Fort Pierce Inshore Fishing Forecast: August 2014

Fort Pierce wahoo
Not inshore or action, but a nice 36.10-pound wahoo for Daryl Blankenship. PHOTO CREDIT: Cammie Ward.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 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 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 redfish, 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 snapper bite should continue to be good along the channel edges and around the local bridges. Try using a live shrimp on a two-foot leader of 20-pound fluorocarbon, a 1/2-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.

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.