Fort Pierce Inshore Fishing Report and Forecast: Oct. 2013

mullet runAs we start getting into the winter time weather patterns, look for the fishing to get really good! The action in the Fort Pierce Inlet should be red hot with the arrival of the finger mullet. There will be lots of snook, jacks, Spanish mackerel and even a bonito or two. All of these fish will be taking live baits. Just look for the birds and the bait, and you will find fish. On the flats, and around the local docks, look for a good redfish bite. Try live shrimp or a piece of ladyfish for the best results. The trout should start moving to the deeper cuts and holes as the water temperatures drop. Use a live shrimp on a 1/8 oz. jig head. Also, look for a good snook bite around the Turning Basin and the areas bridges. Fish a live bait like a pinfish, pigfish or a mullet and fish it on the bottom. There should still be plenty of snapper along the channel edges and they will be taking small live shrimp. Make sure you fish them on the bottom with a ½ oz. weight, 20# fluorocarbon leader and a #2 hook.

Good luck everyone!

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.