South Indian River Fishing Report 7/29

South Indian River Fishing Report 7/29

July can be summed up in three letters....HOT. It has been warm lately on the Treasure Coast and we can expect more of the same in August. With temperatures reaching the 90's on any given day, you must plan and prepare for each voyage on the water. Simple things like drinking lots of fluids and wearing a hat and sunglasses are important things to remember. Early mornings or late evenings will be the best times to enjoy the fishing and beat the worst of the heat. Stay safe and have fun out there!

We continue to have a good bite with a variety of fish on the river. Trout have been biting on the grass flats on DOA shrimp or live bait. Our redfish have come from under the mangroves or docks lately. You can find snapper all over the river with some nice size mangroves available around the docks and bridges on live or dead bait. Mackerel and jacks have been hanging in the turning basin of Fort Pierce feeding on the glass minnows. Snook fishing around the jetties has been good for night or early morning anglers. As more bait filters into the river, look for the bite to continue to improve.

I recently had Michael and Colt on the boat for the first Treasure Coast Caster Tournament of the new school year. It's always lots of fun with the kids and they are very competitive in the tournaments. This is their first season in the senior division and they were very excited about competing! After a fun morning of fishing, the boys were ready for the weigh in. Michael took third place in the middle school division and Colt placed second and also had big fish for the tournament. Kaitlyn Ward took first place in her first year in the big leagues and Savannah Ward took top honors in the High School division. If you have kids or grandkids that love to fish.....contact Cammie Ward at 772-201-5773 for information about the Casters and get those kids involved. You can find them at www.treasurecoastcasters.org and also on Facebook.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION

1st Place - Kaitlyn Ward - Fairlawn Elem. - Ft. Pierce - 60 points

2nd Place - Colt Krischke - Lincoln Park - Ft. Pierce - 45 points

3rd Place - Michael Rochedieu - St. Anastasia - Ft. Pierce - 15 points


HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

1st Place - Savannah Ward - Westwood High - Ft. Pierce - 30 points

BIGGEST FISH went to Colt Krischke for his 2lb. 3oz. sheepshead. Along with his goodie bag and trophy he received at gift card to the Fishing Center that was donated by Pat & Gwen.

Be careful out on the water in August. Plan for hot days and afternoon thunderstorms. Get out early mornings or late evenings. Have fun and enjoy the fishing on the Treasure Coast!

Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby……it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing,
Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

The recent Treasure Coast Caster Tournament

August Fishing Forecast

August Fishing Forecast – Treasure Coast

As summer continues to bring the daily chance of afternoon rains and thunderstorms, fishing will take the usual second seat to the opening of lobster season. It has been a fairly dry season so far and rain hasn’t been a big factor up to now. Expect lots of boats on the water each day as they head out in search of the spiny critters. Practice safe boating tactics and don’t be in a hurry to get out there. Those dog days of August will continue with hot weather, so take the normal precautions while on the water. Have a great August this year!

Trout and snapper will continue to be the best bite around the river. Top water lures, like the DOA Airhead or Bait Buster, fished early, followed by a DOA shrimp or CAL jerk bait will be productive on the grass flats. Water quality has been very good this year to date, but with all the hot weather the water temps have been higher than normal. Queen’s Cove, Bear Point and Harbor Branch are usually active with trout. Fish shallow early and move to the edges of the flats as the sun warms thing up each day. Look for sand holes on the grass flats. Trout love to sit in them and wait for the tide to bring their food to them. We have enjoyed a good amount of big trout this year on the flats. This month will provide great weather in the mornings for fishing the river.

Head out to the docks along the river for snook, snapper, sheephead and redfish. Some big fish will be hanging under the shady areas around many of the docks along the river from Vero to Stuart. Fish your lures slowly. If you use the tide in your favor, the lure will remain under the dock longer and give you a better chance at hooking up. Snook will be active around the jetties, bridges and docks of the river. Live baits, Terror Eyz and Bait Busters will all work well for you. As the rainy season continues, try some of the spillways when the water is actively running over them. A root beer Terror Eyz is a great lure around those areas.

Bridges will hold some nice snapper during the month along with some sheephead and black drum. The turning basin should become alive with glass minnows and a variety of predators to feed on them. Again the fresh water runoff will play a part in determining where to fish this month. Everything on the water loves to eat those glass minnows. Fish the edges of the bait pods and you should find some predators hanging out there waiting to feed. The edges of the channel will also be holding lots of snapper around any of the structure or rocks. It’s a great time of year!

Make it a point to keep hydrated and lathered up with sunscreen. Take those precautions early so that the end of your day will be as enjoyable as the beginning. Sunburn or sun poisoning isn’t any fun and can become dangerous to your health. Drink plenty of water or Gatorade. Have fun in August and good fishing!

Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby……it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing,
Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 7/22

Inshore:

It's still hot on the Treasure Coast with temperatures staying in the 90's most days. It has made it a challenge to anglers who fish inshore. Water temps have risen to 89 degrees on some days and the fish certainly do not like it that hot. The recent upwelling in the ocean has been bringing colder water into the river and actually helping by mellowing out the hot water temps. Our best fishing has been early before the sun heats things up and drives the fish to deeper water.

Trout has been best at first light on the grass flats. We have caught some nice size fish over the slot recently. Rob and Matthew found a couple nice trout while fishing the flats. Tom, Josh and Roy also found some nice trout, along with a three foot bonnethead shark. Jeff and Connie had the same luck on the trout and several big jacks to top off the morning. Barbara, Joe and Jamie also had a good morning on the grass flats. Captain Joe Ward, his grandson, Thomas, and my grandkids, Chloe and Brody had a fun day recently catching lots of fish and having fun! Getting out early can increase your chances. Once the water heats up, move to drop offs, tidal cuts and mangroves. Shaded areas, like mangroves and docks, can be productive when the sun is high. Try top water lures in the early hours of the mornings or at sunset. Switch to DOA shrimp or CAL shad tails around the drop offs and deeper grass flats once the sun is high. Fish will be in the shallow water to feed before it gets too hot out.

You can find redfish hanging under docks and mangroves in the shade. There are lots of snapper around the river and we have caught lots of keeps size fish. Jacks have been patrolling the river and will give you a good battle on a light rod. We have had Spanish mackerel moving into the inlet with the incoming tides lately. There are plenty of fish to be had if you keep your eye on the water temperature and find areas that are a few degrees cooler. We have another month of hot weather ahead, so plan your trips around the heat.

Use plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water! It's vital to keep hydrated in this kind of weather. Hats, cool rags or anything to help beat some of the heat can make your day much more comfortable!

Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby……it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing,
Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 7/8

Inshore:

It's been very wet lately along the Treasure Coast. Not only the usual afternoon thunderstorms, but lots of rainy mornings have made it a challenge to get out and enjoy the water. We have dodged rain clouds and sought shelter from the lightning most days. Watch the conditions and don't take unnecessary chances on the water!

The fishing has been good for us with a variety of fish to keep anglers busy. Trout, snapper and sheepshead are plentiful around the river and some nice size fish can be had this month. Fish the grass flats early and move to the deeper edges or sand bars later in the morning. DOA shrimp, CAL jerk baits or live bait can help you find the bite on the flats. The snapper have been all over the docks, channel edges and structured areas, with some nice size fish available. You can find lots of jacks and ladyfish around the river for the kids. Snook fishing around the jetties has remained good for night anglers. July is always a good month to enjoy the fishing action.

July and August are hot months in the area. Some days will find very little wind and lots of warm temperatures. Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion can occur at any time of these hot days. Knowing the symptoms and what to do can help save a life. Here are some facts and tips to help you this summer on the water:

Heat Stroke/Exhaustion

With the heat of summer upon us, make sure you have a plan for an emergency. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion is always a possibility when out on the water.

SIGNS:
Heat exhaustion:
Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke:
Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

TREATMENT:
Heat exhaustion:
Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.

Heat stroke:
Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Check out the Red Cross web site for more information: www.redcross.org Have a safe summer and enjoy the fishing on the Treasure Coast!

Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby……it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing,
Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 7/1

Inshore:

Well, July is here and it's been the typical hot weather on the Treasure Coast. I don't complain about the heat, because I hate the cold weather. We usually have an ocean breeze to keep the temperatures from getting too hot on the water. Drink lots of fluids and make sure to splather on that sunscreen this time of year! July might be hot, but it's fun on the water.

Mario and Matt joined me on another hot day. The fishing was slow around the river, but Mario hooked into a big jack to keep him busy with a good battle. Ray and Debbie joined me on a beautiful morning even though it was hot. Ray landed and released a nice over size redfish while fishing along the mangroves. We caught a few trout and snook to end up with a slam for the day. It was nice to see Ray again. Clay, Brian and Terry had a busy morning catching four nice redfish and four snook among other fish to make for an exciting day. Joe, Leo, James and Phil had a nice day to enjoy the fishing. They even kept a couple nice trout for dinner. Joe and Connor joined me on a full moon bite that ended up a slow day. Joe topped off the day with a 29" redfish while fishing the mangroves in Fort Pierce. It has been another fun filled week on the Indian River.

Fish the deeper cuts and flats of the river this month with the hot weather. Use top water lures in the early mornings and switch to DOA shrimp or CAL jerk baits as the sun rises. We are using a 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig head on the soft plastics. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Queen's Cove have all been active with bait. The snapper have been moving into the river and you will find some nice mangroves around the area. Fish the docks, channel edges or bridges for a chance for some snapper for dinner. Look for the glass minnows to be moving into the river this month and bringing a host of predators to feed on them. July is always a super month to fish the area. Watch for the redfish to begin schooling up this month on the flats. Move across the flats slowly and keep your eyes on the water to find some nice schools this month. DOA shrimp is always a good choice for redfish. Snook fishing around the bridges and jetties will be dependent of the tides and should find a good bite on the last of the incoming and first of the outgoing tides.

Have a fun month and enjoy the fishing on the Treasure Coast! Beat the heat and get out early before the afternoon storms brew up. Early mornings are good times to enjoy the top water fishing and watch the gorgeous sunrises on the coast.

Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby……it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing,
Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852