. I was using a DOA Big Fish Lure and the fish ended up tearing it up by the time I was finished. Lots of fun in the surf this week!
Tip of the Week:
With the fall mullet run in full force, look to find which of your lures will best imitate a wounded mullet. The fish are keying in on the bait schools and will attack anything that looks like an easy meal. Top water, Baitbusters, etc will get you the strikes. It wasn’t long ago that the fish were gorging on pinfish, but now it’s mullet time! Match your lures to the bait and you will have better success out on the water.
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby….it’s an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Ft. Pierce Inshore - Offshore Report
SEPTEMBER 18, 2008
INSHORE - The fishing had improved some this week as the water color gets a little better. The best bite has been on the last of the incoming tide as the clear water from the ocean pushes in. The snook action has been good around the bridges during the first hour of the tide change. A live pigfish has been the best bait to use. There are still some snook being caught in the Ft. Pierce Inlet for anglers using a live bait like a mullet, pigfish or a pinfish. Reports have been about equal as far as drifting or anchoring up. The trout bite has been OK but, you have to find the pockets of clean water. Fish with a finger mullet or a live shrimp. Along the channel edges and around structure the bottom fishing has been steady for snapper, sheepshead and a few black drum. But, again wait for the clean water on the high tide and use a small love shrimp or a small greenie.
OFFSHORE - As the conditions improved this week the fishing was still a little on the slow side. There were several dolphin from 15 to 30 pounds coming from 350 feet of water when trolling a ballyhoo. The kingfish that were reported this week came from 70 to 90 feet of water — around the Offshore Bar and most were caught on a live bait. There were also a few sailfish reported but the depth varied from 100 to 300 feet of water and most of the sails were caught on a ballyhoo. The bottom fishing over the reefs and wrecks has also gotten better for snapper, grouper, AJ’s and sea bass. Try a live bait. Along the beaches the bonita, spanish mackerel and sharks will keep you busy.
CENTRAL FLORIDA OFFSHORE FISHING CLUB - The CFOFC held their last offshore tournament of this year on Saturday — September 13th out of the Dockside Inn. After the 6 to 8 foot seas on Friday we really wondered if they would have the tournament. The seas did lay down some and the tournament was on. They had an assortment of fish come into the scales, several dolphin, 2 big AJ’s, several kingfish and a very small tuna. The dolphin were caught in 350 feet of water, the kings were from 25 to 180 feet of water and the AJ’s were caught in 90 feet of water by the Offshore Bar.
1st place - Barry Hankinson - High Voltage - 30.7 pound dolphin
2nd place - Brian Boone - Reel Party - 24.1 pound kingfish
3rd place - Clark Conner - Bad Habits II - 7.5 pound kingfish
4th place - Missy Brown - Fish Tale - 7.0 pound kingfish
Clark Conner and Earl Barley each had a big AJ — one was 28.6 pounds and the other was 28.7 pounds.
BRAGGING BOARD - I got an e-mail from Jeff Walk about his son Trevor – age 6. They were fishing at Herman’s Bay when Trevor caught and released a 27 inch snook. He was using a finger mullet. Between Jeff & Trevor they caught a total of 12 fish including the snook.
If you would like to report a catch you can e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com or call me at 772-201-5770. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters
Ft. Pierce Inshore - No Offshore Report Again
SEPTEMBER 11, 2008
INSHORE - This has been one of the slowest weeks for fishing reports that I have seen in a long time. With the combination of dirty water and all the wind — everyone is staying home including me. However, one good thing happened this week — the finger mullet are finally showing up in some good numbers. And, that means as the weather gets better the fish will be on their bite and chasing the schools of mullet. About the only reports I had this week were from anglers who were fishing in Taylor Creek from the bank. They reported a good snook bite on both live baits and a red/white Boomer lure. From the anglers fishing from the docks along the Ft. Pierce Inlet they reported a few snook, mangrove snapper, jacks and a lot of catfish while fishing at night. Most of the fish were caught on finger mullet or a live shrimp.
OFFSHORE - Once again this week there is no offshore report. I can’t remember when the last time was that we went 2 weeks with no report!
JUNIOR TEEN ANGLERS - This Saturday is the kick off of the 3rd season of the from shore tournaments for the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Junior Teen Anglers. We were scheduled to fish last Saturday and moved it to this Saturday — after the date was changed the weather did improve but the water was still very dirty. Junior Teen Anglers is a family event. Junior Teen Anglers is for the 5 to 11 age group. All of the from shore tournaments are held at Harbour Pointe Park in Ft. Pierce. If you would like more info on joining Junior Teen Anglers or for the 12 to 18 age group — Teen Anglers just go to the web at www.teenanglers.org
If you would like to report a catch you can e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com or you can call me at 772-201-5770. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters
South Indian River Fishing Report
Take a minute today and remember all the loved ones who gave their lives on 9/11.
September 11, 2008
INSHORE:
As Ike decided to stay south of us, the weather was fantastic for outdoor activities over the past weekend and looks the one approaching will be just as nice. The fishing really on Saturday and Sunday, even though Ike decided to throw some winds at us the past several days to make it harder to get out there. If the forecast is correct, get out some top water lures and head out for a weekend of fishing!
I was delighted to get the opportunity to take out the grandkids this weekend. Grandma Eva and mom, Dena, met me at the ramp with 3 year old, Chloe, and 6 month old, Brody for an adventure on the water. Just remember that pinfish isn’t always just for bait. Chloe excitedly reeled in pinfish after pinfish and even caught a catfish in the process. Of course, being a three year old, she was determined to reel every fish in herself and did it like a seasoned angler. There’s nothing as rewarding than watching children enjoy a day on the water!
Snook fishing has remained good for those fishing around the inlets, bridges and docks. Some overslots were reported along with shorts and several elusive slots. Live mullet and pinfish has been the bait of choice, but diving plugs and jigs have also worked well around the jetties. Some big snook are out there in the shallows as well. DOA’s Big Fish Lure has worked great this time of year. It looks and swims like a mullet and presents an easy target on the flats for many species. A 31″ snook exploded on it in three feet of water. I was able to fish south of Fort Pierce and the water is showing good signs of clearing up soon.
Big schools of jacks have moved into the river to wreak havoc on the bait schools. They are easy to spot on calm days and are great fun to catch and release. Some are in the 15 - 20 pound range. The bluefish have also been crashing the bait. There are still some snapper along the channel edges. The trout bite has remained slow for now, but should pick up again soon. Redfish have begun showing back up on the flats as the water begins the slow process of clearing up. Most have been north of Fort Pierce on the flats from Queen’s Cove to the Moorings. The surf report has been spotty with all the windy weather lately. Offshore has also been pretty quiet of late. It’s a great time of year to be living and fishing around the Treasure Coast.
Tip of the Week:
Once in while, I manage to get one of those days to just get out and enjoy the weather and water. Not so much concentration on fishing as relaxing and watching everything around you. The many birds and fish provide a natural serenade of sights and sounds to help soothe your soul and mind. It brings back the memories of many fishing adventures on the water. There’s a lot going on in this world we live in, so once in a while it’s good to get out on the water to ease the tensions. It might not change a lot, but is gives you a break from the news, TV and routine. Plan on getting out soon!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby….it’s an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
South Indian River Fishing Report
September 5, 2008
INSHORE:
Instead of rigging rods, backing down a ramp or drooling over new tackle…….here I am watching Hanna dump rain and wind on us, wondering where Ike might just decide to land and wishing an untimely death to Josephine out there in the far distance. That’s a far cry from fishing, but welcome to September in Florida. We have more wind and rain coming this way and many are more concerned about Hurricane preparedness than fishing. Fishing will just have to wait for a few days……
Snook season quietly opened this year and there were some hardy anglers out this past week. Some did have success for their braving the windy weather. Live shrimp, pinfish or mullet was the bait of choice for most. The spillways, bridges and jetties were the best options to fish for snook this week. Feather jigs, DOA TerrorEyz and diving plugs will also be good artificials when fishing for snook. Try the DOA Big Fish Lure at night around the jetties. It looks like the real thing out there.
Flats fishing was tough due to the dirty water conditions and winds whipping across the shallows. Travis and Corrine fished with me on Saturday and while we caught fish, it was slow out there on the water. A few reports of trout and redfish around the spoil islands on live bait and some snapper around the channels, but not a week to brag about for a change. As these storms move away from us, the fishing will get back to normal again.
The fall mullet run has been going on during all this weather and the river is loaded with bait right now. Look for snook fishing to improve as water conditions get better and flats fishing should pick up also as the water clears up………some day!
Tip of the Week:
If you are fishing this week or next, be aware of the weather around you and don’t take unnecessary chances. Conditions can change rapidly and tropical storm winds or rain can move in quickly. Plan a safe fishing trip if you head out on the water.
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby….it’s an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Ft. Pierce Inshore - No Offshore Report
SEPTEMBER 4, 2008
INSHORE - The inshore fishing is still on the slow side due to all the fresh water run off. I did get reports of a few trout and redfish coming from around the islands to the north of the North Bridge in places like Jack Island, Queen’s Cove and Round Island. Most of the fish were caught on a live finger mullet. Even with all the dirty water there has been a few snapper and sheepshead being caught along the channel edges on a live shrimp. The opening week of snook season hasn’t been that productive for most according to what the anglers are reporting. I did get a good report from Jesse Pfeiffer about the 7 snook he and his wife Leslie caught and released. The 1st two snook they caught were 26 & 26 &1/2 inches and they released them. Leslie caught one that was right at 32 inches and them Jesse got one that was 38 &1/2 which he released. He then caught one that was 31 & 1/2 inches. They each caught a couple more that were not in the slot. They were using pinfish for bait. I did get a couple of reports about snook in the Ft. Pierce Inlet. Most were caught during the 1st half hour of the out going tide and on a pinfish that was fished on the bottom.
OFFSHORE - I have no offshore report due to the sea conditions.
JUNIOR TEEN ANGLERS - The Treasure Coast Chapter of Junior Teen Anglers were supposed to kick off their 3rd season this Saturday - September 6th. Due to the impending weather conditions the tournament was rescheduled for next Saturday — September 13th. All Junior Teen tournaments are held at Harbour Pointe Park in Ft. Pierce. If you would like to sign your child up — just go to the web at www.teenanglers.org for more info or you can call 772-201-5773.
If you would like to report a catch you can e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com or call me at 772-201-5770. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters
-
Fishing Blog- Web Updates - Nov. 4, 2009
- Salmo Sting Review - Salmo Lures
- Salmo Chubby Darter Review - Salmo Lures
- Salmo Bullhead Review - Salmo Lures
- Salmo Hornet Review - Salmo Lures
- Shrimp Tease Review - Creme Lures
- Killer Diller Shrimp Review - Creme Lures
- Jerk N? Shrimp Review - Creme Lures
- Devil?s Tongue Review- Saltwater - Creme Lures
- Creme Shrimp Soft Plastic Lure Review - Creme Lures
