From Capt. Charlie @ Fishing Center - Ft Pierce

The Treasure Coast continues to enjoy mild winter weather with a few cool nights as the weekly fronts work through the area.  Winds have picked up some this week, which is normal for this time of year.  Water temperatures have been anywhere from the low 60's to the low 70's lately.  Winter hasn't much longer to go this year and spring is about ready to take over.  The fishing has been very good if you can get to your favorite fishing spots.  It was a fun and exciting week on the Indian River.

The redfish bite has picked up just like last year at this time.  We have found them around docks and under the mangroves.  My favorite winter lure for redfish around the mangroves is a DOA CAL grub tail in the rootbeer/gold color.  It is small enough to skip under the mangroves to get at them.  If you are not under the trees, you won't find the bite. There is a fantastic crop of snook in the works to keep the population growing in the area.
You can find mackerel, bluefish, jacks and blue runners flooding into the turning basin with the tides now.  Small, shiny lures will get their attention.  The macs have been nice sized fish.  The pompano have showed up at the mouth of the inlet in Fort Pierce this week.  Just look for the fleet of boats and you will know exactly where they are.  Sheepshead and black drum are still thick around the bridges and docks of the river.  Many good size fish have been caught lately.  We are finding trout scattered in areas of the river.  Queen's Cove has been our most productive area this week.  The DOA CAL jerk bait in the 371 color has found most of our trout.  Look in three to five feet of water on the flats.  The fishing has been good and the only challenge has been dealing with the winds.  I love Fort Pierce this time of year with all the islands that provide productive fishing spots and cover from the worst of the winds.

Snook season opens February 1st so get things prepared and have lots of fun.  Many anglers are out scouting their favorite snook spots now to get ready for opening day.  Check your gear and make sure your license and snook permit is current.  Then have fun and good fishing!