Ft. Pierce Inshore - Offshore Report by Capt. Joe Ward

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

INSHORE - This week snook season opened and a lot of the reports were about the Ft. Pierce Inlet. Anglers who were drifting live baits in the Inlet on the tide changes are catching nice upper slot fish -- 30 to 32 inches but, even more fish are over the slot -- fish up to 40 inches. Along with the snook I did get reports of a good number of big redfish mixed in and taking live baits. Snook fishing around the bridges started off a little slow with most of the action coming from around the fenders of the North Bridge. Again, a live bait has worked the best. On the flats the docks along Indian River Drive have been producing some slot fish and a lot of under sized fish. A top water bait fished early in the morning has accounted for most of the fish. As for the rest of the inshore action -- it has been about the same. The trout action remains good on the flats right after first light and the snapper bite along the channel edges remains steady. Also, a few tarpon around Big Mud Creek.

OFFSHORE - The dolphin action has been a little on the slow side. The fish that have been reported are coming from 200 to 400 feet of water and hitting ballyhoo. I am still getting reports of a few nice cobia around the buoys and over the reefs. Most f he fish were caught on a live bait or squid. There is a lot of kingfish, bonita and cuda's in 30 to 90 feet of water and hitting ballyhoo a live baits. And, the bottom fishing has been steady over the reefs and wrecks.

JUNIOR TEEN ANGLERS - Last Saturday - August 29th was the first from shore fishing tournament for the Treasure Coast Chapter of Junior Teen Anglers. Most to everyone's surprise it turned out to be a snapper and blue runner tournament.

In the 5 to 8 age group

1st place - Neeley Bankston - Allapattah Flats K - 8

2nd place Andrew Evans - Fairlawn Elementary

3rd place - Cash Roe - Samuel S. Gaines K - 8

In the 9 to 11 age group

1st place Thomas Roop - F.K. Sweet

2nd place - Laine Pruitt - Fairlawn Elementary

3rd place - Mikey Hazellief- Home Schooled

Biggest fish of the tournament -- Mikey Hazellief

All Junior's received a goodie bag. The next tournament will be on Oct. 3rd. For more info you can call 772-201-5773 or go to the web at www.teenanglers.org.

BRAGGING BOARD - I got an e-mail and picture from Don Tatum. He was visiting here a couple of weeks ago and caught a 49 pound cobia in 25 feet of water. He was using a live bait.

If you would like to report a catch you can e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com Or call me at 772-201-5770. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com

Capt. Joe Ward

Capt. Joe's River Charters