January 4, 2008
INSHORE:
The new year was welcomed by Ol' Man Winter this week on the Treasure Coast! Cool temperatures and lots of windy weather has reduced the options of fishing around the area and left most anglers wishing for a chance to get out on the water. The winds will be around for a while, so plan your adventures carefully and safely if you intend on venturing out to fish. Depending on the direction of the wind, you can find places in the river. Offshore will be another challenge for a while.
Mike Mirando caught a released a limit of trout this week....
I did get out prior to the front moving into the area and the fishing has been good on the river. Trout has been the most prevalent bite. Now that they are back in season, many anglers will be targeting them for table fare this month. Some big trout have been on the flats, but look for them to move into deeper water as the area cools down now. Live shrimp on popping corks, DOA CAL jerk baits, top water and suspending lures can all get you some trout in the boat. Most grass flats have held trout, if you can get around the ladyfish and jacks to find them.
The redfish bite was on prior to the cold front moving into the area....
Redfish have continued to bite along the flats. Lots of reports of redfish from the Power Plant to the Moorings from anglers. Live shrimp, Gulp shrimp, DOA shrimp or jerk baits have all been working out there. The water is getting churned up this week and will take several days to clear back up once the weather clears up. Look for grassy flats with sand holes scattered through it for some opportunities for a redfish.
Early morning on the Indian River flats.....
Snook fishing has slowed for now. Since the season closed, anglers have mostly been targeting fish that they can keep. Make sure you practice a safe catch and release on any snook you catch this time of year. Ladyfish and jacks are everywhere again. They will attack just about anything moving and are great to keep the kids occupied. Still lots of mackerel around the inlet and channels of the river. Croakers have been biting around the bridges and catwalks lately, along with some black drum. Still some flounder around the inlet and docks. Most of the reports are prior to the cold front moving in, so things could change as the weather clears. Hopefully, the pompano bite will improve with the cooler weather.
Surf: Some anglers are venturing out on the beach in spite of the windy weather. Look for pompano, whiting, mackerel, bluefish and jacks along the surf if it is fishable. Shrimp, sand fleas, small bucktail jigs and silver spoons are good choices along the beach. Good luck and keep warm!
Tip of the Week: As winter settles in on the Treasure Coast, windy conditions will be the norm on most days for the next several months. Small boats that cruise the river in search of a good fishing spot can be especially vulnerable to water blown around in the boat from choppy waves and blustery winds. Make sure cell phones or any things that could be damaged by salt water are stowed secure and dry from the conditions. Dry boxes or zip lock bags can save a cell phone or car keys from sure disaster from the effects of saltwater. Keep them safe and dry before you leave the dock!
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:
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772-284-3852
