Stuart, Florida Inshore Report

saul

Wow, it's June already and we are definitely into our summer mode. Water temps are in the low 80's inshore and we are seeing an increase in baitfish in both the St. Lucie and Indian Rivers. Water quality the past few weeks has been great with clean water making it all the way to the 10-cent bridge. For you shallow water fanatics, get out there early with those top water plugs for trout, reds and snook. I have been seeing bait schools running along the west bank of the Indian River starting around county line and running north towards Fort Pierce. After 10:00 am, back up to 3-4 feet with soft rubber or live shrimp. Over on the east side, look for tarpon in the 20-30 lb class outside little and big mud creeks early am. While we are still north of the Jensen Causeway, don't forget the tripletail under crab trap floats and near channel markers. Caught some real nice ones the past few weeks running up to 23.8 pounds. For you tripletail fans out there, I would fish north of the power lines starting around marker 200 and work north to Fort Pierce. Those markers do not get fished as much, (by myself anyway!!!)Which should increase your odds and don't forget the crab trap floats. Please do their future population a favor and release the big ones over 15 pounds.

We have been fishing the St. Lucie Inlet and the 10-cent bridge heavily. Snook are migrating to the inlets and along the beaches for their annual spawn. Time to break out those circle hooks for safe catch and release. In the inlet, a mixture of snook, flounder, jacks, ladyfish, lookdowns and snapper. No bonefish the past few weeks but expect to see a few shortly. Outside the baitfish has been in around 35 feet in line with the whistle buoy with greenies and sardines north at the 14. Some hefty jacks are running along the beach ready to gobble up live bait. Further west at the 10-cent bridge, snook, flounder, pompano, weakfish, jacks, croakers, lookdowns and scattered tarpon from time to time. Get there when the water is moving and have fun. For the snook, live greenies have been working and don't be surprised to hook a goliath grouper. All the other species are eating live shrimp on troll rites or Joe's jigging spoons tipped with a small piece of shrimp. These spoons have nice action and catch just about everything. They just came out with little 1/8th ounce spoons and added a glow color to their arsenal.

Outside it's dolphin time along the weed lines along with kings inside 70 feet and scattered sails, cobia and plenty of boneheads.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

His 8-year-old son Tanner recently underwent surgery for a cancerous brain tumor. After emergency surgery and a 22 day hospital stay, Tanner will now receive 6 weeks of radiation/chemotherapy in addition to extensive physical therapy. Bruce's wife Debbie is a nurse and was the provider of the family's medical coverage. She had to leave her job to tend to Tanner and his younger sister while Bruce works the family's recently acquired bait and tackle shop (Billy Bones) in Port St. Lucie which is open 77 hours a week. The family is experiencing tough times both emotionally and financially and face monumental medical expenses and other related costs.

The Treasure Coast Rod Benders (fishing club) is conducting a bash/ fundraiser to assist the family in their time of need on Father's Day June 18th at Sand sprit Park in Stuart, Florida. They will be raffling/ silent auctioning various items including rods/reels, full and half day fishing trips, German beer steins, fishing equipment and much more. Also raffle tickets are being sold for a week’s getaway at Marathon in the Keys. Accommodations include a newer 3 bedroom, 2 bath fully furnished canal front home that sleeps 8 and will accommodate a 50-foot boat. Raffle tickets for this vacation will be limited to the first 250 entries and cost $20.00 each. Winner will need not be present at drawing. The event will also feature a pig roast/ barbecue. For those of you who don't know Bruce, he's a great guy with a heart of gold and has always been the first to offer a donation of a rod/reel or other items when someone else is in need.

Prayers and wellwishes for Tanner's speedy recovery are appreciated.

Thank You,
Saul