Late February Report
Capt. Ryan Floyd
February 27, 2015
Stuart - Saltwater Fishing Report
Been some interesting past few weeks out on the Indian River. Water temps were hanging in the mid 60s then down to 50s then all the way to the 70s in just a span of a week! In spite of that the fishing has been very productive no matter what mother nature has to throw at us.
Snook have started becoming more aggressive this month as the water temps warmed up and baitfish flooding in. Some of the most productive snook fishing has been in the middle of the day! They are chewing on DOA shrimp, mullet, and pilchards. Look for these fish around deeper docks and mangroves. As the temps warm up they should move onto the flats harassing mullet and other baitfish.
Redfish have been a consistent bycatch fishing north of Fort Pierce. Seems like every trip we manage 1 or 2 slot fish. I can't even remember the last time we put a under slot size fish in the boat, it has been over a year. Really nice having this fishery in our backyard. They have been hanging around mangroves and flats. I have caught all of our Reds on DOA shrimp and live shrimp lately.
Starting to catch some bigger size trout as they become more aggressive with all of the bait around. Most trout have been on the deeper flats. They have ate DOA Deadly Combo and Rapala Subwalk lately. I say this all of the time nowadays, but the trout population has really declined. They need a break from commercial fishing especially since we have lost a big portion of our seagrass. I used to catch a ton of trout and it was hard to get away from them….its just not the same anymore.
Been a ton of other species keeping us busy including sheepshead, black drum, and snapper. Sheepshead are one of my favorite fish to eat and there has been no shortage of them. We are managing 4-15 per trip and not spending too much time on them either. Great bycatch and a learning experiencing in setting the hook on them. Black drum in the 20in range, and larger than usual mangrove snapper have been around docks and channel edges. They are always a great target to try for any time during the day and are excellent tablefare. Live shrimp and even pieces are the way to go for those 3 species.
As the water continues to warm the flats will become very active. Stop in to Snook Nook in Jensen Beach and stock up on DOA airheads, baitbusters, and other topwater lures, now is the time. Hopefully if we get a break in the weather, the beach should be filled with action. Expect bluefish, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, permit, snapper, sheepshead, black margate, snook……basically everything haha
Hoping for smooth seas………..
Capt. Ryan Floyd
Off The Banks Charters
www.irlfishingcharters.com
772-370-1829
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