Fort Pierce Inshore Nearshore Fishing Report & Forecast: Dec. 2014

Capt. Joe with a redfish that he caught from the dock at the bait shop.  Many guest at the motel have been getting keeper reds too. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe’s River Charters.
Capt. Joe with a redfish that he caught from the dock at the bait shop. Many guests at the motel have been getting keeper reds too. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe’s River Charters.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he inshore fishing in November should be good for Spanish mackerel, big jacks and a few bluefish. They will be working the Fort Pierce Inlet and the Turning Basin. Just look for the birds and baitfish and you will find the schools of fish. Have a small ¼-ounce spoon or a flashy jig ready and you should have a blast. The snapper bite around the bridges and in the Fort Pierce Inlet will remain steady for anglers using a live shrimp or small white baits. The Fort Pierce Inlet has been the best place to catch a slot size snook while drifting a live mullet. Try the tide changes for your best chance. The trout and redfish have been a little shy but, a few nice fish have been reported at places like Bear Point, Herman’s Bay and at Jack Island. A large live shrimp will be hard to beat. Fish the shrimp under a popping cork in 3 to 5 feet of water. The pompano have made a small showing but it should pick up as the month goes on. Try a sand flea or a piece of clam for the best results. The whiting, bluefish, jacks and pompano should be in the surf and a piece of fresh dead shrimp will work just fine for most of these fish.

Capt. Joe Ward has been fishing the inshore waters of Fort Pierce for over 50 years. He provides guided fishing charters on the Indian River Lagoon in Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie and Stuart, Florida. In his "spare time", Capt. Joe and his wife Cammie dedicate their time to running Capt. Joe's Bait & Tackle (located on the Fort Pierce Inlet at the Dockside Inn and Resort) and Treasure Coast Casters, a 501(c)(3) that teaches youth about fishing and the importance of marine conservation. To reach Capt. Joe, call (772) 201-5770 or visit his website.