Captain Bob Bushholz
Jensen Beach, Florida
(772) 225-6436
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ALL YEAR LONG!!!!' | | Fishing Report for
January 21st, 2003
"Rods Still Bending"
Last week's temperatures kept many anglers
indoors. We managed a few trips aboard Catch 22, again fishing deep holes
and cuts. The shallow grass flats will definitely produce this time of
year, with the afternoon your best bite time allowing the sun to heat
things up. Both trips last week were morning departures, so we hit area
bridges where water depth is at least 12 feet. Six snook to 28" along
with lots of black drum running 3-9 lbs., scattered jacks and small
mangrove snapper kept the anglers very busy. Trollrites with shrimp once
again prevailed.
Hell's Gate was still holding fish on high outgoing tide with pompano,
Spanish mackerel, jacks and ladyfish. Most boats in this area anchor up in
about 10 feet. I prefer drifting, covering more water. I guess the only
time I really break out my anchor is on night trips or when I target
sheephead in the St. Lucie Inlet near high or low tide when the current is
slack. I didn't make it outside the rocks of the St. Lucie Inlet last
week, but rest assured the mackerel are still there and will be around for
another two months.
Last week a few of us fished the South jetty in Fort Pierce with
scattered flounder on the Ocean side. On the inlet side, I release a
40" snook on Tuesday that was a blast on 12 lb. test. This fish made
3 separate 50-yard runs until he finally tired out. It took a good five
minutes to revive him and make sure he was released unharmed. An angler
next to me had a 24" redfish, also fishing the inlet side. Everyone
is eagerly awaiting the opening of snook season on February 1st. If the
weather remains cold, this is the place to catch snook that are hanging in
the warmer temperatures the inlets provide. Cast up current and let your
bait sink. I like an hour before and after each tide when the water is
slower. If it's "ripping" simply go to a heavier jig. Also
deeper water, near bridges will be holding plenty of fish. Flair hawks
worked slowly along the bottom is your best bet.
If the temperatures remain cool the next month or so, there's really
no need for pre-dawn departures. Heading out by 8 a.m. or later will help
you out in the grass flats. Don't be surprised to encounter some monster
bluefish (over l0 lbs.) roaming inshore. They seem to know there are some
easy pickings inside.
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