New to Stuart FL, what should I fish for this time of yr?!

[takinonwater]

Hello, I am new to the fishing scene in Stuart Fl and was wondering if anyone could help to put me on the fish. I will be docked right by St Lucie inlet in the marriot marina, and will be fishing on a friends new boat. I will be in Stuart from 12-10-2009 to 12-17-2009.

Problem is I have never really fished this area and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction. I wouldn't really even know where to start. I would probably try to get some live bait in the well, and try a few different spots. Maybe hit some reefs/bottom structure, then maybe push offshore a bit more to look for something a bit bigger. Would I have luck if I ran kite rods with live bait for sails? Should I sit over a reef and chum while sending some live baits out into the slick while sending bait chunks freelined down into the slick? Any idea how deep or where would be a good place to start?

I would even consider hiring a captain for the first day just to show us the lay of the land. Anyone have any good local charter capts?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[TimW Texas]

Post this down here I know that some are whacking blackfin now
http://www.thehulltruth.com/florida-georgia-32/

[sanchoco]

you have crossed the Mason Dixon line of live baiting there. Most people in Stuart troll dead baits offshore. Sailfish season is close if not there already. what size boat will you be fishing? most of the offshore fishing is around 120 ft to 200ft. Look for windy NE conditions for the best sailfish action.

[takinonwater]

Thanks for the replies. I will be fishing from a 38' express and will have outriggers, etc., so trolling is fine, I just didn't want to spend my whole day trolling around if possible. I am also buying some maps (segulls and hotspots) to look over before I am standing over the GPS.

I will throw this up in the section you recommended, thanks

[Lazy Bones]

Originally Posted by sanchoco

you have crossed the Mason Dixon line of live baiting there. Most people in Stuart troll dead baits offshore. Sailfish season is close if not there already. what size boat will you be fishing? most of the offshore fishing is around 120 ft to 200ft. Look for windy NE conditions for the best sailfish action.

He is totally right about the live bait, and there are 2 reasons. Most of the guys here are old school and look down on live baiting. They'd rather rig a couple of dredges and a couple dozen hoo and troll'em up. Second reason is that once you go north or jupiter, the bottom really flattens out and makes it difficult to find the fish if you aren't on them.. Six mile reef is roughly 75ft and 8 mile is 130+/-. You can cover that depth change in jupiter in a couple hundred yards.

Finest Kind in manatee pocket is a great resource. They have a good tackle shop and several charter boats and can point you in the right direction.

As a rule of thumb, you can get livies at bull shark barge or the sand pile. Start fishing around 8 mile reef, either trolling or live baiting. They are all listed on the Hot Spots or Homeport charts.

[Jack Hexter]

Live bait rules but if you can't find it, rig some bally and troll um up. Sails are in, as well as kingfish and an occasional blackfin.

[Gundy]

my name is Derek and live here in port st lucie and live baiting is great here, i have days open and could show you a few places and techniques, email me if interested at kingfishdg@yahoo.com

[Ris-K]

Originally Posted by Lazy Bones

He is totally right about the live bait, and there are 2 reasons. Most of the guys here are old school and look down on live baiting. They'd rather rig a couple of dredges and a couple dozen hoo and troll'em up. Second reason is that once you go north or jupiter, the bottom really flattens out and makes it difficult to find the fish if you aren't on them.. Six mile reef is roughly 75ft and 8 mile is 130+/-. You can cover that depth change in jupiter in a couple hundred yards.

Finest Kind in manatee pocket is a great resource. They have a good tackle shop and several charter boats and can point you in the right direction.

As a rule of thumb, you can get livies at bull shark barge or the sand pile. Start fishing around 8 mile reef, either trolling or live baiting. They are all listed on the Hot Spots or Homeport charts.

I was going to write you a reply but this right on!

[takinonwater]

Hey thanks for all your replies, lots of usful info here. I really can't thank you guys enough for sharing your knowledge of this area. It is going to save me alot of time when I get there. I guess I will try and make bait, and bring some 'hoos and dredges along should I need them. Do most of you use kites and flat lines when live baiting?


Also, when trolling the hoo's how are you setting up your spreads? Do you prefer naked hoo or should I throw skirts over em? Is mono vs flouro important? And what else are you dragging in your spread besides the hoo and these dredges? Feathers? Swimming lures?


And what kind of trolling speed is ideal for sails and mahi?



Thankkkkssss

[Natural Mystic]

All information given so far is dead on...

I would also check out: Florida sportsman forums, southeast section. Plenty of updated reports and help.

Good Luck!