Finally, the windy months of March and April are almost behind us, and we can look forward to the great fishing weather that May has to offer us on the Treasure Coast. Other than the usual windy days, it has been a pretty mild winter and spring has arrived. Look for warmer temperatures and less blustery days. As the water temperatures climb, the fishing will steadily improve on the river. It will provide fantastic mornings for topwater and lazy afternoons to drift the flats.
Redfish will be our main target throughout the month of May. Most of the fish we have caught have been in the 18 to 30 inch range. They have been sunning on the flats, and May gets their blood pumping and turns on the feeding. I always have three lures ready during May; DOA shrimp, CAL jerk baits and topwater lures. Gold spoons will also be a great addition to the arsenal when fishing for redfish. As the fish school up, look for them around the edges of the flats. I tend to enjoy the east side of the river, but we have found many on the west side, as well.
Snook fishing in the early mornings will bring some rod-bending action as they head up on the flats for an early morning or late evening meal. Topwater lures, BaitBusters and DOA shrimp are all great lures to tempt a snook into biting. Docks will also hold snook lurking around for an easy meal, and live shrimp is hard to beat around the docks. In the inlet areas, try around the seawalls and bridges with live bait, Terror Eyz, feather jigs or deep diving plugs. I love early morning for great snook fishing opportunities!
Trout will continue to feed on topwater at first light, and on live shrimp on popping corks during the day. As the sun rises, they will head off the shallows to deeper water in the two to four foot range. We have had some nice gator trout of late, and should see some still in the river in the early parts of May. I have had great success with CAL jerk baits and Deadly Combos this year in place of live shrimp. Both sides of the river have been productive in early mornings. Winter fishing for trout has been good this year and spring should continue to give you some great action.
Bridges will hold the usual sheepshead catch, while snapper and flounder will be moving into the river. Jacks will be patrolling the areas and creating havoc all over the river. Beaches will produce whiting, and still should provide a few catches of Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Tarpon will begin their trek into the river, and you can start looking for them in the St. Lucie River, Big and Little Mud areas and into the channels of the river. May is a great month to fish the Treasure Coast, so plan on a trip out on the river soon! As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby, it’s an adventure!
FORECAST BY: Capt. Charlie Conner
Captain Charlie’s Fish Tales Charters
Phone: (772) 284-3852
Email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
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