captaincharlie

March 9, 2006

INSHORE:

I was watching the sun break the silence of the eastern horizon this morning and bring its warmth to the waters of the Indian River. March is suddenly here and spring is in the air around the Treasure Coast. We have enjoyed a very mild winter and the fishing in the area has continued to improve each week. This should be a spring season to remember in 2006.



The river comes alive in spring as the water warms up the flats. Redfish are sunning most of the day and you usually can get them to take a live shrimp or gold spoon as they look for an early morning breakfast. You can find them tailing just around sunrise across the flats in Fort Pierce in a foot of water or less. Head up to the Harbor Branch or Round Island flats one morning soon.

Snook will be active in the early mornings on the flats. Spring is a great time to work a top water lure just as the sun is showing itself. I like the Top Pups and Zara Spooks for top water action. Try around Harbor Branch, Bear Point and Round Island on mornings when the winds is light and the water is calm. Nothing can stir your blood like a snook crashing a lure in the serenity of the morning. The fishing around the inlet has remained good for snook. Live bait or jigs continue to be the best choice.

Pompano are still being caught south of Fort Pierce from the power plant to Stuart. Look for them as you head down that way and have a jig or live shrimp ready if you see them. Jacks and ladyfish are still plentiful all over the river. Some Spanish mackerel are being caught in the inlet and along the beaches. The bridges are producing nice catches of sheephead, black drum and sand perch. Most of the anglers along the bridges are using live or dead shrimp.

Get your gear ready and plan a trip out soon. The weather has been great and don't miss out on some of the awesome fishing that the Indian River has to offer in spring on the Treasure Coast.

Tip of the Week:
I spent the past week with my dad, who has been ill and is now recovering. He should be home soon and back to his old self again. It made me think as we talked about some of the old fishing adventures we enjoyed when I was young. We all talk about the good ol' days. Did you ever think that the time we are spending out there yesterday, today and tomorrow will be those days to remember soon enough. Enjoy those times on the water and make them days that you can sit back a few years from now and tell tales of the good ol' days we are enjoying right now!

Catch of the Week:
Charlie McClure emailed me this week and was fishing off of Fort Pierce. After one cobia straightened out his hook, he boated a nice 20# cobia for dinner on a red tail hawk.

Have a safe weekend. Remember, fishing is not just another hobby.....it's an ADVENTURE!

Good fishing and be safe,

Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com

To have my fishing report sent to you. Email me at: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

Call me at: 772-284-3852