APRIL 2, 2009
INSHORE - The inshore fishing has been good for the anglers fishing for trout. The best reports are coming from around the spoil islands to the north of the North Bridge for the anglers who were using live baits like greenie's or mullet. The next bait of choice was a live shrimp fished under a popping cork. Try fishing in 2 to 4 feet of water on the falling tide. The snook fishing remains steady in the Ft. Pierce Inlet and the bite has also been on the falling tide with a live bait fished on the bottom. Over the weekend there was a very good snook bite up in Taylor Creek. Most of the snook were over the slot but one boat brought back 2 keepers. The schools of redfish are starting to show up around places like Jack island, the Mooring Flats and the old stand by -- Bear Point. Try a gold spoon or a soft plastic bait like a D.O.A. Bait Buster. The bottom fishing along the channel edges for sheepshead, black drum and grouper has slowed way down but, there has been a few fish reported around the bridges and they were taking live shrimp.
OFFSHORE - Now that the sea conditions are better -- there are more reports coming in. Most of the boats were reporting scattered dolphin -- mostly peanuts -- starting in 120 feet of water out to 160 feet of water. I have also gotten reports of rays moving through the area and holding some cobia. Most of the rays were in 60 to 100 feet of water. Look for the kingfish in 60 to 80 feet of water and they are feeding on live baits. The boats that are bottom fishing in 30 to 90 feet of water are reporting good catches of sheepshead, sea bass and snapper and all are taking a live shrimp or pieces of squid. Along the beaches look for school of spanish mackerel, bluefish and big jacks as they are working the bait schools.
MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND FISHING TOURNAMENT - The Dockside Inn in Ft. Pierce will host it's first Mother's Day Weekend Fishing Tournament. On Saturday -- May 9th there will be an offshore and a inshore tournament for the guest staying at Dockside Inn. There will also be a dock fishing tournament for the kids age 12 and under. There will be cash prizes for the inshore and offshore tournament and a BBQ on Saturday night. The deadline for signing up for the tournament is May 1st. Call the Dockside Inn at 1-800-286-1745 for more info and join in on the fun.
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
