Sebastian Inlet Report

                                                      
08-31-17 THURSDAY: C/R SNOOK, SNAPPER, REDS AND JACKS 

Winds have been variable this morning. It was blowing out of the Southwest early and now is coming out of the Northeast at 2 mph, gusting to 4. The water is calm and there are no NOAA advisories. We have a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1:00 today. 

We are beginning to see more baitfish in the water, including finger mullet. We have confirmation that there were many in the water Wednesday night! Justin Jarek of Satellite Beach reports that he has fished his entire life and has fished the inlet many times; he's never seen it like it was Wednesday night. He said there were mullet everywhere and big Jacks, Reds and C/R Snook were active. Justin landed this big Jack off the south catwalk Wednesday night. Thanks for the update Justin, nice catch!

The recreational harvest season for snook starts Sept. 1 statewide. Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. When releasing a snook, proper handling methods can help ensure your fish's survival and the species' abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about catch-and-release and the best way to handle a fish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on Saltwater Fishing, then Recreational Regulations and Fish Handling. During the open season, the daily bag limit is one fish per person. In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. A snook permit, as well as a recreational saltwater license, is required unless the angler is exempt from the recreational license requirements. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook-and-line gear only. Snagging is prohibited. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook are closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31. Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on Saltwater, then Snook (under Saltwater Fish) and Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research. If you see a snook fishery violation, call the Wildlife Alert Program at 888-404-FWCC (3922).