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
Our Grandkids, Chloe and Brody, enjoying a day on the water with us.
