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Friday, July 31, 2020

THE ANATOMY of FISHGUM BAIT,


                      Can be purchased at  " pompanorich.net " 

From Todd & Trey @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach

INSHORE-  Could be a great snook fishing weekend on the inshore side of things.  Look for the spillways to possibly go off this weekend.  Flair Hawks, Swimbaits, and swimming plugs are all good options at the spillways (lure size and weights depend heavily on how much the spillways are open).  The weather could also fire a up a solid snook bite in the Loxahatchee River.  It's still a bit on the early side, but wouldn't be surprised to see a few finger mullet show up this weekend.  Could be some big jacks, as well as a few tarpon around inshore.  

SURF/PIER-  Snook fishing has been good along the beach; but conditions this weekend will make that shall we say a little rough.  The Juno Beach Pier snook bite could go off this weekend depending on how the storm comes by.  Snook bite could go off on jigs and swimbaits.  The Spanish Mackerel bite has been good this week.  Freelining small live baits or the bobber rig have been the way to go for the Macs.  

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Scouting Around Palm Beach And Martin County

Inshore fishing:

Along the beaches in the Jensen/Stuart areas there has been good action for whiting and croaker. Using either sand fleas or sand flea- or green crab-flavored Fishbites in the first trough has been producing good results.

Though not huge numbers there have been some pompano caught along the beaches in the first trough as well. They are being taken mostly on sand flea-flavored Fishbites.

At the St. Lucie Inlet there has been a good bite for snook using live pilchards.

Though working the beach in the Jupiter area has been a bit difficult with all the sargassum recently, for those willing to try there are plenty of snook cruising along the shoreline. Swimbaits like an Assassin, worked in the first trough have been producing good results. Anglers fishing both inside and outside the jetties at the Lake Worth Inlet are catching snook, tarpon and jack crevalle. Working along the rocks, the snook are being caught using D.O.A. CALs. Though the bite there has been good, divers in the area have reported large numbers of them outside of the inlet in 30 to 60 feet of water.

The jacks have been hitting on small live greenies and on topwater plugs like Rapala Skitter Walks. Though much of the bait that had been prevalent in the area three or four weeks ago has moved north to Juno Beach and beyond, the approaching storm should stir things up and get some of that moving back into the central part of coastal Palm Beach County and could even drive some bait up from the keys.

Lake Okeechobee:

The bluegill bite is still firing right now around the Buckhead Ridge and King’s Bar areas. Guys are catching their limits using worms, crickets and beetle spins. The bass bite is excellent in the early mornings for anglers working the outside grassline using spinner baits, buzz baits and Skinny Dippers. Hot spots have been Buckhead Ridge down to Third Point, the Tin House Cove area and Little Grassy. After the morning bite backs off switch to flippin’ and shiners


Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area

How about a surf fishing report instead of a surf condition report? After I checked the marine forecast last night I was hoping the wind shift to the southwest would hold up. The light southwesterly last night blew some of the mats of sargassum weed away from the beach and it was fishable this morning. The tide stage was not favorable as low tide was around 8 am but it was nice to pitch a Fishbite into the surf without getting covered up with weeds in a matter of seconds .The croaker, whiting,and small pompano all provided a steady bite throughout the morning and it was nice to bend a rod after being shut down for over a week. The juvenile pompano are in the first trough in big numbers and I probably caught and released over 20 of these. I hope this is an indication of the numbers of pompano that will be along our beaches in the fall and early winter . Pompano have an unbelievable growth rate of 1 to 2 inches per month when they are juveniles and average 12 inches and 1 lb after the first year. After the tide turned and started on the incoming the weeds did increase but not to the point where it became unfishable. The upcoming week has south, southeast, and north all in the forecast so give the surf a shot and work around the weed lines if they show on the incoming tide. Bloodworm Fishbites were on fire today and the whiting were right at my feet while the croaker were 10 to 20 yards from the edge.

Monday, July 27, 2020

Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area

Back from my beach look. Wind and weeds are still keeping the surf possibilities shut down unfortunately. I started at Stuart and went as far north as Normandy and conditions were getting worse the further north I went. Wish I had better news for everyone .Change some line, tie some rigs, or clean your gear. This will not last forever.

From Todd & Trey @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach

INSHORE-  The change in weather (some actual wind) has the inshore snook bite going pretty good.  Look for the snook to be in the Loxhatchee River in good numbers.  Live mullet, pilchards, and threadfins are all good baits to try and get the snook biting.  Wind blown points, docks, and seawalls are all good spots.  Try to time it with a moving tide for best results.  Been a few good bruiser jacks cruising the seawalls as well.  THe snook are biting at the spillways and bridges as well.  Flair Hawks, SpoolTek's, and other bigger swimbaits are solid choices to throw at the snook right now.  Inshore bite on the mangrove snapper improved as well this week.

SURF/PIER-  Rough conditions (by summertime standards) and lots of seaweed had the surf bite a little tough this week.  Those willing to fight through the weeds found a decent snook bite.  The snook are in both Jupiter and Palm Beach Inlets in good numbers.  The Juno Beach Pier has had good snok action, with a handful of tarpon around as well.  Good number of Spanish Mackerel around the pier over the past few days.  The bobber rig or crappie jig have been the best bets for the macs.

Monday, July 20, 2020

Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area

Sunday afternoon and I am was sitting in my garage tying Whiting and Croaker rigs because the conditions on the beach the last couple of days have been horrible with the weeds . I tried yesterday and today and after pitching my rig in the first trough at Stuart, Normandy, Glasscock, and Dolemans beach accesses, it only took 30 seconds for the weeds to pile on the line . I fished Friday morning and although it wasn’t a fantastic bite , 20 nice whiting and croaker made it into the cooler . I have talked to friends from Hobe Sound to Vero Beach and the weeds are spread along most beach accesses . We just have to wait it out and hope for a current and wind shift change to improve things along the beach . On a better note , anyone who has been waiting to book a charter on The Snook Nooks beautiful 23 foot Parker Big Bay , your wait is over . Fred just did a complete makeover and this fish catching machine has everything new including a brand new 250 Mercury ProXS Outboard, 8 foot Powerpole , complete rewiring , new electronics, and all new Penn reels on Crowder rods . There is also a new website, Snooknookcharters. Com or call Captain Derrick at 772 530 1114. Take a look at the site as there is a ton of information about the boat, Captain Derrick, and all of the species you can target when you schedule a trip on on one of the premier charter operations on the Treasure Coast. I’ll be looking most mornings this week for conditions to improve and when they do I’ll post it right away .

Sebastian Inlet Report

Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper and Red Drum around

Anglers tell us there have been a lot of Spanish Mackerel out there, mainly around the jetties.  Use your little spoons, jigs and Gotcha lures to target them. 
We hear there has also been some good action with Mangrove Snapper.  You’ll find these guys throughout the inlet system and backwaters so try fishing the different areas in Sebastian Inlet State Park.  Best bait to use to use, live shrimp.
Tommy tells us there’s also been Red Drum, Jacks and some Pompano around.  He’s even seen a few big Permit come over the rails of the North Jetty, hitting on large, live shrimp that can be more difficult to find this time of year. 
Red Drum are hitting on live shrimp too, same for the Permit or crab if you can find it.  Jacks prefer live bait and Pompano love sand fleas.  Seems like incoming tide in the afternoon has been ideal, but the fishing has been good on the outgoing tide in the morning as well.  Go see Tommy at Sebastian Inlet Bait & Tackle and he’ll get you all set up.  Plus he’ll give you the latest on the action at the different fishing spots at the inlet.
A shout out to our featured angler of the week – Viquar Syed.  who had a great night of fishing on the North Jetty, facing the northern beaches.  It was low tide, around 9:30 p.m. with low winds and temps in the mid-80s.  Viquar tells us “Snook were abundant and some Red Drum were biting too.”  Viquar landed and released this 20 plus lb. Snook on pinfish as bait.   
                                     
                                   

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area

The past few days on the beach has produced mixed results and it has all been directly related to the abundance or lack of glass minnows schools . We could actually use a little bit more of a breeze so the gin clear conditions could become a little bit cloudy . Even the whiting and croaker get a little leader and hook shy in that clear water . There were lots of big whiting cruising the first trough on Saturday and Sunday but getting them to bite was another story. Randy and I have caught them in those conditions but you need to pitch your rig 10 to 20 yards ahead of the school so the bait is sitting still when they make there way up the trough . Even that tactic didn’t work this weekend as we caught a few but we saw a lot more than we caught . I fished by myself Saturday and today , Monday , and managed to catch 20 or so nice croakers and whiting each day but the bite was sporadic. The glass minnows were present on Sunday when Randy joined me and we filled both of our coolers in a couple of hours . Cast your rig with Bloodworm or Pink Shrimp Fishbites right into the center of the glass minnow school and your rod will bend immediately . The tarpon didn’t show up Saturday but the big blue runners were there in numbers . They will bend your 7 foot spinning rod and take some drag when they hit . Food value is poor on those guys so return them to the water after you land one . The all out , “get a bite on every cast” fishing doesn’t happen every day but it’s still pretty nice to put some of these great tasting whiting and croaker in your cooler on the off days and catch enough to have a tasty fish dinner .

From Todd & Trey @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach

INSHORE-  Catch and release snook fishing will remain the best bet on the inshore side of things.   With high air and water temps try fishing very early or late in the day for best results.  The snook will be around the bridges at night, especially those close to the inlets.  The inlets are no doubt the best bet right now for finding the snook.  
Mangrove snapper action has been fair inshore.  Live shrimp (If you can find them) or small pilchards are a great bait option for the mangrove snapper.

SURF/PIER
-  The main game in town right now along the beach and at the pier will be snook.  For the most part live croakers and sandperch will be the best bet for the snook (especially the bigger ones).  Don't overlook a chunk of dead bait as an option for the snook as well.  If your into throwing lures for the snook a small paddle tail or bucktail jig is good during the day.  At night throw bigger swimbaits and flair hawk jigs for best results.  North of Jupiter Inlet the tarpon are still around in good numbers.  They are still hanging around the minnow schools for the most part and remain locked on smaller baits.  Hogy paddletails remain a great lure choice around the minnow schools.  A handful of Spanish Mackerel around, as well as good numbers of blue runners in the surf as well.  

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area

If anyone is interested in having a real battle from the beach with one of the greatest game fish that Florida has to offer ,head to the sand. Randy and I fished today on the south end of Hutchinson Island and Randy had one fish in mind, the tarpon. This great gamefish put on a show all morning and although we never landed and released one, Randy hooked up with six of these guys and they showed why anglers put them on their bucket list. Jumps, blistering runs, and visual assaults of the glass minnow schools were worth the price of admission. For those of you that target the silver king you know that at this time of year the glass minnow schools are the key to finding a school of tarpon on the beach.I f you are new to trying to get one to strike a live bait or an artificial ,give the beach a look before you bring your tackle up. These bait schools are easily spotted and the dark schools hugging the edge of the surf will put you in the game. I will tell you, glass minnow schools do not guarantee tarpon as I found some schools yesterday that were not holding any, but your alternative can be whiting, croaker, catch and release snook,jacks, and blue runners. All of these species will be targeting this bait also.In between playing tug of war with the tarpon today, Randy and I put 60 nice whiting and croaker in the cooler. Bloodworm and Pink Shrimp Fishbites cast directly into the glass minnows will produce the biggest whiting and croaker you will catch all year.Plain Fishbites fished without natural bait like cut shrimp or clams produce the best action.If you do not get bit immediately when your bait hits the bottom, give your rod tip a twitch and this increased motion will fire them up.Calm surf,clean water, and a long list of everything from 12 inch croaker to 150 lb tarpon should have all of the surf anglers along the Treasure Coast hitting our great beaches. For those of you that have been asking when the Darcizzle whiting and croaker YouTube day will be up, look for it tomorrow.

Scouting Around Palm Beach And Martin County


Inshore fishing:
Along the beaches in Martin and St. Lucie Counties there have been lots of tarpon chasing and blasting the schools of glass minnows. They are being caught throwing large swim baits especially in white colors.
There have also been schools of jack crevalle on the hunt on the beaches. They are also being caught on swimbaits as well as on spoons. Near the St. Lucie Inlet, at Sandsprit Park, there has been an excellent snook bite. One angler reported have good luck using a swimbait by Savage Gear.
On the bridges spanning the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers, anglers are getting black drum on shrimp. There have been a few sea trout caught in the river near Herman’s Bay.
At the Boynton Inlet there have been large schools of snook and some tarpon out in front of the north jetty in a deep hole near the sandbar. Tarpon have also been seen rolling in the Intracoastal Waterway near the inlet.
At the Lantana Bridge anglers have caught a few jack crevalle and small ladyfish on yellow jigs and cut mullet.
Lake Okeechobee:
The bluegill and shellcracker bite has been excellent the past few days and should pick up a bit more today and Friday. Using worms and crickets and working just inside the grassline has been producing the best results. Tin House Cove and the Buckhead Ridge areas have been the top spots.
The bass bite is still good and is still been best in the early morning right at sunrise. Anglers working the outside grass lines using swim jigs, spinner baits and chatter baits are having the best luck. As the morning progresses and that bite slows down, switching to flippin’ creature baits in the thick bulrush has kept the action going. Kings Bar, J&S Canal and the Henry Creek areas have been good.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area

I have had a few calls the past couple of days from some anglers that somehow got on a couple of beaches and it sounds like the tarpon are everywhere . Find the bait and you will find these great game fish . I am fishing tomorrow and expect the croaker and whiting to pick up where they left off before the weekend closures . Expect the live shrimp supply to dry up at the local bait shops as it usually does in July . Bring an extra bag of Bloodworm or Pink Shrimp Fishbites so you do not run short . Snook Nook still had a great supply as of Thursday so stop by and stock up . The Darcizzle croaker and whiting trip from last Wednesday should be edited and up on the Darcizzle Offshore YouTube channel towards the end of this week according to Darcie and Brian . Light winds, reopening beaches, lots of bait and plenty of fish should make this week a pretty good one on our local beaches .

Sebastian Inlet Report

     Mangrove Snapper are running!

Tommy at Sebastian Inlet Bait & Tackle tells the fishing has really picked up.  Mangrove Snapper are running throughout the inlet and in the backwaters hitting on their favorite bait, live shrimp.  You have your choice of fishing spots at the Park to target these guys from land.
Spanish Mackerel have been running pretty good too we hear.  They are biting on little spoons, jigs and Gotcha lures.  Your best bet – try the North and South jetties.
We have been getting reports of massive Red Drum, again throughout the inlet system, with a few smaller keepers in between.  Use live shrimp here too and please remember your bag and size limits.  
Some Tarpon and big Permit have been seen at night off the North Jetty.  Tarpon are hitting on flare jigs and shallow diving plugs.  Permit will hit live shrimp or crab, if you can find them.  Tommy even tells us there’s been some Barracuda around too, so watch out. 

From Whites Tackle - Ft Pierce / Stuart

The calm conditions continue, with early morning west winds making the surf look like a lake. Bait on the beaches includes Pilchards, Threadfin Herring ( greenies ), glass minnows, and croakers. Snook activity is picking up in many places, with some really solid fish being caught. Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, sharks, and Tarpon are also getting in on the action. Inshore, the afternoon rains and heat have combined to make much of the water dirty, but Snook and baby Tarpon are being caught around culverts and outflows, but fish early or late to avoid the heat. 

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area

Well , if anyone was planning on going to the beach this weekend to cash in on this great whiting and croaker fishing you are going to have to wait until Monday . Beaches are closed starting tomorrow afternoon in Martin and St Lucie counties and all beaches south of there. Based on the spike in Coronavirus cases here in south Florida its really no surprise. So its going to be a weekend off from this great fishing but I am expecting things to be pretty good next week when we can hit the beach. I had the great opportunity to take Darcizzle up to the beach this morning and after a slow start things picked up and Darcie and Brian put 68 nice whiting and croaker in their cooler for their trip home. After about 2 minutes of giving them some tips about hooking these fish ,it was game on and they used their expertise to bend the rods . If anyone has ever watched their videos about any type of fishing they take on ,its no surprise they filled the cooler. Bloodworm and Pink Shrimp Fishbites with small pieces of fresh shrimp continue to catch these fish day after day. If anyone goes to the beach without bringing a bag or two of Fishbites , you are reducing your chance of having a great day . Cut the Fishbites into small quarter inch pieces and you will catch fish after fish. The Darcizzle video of this great day should be up on their site to view next Thursday . Its a weekend off from hitting the beach so I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July holiday and enjoy whtever activities you may do.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020