INSHORE REPORT:
With the weather bringing windy conditions around the Indian River this week, it was a little more challenging out on the water. I had the privilege of attending the DOA Outdoor Writers Festival again this year. Not only meeting old friends and making new ones at the get-together, I was able to get out fishing on the water. I fished with Josh Harvel, who guides around Southwest Florida. We found some trout and jacks willing to bite and Josh lost a big grouper on a DOA TerrorEyz around the turning basin in Fort Pierce. We ended up our adventure on a couple acres of pompano in the river. Both us and another nearby boat couldn't coax them into biting that day.
Later in the week after visiting family in Tampa, I ended up in Steinhatchee, Florida to meet up with a good friend to go check out the scalloping this year. Both families headed out on the flats and after a slow start to the day we found the motherload before we ended up our journey. In less than thirty minutes, we gathered about seven gallons of scallops that filled our ten gallon limit. It was a fantastic meal that night before heading back home from the journey. I am sure we will be back next year for another fun trip on the other coast.
Locally, trout are still biting around the grass flats in three to five feet of water. Live shrimp, DOA shrimp and CAL jerk baits all will work on finding trout. There has been some big ones taken lately on DOA lures so get out fishing one day soon. Harbor Branch, Herman's Bay and Bear Point are all good spots to start. Snook fishing has been good around the jetties and bridges. DOA TerrorEyz continues to work well when using artificials for snook. Try around the docks when the wind permits. A DOA shrimp can stir up some good action around some of the docks south of Fort Pierce. Try the channel edges for snapper. The glass minnows continue to filter into the river. Look for action around the bait schools. Lots of fish will be feeding on them this time of year.
August Forecast:
Trout will continue to be a good fish to target. Bridges will become more active with snapper, sheephead and some black drum. Whiting will still be the target along the beaches. Snook fishing will keep improving around the bridges and jetties. Snook season will open September 1st. August is the time to check your fishing licenses. Even though the shoreline license is now free to Florida residents, you will still be required to buy a snook permit to possess a fish when the season opens. Tarpon will feed along the beaches and you can find some around Big and Little Mud as well. It might be hot in August, but the fishing will be just as hot. Have fun and get out fishing soon!
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
Scalloping in Steinhatchee this week!
