Fort Pierce Inshore: Aug. 2020

Buddy Mock with an American red snapper he caught. Photo credit: Capt. Joe Ward.

Fort Pierce inshore fishing should be red hot for trout and redfish on the flats both to the north and south in the river. First light and just before dark will be the best times. For the trout try using live baits like a pilchard or a pigfish and fish them under a popping cork. Also try an artificial bait like a D.O.A. Bait Buster or some other top water bait. Use the natural colored baits. Later in the morning, fish a little deeper and use a live shrimp. For the redfish you will want to try the same baits along with a gold spoon. Fish the docks along both north and south Indian River Drive and around any mangroves.

The Fort Pierce snapper bite should continue to be good along the channel edges and around the local bridges. Try using a live shrimp on a 2-foot leader of 20-pound fluorocarbon, a ½-ounce weight and a #2 hook.  The catch and release snook action should be good in the Fort Pierce Inlet when fishing with live baits.  Remember to fish the baits on the bottom in the inlet or free line them up around the rocks.

The whiting bite should remain steady in the surf.  Use a piece of fresh dead shrimp.  You may also get a few pompano.

FORECAST BY: Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters
(772) 201-5770 or (722) 461-1335
Email: CWard11605@aol.com

Rose Mock with a strawberry grouper. They were on a charter with S&K Fisheries and staying at the Dockside Marina and Resort. Photo credit: Capt. Joe Ward.