South Indian River, Port St Lucie & Fort Pierce

South Indian River Report April 22, 2005 INSHORE: The winds have finally laid down for a while and the water has been pretty flat most of the past week. I think summer is closing in on us now. It's great to be able to see the fish up on the flats and the bait pods coming into the river. Fishing will only continue to improve. Jacks are all over the river and the big ones will be showing up with the bait. All the winds from last week have churned up a lot of the water and both sides of the river have been on the cloudy side. It will take a few more days for it to settle down. The fishing was a little slower with the change of the weather, but that's always short lived and the fish have to eat! The flats on the east side will clear up nicely with the winds coming from that way and the tides will be rising during the mornings. It should be a great week ahead. Plan on getting out soon! Trout have been in 2-5 feet of water and are on both sides of the river. I tend to like the east side myself. Live shrimp, soft baits and spoons are a great choice. Top water in the mornings and evenings provide lots of fun with the calm waters. Bear point down to the power plant has been providing action for trout and jacks. I don't think I remember seeing so many redfish as this year. They were finicky most of the week and harder to spot with the water being turned over, but they are on the flats and have been hanging out in one to two feet of water for a large part of the day. We got several chasers and hits this week so they are getting hungry. Some we have seen are over 36". Sherri had a beautiful slap on a top water and it chased it all the way to the boat. I'll be back up there chasing them again this week. Snook fishing has still been mostly night fishing around the bridges and turning basin. Live baits are the best choices for snook. They will still be patrolling the flats in the early mornings and late evenings, especially with more and more bait showing up in the river. Can't beat a top water blowup just as the sun comes up on the flats! Need bait?? Stop in the Fishing Center of St Lucie in Fort Pierce for the liveliest shrimp in town! Clint or Kelly will help you with all your fishing needs. They have the best selection of fishing tackle around. It's been a great week on the water. Fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE! Hope you had a chance to get out fishing! Good Fishing! Captain Charlie Conner email me at: [email protected] visit my website at: http://www.fishtalescharter.com