Looking Around- Palm Beach / Stuart Area

INSHORE

   Mullet are running the beaches from the Treasure Coast down through Palm Beach County, which has led to some excellent fishing.

   The tarpon fishing was great this week along Jensen Beach, with the early morning being the best time for catching them. There have also been several pompano caught, which is pretty rare for this time of year.

   The snook action has been good (remember that snook season opens on Sept. 1) not only along the beach, but also in the inlets. Mangrove snapper are on fire in the St. Lucie Inlet.

Snook seem to be everywhere in the Indian River, including around bridges, docks, structure and in the flats. Early morning and late evening are best. There are a few flounder around the bridges early in the morning - before sunrise.

   Tarpon, snook, jacks and bluefish are all being snagged on the beaches in Jupiter, and that action will surely improve in the coming weeks. If you're targeting snook this time of year, be sure to use baits that look like mullet. Mangrove snapper are also holding in the Jupiter Inlet.

   Snook are biting in the surf along Palm Beach as well, and are thick in the Intracoastal Waterway throughout Palm Beach County. Working bridges and dock lights at night is the best way to catch them.

   In addition to mullet, sardines are running the beach in southern Palm Beach County, which has turned on the snook, tarpon and jacks. Mangrove snapper and permit ate being caught around the jetty at the Boynton Beach Inlet.

   While snook are being caught around bridges throughout the Intracoastal, sheepshead were also reported from Lake Worth to Delray Beach.

FRESHWATER

   The bass bite is hot on Lake Okeechobee from first light until about 9 a.m. To catch good numbers, you need to be on the water and ready to cast before sunrise.

   Fish the offshore islands until about two hours after the sun comes up, then switch back to the outside edges.

   Fish up to 5 pounds were reported this week, and live shiners are working better than artificial lures at this time.

report courtesy of Palm Beach Post