Ft. Pierce Inshore - Offshore Fishing Report

JULY 24, 2011 INSHORE - Not much of a change over this past week other than a few tripletail on the channel markers to the south of the South Bridge. Try using a live shrimp and a trol-rite jig. The trout fishing has stayed about the same with most of the bigger fish being caught on a live pigfish. A live shrimp fished under a popping cork and soft plastic baits will also work. Just remember that the best bite has been from first light until about 8am and then again from about 6:30pm until dark. I am still getting a few reports about the redfish bite around the docks along both North and South Indian River Drive. Try a live shrimp if you can find a good sized one or a gold spoon. The snapper action has been a hit or miss thing along the channel edges. It is just a matter of catching the tide just right. A small live shrimp will work just fine for the snapper. The catch and release snook action has been good in the Ft. Pierce Inlet when fishing a live bait on the bottom. The bite has been the best on the out going tide. OFFSHORE - There has not been a lot of action this past week. The kingfish have been in 30 to 50 feet of water and taking a slow trolled live bait live a blue runner, mullet or a pilchard. I am still getting reports of some scattered dolphin in 180 to 300 feet of water. The lucky angler that did catch dolphin were a 50 - 50 split on naked or skirted ballyhoo. Biggest fish we had come into the docks was a 22 pounder. There has been a lot of sailfish sightings but only a few hook ups. Most of the fish were seen in 100 feet of water. The bottom fishing remains steady over the reefs and wrecks. The best reports are coming from the Boils with permit and African pompano are taking crabs. The snapper, margates, jacks and runners are taking shrimp. If you have a catch to report you can e-mail me at [email protected] 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