Stuart Area

[Captain Kevin Drennan]

The mullet run in the north fork of the St. Lucie River was incredible last week. Acres of mullet of all sizes were being pounded by tarpon and oversized snook. One morning we saw several 100 lb. tarpon rocketing out of the water feeding on the helpless bait pods. We were able to hook a couple of smaller fish in the 20 lb. class. and one keeper snook. The Roosevelt Bridge has croaker, black drum and plenty of oversized snook. The best time for the snook bite is after dark and the early morning hours. The surf is starting to yield some bluefish and Spanish mackerel. As we get some more cold fronts the mackerel will be thick down by Peck’s Lake which is about 5 miles south of the St. Lucie inlet. Any flashy lure on a thin piece of wire, either trolled or retrieved fast will work well. Light tackle makes it more fun. The pompano bite should pick up as the water cools down. Shrimp tipped pompano jigs and sand fleas work the best. Offshore has been spotty with some days producing dolphin and other days producing nothing. The sailfishing will only get better with each cold front that passes through. My fishing buddy went 3 for 4 on Sunday dragging ballyhoo. Live bait offshore has been tough to come by, so try to net some mullet on the way out if live baiting is your preference. More later.
Captain Kevin Drennan