INSHORE:
While trout have continued to bite well on the flats, the big news has been that the pompano have shown up in the river. Anglers have been waiting for the tasty fish to come back to the area for winter. Start looking in three to six feet of water along the edges of the flats and you can have some great dinner fare. Live shrimp, sand fleas or pompano jigs are the best options. Doc's Goofy Jigs are very popular this time of year and pink has been a favorite color.
There are some big fish around some of the docks to the south of Fort Pierce. Harper and Dave had one on for a short time before getting spooled by one of the big boys. We found snook around the docks while Mitch and Brianna were out with me. A DOA TerrorEyz will find the fish around the docks. Pat and Dalton Wells were down and I have never seen so much activity around the river as that day. As far as you could see in any direction, bait was being crashed by just about every species on the river. It was an amazing day for all of us. 13 year old, Dalton, caught fish till his arms were worn out. We ended the week by taking Grandma Eva and our two grandkids, Chloe and Brody out for an afternoon on the water. Four year old, Chloe, ended her day with two fish that kept her busy reeling. Trout on the flats in two to five feet of water on both live shrimp and Deadly Combos are consistent from Round Island to the Power Plant. Redfish reports have been mostly to the north near Round Island and south towards Midway Road. Snook and tarpon around the jetties have provided good fishing at night on live bait or diving plugs. Snapper and black drum are still being caught around the bridges and channel edges. Ladyfish and jacks are just about anywhere you drop a line. It's been an exciting week for us on the river.
Tip of the Week:
As the pompano continue to migrate to our area, it's a great time of year to surf fish. Seems like anglers will be sitting around being bored on the beach until a school of pomps come cruising through and everyone hooks up at once. Get some sand fleas or shrimp and head down to the beach. These fish put up a good battle and are excellent tasting when broiled or grilled. They are simple to clean. I generally just cut off the head and remove the organs. This give you all the meat with no waste. When grilling I simply cut some slits in the skin and baste it with lemon, garlic and butter as it slowly grills. Get out there fishing soon and try some pompano!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com/
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
