October 19, 2006
Inshore:
The weather has cooperated most of the week, providing anglers with ample opportunities to get out fishing both the river and the ocean. Looks like warm weather will be here for now and looks like the weekend should be good for fishing! Reports around the river has been mixed this week, but there are plenty of fish being caught.
Trout was the best bite of the week on the river. Reports of trout from the power plant flats north to Queen's Cove, Round Island and Harbor Branch areas. Live shrimp works the best, but top water early and soft baits during the day can get you a bite. I have been using shad or shrimp tails mostly in root beer or the darker colors. Most we caught were in the slot range and we did manage to miss a couple of larger ones.
A few redfish are being caught in the same areas on live bait or soft plastics. Try top water early for some opportunities also. Largest one was 24" on the boat this week. It will be harder to find them schooled up this time of year. Lots of roamers out there now, so be patient to get a hookup. We had our best hits on a natural color shrimp tail. Live or cut bait is always a good way to entice a redfish into biting. Check around the edges of the flats or along the mangroves.
Snook has been mixed. Some still being caught around the inlet areas, but it has been spotty at best this week. Look for the next full moon to provide some good action out there. Look around the flats early with top water and soft baits along the mangroves later. Look for the deeper mangrove cuts for them.
There are some pompano in the river now. We boated a nice one this week, which found its way to the grill for dinner. Live shrimp or soft baits can give you a chance at one. Look for flounder around the sandy flats or around the inlet areas. There are still some being caught on live shrimp or soft baits. The surf continues to hold jacks, bluefish, tarpon and snook. Watch for the bait pods for the best opportunities. I drove up to Sebastian last week and it was loaded up on mullet all along the beach.
Tip of the Week:
Using leaders is pretty basically a must in saltwater. Lots of teeth out there to bite into things and you can lose a fish if not prepared. We all have our favorite brands, sizes and colors. Remember to check the condition of your leader often throughout the day. Fraying or nicks can be caused by fish, foul ups or just brushing up against something underwater. That small nick or fray could cost you that big fish when it hits. I re-tie leaders very often during the day to insure the best chance at landing a fish. Don't let the one that got away be due to something you could prevent. Hope you get that big one this week!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Capt Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
