Stuart Inshore Report: 08-05-06

[catch22]

Sounds like summer to me. Cold water offshore with temps along the beach in the low 70's, bottom temps in the 50's and inshore temps around 86. Actually I returned from a morning trip recently and the water outside my marina was 92. For you shallow water fans, get out early because by 9:00 am, the water is 85.

Tripletail continues to be a strong bite after 10:00 am. Been catching them on channel markers, crab traps, docks, bridges, and seawalls. Released 2 more over 20 pounds the past few weeks with average size running about 10 pounds. Also releasing a bunch of smaller ones up to 18 inches. Live shrimp, frozen shrimp, DOA shrimp and CALS, even caught a 12 pounder on a Joe's Jigging spoon. Water north of the power lines is cleaner so keep your distance. 12 pound mainline with a 30 pound leader will do just fine.

Have been doing a little live baiting around the sandpile and out to 60 feet when I have smaller groups. The normal rodbenders like bonita, kingfish, sharks and cudas are keeping us busy. Still waiting for Mr. Cobia to show. Have not been running along the beach simply because most trips lately have been 5 or 6 people aboard making it difficult to livebait. Seeing the normal crowd on the jettys targeting catch and release snook. Speaking of linesiders, they now have a 7 " slot. Come September, snook regulations will be 27'' - 34''.

The 10 cent bridge continues to hold many species. Have not seen a pompano there in 2 weeks but snook, ladyfish, croaker, black drum, jacks, weakfish, and tarpon are rolling around. I used to fish the Jensen bridge a lot, but with the catwalks now open you really only have the channel to fish without wearing a hardhat.. I still do a few drifts on my way back from the power plant but I now prefer the dime bridge.

Sailfish flats still holding those leaping ladys. About 2 weeks ago there was a ton of seaweed here but the water has cleaned up nicely. If we can get the water releases to slow down in the St. Lucie, we will be looking really good. All in all, the fishing has been decent. Some area like Hells Gate to the 10 cent bridge are starting to hold more baitfish but would like to see more. So would the birds on "Bird Island".

Capt. Bob Bushholz

http://www.catch22fish.com

(772) 225-6436