Fort Pierce Inshore Fishing Report & Forecast: January 2014

St. Lucie fishing forecaster, Capt. Joe Ward.
St. Lucie fishing forecaster, Capt. Joe Ward.

The inshore fishing should be good for the winter patterns we have this time of year. Lots of mackerel, bluefish and jacks around the Fort Pierce Inlet and Turning Basin. They will be taking anything shiny, as well as small live baits. Just look for the birds and you will find the fish.

The trout bite should be good around the deeper edges of the flats and around the cuts and channels. Try a live shrimp, finger mullet or soft plastic baits, but remember to fish them slow if the water is cold.

There should be a good redfish bite as the day warms up on the flats around Jack Island, Queens Cove and Harbor Branch. Soft plastic baits, live shrimp or a piece of cut ladyfish should work well.

The pompano bite should be starting in the river with action along the channel edges and flats. For pomps use sand fleas, cut shrimp or Mylar jigs.

The bottom fishing for black drum, sheepshead and croakers will be red hot around the bridges and docks when using live shrimp, fiddler crabs or a piece of cut shrimp.

Snook season will remain closed until February 1st but look for good catch and release action in the deeper areas of the Fort Pierce Inlet. Try live baits like mullet, pinfish, pigfish or a select shrimp.

The flounder bite should also improve around the South Jetty and on the sand bars to the south of the South Bridge.

There are fish everywhere! Go get ‘em!

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.