January 4, 2007
Inshore:
Looks like summer-like weather has helped start off the New Year right on the Treasure Coast. Still a little windy on the water some days, but overall it's been great fishing weather out there.
Trout season re-opened on January 1st. Trout have started biting around the flats in 2 - 4 feet of water. The sun has kept the water on the flats warmer for now. Top water in early morning, followed by soft baits, twitch baits or live shrimp will help find some trout cruising the area. Find the cleaner water to find the trout.
Slot size trout will be a target this month...like this one caught by Brian Weliver this week.
Snook have been hiding around the mangroves during the day. Early morning will be the best time to get a shot at them. Soft baits or live bait along the deeper mangroves can find some bites. Follow the bait schools for snook, trout and redfish to be feeding along the edges of the bait. Around the bridges and docks have been good for catch and release snook on live bait.
Wintertime trout can bring gators like this 28" trout caught by Rick Flynn....
Redfish reports from south of Fort Pierce have been good this week. I didn't get down south this week, but try along both sides of the river for them down there. Up north, along the mangrove islands and the edges of the flats can help find a redfish. Gold spoons, soft baits, live or cut bait will be the best choices of baits.
Lots of sheephead are still being caught in the inlet area. Black drum are also being taken around the bridges. I have had a number of reports of pompano to the south on the flats. Live shrimp, jigs or sand fleas should find some bites down there. Hungry jacks and ladyfish are all over the river chasing bait and lures.
The jacks were so aggressive that Brian boated two on this one cast...
Tip of the Week: Back again on the soapbox of protecting our fragile fishing environment. I encountered a few uncaring anglers this week, who chose to rip the bottom of the flats for over a hundred yards. If we all had this attitude, it wouldn't take long to ruin the flats and watch them disappear. I urge everyone to preserve the great fishing in our area for generations to come. It starts with each one of us!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!
Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Capt Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
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