Stuart Area Offshore and Inshore

The sailfish tournament season has kicked off in the Stuart area with two this week. The Finest Kind Marina Quickie was fished early in the week and the fleet of twenty one boats released 116 sailfish in two days. They were four fish shy of the tournament record of 120 fish caught in 2005. This weekend the Pirates Cove Classic is on and the fishing has been good for most entries. Along with the sailfish is a strong dolphin bite that does not count in the standings. Some black fin tuna are also in the mix and an occasional yellowfin are also being caught. The bottom fishing has been decent when the conditions allow. The Spanish mackerel are moving into Peck's Lake and they should thicken up with each new cold front. Pompano and blue fish are in the surf giving beach anglers some good action. Inside the inlet, look for blues and Spanish mackerel on the incoming tide. Pompano can be caught around the Stuart Causeway and Sailfish Flats on jigs. There are black drum around the bridges and jacks and lady fish just about ever where. Snook season closes December 15th and will not reopen until September 2011 as it stands now. A possibly record breaking cold front is on the way and should reinforce the winter fishing pattern. More later.