February 12, 2010


Lots of windy days this week made it yet another challenge to get out fishing. Those who were able to brave the weather were rewarded with a good bite around the Indian River. It will remain windy most days this month, but you might catch one or two a week that will be a little on the calmer side. The fishing is great if you can stand the winds!

I spent the last weekend camping with some friends on one of the spoil islands of Fort Pierce. Even though it was way to windy to attempt fishing, we had a wonderful time just enjoying the outdoors. The wildlife and water is always good for the soulAs we made camp, I was disappointed with how some campers leave the areas on the islands. Trash and empty cans littered around the island made it clear how some people disrespect the privileges allowed us. We picked up lots of additional trash as we broke camp and headed home. It was a nice weekend anyway!

The trout and redfish bite continues to be the best opportunity around the river. Both north and south of Fort Pierce has been active with lots of trout activity and quite a few redfish being caught. Harbor Branch, Round Island and Bear Point have all been good areas to find feeding fish on the moving tides. The outgoing tide has been the most productive. Live shrimp and DOA CAL jerk baits work great on the trout. Redfish will take a DOA shrimp, free-lined live shrimp or CAL grub tail. I had a number of good reports on catches this week.

Turner, Frank and Keith Mullins were back in town this week and we found a very accommodating day to get out fishing. Turner and Frank ended up the day catching lots of jacks, some bluefish, a few trout and some sheephead for a fun day on the water. We fished both the flats and some of the docks around the area.

Bridges can still get you some sheephead, sand perch and a few black drum. Mackerel and bluefish are still hanging around the inlet this week. Bluefish can be found all over the river. The ladyfish are also making a comeback and are back to their usual antics on the deeper edges of the flats. It's been a good week!

Tip of the Week:

One of my usual tips centers around taking kids fishing. One of the most rewarding experiences is to watch kids catch fish. Their smiles alone make it worthwhile. While camping, my buddy's son spent hours exploring the island. Turner and Frank kept me busy reeling in their fish. Whether you take a kid fishing along the bank, on the beach on in a boat......it fun and exciting for everyone!

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

Action on the Indian River this week!

South Indian River Fishing Report 1/29

January 29, 2010


The river has come alive! From what looked like a wasteland not long ago to a river teaming with hungry fish. The trout and redfish bite has been outstanding this week along the Indian River. Milder conditions have allowed us to fish just about anywhere on the river and the fish are out there feeding. Hope you get a chance to get out soon.

Mark Amorello was out with me this week. We made it pretty much a DOA day on the water. After catching several trout on Mirrolures, we switched to CAL jerk baits and the trout seemed to be fighting on who would take it next. We caught 25 plus trout and only one was below slot size. Most were in the 18" to 22" range. We fished several spots on the east shore to the south of Fort Pierce and caught trout everywhere we stopped. Three to five feet of water was the best depth and DOA CAL jerk baits in dark colors had them eager to cooperate. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Round Island will be some good areas to target trout. Adam from the Fishing Center has also reported lots of trout action while wading along the river. It's great to see the river alive and active!

We headed to some flats north of Fort Pierce and found quite a few redfish in the shallows. Mark hooked up on one that would be near the 30" range before losing it, but we managed three other hookups and got two to the boat. Reds will hit DOA shrimp, CAL grub tails or live shrimp. Move quietly and slowly along the shallow flats and watch for any activity that might be some redfish feeding along the grass flats. The Moorings, Bear Point and docks along the river are good areas to try.

Bridges are still producing sheephead, bluefish and black drum. The jetties still have some bluefish and mackerel, but the bite has slowed some recently. There are plenty of jacks and ladyfish cruising the river and crashing the bait schools. The surf has been holding whiting and pompano, but some days are too windy to fish lately. It's been a fantastic week out there.

Tip of the Week: Jerk Baits

Jerk baits are great lures to use during winter months. Trout are feeding and slowly popping them along the bottom will get their attention. I like to use either 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz jig heads when fishing them. It allows the lure to get to the bottom and the lighter weight lets it sinks slower and doesn't dig into the bottom. It takes a little practice to use a 1/16 oz jig on a windy day, but it works and catches fish. There are many colors, sizes and styles of jerk baits on the market. My prefererence is the DOA CAL series in the four inch sizes. The silver mullet and rootbeer are great colors to try. My most productive color is the Arkansas Glow. It is adaptable for both clear or cloudy water and produces fish for me. Work the lure slowly along the bottom. I seldom move it four or five inches as I give it a slow popping movement. Don't drag it, but use short, sharp pops and give it time to settle back on the bottom and sit a few seconds. Most bites occur as the lure sinks down or as it lays on the bottom. Trout have a distinctive bite and it sometimes is difficult to detect. If you haven't tried it yet....it's a good time of year to get out and give it a try.

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

Some of this weeks action.