WOW, what a windy winter season here on the Treasure Coast! I’m fairly certain we didn’t have more than two consecutive days of “nice” weather in the past many months. Though the temperatures were relatively mild with no freezes or even frost, the wind and rain kept me at home for far too long.
Fishing in general this winter was so-so in the backwater jungles of Fort Pierce. Most any hole or depression along the mangroves held plenty of bottom fish, with an explosion of juvenile mutton snapper. Even better catches of sheepshead were found around hard structures if the wind and waves allowed us access. Live shrimp accounted for most of our success right up until this past week, when live pilchards and threadfins became available.
We fished a bunch this past week and I was able to keep my Texas people busy for three days running. We used a combination of live shrimp on circle hooks and Goofy Jigs to pound the ladyfish, jacks, snappers, pompano and a permit.
The real fun was on our last day as we procured four dozen live pilchards and worked our way around the Inlet and jetties. The guys’ caught more and bigger jacks and mutton snappers, along with some snook and big bluefish too. They even hooked several freight trains near the mouth of the Inlet and I’m not sure if they’ve slowed down yet!
With the improved weather conditions I hope to spend more time on the water and include timely reports of what’s happening here in The Fort!
Until Next Time!
Capt. Mark Wright
