Treasure Coast ‘From the Shore’ Fishing Report and Forecast: February 2015

Stuart Florida snook
Veronica Lane Ostarly with a nice snook caught with a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow. PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Sharp.

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]nook season on the east coast is open and this is a great time to target these fish. Winter time the snook are around the bridges, flats, inlets, and docks. Docks with lights is a great place to target these fish, which will sometimes stack up 20 deep to pick off baits that travel by. They will be hanging just where the shadow line is. You want to be quiet when you approach, cast as close as you can to the structure bringing it slow back into the shadow line. Fish the bridges the same way. Look for lights and fish the shadow line. Live shrimp free-lined, mullet, flair hawks, and hard baits like the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow will produce nice fish. Fish when the water is moving incoming or outgoing will be best. Best places are the Jensen Beach Causeway, Stuart Causeway, and Roosevelt Bridge lights—all have a nice current coming through. Release with care and make sure you have a snook stamp.

Stuart Florida snook
Chris Sharp, Beachwalker Guide Service, with a 32-inch snook caught on a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow. PHOTO PROVIDED by Chris Sharp.

Pompano guys it has been up and down just like your jigging. Look for the incoming tide being the best with that nice clean water. Clam strips, sand fleas, and shrimp being your best shot for these tasty fish. Hobe Sound, Bob Graham, Jensen Beach north, and Tiger Shores being your best beaches. Spanish mackerel will be over at Pecks Lake, but also look for them along the beaches where bait schools are. Throw GOT-CHA plugs or something that flashes and you will get yours in no time. Until next time, tight lines!