January 15, 2010

SNOOK SEASON WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1

The frigid cold from the past couple of weeks has finally left the Treasure Coast. In its wake, there are thousands of dead or cold stunned fish all over the river. We found lots of snook, snapper, lookdowns, ladyfish, tarpon, and many more species floating all around the area. It appears that the redfish, trout, black drum and sheephead were some of the few that survived the freezing water temperatures. It was a sad sight everywhere we went.

Steve and Kathleen joined me on Thursday for the first decent day to try and get out fishing. We found the best bite was around the inlet and turning basin. Lots of fish have congregated in the deeper water and they are hungry. Whiting, croakers, ladyfish and blue runners are abundant in those areas. Mackerel and bluefish are thick around the jetties. Live shrimp or shiny jigs were working for us. Steve ended up with a nice grouper from the seawall. Joe Vennarini joined me on Friday and we again found fish around the turning basin along with some sheephead and ladyfish around some of the docks. I did hear of a few trout being caught. Lots of sand perch are around the bridges, but many did not survive.

The water will slowly begin to warm back up and the bite should be fantastic very soon. The fish are cold right now and will be hungry as they get warmed back up to normal. If you do get out soon, look to the deep channels and cuts. Sea walls will be holding fish to try and get warm near them. Fish you lures and bait very slowly. The fish aren't as active and probably won't go far to chase a meal. Things will improve soon!

Tip of the Week:

It might be tempting to try and take some of the stunned fish home for dinner. I have heard of many people out doing just that. If the fish is in season, legal size and in your bag limits, it won't be a problem. Out of season fish, over/under size fish or over the limit will get you in lots of trouble out there. We witnessed many anglers being checked the past few days, so don't take the chance....it could cost you dearly!

Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing and Be Safe!
Captain Charlie Conner
[url]http://www.fishtalescharter.com[/url]
[email]captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com[/email]
772-284-3852

A few of the fish found around the Treasure Coast.

South Indian River Fishing Report 1/8

January 8, 2010

Br-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r.....The new year certainly started off cold! Freezing temperatures this past week have kept all but the brave anglers off the water. I thought that maybe they moved Florida and forgot to tell us. I hope that I won't be giving an ice fishing report next week... I will be glad to see August..... Most anglers are heading out later in the morning. That is a fantastic idea in these conditions. We did manage to get out a couple days just before the worst of the cold arrived along the Treasure Coast.

Keith, Cai, Turner and Frank were out with me again. Even with the winds, we caught fish and the boys each had fun with bluefish and ladyfish. Larry Shaw braved cold weather and winds to find a great black drum and sheephead bite going off. He caught fish after fish while trying to keep our hands from freezing. Lots of big sheephead are all over the river, especially around the docks of the river. Some trout were being taken on the flats as trout season officially opened on the 1st. The cold water will hamper the bite somewhat for now. Fish deeper water for your best chances. The snook bite has also slowed down. I heard several reports of large numbers of fish dying around the area and it most likely will get worse as the cold weather continues into the weekend. It's gonna be a long winter this year.

Tip of the Week:

The water is colder than normal right now. I got reports of lots of temperatures in the 50's and even one in the 40's around the river. Fish deep cuts, channels and docks for best opportunities. Fish slowly, as fish will be lethargic and slow to feed. Don't expect the greatest bite this time of year. Fish are cold and more intent on warming than feeding. You might see lots of big fish in shallow water on sunny days. They usually are just sunning themselves. Fish for different species. Sheephead and black drum are usually active this time of year and it can produce lots of fish. I love to use a DOA TerrorEyz this time of year. Fish it slowly along the bottom or under the docks and you will have good results. Remember.....slowly!

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

Cool weather fishing on the Treasure Coast.