South Indian River Fishing Report 12/31

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

South Indian River Fishing Report 12/20

December 20, 2009

Typical winter weather patterns allowed for a few days to fish and the rest of the week was windy, wet and wild. Lots of rain the past couple of days have made it challenging for anglers to try and get out. Looks like the rain might end by Saturday, but we will just wait and see how it turns out. There will be lots of fresh water pouring into the river for the next several days. You can bet the water is pretty dirty for now as well.

Not too much to report this week on the river. Offshore, the sailfish bite has been good and some dolphin were also being taken out in the 150' range. Slow trolling ballyhoo was working for the boats that ventured offshore. The trout bite had been good south of Fort Pierce, but we will have to see what all this rain has done to the bite. Snook fishing has slowed down mostly due to less anglers heading out with the season being closed. Redfish are still hanging by docks south of Fort Pierce and should take a live shrimp or DOA shrimp. I did have several good reports of pompano along the beaches south of Fort Pierce. Live shrimp or Doc's Goofy Jigs are the favorite out there. They are constantly moving and if you happen to be there when they come by......look out! Bluefish have been in the surf, jetties and turning basin. The jacks, ladyfish and mackerel are around the inlet, too. Bright, shiny lures moving fast can get you lots of fun action this time of year. The bridges have been full of sand perch, croakers and black drum for the catwalk anglers. It has been a good week in spite of foul weather around the area.

Tip of the Week:
While most boaters and anglers check the local weather before venturing out.....there are still those that don't bother. It only takes a couple minutes to either turn on the TV or go online and check out weather sites to see what is in store for the area. You will find that most people check any number of different sites to try to get a better insight on the predictions. Nothing is ever written in stone, but you can get some idea on what the day might have ahead. Checking local radar is a great way to see weather patterns and direction of any coming rain clouds or systems. A couple minutes can make a big difference in planning for that day on the water.

Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Happy Holidays!
Captain Charlie Conner

http://www.fishtalescharter.com/
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 12/11

December 11, 2009

Seems like just yesterday it was January 2009 and here today the year is almost finished. Days sure fly by anymore. It has been a good year with lots of action around the Treasure Coast. As the holidays arrive, I hope that everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season this year. Fishing around the river has remained good, even with the windy days of winter.

Snook fishing at night has held up well. Seems like the worse the weather, the better the bite. Anglers on the jetties, bridges and docks have done well with live bait, TerrorEyz, and Bait Busters. Feather jigs will also work well for the night bite. Don't forget that snook season ends Tuesday, December 15th. Trout season is already closed until January 1st, so you need to look at other species until then.

Spanish mackerel have been throughout the inlet, turning basin and south of the Fort Pierce bridges. The ladyfish, jacks, blue runners and bluefish have also been feeding among them and providing plenty of action for anglers. Shiny lures moved fast will keep you busy! Pompano are around the river, but the winds held up fishing for them most of the week. A few reports of pomps along the beach this week with whiting being the best catch in the surf. Redfish are still hanging around the docks of the river. Live shrimp, DOA shrimp or TerrorEyz will help you find them around the river. If the wind allows, the docks south of Fort Pierce are great wintertime fishing areas.

The bridges have still been active with sand perch, black drum and sheephead for those anglers. Live or dead shrimp will get you a tasty dinner treat. There are still flounder being taken around the sand in the inlet area. Wind and water temperature will factor into each day on the water and add to the many factors that affect the bite. It's fun to just be out there anyway! Have a great time out there.

Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner

http://www.fishtalescharter.com/
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 12/4

December 4, 2009


Weather was the deciding factor most of the week on whether anglers were fishing or just waiting for a nicer day to get on the water. Wind played a big part in that decision. Fishing has continued to be good even though the weather isn't as cooperative with anglers. The weekend should provide a little more favorable conditions.

Snook fishing around the inlet has been very good this week with the full moon and windy weather helping get them in the mood to eat. Nighttime anglers have done good with live bait, feather jigs and diving plugs around the jetties. Live bait fished on the bottom around the turning basin has also done well. Docks have still been holding redfish, sheephead and black drum around the river. Live shrimp, DOA TerrorEyz or shrimp have worked well in those areas. Trout fishing was a little more quiet on the flats. The water temperatures continue to drop and the fish have moved to a little deeper water. Water temperature will be a factor when fishing the river as it cools off.

Bluefish, mackerel, ladyfish and jacks are all around the inlet. Shiny lures work best, but live shrimp will also get you some action. From south of the bridges in Fort Pierce to the mouth of the inlet has been active with feeding fish. Bruce Greenop was out with me on Sunday and ended up his day with a big 5# Spanish for dinner. Bridges have been busy with a good sand perch bite for those anglers. Live or dead shrimp can catch you a mess of sand perch, black drum, sheephead and flounder. There have been some pompano caught along the surf. Mostly south of Fort Pierce for now. Shrimp or sand fleas are the baits of choice along the beach.

Tip of the Week:

Wintertime has arrived on the Treasure Coast. There are lots of days this time of year that the weather has a determining factor on fishing or not.... It's a great time of year to do those things to the boat or trailer to get ready for better weather ahead. Whether it be cleaning, fixing or organizing, it's a great time of year to take one of those foul weather days and give some attention to the boat, equipment or tackle. Once in a while I actually find out that there is a bottom in my tackle bag. Never can seem to find it most of the time! You will always find things that you were certain that it was lost. Spring isn't that far off, so spend a little time this winter getting things back in working order.

Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner

http://www.fishtalescharter.com/
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852