Ft. Pierce Inshore - Offshore Report

AUGUST 11, 2011 INSHORE - If it is a fish dinner you are looking for then you will want to go snapper fishing. The mangrove snapper are along the channel edges both to the north and south in the Indian River and as well as around the area's bridges. Small white baits or a small live shrimp are working the best. The trout and redfish have also been active around the Spoil Islands and the docks along both North & South Indian River Drive. A nice sized live shrimp has been hard to beat. If you can't find the larger shrimp then try a soft plastic bait in a darker color. The Ft. Pierce Inlet is still the hot spot for catch and release snook and tarpon. Both fish are taking live baits. Remember that snook season opens at 12:00am on September 1st. You will want to make sure your gear is ready and that you know the rules and regulations. OFFSHORE - The dolphin have been scattered from 50 feet out to 400 feet of water. They have been taking both ballyhoo and live baits. It just seems that you have to be lucky enough to be in the right spot when they are ready to feed. There is still a good sailfish action in about 100 feet of water for anglers using live baits. We had to releases last Saturday and 5 hook-ups reported. The kingfish bite this week has been in 30 to 60 feet of water. Try slow trolling a live mullet. Lots of action for the anglers fishing the bottom. There were good reports of sea bass, triggerfish, snapper and AJ's. A live bait or a piece of cut bait will work just fine. Along the beaches look for big jacks and tarpon. They will be following the schools of bait. 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