By Michael Readling:
They say location is everything, and when it comes to fishing Martin County sits in the perfect spot, cushioned between the Gulf Stream to the east and Lake Okeechobee, the second-largest freshwater lake entirely within U.S. boundaries to the west. An angler’s dream, it is one of very few places in the world where, depending on the season, you can leave in the morning and return home the same day having released a sailfish, battled a snook and landed a world class largemouth bass.
Martin County features waters for every angling skill level, preference and style, with some potential world records swimming in the mix. The St. Lucie Canal/Okeechobee Waterway runs through the heart of the county, connecting the ocean with “Lake O.” The north and south forks of the St. Lucie River provide year-round opportunities for tarpon, snook and a variety of other species. In Martin County, you can draw a circle on a map with a 10-mile radius and find within it 800 species of fish. That’s what happens within a 10-mile radius of the St. Lucie Inlet.
For any angling destination to be considered “world class,” there needs to be some big fish in the mix. Besides being the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” some of the largest snook anywhere in the world and tarpon heavier than 200 pounds can be found a long cast from the shore. The Indian River Lagoon is renowned for its large spotted seatrout, as anglers with local knowledge regularly target 9- and 10-pounders throughout the year.
Florida state record permit have been caught just offshore, as anglers have brought 40-pounders to the boat on both fly and spinning tackle. For those anglers who like to sight fish, schools of 35- to 50-pound jack crevalle patrol the shoreline, stacking on top of each other and fighting for their shot at the lure.
The winter months offer prime fishing for whiting, bluefish and pompano. Jacks will always be mixed in, as will the occasional ladyfish. This is also the perfect time of year to spot spinner sharks jumping and twirling out of the water.
With a multitude of wrecks and reefs – artificial and natural – just offshore, snapper and grouper fishing is possible within sight of land. You just have to pick through the amberjack, sometimes. Just past some of those wrecks, the Continental Shelf drops off, creating a ledge that attracts dolphin, wahoo, tuna and an assortment of pelagic species cruising the weed lines.
If you are looking for fishing destination that is family friendly, Martin County should be at the top of your list. Plan a trip to take part in one of the numerous year-round tournaments, many dedicated to helping local charities, or plan a trip to fish with one of the many seasoned charter captains or inshore guides. Inshore, offshore or nearshore… the choice is yours.