Look for the action around the Fort Pierce Inlet and the deeper cuts and channels to really pick up with Spanish mackerel, bluefish and big jacks taking spoons, jigs or anything shiny. On the end of your 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, try a small piece of wire to keep the macks and blues from cutting your line and taking your lure. On the bottom in that same area look for croakers, black drum and sheepshead to start moving in. The bait of choice will be shrimp or fiddler crabs fished on a #2 long shank hook, a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a half-ounce to one-ounce lead, just depending on where you fish. The trout and redfish should pick up around the deeper sides of the flats at places like Round Island, Queen’s Cove to the north and to the south it will be Bear Point. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork or a piece of cut ladyfish for the reds will work. Remember that snook season closes on the 15th and reopens on February 1st. On the beaches the pompano bite should improve for anglers using sand fleas, clams or small live crabs fished on a pompano rig and the weight will depend on the ocean conditions.
FORECAST BY: Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters
(772) 201-5770 or (722) 461-1335
Email: CWard11605@aol.com
www.captjoeward.com
