Fort Pierce Inshore – Nearshore Fishing Report and Forecast: April 2016

Tessa Grotzinger caught this 31.5-inch snook at the Fort Pierce Inlet jetty using a live shrimp. It was first legal snook! PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.
Tessa Grotzinger caught this 31.5-inch snook at the Fort Pierce Inlet jetty using a live shrimp. It was first legal snook! PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ook for a good snapper bite along the channel edges around the full moon. Try a live shrimp fished on a #2 hook and a half-ounce weight. I like a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and about 24-inches long. Places like the North Bridge, Harbor Branch to the north and south of the South Bridge should produce some nice fish. As the water warms up, the trout bite should be good at places like Bear Point, Round Island or the Midway Road area. Live pilchards will be your best choice and free line them using a 4/0 or 5/0 Kale hook and a 20- to 30-pound leader. If it is redfish you are looking for, then the flats and mangroves around Jack Island will be your best place and hard to beat. Try a live shrimp, small crab or a piece of cut ladyfish and fish it under a popping cork. The snook fishing should also be red hot around the Ft. Pierce Inlet when using live pilchards, pinfish or a select live shrimp. Fish these baits around the lighted docks at night or drifting the Ft. Pierce Inlet on the tide changes. Also, try the Ft. Pierce jetty. The bottom fishing for black drum, sheespshead and croakers will be good for anglers using a live shrimp on a bottom rig and fish around the area bridges or rock piles. Along the beaches, the pompano bite should improve. Try using a pompano rig with a sand flea or a piece of clam. You should also get a few whiting and croakers.

Cary Drake caught this 28.5-inch snook from the dock of Capt. Joe’s Bait Store using a live shrimp. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.
Cary Drake caught this 28.5-inch snook from the dock of Capt. Joe’s Bait Store using a live shrimp. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.

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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.