The Soggy South Indian River Fishing Report 9/19

Inshore:

This past week we have seen rain, rain and when it stops....more rain. What a wet week around the Treasure Coast. Out of four days scheduled on the water this week, we managed two hours on Sunday before the storms arrived. It has been one wet year around here! Expect more of these conditions for the coming week. The Saint Lucie River continues to be flooded with water from Lake Okeechobee and the run off from all the rain. Both Martin County and Saint Lucie County have asked the governor to declare a state of emergency for waters around that area. Seems like a few weeks ago we were in a severe drought....

Fishing has continued to be productive around the river. The most active area has been the Fort Pierce inlet. It has been loaded with jacks, mackerel, blue runners and other assorted predators. A good number of tarpon have been following the bait inside the inlet. Top water lures or small shiny jigs have kept rods bending on the incoming tide. Trout can be found around the mullet schools in two to five feet of water. The DOA 3 1/2" Big Fish lure or Bait Buster are good choices around the mullet schools. You can't beat using the trusty DOA shrimp on the flats as well. We have found redfish hanging around the mangroves lately. The snook bite has been good around the jetties and bridges. You can still find plenty of snapper around the channel edges, bridges and structure of the river.

The surf has been good while fishing the bait schools for snook, jacks, bluefish, etc. DOA Big Fish lures, CAL Air Heads or Bait Busters will all work around the bait schools. You can also find plenty of whiting this time of year. Bridges are holding snapper, sheepshead and some black drum. The mouth of the inlet has been alive with a variety of species on the incoming tides. It's been a wet week, so plan your trips carefully and watch the weather. Lots of thunderstorms this week have made it an adventure out there.

With all the challenging weather, what can you do on these rainy days? I like to change out hooks and refurbish lures, check the guides on my fishing rods. It's a good time to grease and oil reels and check the line. I check safety equipment in the boat to make sure all is available and in good condition. Checking dates on flares is often missed by boaters. I check my first aid kit to insure all is in good condition and well stocked. It's a good time to check out the boat trailer for lights, tires and bearings. Hey, it's never as much fun as fishing, but these things are necessary to check several times a year!

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
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 9/11

Inshore:

We have enjoyed some fantastic weather lately along the Treasure Coast. It is still warm outside and the afternoon rains continue, but the mornings just cannot be beat when it comes to fishing. I got to spend a week in the mountains of West Virginia, while visiting my family up there. It was a great time, but good to be back home with the exception of jury duty this week... The water in the Fort Pierce area has really cleaned up very nicely and the fishing has been good. We have had some good days out there on the water!

The fall mullet run is in full swing now and you can find a variety of species chasing them. Along the surf, look for tarpon, snook, jacks and bluefish to be hanging around the schools. Top water lures, DOA Big Fish lures or silver spoons work well along the beach. Around the inlet, you can find the same variety of fish there as well. On the flats, look for trout, redfish and snook while fishing the bait pods. Top water lures are excellent lures this time of year. Find one that resembles the mullet and work it around the edges of the schools. I like the 3 1/2" DOA Big Fish Lure or the CAL Airheads around the mullet. Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy the fishing along the Treasure Coast!

Most of the trout have come in two to six feet of water this week. DOA shrimp. CAL jerk baits, top water lures and live bait have accounted for most of the trout. Redfish can be found moving across many of the flats on the high end of the tides in one to three feet of water. There are schools of reds around the area this time of year, so keep your eyes open for them. DOA shrimp, CAL grub tails and live bait has worked well on hooking up with an upper slot redfish. We have found flounder on some of the sandy flats and you can still find plenty of snapper around the bridges, channel edges and docks of the river.

Snook fishing the bridges and jetties at night has been productive on the incoming tide. Feather jigs, Terror Eyz and live bait has been the best choices for anglers. The mullet run going off in the inlets and the bait is flooding into the river. The predators are moving in and the fishing will continue to get better as the fish will be feeding heavily the next few months. It's a great time of year to be fishing!

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
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852