Fishing Reports From
Capt. Charlie Conner

Email :  captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
Website : http://www.fishtalescharter.com

July 4, 2007

Inshore:

It's great to be back on the water again. July has already arrived here on the Treasure Coast, bringing much needed afternoon showers to the area. Be careful out there on the water, as thunderstorms have been the norm most afternoons lately. Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to head for cover if one should pop up in your area. Mornings will bring light winds and great opportunities for top water fishing around the river.

I had a chance to get out a couple days this week to reminisce memories of fishing with my dad. I will miss sending him my report each week. Redfishing in July can provide some exciting moments on the river! I drifted around the flats and found several schools of redfish still roaming the river. I picked up a couple nice slot sized reds on soft baits. I fished the flats north of Fort Pierce up to Round Island on these trips. My largest was 28" this week.

There are large trout and snook in the shallow flats most mornings and on those overcast days. The largest trout this week was a fat 30" one that was hiding in about a foot of water. All the trout were caught on soft baits fished slowly along the bottom. Pinfish or pigfish will be the bait of choice for most trout this time of year. Get some popping corks and give it a try soon. Snook will hit live bait or soft baits. I did lose one large one this week in the shallows. The snook were cruising in two to three feet of water and chasing bait. Fish around any bait pods you come across as the predators will usually be near.

Ladyfish and jacks are still hanging around the river. I have heard of some snapper being caught along the channel edges and around the bridges. The surf has been holding whiting and a few pompano. Jacks and tarpon are being caught around the inlet jetties in the early mornings. A lot of large Goliath grouper are holding around the rocks at the jetties. It's a great time of year to go fishing!

Tip of the Week:

With summer upon us, I hope many anglers are sharing a fishing experience with their children or parents. It is a great way to spend time together and learn that there is more to fishing than just holding a rod and reel. Fishing is always more exciting and fun when shared with someone else. It makes for memories and tales that will keep those experiences alive forever!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852
 

June 13, 2007

Inshore:

Hope you have been enjoying the nice weather finally! Thought the winds would never give us a break, but it's been pretty nice out there on the water. Lots of anglers were out this weekend to test their skills against the fish world. We should be starting our summer patterns of nice mornings and afternoon chances at rain. Now this is starting to look like Florida!

Redfish were, again, cooperative to us this week. Greg Schroeder boated five reds in the 26-30" size range in a few short hours of fishing. I was out again Saturday and found three willing to take an artificial. As I said last week, work your baits slowly out there. Soft baits have been the best producers. Twitch baits have come in second in catching reds.

Snook fishing has been much quieter with the closing of the season. You can have a good chance at a photo release on the flats at first light. Top water is always the choice lure early in the mornings. There should be a few hanging around the Bear Point area and under some of the docks also. Handle the fish carefully and release them quickly so they can be there this fall.

Trout were a little slow this week for us. Bob Bergen did report catching a nice fat 24" trout that weighed in at 7 pounds. Early mornings on the flats and move off the edges as the sun rises. Top water early and live shrimp on popping corks later in the day. Queen's Cove and Round Island should continue to hold some nice trout.

Some nice snapper have been caught along the channel and around the bridges. Some reports of decent size sand perch around the bridges have come in this week also. I heard of some pompano being caught along the beach south of Fort Pierce. Whiting will be hanging in the surf, too. Plan a fishing trip soon and enjoy what the Treasure Coast has to offer out there on the water....

Tip of the Week:

As summer arrives, trout will become a little harder to target. They will be feeding on pigfish throughout the river and not much else will attract their attention. Get out those dusty fish traps or get you one to set out and catch some of those little guys that the trout will be cruising the flats for. A pinfish or pigfish on a popping cork will be a great way to catch some summer trout. And the little critters out there won't be as much a bother as they are on live shrimp. Good luck fishing out there!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852

 

May 24, 2007

Inshore:

I can't seem to remember a May as windy as this month....or did they move Florida and forget to tell us?? One way or another...it has been a windy week and most days were not safe out there unless you were glued to the east side of the river. Lots of tournaments cancelled and the river looks like it has been in a blender. It's supposed to blow the rest of the week and into next weeks fishing opportunities. Looks like a good time to clean out the ol' tackle box or find out what is hiding around in the boat. Memorial Day weekend is here. Keep the weather conditions first in your mind if you plan on heading out on the water this weekend.

We managed a few days on the water and had success on most of those days. The weekend ended up being either unfishable or the fish uncooperative as Dave Celko and I found out. Redfish has been our fish of the day on most charters lately. Michael Lazorik and his friend, Chris, landed two nice redfish. Tom Tait was fishing with his friend, Annette, and boated two slot reds also. On Monday, John Cox and Glenn Leewright each boated nice redfish off the flats. Soft baits have worked best for us in shallow water.

Trout fishing slowed down as the water became dirty from the weather for us. Tom and Annette did manage some trout on their adventure on the flats. It will be hard to find clean water for a few days, but live shrimp on popping corks can help find some hiding around the river. We fished mostly in four to five feet of water when we were successful.

Snook fishing has remained decent around the inlet and bridges. On Monday, John Cox and Glenn Leewright got into some fast action for a few hours as the fish were chasing bait all around the bridges for us. They landed four snook in the 23 - 25 inch range and lost as many more in an action packed couple of hours. Also in the action, were bluefish, jacks and ladyfish to keep the rods bending, too. The outgoing tides are usually the best opportunities and live bait helps get the hookups.

It has been slow around the catwalks and jetties of late. The surf has been horrible to try and fish. Hopefully, as the weather calms down, we will get some reports of catches around those areas. Look for the snapper bite to pick up soon. The bluefish and mackerel should continue to hit around the jetties. We have landed a few flounder recently and look for that action to improve soon. Lots of bait in the river and we continue to see sharks patrolling around the flats.

Tip of the Week:
Memorial Day Weekend is here and many boaters will be planning a day or two on the water. The weather looks like it won't be too cooperative out there, so please everyone be safe if you venture out on the water. Safety for you and your passengers should be first on your mind. Watch the weather forecasts and know what how your boat will handle in these conditions. Have a fun-filled, safe holiday!!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852
 

May 17, 2007

Inshore:

Luckily, the fish don't realize a windy day from a calm day. If you could get out fishing this week...the fish were there. Looks like these conditions will remain for a little while longer. We did manage a few much needed rain showers this week and the grass is sure relieved for now. Water conditions are cloudy in a lot of areas and remained relatively clean in others. You will have to look around to find some clean water for a few days.

Redfish were again roaming the flats for us this week. Glen was down and boated a nice redfish this week. Dave was down from New York and boated two nice slot sized reds. We had a few get off on us, but enjoyed the hookups anyway. Look in shallow water to find some redfish cruising. Soft plastics and gold spoons worked best for us. All our redfish this week were slot size fish.

Trout are feeding early and will move to deeper water as the sun rises in the sky. Top water or live bait usually works well for early morning trout. Clean grass flats are the areas to look for to find some trout hanging around. You can't beat shrimp on popping corks this time of year.

Snook anglers are catching a few slot sizes lately around the inlet and bridges. Live bait is always the best choice. Most of the fishing has been at night or early mornings for snook. Larger shrimp has been scarce, so pinfish or mullet is a good choice for baits.

Mike hooked up on a nice flounder on the flats this week. We have found a few scattered around the river lately. Ladyfish and jacks continue to patrol the flats for an easy meal. The jetties have continued to hold bluefish and mackerel along with the usual jacks. Not a lot of action lately on the catwalks. A few reports of snapper and sheephead around the bridges and structure of the river.
Enjoying a day on the water!

Tip of the Week:

Memorial Day is almost here and lots of boaters will be heading off on the water. Many don't get out often and this is an excellent time to check out the ol' boat and make sure it is seaworthy. It's never good for a boat to sit and there are too many things that can go wrong. Batteries go bad.....electrical problems can occur.....fuel.....trailer issues.....and many more. Don't wait until you have launched you boat at the ramp and find out you have a problem. The ramps will be super busy and it is better to find out now if you have a problem and get it fixed.....rather than tying up the boat ramp trying to find out why you can't get the boat started. Prepare now and make your holiday on the water an enjoyable one!!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852

 

May 10, 2007

Inshore:

Weather played a factor in this weeks fishing with fronts and storms in the area playing havoc with the barometer. Fish are still being caught, but some days have been spotty at best on the river. We are still wondering how the looming depression will affect our area. Already pushing water on the ocean, we have experienced higher than normal tides. Surprisingly, I am amazed that the river has remained fairly clean in spite of winds and weather.

Trout fishing occupied most of the weeks fishing. It has been an on and off week for the sea trout. We have managed some decent trout in spite of the odds. Tyler Serio caught a nice trout on the Teen Anglers Tournament on Sunday and Glenn from Canada boated a nice trout also. Tom Hull reported a sweet 28" gator trout landed this Thursday. Round Island and Queen's Cove have consistently been holding trout.

Most of the snook fishing activity has been around the inlet area. Night anglers have caught some nice slot sized snook on live bait around the sea walls and bridges. Day anglers are using mostly live pinfish or mullet in the same areas. Once the weather returns to a more normal state, look for snook to be actively chasing bait around the flats. David Brashear fought a large snook this week, until it broke him off on the flats. Bob Wittbold also landed a fat 24" snook on a top water lure this past week.

Redfish have remained around the flats most days. Glen Akselrod boated a nice 22" redfish on a soft bait while fishing along the flats. We have seen many out there of late and they should become more active as the water warms up. Spoons, soft baits and top water will be great choices on the flats. Most areas I have fished have been holding redfish.

Catches of sheephead, snapper and black drum are being taken around bridges and docks in the river. Live shrimp has been the best baits for these fish. Tarpon have been filtering their way into the river and should be showing up at the deeper creeks and channels of the river. The catwalks have been pretty sparse lately of anglers.

Tip of the Week: Weather can change rapidly here on the Treasure Coast of Florida. Keep an eye on what is happening around you in the sky while fishing or enjoying the water. Know what you will do if a thunderstorm suddenly closes in on you. What will you do? The ocean can provide a challenge to some boats, while others can steer around bad weather. The river can offer many places to run for cover. Don't get caught in a bad situation this summer. Plan what you will do if severe weather approaches unannounced!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852
 

May 3, 2007

Inshore:

Lots of sunshine and great fishing weather arrived here on the Treasure Coast this week. The winds eased up to let anglers enjoy themselves both inshore and offshore. It was nice not to hide out among the islands for a change. Lots of baitfish have invaded the area and the fish are out there chasing them. May is always one of my favorite months on the water.

Trout fishing was spotty some days, but we managed to catch some each day on the water. I had David Brashear and R J Swinford on the boat Sunday and each caught a nice trout in the Teen Anglers Tournament. Tom Hull was down from Melbourne and we caught a nice number of trout. Tom boated a huge 26" gator trout along with several others in the slot range. I managed a 23" fat trout also. Bob Whitbold reported another big gator trout catch this week. The usual flats were holding trout and we used jerk baits and gold spoons.

Redfish were hanging on the flats again this week. After scattering several small schools we found a few in the mood to eat. Tom Hull battled a fat 26" redfish that he caught on a twitch bait. Spoons and soft baits are also good choices when seeking a spot tail on the flats. Some are hanging very shallow, so keeping a stealthy approach is a necessity. I have found redfish on most flats lately so they are out there cruising around.

We caught a few snook this week, but they weren't our target most days. Most of the snook anglers are fishing at night along the bridges and seawalls around the inlet. I did talk to several who caught legal size snook this week. Live pinfish or large shrimp (when available) are the ticket for fishing these areas. Now that the winds have given us a break....try around the docks in the early mornings. Tom Hull completed his slam this week after catching a snook hanging around the flats.

Bridge fishing was slower this week. While sheephead and some snapper are being caught, many anglers took a break in the action. Lots of Spanish mackerel are still around the inlet. Some big jacks have been around the jetties along with bluefish. The surf has continued to hold whiting, bluefish and some pompano for those beach anglers. I keep seeing more and more sharks around the flats. As the bait continues to show up on the flats, they will seek the shallows in search of an easy meal.

Tip of the Week:
Wade fishing is lots of fun and many people around this area take the opportunity to get out fishing on the shallows. We continue to see many large stingrays and sharks coming up on the flats in very shallow waters. Just a note of caution to be careful when wading around the river. I had a number of reports of sharks attacking fish as anglers were reeling them in and experienced it myself. Sound, smell and sight of a fish can bring a reaction from these creatures.

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852
 

April 26, 2007

Inshore:

April sure isn't going out quietly. Lots of windy weather this week to keep you guessing about the weather patterns. We faced lots of wind this week, but fishing has been good if you can fish in these blustery conditions. Looks like the weekend will be a little on the windy side, but this won't last much longer as summer nears the Treasure Coast.

Redfish are back and gathering for their summer jaunts around the flats. We encountered a good number of redfish in small schools this week and Tim Freeman and his uncle, Paul, boated three nice reds, including a double hook-up on the flats. Live bait, soft baits and twitch baits worked best for us and most of the favorite redfish flats should be showing signs of activity now. As the water warms up, look for an increase in redfish sightings around the river.

Snook fishing around the bridges has been spotty most of the week with all the windy weather. Fewer anglers braved the conditions so reports are fewer of late. Tim and Paul each had a nice snook while enduring the windy stuff out there. We lost another good sized one down south on the eastern flats on a top water lure. Live bait is best around the inlet area, while top water or live bait works well along the flats. Early mornings have been best on the flats.

Trout slowed down earlier in the week or at least you could find few places to fish for them. We found one day that we could slowly drift the flats. Paul and Tim caught a number of very nice trout from 18" up to 22" in just a few hours. Most were hitting soft baits and twitch baits for them. Look for clear water flats that hold sandy area around the grasses. A lot of areas were difficult to fish most of the time.

We did manage the usual smorgasbord of the varied aqua critters that also inhabit the river. Ladyfish, jacks and a host of others are out there more than willing to take your baits and lures. Bridge fishing slowed down, but some snapper, sheephead and black drum are still being taken off the catwalks. Bluefish, spanish mackerel and jacks have continued to rule the jetties. Beaches, when fishable, have been yielding whiting to those anglers.

Tip of the Week: In less than two hours on the flats, we observed three boats run aground in the shallow waters. One pontoon boat sat there twice in less than a foot of water racing the engine at full throttle in an attempt to get off the flats. What a waste of our environment that is fragile enough as it is without a few idiots out there helping to make it worse! If you leave the channel in unfamiliar waters...slow down and learn to read the water. Boats are expensive enough, too. Please take care of our waters and also your boats......

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852
 

April 12, 2007

Inshore:

Springtime weather has invaded the Treasure Coast, bringing warm temperatures, much needed rain and a few windy days this week. It was a great time to be fishing the area. A cool front went through over the weekend and cooled the water a little, but it warmed back up quick enough to keep the trout happy most days. We should continue to see nicer weather each week.

I had some very good anglers on board this week and we found trout most days. I had Adrian from Jensen Beach and his brother. They caught trout up to 24" this week. John and his dad, Bill were out with me and caught a good number of nice trout up to 28". We found most in two to four feet of water. Using live shrimp, jerk baits and twitch baits mostly this week, we fished most days north of the bridges in Fort Pierce. The east shore is still pretty clean on most of the river. We fished from the Moorings south. Look for grassy flats with sandy areas scattered around.

We found a number of redfish around the river and Mark Amorello boated a nice 22" redfish. They have been skittish of late, but the way Mark's redfish hit....they are getting more active. Look on the shallow flats during the heat of the day for them to be sunning and feeding themselves. We have found lots of bait on the flats. I have several reports of redfish caught on the east side from Bear Point south to the Power Plant.

Snook fishing has been mostly at night, but we are finding lots of them on the edges of the flats chasing bait. Weather and winds permitting, look around the docks early in the mornings also. Live baits have been working best and some of the night anglers are catching shorts, slots and a few oversized ones.

Bridges have been holding sheephead, sand perch and black drum. There have been catches of croakers, but I haven't had many reports of them as yet. Pompano turned on for some anglers along the beaches this week. I received a number of reports of nice pompano catches by those using shrimp or sand fleas in the surf. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel and jacks have been hanging around the inlet and surf. Grouper have been hitting around the turning basin for us a couple of days this week. Ladyfish and jacks are everywhere!

Tip of the Week: Size and bag limits on fish in our area have been set over the years to help keep our fish population healthy and increasing each year. Slot sizes on snook, trout and redfish are in place to keep the larger female fish out there to breed for the future generations of anglers. I had the misfortune of watching a family catch and kill a 40" snook and pretend to revive it until everyone had left. As I left, I watched them scurry to get it loaded and out of there before any law enforcement could have arrived. It was sad to see a beautiful specimen taken out of the spawning population.

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852
 

April 5, 2007

Inshore:

Well, it's hard to believe, but the winds finally let up this week and provided us with some great fishing weather here on the Treasure Coast. Trout were biting, redfish tailing and snook feeding on the flats. We had some great trips out there with lots of fun this week! Hope you had a chance to enjoy the weather and the fishing.

Trout continues to be the most productive fish on the river for us. Everyone enjoyed catching trout this week that ranged up to 22 inches. We had our usual luck with jerk baits or live shrimp. Popping corks do wonders this time of year on the flats. 8 year old Cole was on the boat with his dad, Skip Haile, and his brother and proceeded to show us all how to catch trout that day. Harbor Branch and Round Island have been holding some nice trout. Bill, Joe and Chris Premo also had a good day trout fishing.

We had a few good snook catches, but just couldn't squeeze out a slot size though. Harry Patton boated a nice 25" snook and Jeff Amorello also caught a nice one this week. Night anglers have continued to catch slot size snook on live bait, jigs or deep diving lures around the bridges and turning basin. Top water, twitch baits and soft baits have helped us hook up with snook lately.

Several morning we found redfish tailing on the shallow flats. We were rewarded this week when Joe Premo battled it out with a nice 30" red on the shallow flats. Soft baits have been the bait of choice by redfish lately. Ease up quietly on the flats if you want a chance at finding some tailing. They will head off to deeper water at the least noise this time of year.

Bridges have been producing sheephead, black drum and sand perch. Bluefish, whiting and some pompano have been cruising along the beaches. The jetties have had the usual Spanish mackerel, bluefish and jacks. Ladyfish and jacks are everywhere in the river and can give you lots of fun moments, especially for the kids!

Tip of the Week: Take a minute this week and open up that first aid kit. Make sure it is stocked with the necessary items for emergencies. Replace any items that might look damp or old with fresh ones. Maybe you don't have a first aid kit on the boat. It's a good time to purchase one and have it ready should any unforeseen accident arise. Simple things like Band-Aids can sure come in handy some days. When you are on a boat with lots of things moving and most have sharp points.....it pays to be prepared!

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

772-284-3852
 

March 29, 2007

Inshore:

I had a fantastic week out there on the water. Oh yeah, the winds blew and the river was choppy on most days, but my fun came in the excitement of watching kids fishing. I had the pleasure of having several charters that involved kids who aged from four years to the teens. Nothing can beat the expressions on a child's face as they are reeling in a fish. Take a kid fishing with you soon!

Once again, trout were our mainstays out on the water. Find some clean grass flats on the east side of the river and you should find some trout hanging around. I had Tyler and Vincent Serio on the boat sunday for the Teen Angler Tournament and Tyler caught a nice trout that won him the Middle School Division this month. Anthony was down with his dad from Long Island and he boated a nice 22" trout on a twitch bait. Hal and Chris fished with me on saturday and we caught a number of nice trout out there on the grass flats. Jerk baits and live shrimp has also worked well for us this week

We found a number of redfish up on the shallow flats. Most were sunning those days, but we did manage a nice slot on saturday. As the water temps continue to rise, look for them to become more active and hungry out there. We should see some schooling soon. Soft baits, twitch baits or gold spoons are always a good start on the flats. We have been fishing mostly the east side of the river the past few weeks.

Snook fishing was great earlier in the week for the night anglers. Several reported catching their limits a few nights this week. Live shrimp or pinfish have been the best choices, with feather jigs a close second. Up on the flats, use top water early on the edges for another chance at a hookup with a snook. We caught several up to 24" earlier in the week on the flats. Hal Weliver reported a nice 27" snook taken on the flats this week.

Ladyfish and jacks have provided us with several days of fun. I had the pleasure of taking Keith Mullins and his two boys, Turner (7) and Frank (4) out on the river and they had a great time catching the lively ladies. Turner caught the largest one I have seen around here in a long time. It gave him a good workout, but he won the battle. Bridges have been yielding black drum, sheephead and sand perch this week. Those brave enough to hit the surf have been catching whiting and some bluefish. Spanish mackerel and bluefish have continued to hang around the jetties.

Tip of the Week: I think spring is trying to work its way into the Treasure Coast. Spring bring lots of sunshine and opportunities to get out fishing as the wind gradually lets up. It's a great time to fish and also a great time for that sunburn! Both the sun, wind and water together can give you that beet red look in a very short time. Make sure you use plenty of good sunscreen when you hit the water. It only takes a second to put it on and sure makes the end of the day much more enjoyable for everyone.

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

772-284-3852

March 22, 2007

Inshore:

We all know that March is always a windy month around here on the Treasure Coast, and yet, we will continually complain about it....year after year! Well, this week was no different and the winds...they blew. Just about every day was a challenge on getting out...thinking about getting out and often not getting out on the water.... Looks like the winds will continue for several more days, but at least it might just slow down a little. If you do get out, do it safely!

The days we could get on the water, the trout fishing was our best opportunity most of the time. Most fishing was on the east side of the river and, remarkably, the water down south of Fort Pierce remained quite clear on the eastern shore. Doug boated a nice 20" trout on a windy day out there. Jim Simpson and Paul Spivey caught a number of short trout, just before the weather turned ugly on us. We found trout hitting jerk baits, twitch baits and live shrimp. I didn't get a chance to head up to the north end of the county this week, but I did get some reports of trout up in the Round Island area. Early mornings provided the best bite for us down around Bear Point and the power plant.

Snook fishing was somewhat hindered, but I did talk to some of the die-hard anglers who did bring in some nice slot size snook this week. Live bait or jigs were the best choices for baits. I did find some snook hanging around the edges of the flats one morning and boated a 24" on light tackle. Twitch baits worked on the flats. As the winds die off, there will be plenty of areas to get out and fish for the snook again.

We found redfish up on the flats on the days we could get there. Doug Tricarico found a nice fat 25" redfish hanging in a foot of water on the flats. He caught it on a soft shrimp bait. Look for more to feed in the shallows as the water continues to warm up now. Soft baits, gold spoons or top water will be good choices to use.

Bridges have been holding black drum, sheephead and some Spanish mackerel, while the surf has continued to yield whiting to those brave souls out in the easterly winds. Jacks and ladyfish are doing what they do best.........wreak havoc all over the river! We also managed a few bluefish who have been hanging around the ladyfish lately.

Tip of the Week: It's about that time to check and make sure you have rain gear stowed aboard you vessel. Make sure it hasn't gotten wet and mildewed since the last rains....many months ago. It can sure help take the edge off one of the rain showers we have had of late. Of course, the grass is sure happy to see them come to the area. Keep safe out there and stay attuned to the changing weather this time of year.

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

772-284-3852

 

March 15, 2007

Inshore:

Springtime weather spread throughout the Treasure Coast this week, bringing lots of sunshine and a few less windy days to make for mild fishing on the water. It sure has been a welcome change from the past month on the river. But as March is well known for....we can expect a windy weekend ahead of us and maybe bringing some much needed rain to the area.

Trout was again our number one target this week. We had some nice days to fish both sides of the river for seatrout. Mark and Doug Amorello were down and caught a number of slot size trout over the weekend. Frank Depento and his buddy Pete were in the area and we managed a few slot sizes on a slower day this week. Our best day was Tuesday, when Bob Altieri and his buddies, Mark and Tony were out with me. They boated two dozen nice trout that day with Mirrolures and jerk baits on the flats. Fish the grass flats in two to four feet of water around the river.

Snook fishing around the inlet has been producing some slots and a few over slots on live baits or jigs. The north bridge has been one of the better areas. Don't forget to drop a live shrimp around some of the docks for another chance at a hookup with a snook. Mark Amorello and his son Doug were fishing the flats with me using soft baits, when Mark hooked up with one huge over-the-slot snook in about a foot and a half of water. It was great to watch that fish come clean out of the water a couple times before spitting the hook. He did manage a nice 24" snook to ease the pain a little!

We found some reds on the flats, but they just weren't feeding when we were there. As this water continues to warm up, the redfish should become more active. Soft baits, gold spoons and early morning top water help get a chance at a hookup. The ones we found were shallow later in the mornings in two feet of water.

Bridges are continuing to give up Spanish mackerel, sand perch, croakers and sheephead. Black drum have also been around the inlet and structure in the river. I did get a report of a few larger snapper being caught around some of the docks this week. Surf anglers are enjoying a good whiting bite lately, with bluefish and mackerel mixed in the catch. Mark, who was out with Bob and Tony caught five or six grouper around the turning basin this week on live shrimp.

Tip of the Week:
March is traditionally one of those windy months here on the Treasure Coast. Use the winds to your advantage on the river. Use them to make drifts across trout flats. East or west winds can provide one side of the river that is fishable and easier to maneuver on the flats. North or south winds can be difficult, but we have islands that can provide protection and areas to fish. Drifting can allow you to cast downwind and fish farther ahead of the boat before the fish can detect you in the area. We will always gripe about windy days.....but use it to your advantage to help make your day more productive.

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

772-284-3852
 

March 8, 2007

Inshore:

Windy days prevailed most of this week on the Treasure Coast. Fish were biting most days if you could find a place to fish out of the winds. It did taper down a little by Wednesday. It was hard to find a place to fish on Saturday and Sunday as the latest front came rolling through the area.

Trout fishing started out good and slowed down as the cold front lowered the water temperatures as the days went by. By Wednesday, the water had cooled off quite a bit and fishing slowed down. We managed to continue to catch trout, but most were shorts. Brian Chamberlain boated a nice fat 24" trout over the weekend. Rob Schick took home several nice trout for lunch. Justin Harviston was down south and got into some trout. Matt Cassidy and his buddies had several hours of fun catching trout and ladyfish one after another. Michael Lawrence and I were out the day the water cooled off and although we caught trout, the shorts were hitting in the cool water. Once the water warms up again, look for the trout to get active on the flats. Live shrimp, twitch baits or jerk baits have worked well for us lately.

Redfish continue to sun themselves on the flats. We scared a number while fishing the flats. We spent most of our time targeting trout. Hal and Brandon Weliver reported catching a half dozen slot size redfish south of Fort Pierce in the shallow flats. Soft baits imitating shrimp worked for them. Action should pick up as spring warms up the water.

Snook anglers fishing at night are finding on and off nights lately. Feather jigs and large shrimp are the choice baits for night anglers. Both bridges in Fort Pierce have produced snook along with the seawalls of the turning basin. Don't forget to drop a live shrimp around some of the local docks for a chance at a snook. Bob Bergen reported catching a nice 24" snook on the flats down near the Power Plant along with some trout this week.

Bridges have enjoyed catches of croakers, sheephead and Spanish mackerel. Live or dead shrimp is the bait of choice and shiny lures are being cast for mackerel also. The inlet continues to hold mackerel and bluefish, while the surf is yielding whiting and a few reports of pompano. Shrimp or sand fleas are the norm along the beaches. Looks like we might just have a nice weekend ahead of us, so plan on getting on the water soon.

Tip of the Week:
When is the last time you checked out your safety equipment on the boat? This year.....last year.....never???? Did you know that if your safety equipment includes flares, they are dated and must be current to be considered part of your equipment. Outdated flares might not work properly and won't pass a check by the Coast Guard or law enforcement. With spring nearly here, make sure all of your equipment is current and usable. It's there to provide you with the proper items to deal with an emergency situation.

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

772-284-3852
 

March 1, 2007

Inshore:

March has arrived on the Treasure Coast and most of us are hoping for nice warm weather after some of the cold fronts that visited us last month. Traditionally, we can expect windy conditions along with some rain clouds. It might dictate where and when you can get on the water, but at least we aren't cutting holes in the ice to fish! Take advantage of the good days and get out fishing.....

As the sun warms up the water again, look for fish to travel into the shallows to feed. Trout will continue to be most prevalent in the deeper grass flats in two to four feet of water. Those anglers using live shrimp on popping corks, soft baits and top water will have the best chance at hooking up with a trout. I like to fish the edges of the shallows where the water drops off to these depths. You can find some trout on the flats early, but they tend to go deeper after sunup. Depending on weather conditions, there are many areas to fish.

Redfish will get more active this month and you can find some tailing on the flats in early mornings. Top water, soft baits or gold spoons are good choices for finding a spot tail on the flats. Don't forget to fish around the mangroves also. So far this winter there has continued to be a good redfish population around the river and the fishing has been good for them. I tend to like the east side of the river for redfish, but you can find them on the west side also. Live shrimp or soft baits have worked very well for us in the past around these areas.

Anglers will continue to target snook around the inlets, docks and bridges on the Treasure Coast. Live bait always works best, but feather jigs and hard baits can also get you hooked up. Most of the action will be at night and at both ends of the tides. As the water warms up around the area, the snook action will liven up also. Those fishing the flats can also find snook feeding early or late in the day. Fish the mangroves during the rest of the day. Top water, twitch baits or soft baits can do the trick in March on the flats.

We are still wondering what happened to the pompano bite this year and hopefully we will get some in March. Both the river and beaches have been holding them, but not much on catch reports for now. Whiting. Bluefish and pompano will be hanging around the beaches this month. The inlet will be holding Spanish mackerel, jacks and bluefish. Jack Crevalle and ladyfish continue to haunt the river and provide fun catch for all. Bridges should give up catches of sand perch, sheephead and black drum on live or dead shrimp.

I think we are all ready for spring to arrive here on the Treasure Coast. It won't be long! Take some time to check all your equipment now and be ready as the weather improves to get out on the water. Make sure your reels are in good working order. Check your rods for broken or cracked tips and guides. How old in that line?? Get ready now on some of the windy days , so you will be ready to head out to the water! Have a great March for fishing!

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

772-284-3852
 

February 15, 2007

Inshore:

It was one of those weeks where one day the fish are biting and the next you are scratching your head. The last part of this week provided warmer water and the fish reacted to it. Guess it won't last too long with this next cold front bearing down on us from the frozen north. Dress warm if you are heading out this weekend!

The trout bite was good over the weekend, but downshifted earlier in the week to slow. Even the ladyfish were taking a few days off. The water had warmed up by Thursday and the trout were back to their usual areas and hungry. We boated 8 1/2 on Thursday.....one was cut in half by a shark on the way to the boat. Live bait, soft baits and top water should get you a strike this weekend if the water stays on the warmer side. The western flats to the south of Fort Pierce held trout later in the week.


The redfish have continued to stay on the flats when the sun is out. John M. was down and we found several on the flats, but they were just not feeding earlier this week. The bite picked back up on Thursday along the mangroves. Some good reports have come from the eastern side of the river. Soft baits have worked best when targeting redfish. Fish your lures slow this time of year.

Snook reports have picked up the latter part of the week. Mostly shorts, but a few anglers have reported slots being taken. We managed two shorts along Bear Point on Thursday. Soft baits and top water on the flats and mangroves will be a good choice of baits for snook.

Live bait and jigs around the inlet and bridges will give you the best chance at a hook-up. Jetty anglers are still fishing for bluefish, jacks and Spanish mackerel. Bridges are yielding sheephead, black drum and some croakers. Live or dead shrimp is the bait of choice for these. Pompano are still being skipped along the river, but the bite just hasn't been here this year. A few are being taken on the surf along with whiting.

Tip of the Week:
Winter is always a good time to check your batteries in the boat. Cold weather and batteries just don't always mix well. A worn and tired battery can suddenly die on you at the ramp. It also gives you the opportunity to make sure connections are free of corrosion. Of course, some days you keep looking for the heater and just can't seem to find it!!

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

772-284-3852

 

February 2, 2007

Inshore:

Snook season opened this week on the Treasure Coast. Some anglers enjoyed catching their first slots of the season, while others were still out there at daylight in search of theirs. I only spotted about six boats around the inlet at 6 am on Thursday morning. Others showed up around the area as the tide peaked on the river. Most anglers were targeting the seawalls, docks and bridges on the first day of snook season.

The weather this week made fishing a challenge on most days to get out of the winds. Some days started out nice, but ended up blowing by mid-mornings. This weekend looks like a good chance at showers for the next several days out there. Check the weather before you venture out!

Trout have continued to stay in two to five feet of water. If you can find clean water, then you can find some trout around there. Soft baits, live shrimp or twitch baits should get you a bite out there. We missed a few on Thursday on top water bites. If the wind permits, the east side of the river from Fort Pierce to the Power Plant can produce some nice trout catches.

Redfish have continued to hang on the flats and in deeper cuts along the river. Doug Taylor boated a nice slot size in about a foot of water on a soft bait. Hal and Brian Weliver found a nice cut this week and have been catching their limit for several days now. Fish your soft baits slow...and on the bottom for the best chance. Be quiet in the shallow water and move along slowly. The reds on the flats are usually sunning and will run at the least sound. Queen's Cove and down around the Power Plant have been productive on redfish so far this winter.

Jetty anglers are still catching bluefish, mackerel and jacks on shiny lures or live baits. Bridges are producing sand perch, snapper, sheephead and black drum on live or dead shrimp. Surf anglers are seeking whiting, pompano and bluefish along the beaches.

Tip of the Week: Their are always discussions and questions about fishing knots. Everyone has their own favorites that they rely on day after day. I am adding a few links on the internet of sites that provide instructions on tying different knots. One of the most frustrating things in fishing is having a knot fail while fighting a fish. Hope these sites help you find that knot that won't fail!

http://www.netknots.com/

http://www.doalures.com/knots.htm

http://www.animatedknots.com/

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

772-284-3852
 

January 25, 2007

February Fishing Forecast for the Treasure Coast

Inshore:

Spring is just around the corner! It's time to get out fishing. Can you believe that it is already February here on the Treasure Coast. With still a few cold fronts to blast through the area, it has been a mild winter so far and the fishing along the Indian River
has been good. Look for winds to continue to blow this month, but finding a place to fish won’t be hard in the river. Spring isn’t far off!

Last year, the redfish were beginning to school up in small groups on the flats. With mild water temperatures, look for them to start hanging around together soon. Gold spoons, top water, soft baits and live/cut bait should get them to the boat. Watch the water…they can be out there sunning and you might never notice them. The normal areas, like Queen’s Cove and Round Island will be the usual haunts for redfish. Remember to keep a quiet, stealthy mode on the flats this time of year.

Lots of snook anglers will be out this month in search of that secret spot for keeper linesiders. The inlet, bridges and docks will be first choice for most anglers. Around the mangroves will also be a great area to look for snook. Live bait and red tail hawks will be the best baits around the inlet areas. On the flats and docks, try live shrimp, top water and twitch baits for a chance at a hookup. With lots of anglers awaiting snook season opening...it will be busy on the water the first part of the month!

Trout will be hanging around in the deeper cuts of the river. Look for two to four feet of water that is clean for trout to be feeding. Live shrimp on a popping cork is always a great choice of bait. Also try, top water, jerk baits and twitch baits out there. Harbor Branch and the Power Plant flats are usually clean and hold trout most of the year. With some of the windy weather still ahead, some day might be a challenge to find clean water during the month.

Pompano should be cruising the river and beaches in February. Keep a small jig or sand flea ready if you find a school of them. The bite has been slow in January, but should kick off any day now. Bridges will be holding sand perch, black drum and sheephead during the month. Live or dead shrimp will be the best baits for them. Look for bluefish and spanish mackerel to be around the inlet and surf. Ladyfish and jack crevalle will still be cavorting around the bait and willing to give you a good fight on light tackle. Get the kids out one weekend and have some fun with them!


Tip of the Week:
Remember! Snook season re-opens February 1st. Be well aware of slot sizes and limits and…..have you checked your license and snook stamp lately? Don’t get caught without them! Enjoy some great fishing in February!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852
 

January 18, 2007

Inshore:

Wind and rain has been the story of the weather this week on the Treasure Coast. Winds kept many areas out of reach most days. Several days of constant drizzling rain left us waterlogged and wet. Looks like we will have similar weather again this week. Keep your rain gear handy!

Trout are still hanging around the usual flats. Alex West took home a slot size trout for dinner on Sunday in spite of the rain. It was hit or miss on trout if you could get out to fish. Twitch baits, soft baits and live shrimp has been working the best in 2-5 feet of water. Look for clean water to find trout.

Redfish are still hanging on the flats, but scattered right now. We managed a couple Wednesday during one of the few rain breaks of the day. Doug Taylor boated a nice 23" redfish on a shad tail soft bait on the flats. Also try gold spoons or live shrimp for a chance at a redfish.

Snook reports were scattered this week. Docks and bridges have been giving up catches when fishable. The north bridge has had the best results. Winds kept many anglers away from the water. My wife, Eva, went out with me last Saturday and fought a nice slot size snook to the boat before it released itself for her! Top water on the flats and soft baits around the mangroves might just find you one.

Jacks and mackerel have been patrolling the inlets and jetties along with some bluefish. Ladyfish continue to haunt the edges of the flats. I have been seeing more pompano in the river lately and the reports have been improving on catches both in the river and on the beaches. Shrimp or sand fleas are the baits of choice. Bridges are still coughing up sand perch, snapper, black drum and sheephead.

Tip of the Week: Moisture is not your friend on your boat. Rain, sea spray and humidity can creep into any compartment in the boat and next thing you have is a mildew garden growing everywhere. I open hatches after each trip to let them dry out and reduce the odds of mildew growing. I clean out one compartment after each trip. There are many good products on the market to help keep your storage clean and mildew free. I haven't found any salad dressings that taste good on mildew!

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

772-284-3852

 

January 11, 2007

Inshore:

One of our usual cool fronts has worked its way across the Treasure Coast the past few days, bringing cooler night temperatures upon us. It looks like the next week should be great weather for anglers in the area. We will continue to have our normal windy days, but there are plenty of areas to fish out of it. Hope you had a chance to fish this week.

Trout fishing was our target the past week. We fished several areas and where we found cleaner water, we found trout on the flats. With the warmer water before the front, the trout were hanging in one to three feet of water. Capt. Pat Wells went fishing with me last friday and we found good numbers of slot size trout biting and caught two that hit the 25" mark. With the winds changing continually, you will have to check out the usual areas for clean water. Live shrimp, soft baits and twitch baits have worked best for us this week.

Snook fishing slowed down for us this week. They are still hanging around the mangroves in the deeper cuts. As the water warms up some this week, look for snook to be hitting the flats for a snack. Try top water if the conditions permit or a slow sinking twitch bait if it is choppy. Don't forget to try around the docks early with live shrimp.

Redfish are still being caught, but most reports continue to be from the south of Fort Pierce on the flats. Live shrimp, gold spoons or soft baits are the best choices right now. You can also find some reds hanging around the docks on the west side of the river. I'll be heading south this weekend to look for some.

If ladyfish had wings, they would probably be as thick as mosquitoes! It's a good time of year to get the kids out and show them some fun on the water. Watching that smile on a young one when a ladyfish or jacks hits their lures is worth it! Jacks are just about as thick out there. Have some fun this week! Along the inlet has anglers fishing for sheephead, sand perch and black drum around the bridges. In the surf, whiting, bluefish and occasionally pompano can be caught. Pompano reports are still not much to speak of for now.

Tip of the Week:
Winter is a great time to check over your equipment in anticipation of spring fishing. With so many windy days, there will be lots of opportunities to change line, check reels and clean out the ol' tackle box. Spring will be here before you know it and being ready to enjoy the great fishing is important to us all. Rummaging through a tackle box will sure bring back summer memories of fishing adventures past.

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

772-284-3852
 

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.

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.

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.

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
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Treasure Coast Inshore Forecast- January

I find it hard to believe that the year has passed by so quickly . 2007 is here with high hopes and new resolutions. I hope that everyone will resolve to keep our waters safe, clean and preserve our wonderful fishing experience for generations to come! 2006 was a great year for fishing along the Treasure Coast and I anticipate this new year will bring even better opportunities for us all.

January brings about more cold fronts working through the Treasure Coast each week and if the water temperatures remain mild like last winter, we can expect the fishing to be just as good this year. Lots of windy days will determine where or if you can fish, whether inshore or offshore. There are many places in the river to fish and stay out of the wind on those gusty days. I always like to keep Round Island and Jaycee Park ramps in mind on such days.

The opening of trout season on the East Coast of Florida begins this month.. Trout should be feeding on the grass flats in 2 - 4 feet of water during this time of year. Live shrimp on a popping cork is always a good choice. Soft baits on jig heads or twitch baits should also antagonize a trout into striking. On calm mornings, get out the good ol' top water and try it. Look for clean water in the winter for the trout to be hanging out on.

While snook season remains closed this month, there is nothing wrong
with catch, photo and release on the linesiders. Always popular
places are around the bridges and the inlet area. Live shrimp or
pinfish will be your best choice this month. Out on the flats during
January, I like to target the flats south of Fort Pierce with popping corks and large shrimp in 2 - 4 feet of water. Snook will be hanging around those flats looking for an easy meal.

Redfish will head up on the flats as the sun warms the water. Being
extra stealthy will get you a chance for a spot tail. I like soft baits and gold spoons during the winter months. Top water can also work on calmer mornings. This is the time of year you can find small schools tailing in the early mornings on the flats. Live or cut bait can also get you a bite from a redfish this time of year. Try Round Island flats or the flats on the west shore south of Fort Pierce towards the Power Plant. Hitting some of the docks both north and south of the bridges can also get you a hookup.

Bridge anglers will be fishing for croakers, sand perch, sheephead
and black drum this month. Live or dead shrimp is always the bait of
choice on the catwalks. The inlet will continue to hold jacks,
bluefish and Spanish mackerel during January. Pompano should be
hanging around the deeper cuts of the flats and along the beaches. I
have already started seeing them in several areas and look to see
more soon. Don't forget to try your luck in the surf for pompano
this month.

I hope your New Year is filled with exciting fish tales and adventures! Have a great year on the Treasure Coast!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good fishing and Happy New Year,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

December 20, 2006

Inshore:

It was a week of dodging wind and rain throughout the Treasure Coast. If you could dodge one.....the other would sneak up on you. If you didn't mind getting damp or wind blown....the fishing was great on the river! Water temperatures have dropped due to all the rain, but they should rise back up quickly. The fish still don't care if your are getting wet or not!

It's funny how the snook seem to know when the season is over and they can bite at will and be safe. We caught quite a few snook this week on the flats. Look for them to continue hanging off the edges of the flats in two to four feet of water. Where you can find a lot of bait, the snook will follow. Dillon and Vincent from Teen Anglers were on the boat with me on Sunday. They caught and released 8 snook up to 29 inches. Live shrimp, soft baits and twitch baits have worked the best. Any flats on the east side of the river, due to the winds, should get you a chance at a hookup.

We caught several trout this past week on the same flats with the same lures. Trout season will reopen on January 1st, so it's good practice for now. Live shrimp on popping corks work well during the winter months along with top water, soft baits and twitch baits. Most of the flats south of the Fort Pierce bridges should work along with Round Island and Harbor Branch to the north.

Redfish, again, were cruising the same flats this week. Dillon boated a nice 26" redfish to win the Teen Angler Middle School division and take the big fish award. He caught it on a live shrimp on a popping cork. The will also be taking gold spoons and twitch baits this time of year. Find the bait schools and they won't be far behind. Fish for them in two to four feet of water early and find them in the shallows as the sun warms up the water.

Lots of jacks and ladyfish still creating havoc among the bait. Lots of fun on light tackle for anyone. Vincent boated and released a four foot bonnethead shark this week on the flats. Croakers are being caught around the bridges and along the inlet. Some flounder are still being caught around the inlet area. Pompano have been spotty, but are in the river. Keep a rod ready with a small jig tipped with shrimp if you happen on them. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are still around the jetties. Not many reports from the surf anglers. The easterly winds have kept it pretty much blown out for now. There are still some hard core anglers out there though.

Tip of the Week:
Winter can bring lots of variables to fishing. Windy weather and temperature changes can make even the best day challenging. Fishing can be fantastic during these month if you are willing to change tactics and try something different. Look to deeper water to find fish as the water cools off. Try different lures or baits when the "old reliables" don't seem to be working. Be willing to try some different areas. Wind will dictate a lot of where you can find fishable waters, but on the Treasure Coast, there are always places that you can fish out of the worst of the weather. Have fun this winter!

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

772-284-3852
 

December 14, 2006

Inshore:

Strong easterly winds have kept most of the river out of reach for the majority of anglers this week. Offshore was about shut down for most boaters. But on the brighter side....if you could find your way to the eastern shores of the river, you could find it still fishable and the water has remained quite clean in a lot of areas. Funny....the winds just never seem to matter to the fish! With more sunny days lately, the water temperatures have remained warm for this time of year.


There are several boat ramps that come to mind whenever the weather dictates the areas you can fish. With winds coming from the east, Round Island and Jaycee Park are just the ticket to get out and miss most of the choppy waters. If you are in a kayak or wading....there are also many areas along the river on A1A between Fort Pierce and Jensen Beach to put in. We have another front headed this way, so watch the forecast and plan you excursions with the wind direction in mind.

I headed south this week to fish some of the banks that were protected from most of the windy conditions. From Bear Point south to the Power Plant, the water is still nice and I found the fish hitting in one to four feet of water. A lot of short snook out there, but there have been a number of slots taken this past week. Some nice catch and release trout were also hanging in the same depths along with slot size redfish.

A good variety of fish are being caught on the bridges in the inlet. Croakers, sand perch, sheephead and black drum top the list for those anglers. Live or dead shrimp has worked best. Jetty anglers are still catching bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Snook fishing around the inlet and bridges has been steady with some slots being taken. Still some flounder being taken around the river on live shrimp. The pompano fishing should be picking up soon as they are continuing to work their way into the river.

Areas that I would recommend checking out this week depending on the weather. Round Island flats, Bear Point, the Power Plant and any docks that might be fishable. I have been having luck on twitch baits and soft baits this week. Fish them slower this time of year. I found a lot of my strikes were coming after the fish had followed it for a while to the boat. Later in the mornings, try gold spoons on the flats for a chance at a redfish.

Tip of the Week:
REMEMBER! Snook season closes at midnight tonight and won't reopen until February 1st. Trout season will remain closed the rest of December. Ignorance won't be an excuse if you get caught! Know your seasons and slot sizes on the fish you catch. A fine for illegal fish will cost you much more than the fish is worth......

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

772-284-3852
 

December 7, 2006

Inshore:

December winds can keep you off the water one day....and you are out there the next. Just watch the weather as each front moves across the Treasure Coast and hopefully the conditions are favorable for the days you are planning on heading out on the river or ocean. There were a few very nice days this week for anglers to enjoy the sun and water. Mild temperatures made those days seem summer-like.

Earlier in the week, snook, trout and redfish were biting on the flats. Soft plastics and shallow running lures worked best for them. I like the shrimp tails or shad tails on the flats. Again, root beer or new penny colors were my best choices. Chartreuse in the shallow running lures worked best also. We had a nice redfish on for a short time today along the mangroves, but boated a couple nice slot size on Tuesday. Hit the deeper flats early and move up to the shallows as the sun warms up the water.

The ladyfish were everywhere this week. I had Rob and Ron on the boat and after we lost our redfish, we headed to several spots that kept them busy with big ladyfish to end our day. They tend to beat the trout to the bait. We found some pompano skipping around the Harbor Branch flats today. Bob Bergen and his fishing buddy boated a nice pompano this week. Jacks were hitting also earlier in the week. Jetty anglers and the bridges were getting nice catch of sand perch most of this week. Snook fishing in the inlet has slowed down some. Some slots are being caught, but it seems the bite this year hasn't lived up to last years so far.

Looks like it is gonna blow again for another few days, but by Sunday things might ease up a bit to get out. That's one great thing about the Indian River here......you can always find somewhere to fish in just about any wind conditions.
Tip of the Week:
As the water temperatures continue to cool along the Treasure Coast, it's time to slow down your retrieve as you work your lures. Fish move more slowly as they wait for the suns warmth each day. As their metabolism slows, they will not be in any hurry to waste energy chasing lures. Slow it down and you will catch more fish.

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

772-284-3852
 

Happy Holiday Fishing along the Treasure Coast!

December Fishing Forecast:

Here it is December already and the Holidays are almost upon us. Where has this year gone? I must say it has been a great year for fishing all along the Treasure Coast. Both inshore and offshore has provided anglers with many great fishing adventures. We were blessed with a mild winter last year and hopefully we can look forward to another great year for winter fishing!

December brings on the winter months and changes fishing tactics on the river. The water temperatures continue to fall and your fishing must adjust to the weather. We will get many days of breezy winds that will hinder getting to some favorite spots out there. That's one of the reasons I love fishing in this area....you can always find somewhere to fish! Not only does the cooler weather affect the fish, it also requires us to dig out the ol' winter fishing clothes. It can get pretty chilly some mornings!

Trout and snook will be targets throughout the winter. Although trout season will remain closed through December and snook season closes December 15th, lots of anglers will still play catch and release with them. Fishing around bridges, docks and inlets can bring great action with snook hanging around the deeper waters of the river. Using live bait, red tail hawks and bomber lures can help you catch one worth a photo opportunity. Trout will tend to hang around the deeper cuts of the river. Move off to three to six feet of water for trout. Live shrimp on popping corks will work the best for them. You can also find snook and redfish hanging around those areas, too.

Pompano will begin to show up in the river and beaches this month. Spanish mackerel will continue to hang out in their favorite haunts of the river. Jack Crevalle will be traveling around in packs chasing bait all over the river. Flounder should continue to hit in the inlets and sandy areas of the river. Ladyfish is a great way to spend a few hours with the kids on the water. The bridges will be holding sheephead, croakers and sand perch for those anglers. Live or dead shrimp is always the best bet from the catwalks.

Redfish were hanging around the flats all last winter and I don't see any reason why you won't find them there this year. The past two years, the redfish population has explodedin our area! Schools of reds have given many anglers a fantastic fishing experience on our saltwater flats. Look for them as the sun warms up the water. You will find small groups at times tailing along the flats. Gold spoons, twitch baits and live bait can entice one into striking. Work your baits slow and remain stealthy to keep from sending them to depths unknown.....

Winter fishing is already here. Change your tactics with the weather and follow the water temperatures more closely to make your fishing more productive. The fishing on our Treasure Coast continues to improve each years. If we all do our share to protect our rivers, we can insure the future generations will enjoy the same experiences we have been blessed with.

Remember,fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

November 23, 2006

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Inshore:

Where did that cold front come from this week? I had to check my drivers license to make sure I hadn't woke up in the wrong state! We were out on Tuesday and it was cold....cold....cold..... But as always in Florida, it's gonna warm up by the weekend and looks like great fishing weather ahead.

If you could find a place out of the wind there were fish to be caught. Last weekend was great fishing just before the front came through. I had Dave and Cody Howard out with me and we caught a variety of fish. Cody with a little help from dad, caught trout, redfish, snook, flounder, jacks and ladyfish. We had a great day out there. The weather was fantastic!

Jim Witham was with me Tuesday and we struggled to find a place out of the wind most of the day. We caught redfish, mackerel and jacks in the places we could find. Later in the afternoon, the wind finally eased up and we found a small school of reds around the mangroves and Jim pulled a nice 27" redfish from the island. We had a great day in spite of the weather.

Look for the redfish to be on the flats once the sun rises and starts warming up the water. They have been going shallow by mid morning and that seems to be the best time to fish for them. Soft baits, gold spoon or live bait should be the best options. Round Island and around some of the docks have been holding redfish of late.

Snook anglers have been slowed down this week. Some reports of snook being taken and even some slots, but it has been quite a bit slower this year so far. We keep waiting fof it to take off any day. The best areas are still the turning basin and bridges, with shorts being taken around the mangroves. Dave Howard lost a nice size around the mangroves that would have been close to slot, but we did get a few shorts anyway.

Bridge anglers are enjoying sand perch, sheephead and black drum catches this week. Most are using live or dead shrimp for bait. The inlet is holding lots of jacks, spanish mackerel and bluefish, while there are whiting and some pompano being taken off the beach. We did see several pompano in the river this week, so look for that to pick up soon.

Tip of the Week:
This is one of those weekends that will be super busy on the water. Lots of people off work for the weekend and after stuffing yourself full of turkey, many will head out on the water. This is a weekend to practice courtesy, patience and safe boating habits. It's gonna be crowded, so lets all have a fun and safe weekend!

From my family to everyone, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby, it's an ADVENTURE!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Capt. Charlie
www.fishtalescharter.com

captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

November 15, 2006

Inshore:

For a few days it looked like summer again...but that is passing and looks like it's gonna be blowing a lot very soon! Winter is pretty predictable most weeks.....lots of wind and cool temperatures to keep you on your toes. The water has cooled off and you must change your fishing tactics to match the weather and temperatures.

We had another front head into the area, bringing windy conditions again. In spite of that, the fishing has remained active. Bridge anglers are enjoying catches of sheep head, croakers, flounder and some snapper. Beaches have been providing a few pompano, whiting and bluefish. The inlets have been holding lots of Spanish mackerel, bluefish and jacks.

Jordan Martinez caught this snook and lost a slot size at the boat....

Snook fishing has been doing well with the conditions. Mostly shorts, but some keepers are still being caught around the bridges, seawalls and jetties. Live bait or jigs have worked the best. We have found a number of shorts hanging around the docks this week. Jordan Martinez boated a nice short snook and lost another that would have been slot size from around the docks in Fort Pierce.

Tyler Serio weighing in his sheephead for first place Middle School at the Teen Angler tournament....

Redfish were scattered on the flats. I didn't target them this week, but had several reports of catches north of Fort Pierce on the flats. Gold spoons, live bait and soft baits are the best choices right now. As this front moves by and the sun warms up the flats, look for them to be out there. This is the time of year to find small groups tailing some mornings on the flats. Lets hope the wind cooperates!

Flounder fishing picked up earlier in the week. Live shrimp works best, with soft baits a second choice. Around docks, sandy flats and around the inlet is the top places to seek them out. Tyler Serio caught a couple on Sunday along with a nice sheep head to top off his day. Ladyfish and jacks are just about anywhere you go...so just have some fun catching them!

Let's keep hoping for a mild winter and keep the water temps above normal. We were fortunate last year and so far this one hasn't been so bad at all. Lots of places to fish and lots of ways to fish for them! Get out and have some fun this week.

Best of luck to all the SKA anglers out fishing this weekend!

Tip of the Week:
Take a few minutes once in a while and check all your rods for damage. Broken or chipped guides will insure the loss of that big catch.... It's amazing how sharp a chipped or cracked guide is. It can cut Power Pro like butter if not repaired. Take a piece of nylon panty hose and run it through your guides. If you have problems...you will sure find out quick. There are many things between your hands and that fish on the other end. Making sure everything works properly help make that photo opportunity a reality!

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

772-284-3852
 

November 9, 2006

Inshore:

.....The answer is blowin' in the wind.....Good line for a song huh?? That's the way most of this past week has run here on the Treasure Coast. Lots of wind to keep most of the anglers off the water and the fishing slowed down. Looks like it has passed on through and we can look forward to great weather for the coming weekend. I got a feeling that there will be lots of boaters out come Saturday morning!

The trout bite was good right before this last front moved through and it should pick right back up as the water clears up. I was out today and it wasn't as dirty as expected. Lots of fish are still hanging around on the flats at Round Island and down by the Power Plant. Top water, live shrimp and soft baits should muster up a hit. Just remember that trout season is closed and you can take a photo and release them for now.

Snook fishing around the bridges and inlet has been good on the turning tides when the current is slower. It is usually a short bite, but has been good if you are there for it. The north bridge in Fort Pierce has been the best for now. Don't forget to hit around the lighted docks at night or early mornings. Live bait and jigs have been working the best. Up on the flats there have been quite a few shorts hanging around the mangroves and on the flats early.

The redfish were out today, but scattered on the flats. Most will land in the slot size range. This time of year fish soft plastics or gold spoons slow on the flats. Some days will need a little persistence to find them. Round Island and Queen's Cove will be a good place to start. You can also try live or cut bait. Fish the deeper cuts on low tides and they will come up on the shallows during the high tides.

Spanish Mackerel and bluefish have been around the inlets and along some of the beaches. Sand perch and snapper have also been taken around structure. Jacks and ladyfish are just about everywhere right now. As the water clears back up, the fishing should start to improve all around the area. Looking forward to a great weekend of fishing....hope to see you out there!

Tip of the Week:
Trout just never got around to reading when they were in schools and don't realize that the season is closed for them now. Lots will still be caught during the next two months and must be released. Please handle the fish you release as little as possible and get them back into the water quickly. It's important to the future of fishing for us to protect our wonderful resources we have here on the Treasure Coast. We all want the grandkids and great-grandkids to experience the same fun and excitement that we have been fortunate to enjoy!


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

772-284-3852

 

November 2, 2006

Inshore:

It's hard to believe that November is already upon us and soon the sweet aromas of turkey and pumpkin pie will be here! Where has this year gone already? Fall will bring cooler weather and many more fronts that will move across the Treasure Coast. Windy weather will become the norm throughout the winter on many days. This time of year, you make adjustments to your fishing plans to match the weather conditions. We are fortunate to have so many areas to fish, no matter what the conditions are each day.

Remember that trout season is closed November and December, so you must release your catch for now. Trout fishing has steadily improved of late with larger fish being taken on the flats. Live bait, soft baits and twitch baits will all get them to bite this time of year. Round Island and Harbor Branch has been the best areas for us lately.

Redfish are scattered most of the time now, but we have been getting some up on the flats later in the mornings. Live or cut baits, along with soft plastics, gold spoons and twitch baits have all worked with them recently. Round Island and Queen's Cove are good areas up to the north, while east of the Power Plant has held some to the south.


Snook fishing has been mostly around the inlets and bridges for now. The bite hasn't been hot like we are used to, but it could turn on any day now. Some shorts and a few keepers reported, but it has been slower than normal. The flats will produce some shorts at first light and a few slot size will be cruising around up there also. Top water when the weather permits will be the best choice.

The bridges have been yielding sand perch to some anglers. Sheephead and some snapper also being taken on the catwalks. Jetty anglers are enjoying bluefish and Spanish mackerel catches. The surf is producing snook, bluefish, jacks and a few mackerel along the beach. Ladyfish are everywhere on the flats this week. Pete Knoll was out with me and we boated a number of them on his flyrod. Offshore has been giving up some dolphin and kingfish to those who braved the weather this week.

Tip of the Week:
Looking for a better way to work that top water lure or trying your luck on a new twitch bait? Many anglers have switched to loop knots on the majority of their lures to help make their action more natural. If you haven't tried a loop knot, you don't know what you might be missing. It allows the lure to move as it wants to, instead of the line dictating what action it will take. Soft baits will bounce along the bottom much better and more naturally than before. There are a number of loop knots out there. The knot on the DOA lures website is the best I have found. Try it sometime!

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

772-284-3852
 

October 26, 2006

Inshore:

Other than a few windy days, this week has provided some great fishing weather for anglers. I was out this morning and the water was flat on the river. Lots of bait everywhere and lots of predators out chasing it for breakfast. The water is trying to clear up and should be nice in a few days. Hope you had a chance to get out fishing this week!

Fishing was good for the most part if you could brave some of the windy weather during the week. Last weekend was great weather to be out on the water. Richy Freitas (with a little help from dad) boated a nice 22" trout and 26" redfish this week. Joe Senneville got himself a 26" redfish also this week along with an 18" trout. Look for the reds to be hanging around on the flats or cruising among the mullet or jack packs around the river. We have had our luck on soft baits (shrimp tails) or twitch baits.

The trout bite has improved around the river. Most of the flats have been giving up trout, but the usual haunts like Round Island and Queen's Cove will be a great place to start. It's that time of year to break out the popping corks for trout. I got an email from Herb Solinsky about his trip down here last week fishing. They fished mostly south of Fort Pierce to Stuart and caught snook to 29" along with a variety of fish from flounder and trout to snapper, grouper and most every fish that roams the river. Sounds like they had a great week fishing!

Snook has been somewhat slower this week. Lots of shorts being caught with a few slot size reported. We boated shorts this week and missed two slot size fish on the flats. They are hard on light tackle some days.... Your best chance will be at night along the bridges, inlets and lighted docks around the river. Live bait, jigs or bomber lures will be the choice baits out there. Catch the tides as they are slowing, especially the start of the outgoing tide.

The surf will give up bluefish, snook or tarpon if you find the bait pods along the beach. Live or artificials can give you a hookup and there are some big fish following the bait. Bridges have been producing some sand perch and snapper for anglers on the catwalks. The jack packs are all over the river for some added fun to your day. It's a great time of year for fishing!!

Tip of the Week:
When is the last time you checked the safety equipment on your boat? All boats have required items to carry on board for safety. Sound devices, flares, life preservers, etc are a must to have on board. Check with your local Coast Guard for the required items on your boat. It's a good idea to check these items a couple times a year. Flares have expiration dates and probably are the most often overlooked item because of that. If they are out of date you can be cited for not having the proper equipment. It only takes a couple of minutes to check your safety equipment. Should it ever be needed, you will be ready for an emergency.

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

772-284-3852

 

October 19, 2006

Inshore:

The weather has cooperated most of the week, providing anglers with ample opportunities to get out fishing both the river and the ocean. Looks like warm weather will be here for now and looks like the weekend should be good for fishing! Reports around the river has been mixed this week, but there are plenty of fish being caught.

Trout was the best bite of the week on the river. Reports of trout from the power plant flats north to Queen's Cove, Round Island and Harbor Branch areas. Live shrimp works the best, but top water early and soft baits during the day can get you a bite. I have been using shad or shrimp tails mostly in root beer or the darker colors. Most we caught were in the slot range and we did manage to miss a couple of larger ones.

A few redfish are being caught in the same areas on live bait or soft plastics. Try top water early for some opportunities also. Largest one was 24" on the boat this week. It will be harder to find them schooled up this time of year. Lots of roamers out there now, so be patient to get a hookup. We had our best hits on a natural color shrimp tail. Live or cut bait is always a good way to entice a redfish into biting. Check around the edges of the flats or along the mangroves.

Snook has been mixed. Some still being caught around the inlet areas, but it has been spotty at best this week. Look for the next full moon to provide some good action out there. Look around the flats early with top water and soft baits along the mangroves later. Look for the deeper mangrove cuts for them.

There are some pompano in the river now. We boated a nice one this week, which found its way to the grill for dinner. Live shrimp or soft baits can give you a chance at one. Look for flounder around the sandy flats or around the inlet areas. There are still some being caught on live shrimp or soft baits. The surf continues to hold jacks, bluefish, tarpon and snook. Watch for the bait pods for the best opportunities. I drove up to Sebastian last week and it was loaded up on mullet all along the beach.

Tip of the Week:
Using leaders is pretty basically a must in saltwater. Lots of teeth out there to bite into things and you can lose a fish if not prepared. We all have our favorite brands, sizes and colors. Remember to check the condition of your leader often throughout the day. Fraying or nicks can be caused by fish, foul ups or just brushing up against something underwater. That small nick or fray could cost you that big fish when it hits. I re-tie leaders very often during the day to insure the best chance at landing a fish. Don't let the one that got away be due to something you could prevent. Hope you get that big one this week!

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

772-284-3852

October 11, 2006

Inshore:

Ahhhh....fall weather has arrived. Mild mornings make it a fantastic way to spend a day on the water. The weather has cooperated very nicely this week and helped make the day very enjoyable on the water. We should continue with this great weather this next week! Expect the winds to arrive at any time during the day, but for now they have been just enough to take the edge off the heat of the day.

Catch of the Week!!



Eileen Anderson from Mass. caught and released this 28" (8 pound) gator trout this week.....

This week the trout bite has really improved. Look for clean water and bait to find some trout lurking around for an easy meal. Harbor Branch, Round Island and down by the Power Plant has been holding some slot size trout most of the week. Live shimp, pinfish or soft baits have work the best for us this week. The catch of the week surely went to Eileen Anderson from Mass. with her 8 pound, 28 inch gator trout. Congratulations to her for a great catch!

Snook fishing has been cooperative most of the week. Night fishing along the bridges, inlets and docks can give you a chance at a keeper linesider. Live baits are the first choice along with jigs and diving lures. Up on the flats, we caught mostly shorts, but there are some slot size hanging around the mangroves attacking the bait as it cruises by. The tides have been higher than normal, so you can fish a lot of areas that are usually too shallow.

We were off a bit on the redfish bite. Found several tailing and a number of singles on the flats, but they just didn't cooperate well this week. But next week......I will be after them again! Look for them to be hanging around the bait pods and running with the jacks and bluefish around the river.

Look for a lot of fish patrolling the beaches now. Snook, tarpon, bluefish and a host of others are chasing bait now. It's a great time of year for surffishing! Flounder have been all around the river. Lots of reports of them in different areas. Look for some flat sandy bottoms and fish them with live shrimp or soft baits. We have caught several on the flats this week.

Tip of the Week: You can see that the days are getting shorter and soon the time will change. Us early morning anglers must make sure our boat lights are in working order. If you go out prior to daylight, check your light and make sure they work properly. It's not only the law, but it is a must for safety on the water. I hit the water a lot of days by 5:30 am and I sure don't want to happen on a boat without lights. Keep the waters safe for us all!

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

772-284-3852
 

October 6, 2006

Inshore:

Feels like fall has arrived here on the Treasure Coast. Mild temperatures have tamed the heat of summer for now. The winds have subsided for a few days, allowing for some great fishing weather this weekend. The water is still working on clearing up, but has improved over last week. The tides have been much higher this week, due to the full moon and an easterly wind to help. Many flats that are usually unapproachable were open to fishing. It should be a busy weekend on the water!

Snook fishing picked back up with the full moon. Night anglers were catching shorts and slot size snook around the usual haunts in the inlets. Live bait, jigs, Bombers and Rapalas were the most common baits used. Early morning fishing on the flats have provided snook hanging around the mangroves. You can hear them crashing bait as it cruises by them. We caught a number of shorts and lost a couple nice slot size snook this week. Top water, shallow runners and soft baits have been working best for us this week. It was easy to find mangrove cover this week due to the higher tides.


The redfish were out on the flats. It's been harder to find them most days with the winds blowing on the water. We found a school cruising along with jacks crashing bait. Josh Lukat battled a nice 30" (9 pound) redfish out of the school, while his brother, Kyle, was bending his rod on a nice jack crevalle at the same time. Shallow runners, soft baits and top water are the best options for catching a redfish this week. Round Island has been a great spot to seek out the redfish lately.

Trout are becoming more active as the water temps slowly decline. Tom took home a nice 18" trout this week for dinner. Soft baits have worked for us this week. Look around Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove or south to the Power Plant for some clean water and trout.

We also boated a 21" flounder this week and missed another opportunity for another. Live shrimp or soft baits will get them off the bottom. Lots of jacks are blasting the bait out of the water. Bull sharks are still coming up on the flats in search of an easy meal! Snapper have continued to be caught in the channels and around structure. We should be seeing some bluefish in the river chasing bait soon.

Tip of the Week:
The Teen Anglers season has once again started here in the Treasure Coast. Today, I will be helping out the tournament for our newest members, the Jr. Teen Anglers. Teen Anglers are in need volunteers this year to help take the kids out fishing once a month for their tournaments. It only involves one Sunday a month to take the time to take a few kids out in your boat and share your knowledge of fishing with them. I am working on my fourth year with them and still looking forward to each months tournament. It's a great cause and the rewards of watch that child's smile when they catch a fish is enough! If you are interested in becoming involved, contact Captain Joe Ward at 772-201-5770 or go to www.teenanglers.org for more information.

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

772-284-3852

September 14, 2006

INSHORE:   

Just a short report for this week.  I will be out of town visiting my
family next week.  I'll get to see my mom and dad (who is the one
everyone can blame for my love of fishing!) and the rest of the
family.  Save me some redfish and snook for when I get back!

Dirty water continues to make fishing tough in most places.  There
are still snook being caught in the inlet areas in spite of the water
conditions.  Looks like more rain might be on the way here, so it
might take a while for the water to get back to normal.  Live bait
has worked the best for now.  Redfish have been biting around Queen's
Cove up to Round Island.  Also a few trout have been reported this
week.  Doug from FloridaFishandHunt.com once again has found reds and
trout on the flats.  Great fishing!

The mullet run is well underway and mullet are showing up all over
the river.  As the water cleans up, look for top water action to get
hot in the early or late hours of the day.  Lots of predators will be
following the baitfish all around the river.  It's a great time of
year to be fishing!

Everyone have a safe week and enjoy the fishing on the Treasure
Coast. 

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

772-284-3852

 

September Inshore Forecast

As the hint of fall approaches us here on the Treasure Coast, anglers are looking forward to a great September for fishing. With remembrances of the past several years of storms, we faced yet another one this week. Luckily, it only brought some winds and much needed rain to the area. I hope everyone weathered it safely.

The excitement along the east coast of Florida has reached is peak as the fall opening of Snook season opens on September 1st. Anglers
have been rewarded all summer with great snook fishing around the
Treasure Coast and have been chomping at the bit to bring home the
bacon. Make sure you have checked your license and snook stamp
before you head down to the river and make sure you are aware of the
new measurement system for total length in effect since July. The
inlets have been holding good numbers of snook all summer. Live
bait, red-tail hawks, Bombers or Rebels will be great choices around
the inlets. Look for the slower sides of the tides for the best
action to happen. Up on the flats and mangroves, try top water at
first light for a chance at a linesider hookup.

August proved to be a fantastic month along the Treasure Coast for
redfish. Schools of reds were cruising around the river all month.
September should continue to produce lots of slot sized reds for
anglers in search of the spot tails. Round Island, Queen's Cove and
the Power Plant flats have all held good amounts of reds so far this
year. Top water, gold spoons, twitch baits or soft baits have all
worked well throughout the summer. Keeping quiet on the flats is
critical to getting close enough have a chance at a hookup. Fish
will run for cover at the least disturbance.

Trout fishing will continue to improve as the water starts it's slow
cooling off as fall approaches the Indian River. Fish top water or
live baits in two to five feet of water on the grass flats. Look for
the flats that also have sand pockets scattered on the grass for the
best chances. Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Bear Point have all
the necessary ingredients for a successful day seeking some trout
action. Get out early for your best opportunity.

As the fall mullet run nears the Treasure Coast, look for the big
fish to patrol the beaches, inlets and flats for easy meals. Tarpon,
jacks, snook and sharks will all be chasing bait along with many
other predators following italong the coast. Live bait, spoons, top
water and most any diving lure should provoke a hit. Look for some
exciting action this time of year!

Remember....fishing is not just another hobby......it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
 

August 24, 2006

INSHORE: Snook Season Opens September 1st!!

Anticipation is growing along the east coast of Florida as the fall opening of snook season approaches. Lots of anglers are already out checking out their favorite spots or getting their gear rigged out for September 1st. It looks like it will be a busy opening night, so plan on lots of anglers out on the water. The tackle shops are stocking up on all the snook paraphernalia already. I spoke to Clint at the Fishing Center of St Lucie and they have lots of Hurricane jigs, Red Tail Hawks, DOA and other favorite snook lures in-stock for the season. Make sure you pack an extra pound of patience for that first couple of nights out there.


The redfish population was active for us again this past week. I had Stan and Joe on board and they doubled up twice on catches with another single red to cap off their adventure. All the fish ranged from 24 - 29 inches. Soft baits, top water and twitch baits were our best producers again. The flat edges around Round Island has still been holding reds most days. You have had to work to find them lately, but persistence has paid off for us.

Trout has been slow again for us, but we have been searching out redfish most of the time. Some reports of the flats south around Little Mud and the Power Plant of trout in the early mornings. Bob Bergen reported a nice tripletail catch along the channel markers to the south of Fort Pierce. Snapper still continue to hang along the channel edges and structure. Surf fishing slowed down with not many catches reported this week. A few flounder have been caught on the south side of the jetties and around the catwalks on live shrimp.

Tip of the Week:
There have been quite a few afternoon thunderstorms lately. Lightning isn't anything to take lightly. On Friday, we had just docked before a storm was approaching and was only off the boat a couple of minutes, when a bolt struck the mast of a sailboat only a hundred feet from us. When a storm is approaching, take the right steps to protect yourself and your passengers. Don't play chicken with lightning!

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

772-284-3852

 

August 17, 2006

INSHORE:

Another week of summer on the Treasure Coast. Heat and humidity to keep you company on the water. It was a mixed week with a few days of slow fishing along with good days in between. Looks like next week will bring the same. Hope you had a chance to get out fishing.

Weekend fishing was good with redfish being number one on our catch list. Gary Graves was down from Melbourne and boated a nice slot size red, just before a storm front blew us off the water. Sunday the redfish school moved in again for another three boated. Lower tides have been best for the redfish fishing of late. Look for them to move across the flats on the edges. Gold spoons, DOA Shrimp and twitch baits have worked best for us. Top water at first light can also bribe one of them into a strike. Round Island and Queen's Cove are good bets to fish.....

Snook in the early mornings have been on the flats if you can get there with a top water lure. One to three feet of water on the flats or along the mangroves should hold some linesiders. DOA Shrimp and twitch baits also have produced some snook for us this week. Snook season is not far off and many are scouting the bridges and inlets ahead of time for their best opportunities on opening night.

Trout were slow for us this week. Early top water lures are your best chance for them. Harbor Branch and Round Island have clean water and the right bottom for trout to be patrolling this time of year. Live baits after first light will be your best choice of baits.

The bridges have been producing some sheephead and sand perch. Some snapper have also been han