July can offer fireworks in more ways than one when fishing out of the St. Lucie Inlet. Fishing on the inshore reefs provides great opportunity to catch a variety of snapper species, sea bass, porgies, jacks and grouper. Best methods for the smaller snapper species and sea bass would be to fish a chicken rig (multi-hook) with cut bait or squid. Best depths would be from 50 to 90 feet of water. Grouper fishing as well as amberjack fishing is still good to great in the month of July. Best methods for targeting these fish would be live bait or vertical jigging.
July also offers great fishing for kingfish on the inshore reefs as well. It is not uncommon to see fish up to 50 pounds on these inshore reefs and fishing live bait with stinger hooks rigs works best. Try at least one big bait in your spread for that “smoker king”. Blue runners work well and sardines or cigar minnows seem to be the best bait for quality king action.
Summer also offers ample opportunity to catch blackfin tuna. Most fish are under 10 pounds but are plentiful. Around these schools of tuna be prepared for a wahoo bite or two. It is recommended to pull a big bait with two hooks down deep on a planer or downrigger. Fishing along the beach for tarpon and permit really starts to peak in July. As well we have great snook fishing on the inshore wrecks.
Until next time, tight-lines!
FORECAST BY: Capt. Patrick Price
Day Maker Charters
Phone: (772) 405-0091
sailfishpat@comcast.net
www.daymakerfishing.com
Where Days are Made!