Reported by Capt. Sherrie Stovall on
May 1, 2008
Sebastian Inlet & River
May is the month for Snook at Sebastian Inlet. After the full moon two weeks ago, large numbers of baitfish have shown up at the tide changes in Sebastian Inlet. Schools of good size Mojarras and greenies are keeping the Snook and other game fish active. Redfish, ladyfish, bluefish and jacks have all been waiting in the channels to feed on the bait as they move through the inlet. Live shrimp is still a good standby option just in case the baits are not close enough to the rocks and catwalks to cast net.
Nighttime anglers are really doing great on buck tails cast out into the channel late in the evenings and at night. Focus on the tide changes and that should help produce some slot size fish.
Like all good things, the Snook season will come to a close at the end of the month. As of June 1st, Snook will be closed all summer and open again Sept 1st. So make sure you get your Snook fishing in. Pay close attention to the tight slot limit and measure you fish to make sure it is 28-32 inches with a pinched tail.
With all the bait moving in and out of the inlet, don't let the mangrove snapper fishing go by without exploring it. They love all the Mojarras and other fish rushing by them and will hang out under rock ledges waiting for the ambush. The inlet channel, along the catwalks and the jetties hold the largest concentration of snapper. Usually when the Mojarras show up the snapper are right behind them.
Fish your baits close to the drop offs with a ¾ oz. lead weight on a light 15-20 lb. fluorocarbon leader and a #1 or even a #2 light gauge hook to minimize the sight of your gear. Fluorocarbon is expensive but in the grand scheme of things it can make the difference between catching or just fishing for the mangroves.
Flats fishing will remain good throughout most of the day. Bait schools are up on the flats and drawing many Trout, Red fish and Snook in for dinner. Top water plugs like the Zara Spook, Top Dogs or MirrOLures should be worked from the deeper waters up towards the shallows. The favorite lure colors seem to be dark green or black backed lure.
Most of the trout and red fish are up on the flats getting lots of food to fatten up for their spawn. Try to really key in your fishing time when the baitfish are up and present on the surface as the water temperatures begin to rise through the month.
Offshore Sebastian Inlet
Offshore season is here. Look for the possibility to catch any type of game fish that lives in the deep blue. This is a great time of year to spend the morning trolling for gaffer Dolphin, and when you’ve caught enough of those go hit the bottom for some Grouper and Snapper action.
Look for things to heat up on the beach as well, with Greenies and Pogies showing up smoker Kingfish will be right on their heels. This can be a great alternative to running way offshore and burning lots of fuel, just stay on the beach, you’ll be amazed at what you might find.
As usual stop by Whitey’s to get the latest lure smacking action.
Until next month FISH ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-1440
9030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
www.whiteysonline.com/
Visit our new Whitey's Photo Album site for loads of pictures new and old.
More information, or wish to book an Offshore Charter, please call us on 321-724-1440, or email us: captstovall@whiteysonline.com
No comments:
Post a Comment