by Carla B. Mroz, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Contributing Writer
It’s a great time to check out the bountiful saltwater fishing at the Juno Beach Pier!
As of June 1, snook season is over. While it’s catch-and-release for now (use cut and live bait), the snook season reopens September 1. In June, hook Spanish mackerel on jigs and live bait, and bonito on lures and live bait. Try your luck catching jacks and blue runners on lures and bait. This month, sand perch, croakers and whiting can all be caught with bait.
If you know an aspiring angler, Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers its year-round private fishing lessons for adults and children (ages 8 and up.) One-hour lessons are offered daily; scheduled based on availability. Cost: $25/angler (with own gear); $35/angler with rental gear. Bait not included. Contact Sue Thompson at sthompson@marinelife.org to register.
Sea turtle nesting season started March 1 and ends October 31. If you accidentally hook a sea turtle while at the pier, here’s what to do:
• Contact LMC’s 24-hour rescue hotline – (561) 603-0211
• Gently reel the slack line, keeping the turtle at the surface of the
water so it can breathe
• Wait for LMC’s arrival to help
For LMC and Juno Beach Pier updates, follow our social media, visit marinelife.org, or call (561) 627-8280. The full-service Pier House features a snack bar as well as a variety of fishing tackle, including rental poles and bait.
Randy Yent, Pier Coordinator
Juno Beach Pier (561) 627-8280 Ext. 140
Facebook.com/junobeachpier • Instagram & Twitter:@junobeachpier