Lots of sunshine around the Treasure Coast lately has made for some great fishing weather. Afternoon showers will loom around the area each afternoon, but they move in and out quickly most days for us. The water has cleared up from the recent rains and it makes for some exciting fishing action. It's a wonderful time of year to enjoy the fishing!
Get out early to enjoy some great top water action. Try the new DOA Airhead as a top water lure on the trout. The big trout have been on the grass flats in two to four feet of water lately. Nothing will get your blood pumping like watching a big trout crash a top water lure. Move to three to five feet of water as the sun get higher for more trout action during the day. We have had success both north and south of Fort Pierce. Our redfish continue to come from under docks and mangroves. Fish your lures slowly under these structures to get the most out of each cast. Don was back out with me for one more fishing adventure this week. He landed two slot redfish and a fat 26" trout to top off his day. Francis and Brenda found trout, bluefish and jacks to keep their rods bending this week with me.
Snook fishing has been best around the jetties and bridges. Fishing the high ends of the tides will give you the best chance at hooking up with a snook. Snook season closes June 1, so you have a couple weeks left to get that slot fish. Lots of snapper are still around the river if you are fishing structure or channel edges. Bluefish, jacks and ladyfish are just about everywhere in the river. Beaches will produce whiting, bluefish, jacks and snook if you are fishing around the bait schools. I still see mackerel in the turning basin each time we are out there as well. May is a great fishing month with so many choices and ways to enjoy the fishing around the area. Have fun and do some fishing soon!
Memorial Day is almost here already. Here are a few boating tips to help make your weekend fun on the water instead of frustrating.
Holiday Safe Boating Tips
It’s hard to believe that Memorial Day is just around the corner and that means lots of picnics, celebrations and boaters. Holidays always bring out the usual boaters along with lots of new boaters and those that only go out a few times a year. A little common sense and preparation can make your holiday on the water a fun adventure and not a befuzzling mess. Here are a few common sense tips to help get you ready for that enjoyable weekend.
Prior to the Holiday:
1. Make sure all batteries are in good working condition and fully charged.
2. Gas up the boat.
3. Start your motor before you leave the house.
4. Stow as much gear, etc. in the boat before leaving.
5. Check the trailer early enough to have the time to repair lights, tires, etc.
At the ramp:
1. Get your boat ready BEFORE pulling into the ramp. (All equipment on board - dock lines ready)
2. Back in - launch the boat - move the boat out of the ramp area - get parked and back to the boat.
3. Move out of the ramp area quickly if you are waiting on others or getting things stowed..
4. If you have problems, get out of the ramp area. Don’t tie up others for your problems at the ramp.
On the water:
1. Know the rules of the road and use common sense and courtesy.
2. Don’t be aggressive on the water. Allow plenty of room to other boats and slow down around heavy boat traffic.
3. Remember, your wake affects others. Again, common sense and courtesy is the key.
4. Obey the laws! The signs are their for a reason, so just follow the rules and everyone will have an enjoyable day.
5. Don’t drink and drive! Have an experienced boater to be the designated driver for that day.
6. Courtesy goes a long, long way!!
Back at the ramp:
1. Don’t tie up a ramp while you get your vehicle. Most likely, someone is already getting theirs and should have first rights to pulling their boat out.
2. Patience is a virtue….someone said. Don’t be in a hurry. You will get your boat out, just wait your turn.
3. Pull well away of the ramp area when securing your boat and gear. Allow others the courtesy of pulling their boats timely.
4. Make sure everything is secure for a safe trip home from a wonderful Holiday weekend on the water!
Check with your local Coast Guard Auxiliary and take a safe boating course if you haven’t already….it will open your eyes to safe boating.
It’s nothing new or bizarre, just simple things to help yourself and others around you to have a great Holiday Weekend! Have a safe and fun Memorial Day!
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
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
