Stuart Inshore Report: 01-14-08

[catch22]

The water temps have warmed up a bit from the 58 degrees we delt with a few weeks ago. Even with the cooler water, we managed to have pretty productive days. When it gets cold, I try to focus on three things. Fishing deeper holes normally will hold more fish. Water temps will always change faster along the surface. The second thing is working the baits slower then normal. Fish do get sluggish when it's colder. Finally I try to visit concrete seawalls and bridges which will hold more heat. A degree or two could make a big difference.

I continue to fish the St. Lucie River up to the dime bridge which has been quite hot at times on the outgoing tide. A mix of trout, croaker,goliath grouper, black drum, snook, flounder, snapper and jacks along the docks and bridge. A few spanish macs up the St. Lucie but scarce right now. As soon as the current slows it's time to move. When it's dead low at the dime bridge the tide is already incoming in the inlet.

The St. Lucie Inlet has been kind of hot and cold lately. A few snook along with some nice flounder closer to Sailfish Point. Sheephead are biting on both tides. Rod bender like jacks,mangrove snapper and ladyfish are normally present. The good news is the pompano are in. The last charter we caught several up to 16" about halfway into the incoming tide.

I'm temped to go out this morning and try to bag my first tripletail of the year. It's been about three weeks since we roamed north of the Jensen Beach Causeway. If the seas ever get back down to 1-2, I will run down to Pecks for the mac attack.

Capt. Bob Bushholz

Catch22 River fishing

(772) 225-6436