INSHORE - The inshore fishing has been on the slow side due to all the dirty water conditions. The reports on snook have been a few fish caught around the North and South Bridges, a few from along the docks in the Ft. Pierce Inlet -- both at night and using small greenies or a small shrimp. The best bite has been around the lighted docks along Indian River Drive at night. I have been getting a few reports of redfish up around the Queen's Cove area on the flats. Try using a soft plastic bait like a DOA or a Zoom or use a live shrimp. Even the snapper bite along the channel edges has slowed down but I am finding a few mangrove snapper, lots of small mutton snapper as well as plenty of jacks and ladyfish. Look for everything to get better as soon. The finger mullet are starting to show up and that only means one thing -- good fishing.
OFFSHORE - Not a lot to report this week as the sea conditions went down hill as tropical storm Florence passed by and made some big swells that will hopefully die down by the weekend. As far as the dolphin bite goes I am getting reports of scattered fish in 160 to 180 feet of water to the north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet and they were feeding on live baits. Look for the kingfish, bonita, cuda's and sharks in 60 to 90 feet of water. The water in the ocean is also dirty and making bottom fishing tough. A few boats reported plenty of black sea bass and a few snapper along the reefs and wrecks. As the mullet start working their way along the beaches look for the action to begin and the snook, tarpon and big jacks won't be far behind.
TEEN ANGLERS - The 1st inshore fishing tournament of the new school year will be held Sunday, September 24th at Jaycee Park in Ft. Pierce. If you would like to join Teen Anglers or would like to volunteer just go to the web at www.teenanglers.org. Also, there is a Jr. Teen Anglers division that is just starting up. This is for kids ages 5 to 11 years old. Their 1st tournament will be held on October 7th at Harbour Pointe Park in Ft. Pierce.
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