South Indian River Fishing Report

[CaptainCharlie]

March 22, 2006

INSHORE:

What a fantastic week for fishing the Treasure Coast. Mostly mild weather with some winds, but overall a great week through wednesday out there on the water. Spring arrived on the Indian River, bringing a lot of action out there on the flats. Hope you had a chance to get out there fishing this week.

Snook action has remained steady around the bridges, docks and turning basin. We caught snook most of the week and lost a few nice slot sized ones also. Larger shrimp, if available has been the best choice in baits this week. We boated a number of snook off the flats and along the mangroves most of the week. The larger ones are hanging around the bridges and inlet, but are gradually working their way to the flats in the early mornings.

We caught a number of redfish out on the flats. Anthony boasted a pair of slot sized reds at 24" and 27" off the flats north of the Fort Pierce bridges. Live shrimp, cut bait and gold spoons have been their choice baits. Al from Port St Lucie took home a nice 22" red caught along the docks around the inlet. Both sides of the river have been holding redfish. The water has remained clean in spite of the winds.


Anthony with a nice 27" redfish....

Trout has been somewhat slower for us this week. Ladyfish and jacks are beating the trout to the bait most of the time. Keep fishing the grass flats of Queen's Cove and Harbor Branch for trout. Popping corks are drawing a lot of attention from just about everything out there.


Chris and Al holding his 22" redfish...

We found some pompano along several flats. Al and Chris Klingler boated a swe-e-et 2 1/2 pounder for dinner. Live shrimp or shrimp tipped jigs will usually do the trick. Al caught his just around the Harbor Branch flats. Ladyfish and jacks are terrorizing the flats almost anywhere you are fishing. We caught numerous sizes of them all week. Lots of fun for everyone!


Al with a nice dinner menu....

The bridges are still producing catches of sheephead, black drum, snook and snapper with live or dead shrimp. Speaking of black drum...... Chris Perrin was on board with his dad and uncle this week. After a long and tiring 20 minute fight, Chris boated and released a monster 60+ pound black drum. I am sure he is still smiling from that catch! Great job!



Chris with the help of his dad, Mark, holding his huge black drum...


Brian with his grouper...

Tip of the Week: Spring has arrived here on the Treasure Coast and many anglers are preparing for some of the great fishing the Indian River has to offer. Boating safety means more than on the water....it also includes the trip to the ramp. This is a good time to check out the equipment your boat trailer, before you head off to the water. Lights are very important, not to mention required. Safety chains, winch, strap, hubs, bearing and tires are just some of the trailer parts that need attention to make your trip to the ramp a safe one. Inspect your trailer each time you prepare for a trip on the water and have an exciting spring fishing season!

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

Good fishing and be safe,
Captain Charlie Conner

[url "http://www.fishtalescharter.com"]www.fishtalescharter.com[/url]

To have my fishing report sent to you. Email me at: [url "mailto:captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com"]captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com[/url]

Call me at: 772-284-3852

[TubeDude]

[#0000ff]Great report and great pics. That black drum was a biggun. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]How was the winter fishing inside for the big reds?[/#0000ff]
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[CaptainCharlie]

Redfishing was pretty steady most of the winter this year. We generally get up to 30" reds here as the bigger ones hit the ocean. The water was much warmer than usual most of the winter and sure helped the fishing this year.

Thanks,
Capt Charlie
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