Ft. Pierce Inshore - Offshore Report by Capt. Joe Ward

December 28, 2006

INSHORE - The weather has been the major factor for the inshore anglers -- during the times when the wind lays down the fishing for catch and release trout and redfish has been good. The docks along South Indian River Drive has been hard to beat. There has been some catch and release snook in that same area. Talking about the catch and release snook -- the docks along the Ft. Pierce Inlet at night has been the hottest spot to fish. If you go there try free lining a live shrimp. I did get reports of some pompano in 3 to 5 feet of water to the south of the power lines and they were caught on the falling tide by anglers using sand fleas. The local bridges are holding some nice size black drum, lots of under size grouper, sheepshead, snapper as well as some keeper sandperch. Remember -- trout season is closed until January 1st.

OFFSHORE - Again, the sea conditions have been changing day to day but on the good days look for sailfish to the south of the Ft. Pierce Inlet and they will be starting in about 90 feet of water. The kingfish have been showing up in 60 to 90 feet of water and hitting a live bait that is slow trolled. If it is dolphin you are looking for the best reports are coming from 250 plus feet of water and most of the fish have been in the 7 to 9 pound range. Along the beaches in 20 to 30 feet of water there is plenty of spanish mackerel and bluefish hitting small spoons slow trolled or by casting the spoon -- just find the birds and the fish aren't far away. The bottom fishing has been OK on the calmer days for snapper, grouper, seabass and other bottom fish. The best bite seems to be to the north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet over the wrecks and reefs.

If you would like to report a catch call me at 772-201-5770 or e-mail me at cward11605@aol.com. You can also reach me on the web at www.captjoeward.com.

Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe's River Charters