Inshore:
It looks like things are finally getting back to normal again. That Sandy was certainly one bad storm. Keep those up north in your mind as they begin the recovery from the devastation left behind. We appear to be very fortunate with what Sandy did to us on here way up there. Let's hope this is the last one for this year! The water is high, dirty and cooled off. It will take a while to get back to a normal pattern, but it appears that we could have a short fall season.
I am heading out tomorrow after catching up on things around the house while the winds kept blowing. If you plan on getting back out, expect to move around a bit to find a bite. I plan on hitting the mangroves and areas that were even a little protected from some of the winds. It will be hard to find clean water, but keep your eyes open for it. Water temperature will play a part in where to fish this week. Where you find warmer water, you should find some fish. If the water is cold, fish in deeper water on the flats. Watch for bait schools around the river and fish the edges of them. Fish still have to eat and it's always a good idea to fish the bait.
Top water in the mornings or evenings are a great way to find fish. Try your usual fishing spots, but be prepared to check out other areas if you can't find a bite. Switch to DOA shrimp (glow will be a great color), CAL shad tails or jerk baits and try the Deadly Combo as well. Making noise can sometimes help the fish find you! I will be using lighter colors for now, but change colors around if you aren't having any luck. It's gonna be a challenge for a few days, but things will get back to normal soon.
The pompano should be arriving anytime. I have seen some out on the river and it should pick up soon. Look for trout in three to five feet of water or around drop offs in the river. Sand bars are excellent areas to fish for trout. Redfish can be found around the mangroves most days. Check around docks for both redfish and snook this month.
If you are new to inshore fishing around the area or just want more information on fishing in general, I have two great inshore maps that are full of information and tips for fishing the river. Home Port Charts makes great maps that are also waterproof and easy to stow in the boat. They also have great offshore maps for most areas, too. You can find them at most tackle shops or check out www.homeportcharts.com. Have a great week on the water!
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
Fishing Reports for Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Jensen Beach, Florida. Inshore fishing charters on the Indian River Lagoon for redfish, snook and sea trout. Go to http://fishtalescharter.com for more information.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
South Indian River November Forecast
November Fishing Forecast
Sitting here this morning watching the latest on Hurricane Sandy and it looks like the end of October will be unfishable to say the least. The beaches will take a beating again, so be very careful if you venture down to the surf. The river is going to get pretty chopped up as well. Expect lots of rain and wind for now and stay safe!
Just as October proved to be a windy month, you can expect that November will also continue on that same windy note. We are in the middle of our winter transition and you can also count on cooler temperatures that will start the thermometer sliding when it comes to the water temps as well. The days will remain nice and warm, but the nights will become cooler this month. It’s time to change your fishing tactics out on the water. We enjoyed a very mild winter this past year and hopefully it will be the same again this winter.
Trout will continue to be a target of many anglers. The trout bite will be good on the flats, but you must move to the deeper areas as the temperatures cool the water down. Look for them to be in three to six feet of water this month. My favorite lures are DOA shrimp or Deadly Combos when trout fishing. Don’t forget to fish the sand holes and drop offs on the flats. Many sand holes are much deeper than the flat and you can expect some nice fish to be hiding in them waiting for that easy meal to drift by. Harbor Branch is especially productive for me during this time of year as well as the Midway Road area. It was a fantastic year for big trout in 2012. There have been lots of big trout around the Fort Pierce area this year. The pompano are returning to the river and will be a favorite target for anglers throughout the winter. When fishing the surf, use sand fleas or clams and the same in the river. Don’t forget to try a Doc’s Goofy Jig for the pomps. Many are located when they skip behind the boat wake. Keep your eyes open for them.
The snook bite will continue to be good, especially at night. The inlet, jetties, bridges and docks around the river will be holding snook. Lighted docks are very popular when night fishing. Live baits, Bait Busters and Terror Eyz are very popular for snook fishing. Don’t forget the spillways when the water is running over them. They can be another very productive area for snook. Redfish can be found hanging under mangroves during the day and will strike a DOA shrimp or CAL jerk bait. You might also find some hanging under some of the docks around the river. Look for them in shallow water as long as the sun keeps the temperatures warm. I love the CAL grub tails this time of year around the mangroves. A gold spoon can be another good lure in winter for hooking up on a redfish.
Docks and bridges will hold black drum, sheephead and the sand perch should also show up this month. Live or dead shrimp always works best on these fish. I love fishing docks this time of year. You just never know what might be lurking under one. I fish my lures from up tide of the dock, so that it will stay under the dock. You only have to twitch it and can fish it much longer that way. It’s always a challenge in getting a fish out from under one, but the excitement is well worth it. You should still find some flounder around on the sand flats of the inlet and river. The mackerel, bluefish and jacks will fill up the inlet this month. Most shiny lures will work on these predators. You can also find them hanging in the channels up around Harbor Branch. It might be windy out there…..but the fish will be feeding!
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
Sitting here this morning watching the latest on Hurricane Sandy and it looks like the end of October will be unfishable to say the least. The beaches will take a beating again, so be very careful if you venture down to the surf. The river is going to get pretty chopped up as well. Expect lots of rain and wind for now and stay safe!
Just as October proved to be a windy month, you can expect that November will also continue on that same windy note. We are in the middle of our winter transition and you can also count on cooler temperatures that will start the thermometer sliding when it comes to the water temps as well. The days will remain nice and warm, but the nights will become cooler this month. It’s time to change your fishing tactics out on the water. We enjoyed a very mild winter this past year and hopefully it will be the same again this winter.
Trout will continue to be a target of many anglers. The trout bite will be good on the flats, but you must move to the deeper areas as the temperatures cool the water down. Look for them to be in three to six feet of water this month. My favorite lures are DOA shrimp or Deadly Combos when trout fishing. Don’t forget to fish the sand holes and drop offs on the flats. Many sand holes are much deeper than the flat and you can expect some nice fish to be hiding in them waiting for that easy meal to drift by. Harbor Branch is especially productive for me during this time of year as well as the Midway Road area. It was a fantastic year for big trout in 2012. There have been lots of big trout around the Fort Pierce area this year. The pompano are returning to the river and will be a favorite target for anglers throughout the winter. When fishing the surf, use sand fleas or clams and the same in the river. Don’t forget to try a Doc’s Goofy Jig for the pomps. Many are located when they skip behind the boat wake. Keep your eyes open for them.
The snook bite will continue to be good, especially at night. The inlet, jetties, bridges and docks around the river will be holding snook. Lighted docks are very popular when night fishing. Live baits, Bait Busters and Terror Eyz are very popular for snook fishing. Don’t forget the spillways when the water is running over them. They can be another very productive area for snook. Redfish can be found hanging under mangroves during the day and will strike a DOA shrimp or CAL jerk bait. You might also find some hanging under some of the docks around the river. Look for them in shallow water as long as the sun keeps the temperatures warm. I love the CAL grub tails this time of year around the mangroves. A gold spoon can be another good lure in winter for hooking up on a redfish.
Docks and bridges will hold black drum, sheephead and the sand perch should also show up this month. Live or dead shrimp always works best on these fish. I love fishing docks this time of year. You just never know what might be lurking under one. I fish my lures from up tide of the dock, so that it will stay under the dock. You only have to twitch it and can fish it much longer that way. It’s always a challenge in getting a fish out from under one, but the excitement is well worth it. You should still find some flounder around on the sand flats of the inlet and river. The mackerel, bluefish and jacks will fill up the inlet this month. Most shiny lures will work on these predators. You can also find them hanging in the channels up around Harbor Branch. It might be windy out there…..but the fish will be feeding!
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
Thursday, October 18, 2012
South Indian River Fishing Report 10/18
Inshore:
Well, the weather finally won out for me this past week. Too much wind and lots of rainy days helped make the decision to keep close to home and catch up on my ever-growing list of chores. Boat and trailer maintenance took up quite a bit of time, but you have to keep up on things on a regular basis. I did get back out this week to test the waters and found the fish still out there feeding on the flats.
I fished north of Fort Pierce on several of the grass flats from Harbor Branch to the bridges. Redfish are still in shallow water and willing to hit early in the mornings on either top water or CAL jerk baits. Trout are feeding in two to four feet of water on most of the grass flats now. I have been using CAL jerk baits in the 305 and 308 color with good success. Look for drop offs and sand holes on the flats when fishing.
The river is still flooded with mullet and you can find fish hanging nearby out there. Always fish around the edges of the bait schools when they are around. Try Bait Busters or lures that resemble the mullet for your best chances. Snook fishing has been good around the jetties, bridges and docks around the river. I found them also hanging near the mangroves during the heat of the day.
There are still lots of snapper around structure this month. Live or dead shrimp can help your success on them. Expect more windy days as we continue the transition into winter this month. Cooler nights will begin to bring down the water temperatures gradually and that means lots of other species will head our way. Look for pompano, bluefish and mackerel to move into the river as the water continues to cool down. Have fun out there and enjoy the fishing in October!
Take a few minutes on one of these windy, rainy days and check out your boat and trailer. Checking lighting, tires, bearings, etc on the trailer can save you from a breakdown on the side of the road. On the boat, check your safety equipment...flare dates, fire extinguisher, life preservers, first aid kit, etc to make sure all are in working order and current. Boat lights and pumps are always needing checked or worked on. It doesn't take long to check things out to make sure things are ready if you need them.
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
Well, the weather finally won out for me this past week. Too much wind and lots of rainy days helped make the decision to keep close to home and catch up on my ever-growing list of chores. Boat and trailer maintenance took up quite a bit of time, but you have to keep up on things on a regular basis. I did get back out this week to test the waters and found the fish still out there feeding on the flats.
I fished north of Fort Pierce on several of the grass flats from Harbor Branch to the bridges. Redfish are still in shallow water and willing to hit early in the mornings on either top water or CAL jerk baits. Trout are feeding in two to four feet of water on most of the grass flats now. I have been using CAL jerk baits in the 305 and 308 color with good success. Look for drop offs and sand holes on the flats when fishing.
The river is still flooded with mullet and you can find fish hanging nearby out there. Always fish around the edges of the bait schools when they are around. Try Bait Busters or lures that resemble the mullet for your best chances. Snook fishing has been good around the jetties, bridges and docks around the river. I found them also hanging near the mangroves during the heat of the day.
There are still lots of snapper around structure this month. Live or dead shrimp can help your success on them. Expect more windy days as we continue the transition into winter this month. Cooler nights will begin to bring down the water temperatures gradually and that means lots of other species will head our way. Look for pompano, bluefish and mackerel to move into the river as the water continues to cool down. Have fun out there and enjoy the fishing in October!
Take a few minutes on one of these windy, rainy days and check out your boat and trailer. Checking lighting, tires, bearings, etc on the trailer can save you from a breakdown on the side of the road. On the boat, check your safety equipment...flare dates, fire extinguisher, life preservers, first aid kit, etc to make sure all are in working order and current. Boat lights and pumps are always needing checked or worked on. It doesn't take long to check things out to make sure things are ready if you need them.
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
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
South Indian River Fishing Report 10/10
Inshore:
What can you say about October, but exciting! Great weather with the usual afternoon rains have kept the temperatures in check for us and allowed a light breeze each day to make it fun and comfortable. Perfect fall weather for the Treasure Coast. The mullet run continues around the area and the fish have been chewing on them heavily. It's a great time of year!
A few recent trips of note.... I was at the Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open again this year and it was a fantastic event as usual. Check them out at www.fishforthekids.org. It's a wonderful event for an even more wonderful cause. I had Susan, Irene and John on the boat the morning of the tournament. They had their three fish limit of redfish and sea trout in no time, but had no luck in hooking up with a snook. Irene just missed the largest trout by 1 1/2" and was also close on top lady angler. Everyone caught fish and we had a super time on the river. Looking ahead to next year already!
The Treasure Coast Casters had their October fishing tournament and I was able to volunteer again to help them out. I had Dylora Kohler and Savannah Ward on the boat for the tournament. It was Dylora's day to shine as she caught a nice redfish, two sea trout and a snapper for the day. Savannah fished hard all day and finally stayed hooked up on a mangrove snapper. They caught a lot of fish and missed a lot as well. It was fun for them and myself. Dylora took first place in the high school division and biggest fish awards, while Savannah took second place for middle school. Check out www.treasurecoastcasters.org to see how to volunteer or get your child involved.
Captain Melly B. of Buck's Tale Charters joined me for a scouting adventure recently. We fished the Fort Pierce area and found the trout alive on the flats. Most were schoolies, but they ate up some DOA CAL 308 jerk baits for us. Melly caught a nice redfish to top off the day for us. We caught a nice variety of fish that day.
Sea trout have been actively feeding on the flats, especially where there are sand holes or drop offs. I have fished north of Fort Pierce most days with success on most of the flats up the river. DOA CAL jerk baits are working very well for us these days and will even help hook up on a redfish. Redfish are still shallow on the flats and have been reported all over the river this past week. Try around some of the mangroves as well for redfish and other species. Snook have been mostly around the inlet, jetties and docks of the river. Bait Busters, flair jigs and live bait has worked well for them. The surf has held whiting and anything that is willing to chew on the finger mullet along the beaches. A few reports of pompano showing up brings thoughts of good things to come!
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
What can you say about October, but exciting! Great weather with the usual afternoon rains have kept the temperatures in check for us and allowed a light breeze each day to make it fun and comfortable. Perfect fall weather for the Treasure Coast. The mullet run continues around the area and the fish have been chewing on them heavily. It's a great time of year!
A few recent trips of note.... I was at the Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open again this year and it was a fantastic event as usual. Check them out at www.fishforthekids.org. It's a wonderful event for an even more wonderful cause. I had Susan, Irene and John on the boat the morning of the tournament. They had their three fish limit of redfish and sea trout in no time, but had no luck in hooking up with a snook. Irene just missed the largest trout by 1 1/2" and was also close on top lady angler. Everyone caught fish and we had a super time on the river. Looking ahead to next year already!
The Treasure Coast Casters had their October fishing tournament and I was able to volunteer again to help them out. I had Dylora Kohler and Savannah Ward on the boat for the tournament. It was Dylora's day to shine as she caught a nice redfish, two sea trout and a snapper for the day. Savannah fished hard all day and finally stayed hooked up on a mangrove snapper. They caught a lot of fish and missed a lot as well. It was fun for them and myself. Dylora took first place in the high school division and biggest fish awards, while Savannah took second place for middle school. Check out www.treasurecoastcasters.org to see how to volunteer or get your child involved.
Captain Melly B. of Buck's Tale Charters joined me for a scouting adventure recently. We fished the Fort Pierce area and found the trout alive on the flats. Most were schoolies, but they ate up some DOA CAL 308 jerk baits for us. Melly caught a nice redfish to top off the day for us. We caught a nice variety of fish that day.
Sea trout have been actively feeding on the flats, especially where there are sand holes or drop offs. I have fished north of Fort Pierce most days with success on most of the flats up the river. DOA CAL jerk baits are working very well for us these days and will even help hook up on a redfish. Redfish are still shallow on the flats and have been reported all over the river this past week. Try around some of the mangroves as well for redfish and other species. Snook have been mostly around the inlet, jetties and docks of the river. Bait Busters, flair jigs and live bait has worked well for them. The surf has held whiting and anything that is willing to chew on the finger mullet along the beaches. A few reports of pompano showing up brings thoughts of good things to come!
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
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
October Fishing Forecast - Treasure Coast
October Fishing Forecast – Treasure Coast
October marks the transition into the fall weather patterns along the Treasure Coast. You can expect temperatures to begin to cool down somewhat into more comfortable days to enjoy the outdoors. Water temperatures will begin to slowly cool off as well. It's a fantastic month to be fishing!
The fall mullet run will continue to dominate the area as large schools of finger mullet fill the beaches, inlets and rivers of the area. You can expect lots of big fish to be feeding on them both day and night. Snook fishing will be best during the night hours on the higher ends of the tides. Live finger mullet, croakers and pigfish will be the best live baits to use. DOA Terror Eyz, Bait Busters and feather jigs will be good artificial lures to use for snook. Try around the jetties, turning basin and bridges as well as many of the deeper docks around the river. Lighted docks are especially productive when fishing at night.
Redfish has continued to be a wonderful fishery for us this year. Each year has seen their population increase and many anglers have enjoyed the experience of fishing a large school of reds this year. October will continue to be a productive month for those who seek redfish on the flats. DOA shrimp or CAL grub tails are two of the best choices for redfish along with a variety of live and cut baits. The west shoreline south of Fort Pierce is always a good area when looking for redfish.
The trout bite will be good this month. Get out early with a top water lure for some exciting action on the river. Switch to a DOA shrimp or CAL jerk bait later in the mornings. Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Middle Cove are all great areas to fish for trout around the Treasure Coast. Look for some sheephead, black drum and snapper around the bridges, docks and channel edges. Expect to start seeing pompano showing up along the beach and river as the water starts to cool off. The surf will be alive with jacks, snook, bluefish and other predators, which will all be chasing the bait schools along the beach.
It's another great month to fish along the Treasure Coast! Have fun and get out fishing soon!
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
October marks the transition into the fall weather patterns along the Treasure Coast. You can expect temperatures to begin to cool down somewhat into more comfortable days to enjoy the outdoors. Water temperatures will begin to slowly cool off as well. It's a fantastic month to be fishing!
The fall mullet run will continue to dominate the area as large schools of finger mullet fill the beaches, inlets and rivers of the area. You can expect lots of big fish to be feeding on them both day and night. Snook fishing will be best during the night hours on the higher ends of the tides. Live finger mullet, croakers and pigfish will be the best live baits to use. DOA Terror Eyz, Bait Busters and feather jigs will be good artificial lures to use for snook. Try around the jetties, turning basin and bridges as well as many of the deeper docks around the river. Lighted docks are especially productive when fishing at night.
Redfish has continued to be a wonderful fishery for us this year. Each year has seen their population increase and many anglers have enjoyed the experience of fishing a large school of reds this year. October will continue to be a productive month for those who seek redfish on the flats. DOA shrimp or CAL grub tails are two of the best choices for redfish along with a variety of live and cut baits. The west shoreline south of Fort Pierce is always a good area when looking for redfish.
The trout bite will be good this month. Get out early with a top water lure for some exciting action on the river. Switch to a DOA shrimp or CAL jerk bait later in the mornings. Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Middle Cove are all great areas to fish for trout around the Treasure Coast. Look for some sheephead, black drum and snapper around the bridges, docks and channel edges. Expect to start seeing pompano showing up along the beach and river as the water starts to cool off. The surf will be alive with jacks, snook, bluefish and other predators, which will all be chasing the bait schools along the beach.
It's another great month to fish along the Treasure Coast! Have fun and get out fishing soon!
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
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