Captain Bob Bushholz
Jensen Beach, Florida
(772) 225-6436
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ALL YEAR LONG!!!!' | | Fishing Report for
August 28th, 2003
"Same Old Song And Dance"
Snook season is
getting ready to open on September 1!! The negative on this is that water
releases continue from Lake Okeechobee, turning the Inlet area into an
unfavorable sight on outgoing tide. The positive is that snook and tarpon
don't seem to mind the conditions, but all other species are suffering.
Water Management increased volume releases early this week anticipating
heavy rains from incoming tropical waves. Right now the gates are open,
releasing 18,701 gallons per second into the estuary. After 6 days of
heavy releases the Lake did not drop, but gained 3 inches!!! Hopefully, we
will get through this week with minimal damage. The overall picture is not
good. We are approaching the height of hurricane season, so the next three
weeks will be CRITICAL.
The trips I have run south recently consisted of using Sabiki rigs to
catch live baits outside the Inlet (greenies, sardines) and then drift
fishing about 2-1/2 miles offshore, which I can do with very calm seas.
The action has been steady with barracuda, kingfish and bonita providing
some excellent rod-bending hook-ups. I can run these "nearshore"
trips only when the seas are down and less than 4 anglers fishing. Live
baiting, we use 20-lb. test on Penn 750 spinning reels. Most of the bonita
are running around 10-15 lbs. The kingfish we've been hooking into have
been in the 8-20 lb. range. After an hour or so, we normally head back to
the Inlet to play with snook, tarpon, jacks, snapper and whatever else
takes a liking to the bait offered. On some trips, my clients request
staying inshore and still find the fishing exciting. For instance we hit
into some large jacks and several snapper. We also managed to jump several
tarpon, with two monsters in the 150 lb. range, putting a couple of
anglers in shock. Last week we released a few 20-lb. snook After one or
two snook, I prefer to leave the spawning snook alone and try something
else. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "hammering the
spawning snook is insane". Catch a few and leave them alone. The
"open" snook season is just around the corner.
The majority of my trips have been north of the Jensen Causeway on the
Indian River. The water near the power lines still has a greenish tint
(coming from the Ft. Pierce Inlet). When the water condition drop, you
need to either find clean water or fish deep. Trout action remains good in
that area on both sides until about 10 a.m., using live shrimp or DOA soft
rubber baits. The largest trout (over 5 pounds) hit topwater plugs and
early. Last week, Catch 22 anglers boated two trout over 5 pounds that
were released. We spotted a few redfish north of the powerlines, but they
just weren't interested in what was offered.
Channel markers have not been the normal producers (which may relate
to the water quality issue) but a few flounder and tripletail can still be
found. Area bridges continue to hold black drum and mangrove snapper, but
look for reduced action around the Roosevelt and Crary Bridges due to the
releases.
Remember snook season opens September 1 (which also happens to be a
holiday) and many people will be on the water (not just anglers). Be
courteous and respectful (even if some aren't) and be safe! Tight lines
everyone!
Capt. Bob Bushholz
(772) 225-6436
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