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September 2, 2009

INSHORE:

Snook season opened with the usual anticipation of many anglers of catching that first slot fish on opening day. A number of midnight excursions had been planned and with lots of hope for success. We did manage a slot snook of 28", but that was this past Sunday and was released to battle another day. Afternoon thunderstorms have kept anglers off the water late in the day, but mornings have been fantastic and so has the fishing!

Tom Hull and Tom, Jr. were down to seek out some adventure and fun. Tom Jr. caught his 28" snook just as the first light was easing over the eastern sky. A quick release and we headed north to find some sea trout. Both dad and son caught a number of nice trout along with the usual jacks and ladyfish to fill out the morning. Lots of bait fish around the river have kept trout feeding around the edges of the bait pods. Live shrimp, DOA CAL jerk baits and top water lures can sure help you find the action on the flats this time of year. As the morning neared an end, we decided to look for some redfish to end the day.

Tom Hull and Tom Jr. with a few of their fishing rewards.

Redfish have been schooling in good numbers on the shallow flats. Trolling motors will most likely scare them off before you can get close enough to cast. I poled the guys onto one of the flats and we began to look for signs of redfish action. Bait being chased and a few submarine wakes told me that we had some reds around the boat. As I continued to pole the boat further onto the flat, we could see big tails of reds feeding in the shallows. We don't often find tailing reds in the area, but this was a treat for both Tom and Tom, Jr. A number of casts ahead of the feeding fish soon found Tom Jr. hooked up on a nice Fort Pierce red. Using 6 pound line on his light tackle, he was in for a battle. Thinking any minute he might get broke off, the fish fought gallantly all the way to the boat. A beautiful 30" redfish eased up beside the boat for a quick photo and release. It was the end of their morning and we decided not to disturb the school anymore and left them for another day.

We had a family day this week. My wife, Eva, daughter, Dena, and grandaughter, Chloe, joined me at the ramp for a boat ride and quick fishing adventure for four year old, Chloe. It was hot out, but Chloe caught a little pigfish to bend her rod before we headed back home.

A grandfather and granddaughter adventure!

Snapper, black drum and sheephead are around the bridges. Lots of snapper are along the channel edges. Lots of good areas north of Fort Pierce have graced many a table with a delicious snapper menu. Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and the Moorings have held some nice keeper trout. Snook fishing around the inlet and bridges will keep many anglers busy targeting a slot size fish this month.

Tip of the Week: I always get excited to find redfish schools around the river. Finding tailing fish gets your blood pumping. Working a flat quietly and slowly can help you find more success. Trolling motors can easily scare the fish in the shallows. If you don't have a way to pole your boat, try getting set up for a slow drift across a flat. The less noise and movement you can make, the better your odds of finding fish. With the calm morning winds, spend some time watching and reading the water. Fish don't always make movements to give themselves away. Some very slight swirl or wake might be that trophy fish. Take your time and have some fun on the flats!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852