August 17, 2006
INSHORE - The inshore fishing has been good this week with plenty of trout being reported to the South from the Midway Road area down to the power lines. A live pigfish is the top bait to use for the bigger trout. The redfish are still cruising the area around Round Island and are feeding on small jerk baits or a live shrimp. The catch and release snook action is still good around the local bridges and in the Ft. Pierce Inlet. Most any live bait you can find will work on the snook. The snapper are still along the channel edges of the Intercoastal and all you will need to get your limit of fish is some live shrimp. Also, reports of some nice sized flounder coming from the flats to the south of the South Bridge. Try using a live shrimp on a trol-rite hook.
OFFSHORE - The offshore fishing has been a little on the slow side for dolphin with only a few reports of scattered fish this week. Most of the dolphin were found in 140 to 180 feet of water. There has been plenty of kingfish, bonita and cuda's in 60 to 90 feet of water. The bottom fishing has improved for snapper and grouper despite the cold water temps on the bottom. But, it hasn't hurt the sea bass fishing with good reports of plentiful fish in 30 to 60 feet of water. Also, a few cobia are still in that same area. Along the beaches look for the rolling tarpon around the bait schools as well as some big jacks working the same area.
If you would like to report a catch, call me at 772-201-5770 or e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com.
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe's River Charters