SURF/PIER- Good pompano fishing early in the week when the swell was up. The Juno Beach Pier had a pretty good number of pomps caught; with most coming on bright colored Doc's Goofy Jigs and a few on bait. A fair number of bluefish and jacks around early in the week as well with the swell. Calmer conditions and south winds later in the week did slow things back down. Conditions do look good for the fish to bite along the beach and at the pier on Saturday (At least in theory!). Spanish Mackerel action slowed way down at Peck's Lake with dirty cold water pushing in. Shark action along the beach improved a bit this week. Fresh chunks of bait at night are the way to go for the sharks.
To the angler who loves to fish the beaches, shores, jetties, bridges and piers of Florida.
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Snook-Nook Fishing Report
Inshore catch lists can consist of Snook, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Croakers, Triple Tail, Pompano, Bluefish, Jacks, Spanish Mackerels and more! Shrimp is definitely the bait of choice this time of year with the cooler water temperatures. The fish tend to be more inclined to go after a slower presentation and sit tight to structure for warmth as well as sit in deeper holes and drop offs. You can fish the bridges for Drum, Sheepshead and Croakers with live or frozen shrimp on a jighead, typically either 1/4oz or 3/8oz depending on the current. You will want to fish your bait around the concrete fenders and let it drift alongside it with the current. When fiddler crabs are available, you can’t beat using them following the same method to get in on some Sheepshead action!
Fishing around the Hole in the Wall and the Inlet is also a good spot to hit, you can anchor up and throw shrimp on a jig towards the shoreline to search for schools of Croakers and pick off Sheepshead and Drum as well as some Snook. You can also fish Pompano rigs with pieces of shrimp. You may go through a few catfish, but don’t let that discourage you as you have a solid chance at finding some Croakers, Sandperch, Bonefish, Drum and Pompano using this method. Not a bad idea to have a Pompano jig tied on a rod either to take some casts while you are waiting on a bite.
Fishing docks is also a good place to look for fish. Try fishing the docks with deeper water as you may find more fish schooled up in some of the areas with deeper water. Channel markers are also a good place to look, you can find Sheepshead, Croakers, Drum and even Tripletail on them.
Anglers have been able to pick off a few Pompano at the Jensen Causeway, and a few commercial anglers have been able to find some in the inlet. We should continue to see more Pompano showing up inshore as the water temperatures have dropped. Areas to look for them include the Inlet, Crossroads, Sailfish Flats, Jensen and Stuart Causeway.
If you are looking to throw artificials, once again slower presentations are going to be the key. Fishing baits like artificial shrimp, Flair Hawks and slow rolling paddle tails are going to be your best bets if you are looking to catch Snook on lures. Anglers have been finding Snook on artificials at the Jensen Causeway at night pretty consistently here lately. There have also been a few Trout caught up around Bear Point and Middle Cove by anglers wade fishing. Topwaters in the morning along with artificial shrimp and live shrimp on a popping cork have produced the action for those anglers.
Surf Fishing Report
The beach has been showing many signs of life this past week! Pompano, Bluefish, Whiting, Spanish Mackerel, Jacks and Runners have all been making the catch list. Beaches south of Jensen Public Beach have provided the most action for anglers here recently. It seems that the cold front we had during Christmas definitely moved some fish into our area. For those who are targeting Pompano, you will definitely want to come prepared with an 11’-13’ rod to reach them as the majority of Pompano have been caught roughly 70-100yds off the beach. Fishing with a longcast reel such as the Penn Spinfisher VI longcast will also add a little more distance onto your cast. We have some leftover surf combos put together at discounted prices from our tent sale that you can checkout as well if you are looking into a new surf combo. It is crucial to have the proper tackle in order to catch these Pompano. You will also want to come to the beach prepared with multiple rigs as the Bluefish and Mackerel may cut you off. The hot baits for Pompano have been the Powerlime Crab and EZ Flea Fishbites. Some anglers have been catching them on Sandfleas as well. For those looking for Capt. Paul Pompano rigs, he has been bringing them in on Thursday mornings, they don’t last very long on the shelves! It isn’t a bad idea to cast a spoon while waiting for a bite as well for the Bluefish and Mackerel.
From Todd, Eddy & Jeff @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach
INSHORE- Snook season opens back up next week...good weekend to do a little scouting for them. Overall snook fishing has been a bit slow, but those putting in the time have been finding a few in the usual wintertime hangouts. The shrimp jig bite is still on at night. Look for slightly cloudy water and fair tide movement (generally outgoing) for best luck on the snook. A hand full of inshore pompano reports coming in from Hobe Sound and Lake Worth. A bright colored Doc's Goofy Jig is the best bet for the pomps. Small jacks, blue runners, and ladyfish will also jump all over a Doc's Goofy Jig. Sheepshead reports slowed a bit this week, but still a decent number around. Shrimp and sand fleas remain the best bet for the sheepshead.
SURF/PIER- Somewhat slow fishing this week both on the beach and at the pier. A slow pick of pompano being caught, but no numbers to speak of. From the beach it's been Fish bites, sand fleas, and clams. From the Juno Beach Pier the same baits will work well, as will the Doc's Goofy Jig. Some good schools of jacks cruising the beach along Singer Island and Palm Beach Inlet. Look for the jacks to be most active early morning and late afternoon. The tarpon have also been hanging around Palm Beach Inlet in fair numbers. No bluefish or Mackerel action to speak of this week; hopefully the front this weekend helps get some pointed in our direction.
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Sebastian Inlet Report
The charming and ever-present “Snookman” Wayne Landry, offers up this week’s fishing report:
Good morning, all you Sebastian Inlet lovers. I hope everyone had a great weekend! To begin, It have to say that the fishing has dropped off a bit at the inlet as a whole. Not too much going on after the big swells we had at the beginning of last week that dirtied up the water. Also, the water is still pretty cold, 65 to 68 degrees. But there are some fish biting if you can find clean water, and since the winds have been offshore the last few days the surf has calmed down considerably, so that's a plus. Here’s the scoop:
South jetty: The fishing has been much better, with several species being caught on both tides. Small catch-and-release snook have been biting just about everything you toss out there, live or artificial. Small black drum, sheepshead and some black margates are being caught along the jetty on the incoming tide, and at the tip on the outgoing, along with plenty of small bluefish. Flounder fishing here has picked up somewhat, with some fish I hear being caught on live finger mullet up to about seven pounds. Very nice fish. After the swell calmed down midweek, there was a decent pompano bite on the beach just south of the inlet - live sand fleas was the bait of choice for them.
Catwalks, both sides: The north side is still closed. There was still a decent sheepshead bite at the south side on the incoming tide for those using fiddler crabs around the pilings. Not much else to report.
Surf, both sides: After the swell calmed down on the north side, there were pompano, black drum and whiting caught on sand fleas and cut shrimp. Also, there have been many small bluefish biting — some nice ones. They will hit just about anything you throw out bait wise, and silver spoons. The south side is pretty much the same, but with a few more pompano and some black drum and black margates mixed in.
T-Dock area: It’s been pretty slow recently. About the only thing I saw or heard about were small Spanish mackerel and undersized flounder on small white jigs. Catch-and-release snook have also been present on the incoming tide along the shorelines on live shrimp.
Well folks, that's all I have for this week. Not like it was, but that's what a weather change does for us this time of the year. You just have to pick a day, go fish and see what comes up. Have a great week, everyone!” — Snookman
Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area
Sunday, January 22, 2023
From Todd, Eddy & Jeff @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach
SURF/PIER- Good pompano fishing early in the week when the swell was up. The Juno Beach Pier had a pretty good number of pomps caught; with most coming on bright colored Doc's Goofy Jigs and a few on bait. A fair number of bluefish and jacks around early in the week as well with the swell. Calmer conditions and south winds later in the week did slow things back down. Conditions do look good for the fish to bite along the beach and at the pier on Saturday (At least in theory!). Spanish Mackerel action slowed way down at Peck's Lake with dirty cold water pushing in. Shark action along the beach improved a bit this week. Fresh chunks of bait at night are the way to go for the sharks.
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
From Whites Tackle - Ft Pierce -Vero Beach/ Stuart / Jupiter
Fort Pierce Inlet has good numbers of Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel to be had, mostly on spoons and jigs, and decent numbers of Tarpon can be found in the evening on outgoing tide, mostly taking jigs and swimbaits. Fishing in the surf has been sporadic, with water being a bit dirtier due to the recent winds, hopefully clearing soon. Some Bluefish are to be had using spoons, along with a few Jack Crevalle. Fishing in the IRL slowed a bit with the cold front, with Snook getting rather lethargic, but with things warming that should pick up, and maybe some Pompano will come in as well. Seatrout have been decent, and Redfish numbers seem to be improving.
Sebastian Inlet Report
More of the north jetty has reopened! Look for black drum, sheepshead, redfish and more!
“Good morning, fishing fanatics out there. I hope everyone had a nice, long weekend and stayed warm! It was brisk out there for us. I have good news. I am very happy to inform you that Sebastian Inlet State Park has reopened at least half of the north jetty to fishing. Additional areas will reopen in the coming weeks as parts need to repair the grates arrive. We're halfway there! My park management team also asked me to please remind everyone that there are rules and regulations to be followed while fishing the jetty. Please abide by them for everyone's safety and enjoyment. They are posted on the large white sign on the approach to the jetty, as well as at the information kiosk at the parking lot as you go out to the jetty. The fishing has been pretty good, but with only half of it open, it gets crowded. Please have patience and respect and be courteous to your fellow anglers so all will have a good time. Thank you. Now off to the golden report.
North Jetty: Fishing here has been pretty awesome for the boaters at the tip of the jetty, both tides, but now that the jetty is halfway open, we can get to the fish! Black drum are being caught in good numbers along with plenty of really nice sheepshead, all on live and cut shrimp. Also, they have been catching plenty of nice catch-and-release snook and redfish on the live baits, shrimp and pins and pigs. I was down Monday and last Friday and they were just whacking the stuff out of them! Also being caught on the ocean side of the jetty were many small palometa, ( no size limit or bag limit on those), permit, whiting and a couple nice pompano on Monday. All were caught on cut fresh dead shrimp. In the mix, I saw a couple of small Spanish mackerel on small silver spoons. Along the rock seawall between the catwalk and jetty on the incoming tide on Monday they were catching sheepshead, black drum and lots of small snook. Live shrimp was the key bait for those catches. West of the tidal pool on the north side there have been some decent flounder caught on finger mullet and mud minnows, as well as some small snook and seatrout on small jigs and swim baits.
South Jetty: Here, the action has been pretty hot with lots of fish being caught, mostly on the incoming tide with live shrimp. Snook, redfish, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, bluefish and black margates have all been biting. Also, snook have been biting rubber swim baits. The blue fish will hit anything you toss out, and they have been nice around two to three pounds. Remember, you can only keep three per person. The tip on the outgoing tide is producing pretty much the same thing, same baits as well. On the beach side of the jetty in the surf pocket there have been lots of small undersized flounder caught and a few keepers, 15 to 17 inches. Small shrimp jigs are doing the trick along with small mud minnows.
Catwalks, both sides: The north side is still closed. The south side catwalk is slow. A few sheepshead are still being caught around the pilings on the incoming tide on fiddler crabs, but not in the numbers they were getting. Most of the fish have migrated to the rocky shoreline as they move into the river to spawn. Not any word on the flounder from up there.
T-Dock: Back here the fishing last week was all about the pompano. Tuesday through Thursday on the clean incoming tide they bit pretty good on the small goofy jigs. Several anglers were able to limit out, and the fish were all between 15 and 17 inches. Snook fishing back here is still a happening deal, with fish being caught on large swim baits and various live baits. Also caught last week were quite a few mutton snappers, but they all were too small to keep. Sheepshead are still possible around the pilings with live fiddler crabs. I also received a report of flounder caught back here on both tides on live finger mullet and mud minnows. You just have to find the fish and hang out.
That's all I have for now. The weather is supposed to get back to Florida standards for this time of the year as the week progresses. Grab your gear, get some bait and find your favorite spot to fish - as they are biting - and catch ya some!” - Snookman
Friday, January 13, 2023
Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area
It looks like Saturday is going to be cold and windy so the surf might be a little challenging to fish . I will be at Bass Pro Shops this Saturday, Gatlin Blvd in Port St Lucie, from 9 to 1 to answer any questions anyone might have regarding tackle, baits, locations,or techniques about fishing our great beaches this winter . The pompano bite has gotten off to a great start so feel free to stop by with any questions you might have . I will be happy to help anyone I can and the information and time is free!! It’s going to be a little tough to set up your sand spikes this Saturday so stop by
Thursday afternoon and it sounds like the nice pompano bite of the last three days finally cooled off . I did not go up to the beach today but the reports from fellow anglers were pretty slow . The fleet of mackerel and pompano commercial anglers in the boats that had been up around the beaches by Fort Pierce Inlet were absent in any numbers today according to my friends that fished . They had been doing great on those two species from the boats and if they were located just off the section of beach that you were fishing you were probably bending the rods . That kind of bite brings out throngs of people and unfortunately I have to say beach etiquette is not adhered to by a lot of the surf fishing public . It never amazes me how close fishermen will try to spike in on you when you catch a fish . I had to ask a couple of anglers to please move their initial placement of the spikes as they were right on top of me . It happened up and down the area we were fishing and you really don’t have to be on top of someone to catch some pompano . These fish move up and down the beach all day. I did make one move yesterday and want to thank friend and fellow surf fisherman Stu Adams for allowing me to fish the area he was vacating . Making a move to try a different spot is fine as long as you don’t just pick up your gear and jam up other anglers . Randy , Capt Mark Carduner , Deb , and myself ended up with 13 nice pompano again yesterday and 75 percent of the fish were taken on Powerlime Crab Fishbites on Powerlime colored rigs . This color has been unbelievable this season and I think the Snook Nook just got some more in to replenish their stock . This forecasted cold front that’s due here on Saturday is most likely going to make the Surf conditions somewhat challenging but look for more pompano, mackerel, and bluefish to move into our area in the beginning of the week . A little tip for everyone is stagger the distances on your baits if you are fishing more than one long rod . Yesterday we caught more on the 60 to 80 yard rods than we did on the 100 yarders . Those deeper beaches up towards Fort Pierce allow you to fish a bit closer than some of the shallower accesses on the south end of Hutchinson Island. Hope everyone has a great weekend, stay warm, and catch em up .
Scouting Around Palm Beach And Martin County
Inshore
In the St. Lucie River, anglers working the channel markers, docks, bridges and almost any structure are finding a mix of sheepshead, black drum, croaker and tripletail. Shrimp on a jig head has been working for all four.
Though there have been a few caught at the Jensen and Stuart causeways and on the Sailfish Flats, the pompano bite has been a bit slow in the river. A few more cool fronts and some cooler water should start bringing them inside in the near future.
The forecast winds and rougher seas this weekend should help boost the pompano bite along the beaches. The waves help churn up the sand and expose the sandfleas which gets the pompano action firing.
Along the beaches in Jupiter, as well as at the Jupiter Inlet and Juno Pier, there remains fun action for Spanish mackerel and pompano.
For the Spanish mackerel, spoons are working as are Got-Cha lures.
The pompano are being caught using frozen shrimp or clams in conjunction with Fishbites.
Also along the beaches there have been good-size schools of bluefish moving through. Not big fish, but some good numbers.
At the Boynton Inlet, jetty anglers are getting sheepshead using clam strips, live crabs and live shrimp.
On the north jetty there have been mangrove snapper caught on cut mullet and shrimp worked around the pilings.
Along the beaches, from South Palm Beach down to Delray Beach, surf anglers are catching small pompano along with whiting and croaker that have been hitting cut shrimp and sand fleas.
At the Lantana Bridge, anglers have been catching sand perch and small mangrove snapper on cut shrimp. Sheepshead have also been caught on live crab and shrimp around the pilings of the bridge. The best bet has been to fish the sunny side of the pilings.
Lake Okeechobee
Like last week, the speck bite remains fantastic right now. Anglers working in front of the pier are faring best using jigs while other hot spots, including the Taylor Creek lock area over to Nubbins Slough, have been best using minnows. For night anglers, minnows seem to be better than jigs. Anglers targeting these tasty pan fish are regularly getting their limits right now The bass bite has been decent the past week with the southeast side of the lake being really good. Live shiners are still working better than any artificial baits. If you're determined to fool, rather than feed them, however, Senkos or flippin' and pitchin' creature-style baits have been effective.
Lake Osbourne
Sunshine and largemouth bass, clown knifefish and specks are being caught using live shad, shiners or minnows on white or chartreuse eighth-ounce jig heads around the bridges, docks, weed edges and culverts.
report courtesy of The Palm Beach Post
From Todd, Eddy & Jeff @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach
INSHORE- Kind of tough fishing inshore this week. Snook fishing was slow, and will likely not improve with a hard front on the way. Sheepshead action has been fair, but not red hot. A few black drum mixed in with the sheepshead. Live shrimp will be a good bait choice for the sheepshead and the black drum. The cold front could help push some fish onto the flats around Munyan Island. Palm Beach Inlet continues to hold some good schools of jacks.
SURF/PIER- This week saw fairly slow fishing both along the beach and at the Juno Beach Pier as well; with most of the better reports continuing to come from Hobe Sound and north. A hard front pushing through this weekend will likely (at least in theory SHOULD) push some fish our way. Those grinding it out on the beach did find a few bluefish this week, with most of them coming at night on cut bait. A few pompano around, but no numbers to speak of. Spanish Mackerel remain very thick in Peck's Lake; with some scattered schools along the beach in Hobe Sound as well.
Friday, January 6, 2023
Sebastian Inlet Report
North side: The jetty and walkway are still closed due to construction. The little bit of catwalk you can fish is producing sheepshead on the incoming tide on live fiddler crabs. Now that we have access to the north pocket area, baitfish are in the area and folks are catching small snook, small redfish, ( which are currently catch-and-release only). Also, some nice whiting are being caught for those fishing fresh cut shrimp.
South Jetty: The action has improved, with several different species being caught, mostly on the incoming tide. Small to average-sized snook are still being caught on all live baits and swim baits, ( snook are catch-and-release only now). Small black drum, sheepshead and black margates are biting fresh cut dead shrimp all along the rock wall. Also, small redfish are being caught as well. On the outgoing tide, at the tip and beachside, blue runners, black margates, sand perch and a few pompano have been caught on cut shrimp - the pompano on sand fleas and goofy jigs. The flounder have picked up a bit as well, with the cleaner water around, but expect that to change as the winds become SSW 10-20 mph the next few days. That will dirty the water again and weed it up. Finger mullet and mud minnows account for the flounder mostly. Also, during the past week there has been quite a few bluefish caught on almost everything you toss out. Those I saw last week were in the 2 to 3-pound range. Several people got their limit on them.
Catwalks: The North side is still closed except for a tiny section, but sheepshead are being caught behind the bridge pilings on live fiddler crabs. Cut shrimp will work, too, but the pesky blennies will be all over the shrimp. The south catwalk fishing is much better. I saw flounder caught last week on live finger mullet - incoming tide is the best for them. The sheepshead bite has been rather good fishing the incoming tide behind the pilings on live fiddlers. Most of the fish caught are around 13 to 15 inches, really nice fish. Along the shoreline, west of the catwalk on this side, they are catching small snook, black drum and flounder. The flounder on mud minnows and finger mullet, the snook and drum on live shrimp.
T-Dock: Here the fishing has been a little slower, but they are still catching a mixed bag of species. Spanish mackerel are there one day and gone the next. Small flounder are being caught on different baits, cut bait, greenies, mud minnows and finger mullet. Also, last weekend I saw nice keeper mangrove snappers caught around the dock pilings, mostly on cut baits. Jack crevalles and some bluefish are around as well to keep it interesting.
Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area
Just got done cleaning the coolers from todays fishing and I’m happy to report the pompano we’re chewing. I am sharpening my skills at baiting the hooks, taking the pompano off the hooks , and re-rigging after a squadron of bluefish come flying down the beach and tear up all of your tackle . I met Randy this morning at about 730 and he already had 5 nice pompano in his cooler . After he finished off his recreational limit of 6 he became the “caster” of my setups and I have to admit Randy and I are getting the system down . He casts and sets up the rod in the sand spike . I can get the rod out of the sand spike when we get a bite but Randy has to finish it off and land the pompano because I’m not supposed to extend my right arm. The format worked today as we ended up with a bunch of nice pompano. Bluefish, jacks , and ladyfish have been providing some rod bending in between pompano bites . The “Big 3” , Powerlime Crab, Electric Chicken Crab, and EZFlea Fishbites continue to be the go to baits . We are expecting a slight cool down from a front that is approaching as we get close to the weekend and if the water keeps the color it has been holding our fishing should remain pretty darn good . The fish seem to be spread from Jensen Beach to Fort Pierce so grab your long rods , hit the beach, and have some fun . Good luck this week and catch em up .
Snook-Nook Fishing Report
Inshore Fishing Report
Inshore fishing can be very productive during the month of January here in our area as anglers have the opportunity to catch a wide variety of species and fill a cooler. Inshore catch lists can consist of Snook, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Croakers, Triple Tail, Pompano, Bluefish, Jacks, Spanish Mackerels and more! Shrimp is definitely the bait of choice this time of year with the cooler water temperatures. The fish tend to be more inclined to go after a slower presentation and sit tight to structure for warmth as well as sit in deeper holes and drop offs.
You can fish the bridges for Drum, Sheepshead and Croakers with live or frozen shrimp on a jighead, typically either 1/4oz or 3/8oz depending on the current. You will want to fish your bait around the concrete fenders and let it drift alongside it with the current. When fiddler crabs are available, you can’t beat using them following the same method to get in on some Sheepshead action! Fishing around the Hole in the Wall and the Inlet is also a good spot to hit, you can anchor up and throw shrimp on a jig towards the shoreline to search for schools of Croakers and pick off Sheepshead and Drum as well as some Snook. You can also fish Pompano rigs with pieces of shrimp. You may go through a few catfish, but don’t let that discourage you as you have a solid chance at finding some Croakers, Sandperch, Bonefish, Drum and Pompano using this method. Not a bad idea to have a Pompano jig tied on a rod either to take some casts while you are waiting on a bite.
Fishing docks is also a good place to look for fish. Try fishing the docks with deeper water as you may find more fish schooled up in some of the areas with deeper water. Channel markers are also a good place to look, you can find Sheepshead, Croakers, Drum and even Tripletail on them.
Anglers have been able to pick off a few Pompano at the Jensen Causeway, and a few commercial anglers have been able to find some in the inlet. We should continue to see more Pompano showing up inshore as the water temperatures have dropped. Areas to look for them include the Inlet, Crossroads, Sailfish Flats, Jensen and Stuart Causeway.
If you are looking to throw artificials, once again slower presentations are going to be the key. Fishing baits like artificial shrimp, Flair Hawks and slow rolling paddle tails are going to be your best bets if you are looking to catch Snook on lures. Anglers have been finding Snook on artificials at the Jensen Causeway at night pretty consistently here lately. There have also been a few Trout caught up around Bear Point and Middle Cove by anglers wade fishing. Topwaters in the morning along with artificial shrimp and live shrimp on a popping cork have produced the action for those anglers.
Surf Fishing Report
The beach has been showing many signs of life this past week! Pompano, Bluefish, Whiting, Spanish Mackerel, Jacks and Runners have all been making the catch list. Beaches south of Jensen Public Beach have provided the most action for anglers here recently. It seems that the cold front we had during Christmas definitely moved some fish into our area. For those who are targeting Pompano, you will definitely want to come prepared with an 11’-13’ rod to reach them as the majority of Pompano have been caught roughly 70-100yds off the beach. Fishing with a longcast reel such as the Penn Spinfisher VI longcast will also add a little more distance onto your cast. We have some leftover surf combos put together at discounted prices from our tent sale that you can checkout as well if you are looking into a new surf combo. It is crucial to have the proper tackle in order to catch these Pompano. You will also want to come to the beach prepared with multiple rigs as the Bluefish and Mackerel may cut you off. The hot baits for Pompano have been the Powerlime Crab and EZ Flea Fishbites. Some anglers have been catching them on Sandfleas as well. For those looking for Capt. Paul Pompano rigs, he has been bringing them in on Thursday mornings, they don’t last very long on the shelves! It isn’t a bad idea to cast a spoon while waiting for a bite as well for the Bluefish and Mackerel.
From Todd, Eddy & Jeff @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach
SURF/PIER- Fishing was a bit slow this week along the beach and at the Juno Beach Pier; not overly surprising as conditions became very calm and clear early in the week. The calm clear water makes for a nice beach day, but does little to help fishing in the wintertime. A few Spanish Mackerel were biting white crappie jigs at the Pier early in the week. Scattered bluefish were caught along the beach from the pier to Jupiter Inlet, but not in any large numbers. Pompano reports were slim as well this week. It does sound like fishing was a little better up to the north. Hobe Sound seemed to be holding a few more fish; especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The Spanish Mackerel, including a fair amount of jumbos, have filled into Peck's Lake in big numbers (For new readers, and/or those who just don't know what "Peck's Lake" is; it is an area south of St. Luice Inlet in roughly 20-30' of water that holds a large population of winter/spring Spanish Mackerel. While schools of Mackerel may push into casting range from the beach; most are caught from the boat.)
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Beach Fishing With Paul Sperco Palm Beach/Martin County Area
From Todd, Eddy & Jeff @ Juno Bait -Juno Beach
INSHORE- Warming weather (after the hard front XMas weekend) this week has helped get the inshore fishing going. Catch and release snook fishing picked up the most, with the shrimp jig bite going off at local bridges. Lake Worth Lagoon has had a good number of jacks around, including some really big ones. Topwater poppers have been getting some crushing bites from the jacks. Sheepshead action also has been very good this week. Pompano reports up on the Sailfish flats in Stuart remain good. Light weight (1/4 and 3/8oz) Doc's Goofy Jigs in bright colors are the way to go for the Pompano (And other assorted bycatch like jacks, runners, ladyfish, etc.).
SURF/PIER- This week saw some really really good action along the beach and at the Juno Beach Pier. For all around numbers and consistent action; bluefish have been a solid bet. Good numbers of blues around up and down the beach, and at the pier as well. Loud noisy topwaters and GT Ice Creams have been a great choice for the bluefish early and late in the day. As the sun gets up in the sky a bit, a sub surface lure (Spoon, diamond jig, Yo-Zuri Monster Shot, etc) or some cut bait is going to be a good choice. Spanish Mackerel have also been scattered up and down the beach in big numbers. A smaller diamond jig or Yo-Zuri Monster Shot have been the way to go for the Mackerel on the beach: while white crappie jigs have been working well on the pier for the macs. Pompano fishing has been good as well this week; with some pomps being caught on the pier but better numbers coming from the beach. The big news this week from the pier was some big kingfish coming over the rail. It was a short bite on the passing front, but the kings were fired up on Rapala XRaps and Yo-Zuri Longcast minnows.
