February Fishing Forecast
While winter is still around the Treasure Coast and weekly cold fronts will continue to bring cool nights and lots of windy days to the area, fishing will still be good out on the water. It has been a tough winter so far with all the rain, winds and cold. Water temperatures can dictate where and how you might fish on any given day this month. The temps ranged in the 60’s and low 70’s in January this year. When the water is cold, fish the deeper cuts and drop offs of the river. Sunny days will bring fish up in shallower waters to feed and the bite can really get hot out on the flats.
The trout bite picks up very nicely in February. 2013 proved to be the year of big trout in the Fort Pierce area. I anticipate that 2014 will be another big fish year around the area. CAL jerk baits and Deadly Combos are exciting ways to trout fish with artificial lures, while live shrimp on popping corks are the ol’ standard way to trout fish out on the river. Redfish can be found in shallow flats around mangroves and islands. We had a fantastic winter bite in 2013 around the docks and mangroves for redfish. On warm sunny days, the reds will sit around the mangroves and soak up the sun. Finding some along the mangroves will bring some good rod bending action to anglers this month. DOA shrimp and CAL jerk baits can find some hungry reds hugging the mangrove lines when fished very slowly. Docks are a great way to find plenty of fish waiting for something tasty to drift under them.
Sheephead will be plentiful around the river and the larger fish will be coming into the river to breed. They showed up early this year and January has been a great month for them. Live or dead shrimp around bridges, docks and structure can provide lots of action in addition to some great tasting fish. Sand perch and croakers should also be hanging around the inlet and bridges during February. Pompano around the surf and on the deeper flats of the river can be taken on CAL grub tails, Doc’s Goofy Jigs and shrimp or clams. Bluefish, mackerel and jacks will continue to haunt the baitfish around the jetties and turning basin. Small, shiny lures will keep you busy. There should be some flounder around the back sides of the jetties and on sand flats around the inlet area.
February is a transition month on the river. Winter has been challenging this year on the Treasure Coast. We have enjoyed more normal winter weather and the fish bite has been good for us. Winds will still be blowing and the water will begin to gradually rise in temperature. Fishing your lures slowly will certainly give you more action on the river. Fish tend to be sluggish in the colder water. Working your lures or bait slower along the bottom will give the fish more time to react to it and will result in more bites for anglers. Have fun this month and get out fishing!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
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.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
South Indian River Fishing Report 1/30
Inshore:
What a crazy month for weather along the Treasure Coast. It was like being on a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs in temperature this month. Winds and rain made it a challenge each and every day out on the water. I am hoping that February is a little more kind to us! The only thing that remained constant was the fish bite. The fishing has been good for anglers, but getting the opportunity to fish was the key. Good luck in February!
Snook season opens February 1st and anglers have been preparing for opening day to get their first chance of 2014 to get a slot fish. Make sure you have check your license and snook permit! The inlets and jetties are a favorite area to target snook along with the bridges around the area. DOA Bait Busters and Terror Eyz are favorites around those areas for snook. Feather jigs and live bait are also high on the list. The big trout are in the river now. This time of year can produce big gator trout from 25" to 30". Top water lures, CAL jerk baits and DOA shrimp are favorites with trout anglers along with live bait. Fishing the sand bars and flats later in the mornings when the fish are sitting in sand holes to warm up can be very productive. We have been catching redfish around docks and mangroves lately. Most are 16" - 20" with some nice upper slots in the mix. I love seeing the juvenile reds this time of year. It's our summer crop that will be upper slot fish later in the year. DOA shrimp, CAL paddle tails and live baits are popular with fishing for the reds.
Docks and bridges have been loaded with sheepshead and black drum. A popular winter duo to target this time of year, they are always willing to eat a live or dead shrimp for anglers. You can find some nice size fish throughout the winter months. There have been lots of Spanish mackerel around the inlet and turning basin lately. They are some nice size fish in the mix and provide some tasty table fare for anglers. Small shiny jigs work best for the macks. We have even caught a few croakers and whiting in the river lately. It's been a good variety of fish to keep anglers busy.
Mark Amorello joined me for a morning and we found redfish and Spanish mackerel high on the catch list for us. Scott and Maurice was out on one of our many windy days, but caught fish everywhere we went to avoid the winds. We lost count of the species, but they landed pompano, whiting, croaker, drum and sheepshead to name a few. Tom and Casey joined me on a beautiful but foggy morning. It was tough to get around until the fog burned off, but they found drum, sheepshead along with several reds and snook in the mix. It was a fun week on the river! Keeping our fingers crossed for good weather in February!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
What a crazy month for weather along the Treasure Coast. It was like being on a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs in temperature this month. Winds and rain made it a challenge each and every day out on the water. I am hoping that February is a little more kind to us! The only thing that remained constant was the fish bite. The fishing has been good for anglers, but getting the opportunity to fish was the key. Good luck in February!
Snook season opens February 1st and anglers have been preparing for opening day to get their first chance of 2014 to get a slot fish. Make sure you have check your license and snook permit! The inlets and jetties are a favorite area to target snook along with the bridges around the area. DOA Bait Busters and Terror Eyz are favorites around those areas for snook. Feather jigs and live bait are also high on the list. The big trout are in the river now. This time of year can produce big gator trout from 25" to 30". Top water lures, CAL jerk baits and DOA shrimp are favorites with trout anglers along with live bait. Fishing the sand bars and flats later in the mornings when the fish are sitting in sand holes to warm up can be very productive. We have been catching redfish around docks and mangroves lately. Most are 16" - 20" with some nice upper slots in the mix. I love seeing the juvenile reds this time of year. It's our summer crop that will be upper slot fish later in the year. DOA shrimp, CAL paddle tails and live baits are popular with fishing for the reds.
Docks and bridges have been loaded with sheepshead and black drum. A popular winter duo to target this time of year, they are always willing to eat a live or dead shrimp for anglers. You can find some nice size fish throughout the winter months. There have been lots of Spanish mackerel around the inlet and turning basin lately. They are some nice size fish in the mix and provide some tasty table fare for anglers. Small shiny jigs work best for the macks. We have even caught a few croakers and whiting in the river lately. It's been a good variety of fish to keep anglers busy.
Mark Amorello joined me for a morning and we found redfish and Spanish mackerel high on the catch list for us. Scott and Maurice was out on one of our many windy days, but caught fish everywhere we went to avoid the winds. We lost count of the species, but they landed pompano, whiting, croaker, drum and sheepshead to name a few. Tom and Casey joined me on a beautiful but foggy morning. It was tough to get around until the fog burned off, but they found drum, sheepshead along with several reds and snook in the mix. It was a fun week on the river! Keeping our fingers crossed for good weather in February!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Thursday, January 16, 2014
South Indian River Fishing Report 1/16
Inshore:
Winter weather has certainly found a resting place on the Treasure Coast this week. The latest cold front brought some nights in the 30's and 40's to the area. It appears that we are going to get our share of cooler weather this winter, along with lots of windy days. Water temperatures are going to take a big dip for several days, but there are plenty of good areas to enjoy some fishing. The incoming tides will bring warmer water in from the ocean. Try to find where the water is a few degrees warmer than the surrounding area. When the water is cold, it's not necessary to be out there at first light. Sometimes the bite is better later in the day. Just make sure you bundle up good.
Deeper water has been very productive for a variety of species the past several weeks. On windy days, you can find areas like the turning basin in Fort Pierce that has a large variety of fish. Lots of mackerel, snapper, sheepshead, jacks and blue runners can be caught in the channels around the inlet in 8-15 feet of water. Small shiny lures work great on all these fish. I would expect colder water this next week, so areas like this will be the most active spots. Docks will be holding black drum, sheepshead and some redfish. As the sun rises, you will find fish moving onto the flats to soak up some warmth and get active later in the day. Trout and redfish will sit in the sand holes to warm up and feed. Try artificial lures like CAL jerk baits, Deadly Combos or DOA shrimp in the sand holes of the flats as the sun is higher. Work your lures or baits very slowly for your best chance. Fish will be lethargic now and not willing to move quickly. They are trying to save energy and warmth and aren't as likely to strike. Try drop offs where the water is deeper along the channel edges. Mangroves can also be warmer than the flats. Fish those that are deeper to find fish hanging under them. Fishing in winter can be rewarding for those who are willing to work at it. I have had some of my best redfish days in the middle of winter.
The surf has been alive with whiting, croakers and some pompano this past week. Anglers there are catching them in good numbers. Look for more pompano and bluefish to be showing up in the river now. They like the cooler water conditions. Some flounder are being taken off the south jetty in Fort Pierce this week. Look for lots of fish filtering into the inlet on the incoming tides. Fishing is good this time of year if you change tactics or target wintertime species. Have fun and enjoy the fishing!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Winter weather has certainly found a resting place on the Treasure Coast this week. The latest cold front brought some nights in the 30's and 40's to the area. It appears that we are going to get our share of cooler weather this winter, along with lots of windy days. Water temperatures are going to take a big dip for several days, but there are plenty of good areas to enjoy some fishing. The incoming tides will bring warmer water in from the ocean. Try to find where the water is a few degrees warmer than the surrounding area. When the water is cold, it's not necessary to be out there at first light. Sometimes the bite is better later in the day. Just make sure you bundle up good.
Deeper water has been very productive for a variety of species the past several weeks. On windy days, you can find areas like the turning basin in Fort Pierce that has a large variety of fish. Lots of mackerel, snapper, sheepshead, jacks and blue runners can be caught in the channels around the inlet in 8-15 feet of water. Small shiny lures work great on all these fish. I would expect colder water this next week, so areas like this will be the most active spots. Docks will be holding black drum, sheepshead and some redfish. As the sun rises, you will find fish moving onto the flats to soak up some warmth and get active later in the day. Trout and redfish will sit in the sand holes to warm up and feed. Try artificial lures like CAL jerk baits, Deadly Combos or DOA shrimp in the sand holes of the flats as the sun is higher. Work your lures or baits very slowly for your best chance. Fish will be lethargic now and not willing to move quickly. They are trying to save energy and warmth and aren't as likely to strike. Try drop offs where the water is deeper along the channel edges. Mangroves can also be warmer than the flats. Fish those that are deeper to find fish hanging under them. Fishing in winter can be rewarding for those who are willing to work at it. I have had some of my best redfish days in the middle of winter.
The surf has been alive with whiting, croakers and some pompano this past week. Anglers there are catching them in good numbers. Look for more pompano and bluefish to be showing up in the river now. They like the cooler water conditions. Some flounder are being taken off the south jetty in Fort Pierce this week. Look for lots of fish filtering into the inlet on the incoming tides. Fishing is good this time of year if you change tactics or target wintertime species. Have fun and enjoy the fishing!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Thursday, January 9, 2014
South Indian River Fishing Report 1/9
Inshore:
Mother Nature continues to bring challenging weather to the Treasure Coast. Between the winds, cold and rain it's been tough most of the week to get out on the water. Water temperatures dropped 10 degrees in one day with the latest cold front to chill our area. Yesterday the water was a cool 56 - 60 degrees, but with some sunshine it will warm up quickly for us. It has been a tough winter so far and hopefully we won't get too much more of this.
The best bite on the river has continued to be sheepshead, black drum and redfish. We have been fishing docks frequently when the winds allow and having success with these fish. Most of the redfish will be at the small end of the slot this time of year, but that is this summers crop of slot fish. We have found some short snook hanging around the docks as well. DOA shrimp or live baits will find you some good bites. With the water cooled down for a few days, try the channels and inlets of the area. You can find lots of fish in the deeper water this time of year when the cold fronts hit us. The past several days my clients have caught snapper, grouper, sheepshead, pompano and a host of other species to keep their rods bent for them. Try jigging a CAL paddle tail with some sparkle in it when fishing these areas. The pompano are moving into the river as well as the bluefish. We should be seeing some good numbers of these fish as winter progresses along. There have also been some nice size Spanish mackerel in the turning basin this week.
We had a good week on the water in spite of what the weather offered. Bud and Tim caught a variety of fish on a cold water morning, including redfish, snook, sheepshead and drum. After four attempts, Keith, Cai, Turner and Frank made it out with me for an afternoon trip. They caught a variety of fish including a few redfish. Bjorn and his family was out on a cold, windy morning and they caught lots of fish. Sheepshead, snapper, pompano were just a few of the species that they caught on a fun trip. Dave and his family were back this year and had a nice morning to enjoy some great fishing. I had the girls and Ted on the boat. They caught so many fish that we lost count of them. Ted topped off the day with a double catch of a snapper and grouper. The grouper had decided to eat the snapper and Ted ended up with both fish on the same hook. He added a three foot bonnethead shark to end a super morning. We had a wonderful week on the water!
This winter has already been harsher than the past few seasons and you must remember to change your normal tactics this time of year. Water temperature plays a key role in whether you will catch fish or not. Weather will be a determining factor in where you fish and when you can fish. Winds have been strong on many days lately and you know we have winds throughout winter and spring each year so plan your trips carefully. Fishing deeper water will improve your chances of success on cold days. Fishing later in the day can also increase your odds. Fish will move into the shallow water as the sun shines bright to warm themselves up. I have had a lot of success on the flats in the middle of the day this time of year.
It is vital to dress for the occasion in winter. We have had days that the temperature will swing nearly forty degrees in a few hours and dressing in layers is important to be comfortable on the water. It's better to start with too much layers than get out there and shiver yourself silly. Plan your day carefully with the weather forecast. Have fun out there!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Have a wonderful 2014!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Jacob and Bryce Barber with some nice black drum caught on an outing with their dad, Shane Barber.
Mother Nature continues to bring challenging weather to the Treasure Coast. Between the winds, cold and rain it's been tough most of the week to get out on the water. Water temperatures dropped 10 degrees in one day with the latest cold front to chill our area. Yesterday the water was a cool 56 - 60 degrees, but with some sunshine it will warm up quickly for us. It has been a tough winter so far and hopefully we won't get too much more of this.
The best bite on the river has continued to be sheepshead, black drum and redfish. We have been fishing docks frequently when the winds allow and having success with these fish. Most of the redfish will be at the small end of the slot this time of year, but that is this summers crop of slot fish. We have found some short snook hanging around the docks as well. DOA shrimp or live baits will find you some good bites. With the water cooled down for a few days, try the channels and inlets of the area. You can find lots of fish in the deeper water this time of year when the cold fronts hit us. The past several days my clients have caught snapper, grouper, sheepshead, pompano and a host of other species to keep their rods bent for them. Try jigging a CAL paddle tail with some sparkle in it when fishing these areas. The pompano are moving into the river as well as the bluefish. We should be seeing some good numbers of these fish as winter progresses along. There have also been some nice size Spanish mackerel in the turning basin this week.
We had a good week on the water in spite of what the weather offered. Bud and Tim caught a variety of fish on a cold water morning, including redfish, snook, sheepshead and drum. After four attempts, Keith, Cai, Turner and Frank made it out with me for an afternoon trip. They caught a variety of fish including a few redfish. Bjorn and his family was out on a cold, windy morning and they caught lots of fish. Sheepshead, snapper, pompano were just a few of the species that they caught on a fun trip. Dave and his family were back this year and had a nice morning to enjoy some great fishing. I had the girls and Ted on the boat. They caught so many fish that we lost count of them. Ted topped off the day with a double catch of a snapper and grouper. The grouper had decided to eat the snapper and Ted ended up with both fish on the same hook. He added a three foot bonnethead shark to end a super morning. We had a wonderful week on the water!
This winter has already been harsher than the past few seasons and you must remember to change your normal tactics this time of year. Water temperature plays a key role in whether you will catch fish or not. Weather will be a determining factor in where you fish and when you can fish. Winds have been strong on many days lately and you know we have winds throughout winter and spring each year so plan your trips carefully. Fishing deeper water will improve your chances of success on cold days. Fishing later in the day can also increase your odds. Fish will move into the shallow water as the sun shines bright to warm themselves up. I have had a lot of success on the flats in the middle of the day this time of year.
It is vital to dress for the occasion in winter. We have had days that the temperature will swing nearly forty degrees in a few hours and dressing in layers is important to be comfortable on the water. It's better to start with too much layers than get out there and shiver yourself silly. Plan your day carefully with the weather forecast. Have fun out there!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Have a wonderful 2014!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
Jacob and Bryce Barber with some nice black drum caught on an outing with their dad, Shane Barber.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
January Fishing Forecast
January Fishing Forecast
In past several years, January has traditionally been a cold month around the Treasure Coast. Hopefully, 2014 will show us another mild winter and you won’t have to worry about the water temperatures as much this year. Fishing in deeper water will provide you with better results on most days. Working your lures and baits much slower will also give you a better chance at success. Fish tend to become lethargic in cold water and are slow in moving to strike at lures. Finding water that is a couple degrees warmer than the surrounding area can also give you an edge on finding fish. Water temperatures have been mild so far.
We had great results last year on fishing deep sand holes on the flats that were being warmed by the sun. We will certainly be doing that again this year.January is typically a windy month and it will continue the tradition if recent weather gives you an insight to the coming month. You might enjoy one or two days a week that is calmer, but expect it to be windy most days. Using the right ramps can make your day a little easier in dealing with the weather. There are many ramps around the area that allow you to launch depending on wind direction. The river can be rough some days, but you can still fish most days if you plan your trips carefully. It is a great month to fish in spite of weather conditions that might not be to your liking.
Bridges will continue to produce sheephead, black drum, croakers, sand perch and bluefish. Most of the anglers on the catwalks prefer live or frozen shrimp for these fish. The inlet and turning basin will be full of bluefish, jacks and mackerel this month. Live or dead bait on a jig head will give you plenty of action along with silver spoons or shiny lures. Around seawalls, channel edges or deeper structure you can find grouper for catch and release action in January. Snook action around the jetties and bridges will be active mostly at night for anglers using feather jigs, TerrorEyz and live bait. Snook closed on December 15th, so it will be catch and release for them. Redfish can be found around docks and sitting on the flats on warm, sunny days. DOA shrimp, Terror Eyz or CAL jerk baits work great for wintertime fishing. We had fantastic results around mangroves for redfish last year. CAL paddle tails in the 411 color were a hit with the reds. Docks will be loaded with sheephead in January with nice sized fish. They have moved in early this year and have been hungry! Pompano fishing will depend on water temperatures for their location, but they will be in the area throughout the winter. Surf anglers will be targeting these fish on days when the beach is fishable. Flounder should be found around the jetties on the beach side and on sand flats around the inlet. If you can find warmer water on the flats, you will most likely find trout feeding in those areas. Last year, we were rewarded many days as the sun would warm up a patch of water and get the fish actively feeding. Trout fishing in 2013 rewarded us with many big fish in the 25” to 30” range. CAL jerk baits and Deadly Combos were very successful on the trout, and 2014 should prove to be another good year. Ladyfish and jacks will be all over the river for fun action for the little ones.January
Tips: Dress for the weather. We might get one or two days each week that might be warmer, but most days will be on the cooler side. There can be a 30 degree swing in temperature on some days. Dressing in layers can keep you comfortable throughout the day in January. Once you become cold, it's hard to warm back up again. Keep yourself comfortable and enjoy some good fishing in January. Stay warm and safe and enjoy the winter!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Have a wonderful 2014!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
In past several years, January has traditionally been a cold month around the Treasure Coast. Hopefully, 2014 will show us another mild winter and you won’t have to worry about the water temperatures as much this year. Fishing in deeper water will provide you with better results on most days. Working your lures and baits much slower will also give you a better chance at success. Fish tend to become lethargic in cold water and are slow in moving to strike at lures. Finding water that is a couple degrees warmer than the surrounding area can also give you an edge on finding fish. Water temperatures have been mild so far.
We had great results last year on fishing deep sand holes on the flats that were being warmed by the sun. We will certainly be doing that again this year.January is typically a windy month and it will continue the tradition if recent weather gives you an insight to the coming month. You might enjoy one or two days a week that is calmer, but expect it to be windy most days. Using the right ramps can make your day a little easier in dealing with the weather. There are many ramps around the area that allow you to launch depending on wind direction. The river can be rough some days, but you can still fish most days if you plan your trips carefully. It is a great month to fish in spite of weather conditions that might not be to your liking.
Bridges will continue to produce sheephead, black drum, croakers, sand perch and bluefish. Most of the anglers on the catwalks prefer live or frozen shrimp for these fish. The inlet and turning basin will be full of bluefish, jacks and mackerel this month. Live or dead bait on a jig head will give you plenty of action along with silver spoons or shiny lures. Around seawalls, channel edges or deeper structure you can find grouper for catch and release action in January. Snook action around the jetties and bridges will be active mostly at night for anglers using feather jigs, TerrorEyz and live bait. Snook closed on December 15th, so it will be catch and release for them. Redfish can be found around docks and sitting on the flats on warm, sunny days. DOA shrimp, Terror Eyz or CAL jerk baits work great for wintertime fishing. We had fantastic results around mangroves for redfish last year. CAL paddle tails in the 411 color were a hit with the reds. Docks will be loaded with sheephead in January with nice sized fish. They have moved in early this year and have been hungry! Pompano fishing will depend on water temperatures for their location, but they will be in the area throughout the winter. Surf anglers will be targeting these fish on days when the beach is fishable. Flounder should be found around the jetties on the beach side and on sand flats around the inlet. If you can find warmer water on the flats, you will most likely find trout feeding in those areas. Last year, we were rewarded many days as the sun would warm up a patch of water and get the fish actively feeding. Trout fishing in 2013 rewarded us with many big fish in the 25” to 30” range. CAL jerk baits and Deadly Combos were very successful on the trout, and 2014 should prove to be another good year. Ladyfish and jacks will be all over the river for fun action for the little ones.January
Tips: Dress for the weather. We might get one or two days each week that might be warmer, but most days will be on the cooler side. There can be a 30 degree swing in temperature on some days. Dressing in layers can keep you comfortable throughout the day in January. Once you become cold, it's hard to warm back up again. Keep yourself comfortable and enjoy some good fishing in January. Stay warm and safe and enjoy the winter!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Have a wonderful 2014!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
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