Jensen beach Fishing Report 9-1-2011

FISHING 8/30/11

Just another beautiful week in south Florida and the fishing has been spectacular. If you are planning a trip opening night your mouth should be watering for a fried Snook sandwich, the Snook have moved in to all the area bridges to pick and bully the first wave of mullet with the Tarpon joining in as well. Fishing the Jensen causeway one angler was cursing the Snook, “every time is cast to a Tarpon a pesky Snook would snatch my mullet”, I am sure his attitude will change come Thursday. Trout have stayed consistent between the Jensen and Stuart causeway on both sides of the river. Fish early, before sun up cast a top water then switch to something that works below the surface, bend a rod for a couple of hours and then go have breakfast.

Causeways are not only place to find these fish; anglers fishing the surf from Walton Rocks to Shuckers have found plenty. These fish are feeding on Glass Minnows tight to the shore line; look for the birds they are the biggest tattle tails on where these fish are hiding. Plenty of Whiting, Croakers and Sand Perch to fill your bucket as well, a small piece of shrimp will do the trick, keep it close, short cast is all you need they are at your toes.

Off shore conditions have shaped up nicely with nothing but a little roll to deal with. King Fish bite remains steady from 30’ to 60’, but the Bonita are there in force. Try getting you bait down deeper in the water column to avoid these pesky bait stealers, the fish you want are below the Bonita any way. Dolphin bite has been steady since the storm passed, start looking I 80’, but do not get stuck in one area look for debris and weed lines, find that and you will find them. Few Sails but no pattern, anglers fishing to the south get a bait down, 24oz trolling lead and blue and white Islander with a ballyhoo or strip bait and see “Hoo” might make that reel scream. ………………………….Capt. Justin

Next week we will find that Snook, I promise……………………………………..Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net    

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 8-11-2011

FISHING 8/9/11

Yes, we need rain, but not all at once and not every day. Afternoon showers are as reported not two weeks of rain every day starting at 3: pm, enough. The only good thing is after fishing just pour the bleach over the boat and it will rinse automatically. Plan your trips early or later and the rain will not be a problem.

Surf anglers have found the Tarpon are chewing; the area between Shuckers and Nettles Island access has been the location for bait, lots of small baits and a favored spot for the Tarpon, Snook and some mighty big Jacks. Look for the bait balls, that is when the fish are eating not to say they are not fowling a school but when you see the bait all balled up the fish are eating. Snook tend to follow the bait, Tarpon will just roll through them and the Jacks, well it is sort of crash and grab but if you want Varity, fish bait with the same profile. Tarpon will focus on a size, Snook not quite as picky and the Jacks, if it moves eat it. Fish early and beet the rain, Whiting and Croaker all good size, there all day and just a pitch not a cast will put you in the fish.

Off shore it was not a busy week but anglers found Dolphin at 90’ out of the Ft. Pierce Inlet from out inlet it was 60’, 100’, and 130’ not far from the inlets. These fish were gaff size from 12 to 25lb Dolphin, holding on weed and temp lines, small Kings north of the inlet and that ever “elusive” bone heads are every where. Good reports of Sails not quite pesky but plenty of them and the Black Fins are at the Hill. Bottom fish seams to have slowed but then not too many anglers have gambled on the rain, bottom has slowed not much current.

In shore finally some Reds on the west bank of the river, Walton road, county line and the flat behind the Dolphin Grill have all been very productive and the time was not an issue or the tide. These fish were in 18” of water all slot size fish. Trout mix in the same areas but most of the good Trout fishing was on the east side. Tarpon at Big Mud all day, not hungry, at the bridges during the dark hours is when they get their appetite going and the Snook, well they know the season closed. Had several anglers ask about the Blue fish in the river????? I don’t know why they are here but watch your fingers and I sure like how they handle a rubber bait. Plenty of Drum, Snapper and Sheephead to keep anglers busy at the causeways a piece of shrimp will get them and yes it is raining as I am typing.

Till next week do not forget you rain poncho…………………………………Freddie

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net      

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 1-25-2011

FISHING 1/22/11


Cool, warm, wind and sun shine it has been a week for the weather.  Changing temperatures has changed the way we plan our fishing days, it pays to wait till the sun warms our waters, and it is Florida and our fish like it warm.

To the beach it has been more Pompano than I can remember, from Ft. Pierce to Hobe Sound the talk is Pompano.  Interesting part is the fish have been up close, Sundays surf made it difficult but the fish were there.  Angler’s reports were limit catches and all big fish not one call on the minimum size.  Favored baits were clams and sand fleas and yes the bite started mid morning, as soon as the edge warmed the fish moved in. Plenty of Blues on cut baits, a little longer cast to locate these fish unless you were fishing the inlets, these areas were covered up with Blues, Macs and Jacks.

From the bridges was Pompano, plenty of Pompano.  That little jig was the preferred bait, but we had anglers catch them on shrimp, clams and sand fleas, the good part was it was an all day bite.  If you waited for the water to warm it was Snapper, Black Drum and some real nice Trout, mix in the Blues, Macs and yes more Pompano. River anglers had their fill of Trout and Red Fish from north to south it has been a strong bite.  Reds on small spoons and shrimp from late morning to late afternoon mix in all good size Trout and what can I say other than fishing has been excellent.

Off shore the week started with Sails and Dolphin and mix of Kings and Cobia then the weather man got involved, north wind and cold. By the week end the water temps had move the fish.  Tuna at Push Button are the only guarantee; trolling small feathers will get them but eh rest?

Anglers fishing deep have found a few, but I would look shallow like 80’ being the deepest.  The live bait reported has been in shallow water, so why would the fish be deep.  In these times of changing temps look for the warm water, let the sun warm what it can and that would be the zone I would be looking in.  Plenty of Spanish Mac’s south of the inlet to bend a rod but it is time for some big Kings to show, and maybe the Cobia will make another appearance  and it will be shallow, what we really need is some cooperation from the weather man.

Till next week lets keep our fingers crossed for some south Florida weather, the fish and I can hardly wait……….Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net     

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 11-19-2010

FISHING 11/14/10

Well what can I say about the weather other than unpredictable, wind and waves do make a difference? Our week started with a predication of eight foot seas and it did not happen, fishing was great all week until the end of the week then we felt the wrath of Mother Nature. We started the week surf fishing and it was plenty of Blues on cut bait and spoons, Mac’s, Jacks, and Snook kept most anglers busy taking the same. Whiting and Pompano were there also eating shrimp and clams and the bite was on, no mater the time there were fish and if you waited half an hour the what ever species was not there was back and a plenty. Now the seas were forecast to be in the six foot area as they were for the whole week, but not until the week end did it blow and build, the week end. I am not sure if you could get to blue water with a fourteen foot pole it was that big, sun was shining but the sea conditions were impossible. Monday, three to four foot waves and shrinking.

Anglers that went to the inlet were pleasantly surprised, a little choppy but when past the inlet it was little more than swells. Pulling ballyhoo put a lot of fifteen to twenty pound dolphin in the boat, lots of Dolphin, action zone 100’ to 150’ and mixed in were the Sails, Black Fins, Bonita and more Dolphin. It has been a long time coming, gaffer Dolphin and plenty of them to the point that anglers pulled away from them only to find more Dolphin. Busy with the Sails 8 for ten, 6 for 12, the list was long and it made no difference weather you were north or south of the inlet the important thing was the depth, 100’. It was a little chunky for bottom fish but those that had the courage found plenty of Mutton and Mangroves to eat all the sardines they had brought with them. Now it is the week end and the seas are impossible, why always on the week end?

River anglers found plenty of fish, pesky Trout (season is closed), excellent Reds, plenty of Blues and the Pompano bite is on. Jigging Pompano from the bridges at the east end of the causeways, high out going seems to be the tide, these are fish are silver and the six is the bag. Reds love the cooler weather, east or west side of the river and just about any thing you put in the water they would chew on. From live baits to pieces of crab or mullet got their attention and those pesky Trout. Flounder from many locations, don’t know if they were the target but quite a few went home with the anglers. Snook, the worst the weather the better the Snook fishing, pick a bridge, sun down, cast a Bomber plug or a Flair Hawk on the shadow lines and set the hook. So many Snook that anglers got to take one home, please do not bring a knife to the gun fight……………………HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net       

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 11-5-2010

Starting at the beach, it has been a great week with a long catch list and the best part is any time you showed up there was fish. Plenty of Blues, Whiting, Croaker, Pompano, Mac’s and a few more were there and this was all day.  Blues were there through out the day, spoons and cut bait top the bait list and the Mac’s and Jacks were there if the Blues missed the bait.  Anglers that preferred the Whiting and Croaker found plenty at their toes, the Blues kept them on the edge most of the day.  With all the sand fleas on the beach you know the Pompano would be there. We reported lots of small Pompano over the past few weeks and now here come the keepers, do not forget the ice. Most interesting was the time, any time, depending on your location at some point they would be there, lots of fish all week and a seven foot rod kept you in the game.
Off shore it was 85’ of water not 185’ or 285’ it was 85’ of water the “action zone”. All the east wind we have had all week will only blow every thing to us not away. We had good catches of nice size Dolphin, twenty pound class fish, not sure what happened to the Sails, a few not to many but the Kings did not disappoint me fifteen pound fish and a good bite of them.  Anglers trolling ballyhoo found plenty of fish to keep busy as long as they stayed inside 100 feet of water.  Rips and flotsam and weed lines, there was no reason to go deeper, strong east wind early in the week trailing off but always east. Muttons continue to keep the bottom anglers busy from 40’ but the AJ’s were thick, good size fish pulling real hard, sardines were favored.
In shore the Trout season is closed, so they will be hitting any thing thrown.  November and all of December the Trout will get a break, one can still catch but you can not keep, time to take the barbs off the hooks because you and I both know it will be all big Trout, have your camera ready.  Red fish, slot Snook and Flounder will be the target if you can keep the pesky Trout away.  Red Fish just seem to like the west side of the Indian River, yes you catch them on the east side but the west, around the docks is their favored location, along with some slot size Snook, early is the prime time into mid morning, top water, gold spoons, live shrimp and soft rubber will find them if you can keep those pesky Trout away.  Flounder anywhere you find a hole in the grass or the drop of a channel edge, fish the drop, almost to the rise.  Shrimp on a jig head, just slide your bait across the bottom, they hit hard so do not loose you grip. This week end in Ft Pierce is the SKA nationals, lots of boats, lots going on, stop up………………………..Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (772)-334-2145      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net   

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 9-5-2010

Surf anglers it took the last three day of the week for the sand to settle, turbid, could not see a fish.  Took longer than I thought but it has cleaned up and we have mullet in the surf.  Big mullet, big bait, big fish, Tarpon, Snook (opens on the 17th) and Jacks in numbers and you guessed it mullet is the favored bait.  Sun up and high tide are the preferred times but the mullet are there all day and so are the fish, come on down.  Lots of sand fleas on the edge and there should be Pompano but the big fish will keep them away.  Whiting and Croaker a few but the other species are keeping them on the run.  Seven foot of a fast taper rod, two hundred yards of thirty pound braid and fifty pound leader tied to it and you are ready; please do not bring a knife to the gun fight.

            Off shore we had mixed results, anglers were reporting fish and others are still out looking.  Some Dolphin not a lot but some, had reports from seventy feet out to two hundred, no pattern but fish. Trolling was the preferred method, taking dinner to the fish.  Had Kings in sixty feet and a few Sails, but not a lot of fish for the number of boats.  Bottom fishing was hot with Muttons toping the list, forty feet is where it all started.  North or south of our inlet fish were scattered, no pattern.

            Blue fish in the river, Mac’s at the bridges, not sure what month it is, but lots of mullet in the neighborhood. Anglers casting a D.O.A bait found plenty of Trout, Reds, Tarpon, and Snook of course the Blues made quick work of the rubber baits.  As the turbidity settled out of the water fishing just got better, from Bear Point south to the power lines it was Trout, Snook and Blue fish????  Joe’s Point had plenty of Tarpon with a good mix of Trout and Reds, south of the Stuart causeway around the islands it was more slot Trout with a mix of Snook, just had to wait for that water to clean up. Lots of mullet and lots of Snook, you have until the 17th then who knows where they will disappear too.  Bridges have had plenty of Snapper, Drum, Mac’s and mullet so the big fish are there be careful do not set your rod down with a bait in the water, they will teach it to swim.

           Where is the camera and remember to hold your breath, when you need to breath so does the fish………………….Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net   

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 8-13- 2010

FISHING 8/7/10



           Cold water, off shore usually after a strong west wind we will have a cold water upwelling but no wind and we still have cold water?  Every one that I talked to said something about the cold.  All that great Mutton and Yellow Tail Snapper came to an end, if the water was that cold on the surface who knows what the bottom temps were.  What to do in the cold look in the deeper water, 220’ plus that is where the surface temps warmed.  As anglers left the inlets they talked of the cooler temps and then getting warmer as they went deeper.  Black Fin Tuna from 200’ out on small feathers, small cedar plugs, and small tensile jigs the key was small.  The good part was that these fish put on some weight but then so did the Bonita.  Like it came it will leave, cold today and normal tomorrow, not sure how Mother Nature does that.

                Inlets on the out going tides had Spanish Mac’s eating what ever you put in the water, one or two fine but not my target.  Snook and Tarpon will be back as soon as the water warms.  Snook season is closed, have our fingers crossed for and opening day of September 16.

                Surf edge cold maybe that is the reason the bite was so good in the middle of the day.  Whiting and Croaker, one cast one fish, I guess I am not the only fan of the heat.  Casting to these fish and you were beyond them, they were a pitch away.  Good size fish, do not forget the ice.

                 River temps were normal, early anglers found fish in the flats on top water lures, late riser had to look for their fish.  Shaded water, deeper waters were the targeted areas.  Lots of Glass Minnow schools, fish the edges for the Reds and the Trout were in the midst of it all.  Pay attention for the rolling Tarpon, they love Glass Minnows.  Pompano at the bridges and some really nice fish, small jigs were preferred.

                  Well I know for sure Mother Nature has not read the chapter in my book on summer water temps and the Pompano the chapter on migration, so it is back to the books for me, ………………………………………………….HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net  

Catching Tarpon

Tarpon Ain't Easy to Catch from Reel Escape Films on Vimeo.

This is an awesome video that gives you a real sense about what tarpon fishing is all about!

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 8-1-2010

FISHING 8/1/10



                Lake Atlantic, that’s as conditions have been, one to two feet with a light wind, a great week for boating.  Lobster mini season was last week and the seas were perfect.  Heard and saw some nice catches, the largest we saw eight pounds taken on the first day but sure heard about a lot of bugs. Interesting was the next day every one was headed out for the Muttons, those lobster pieces make great chum for bottom fish and the Muttons have been high on the catch list.

                 Off shore the polite seas had anglers playing around Push Button Hill and east of the there, deep water is where the gaffer Dolphin were taken.  Interesting was not a sound of these fish on the radio, but did wee a few and talked to a few anglers who were privy to the info, saw to fish over twenty pounds.  Most at the Hill were playing with the Black Fins trolling small cedar plugs and feathers, fish in the ten to fifteen pound class. Action zone was the 140’, on the catch list were Sails, small Dolphin, Kings, Bonita and more Bonita.  So many Bonita you needed extra bait, Bonita will eat any thing or every thing.  Trolled or live the fish were hungry, live baits were there one day and a hard finds the next, did you look in front of the House of Refuge that should always be your first stop. Now about the Muttons, from the inlets on out, Mutton Snapper everywhere, if there is a rock on the bottom they are on it, a dead Sardine works great. Did I mention the African Pompano and Permit on the Sand Pile, small jigs will get their attention.

                 Surf anglers started the week with 36” Cobia, plenty of Whiting, Croaker and those pesky Snook mixed with some big Jacks.  Yes they will all eat shrimp but if it is Snook that Crystal Minnow and the deep running Bait Buster by DOA will find them. That being the targets please take the barbs off the hooks for a quick release. Big Whiting and Bigger Croaker make a real nice dinner; do not forget the ice and the Jacks are there to test you and your equipment.  It was an all day bite, so sleep in then come on down.

                  River anglers are limited to low light, which is the best bite time.  If you can see the fish they can see you.  Long cast those top water lures and as the sun gets higher long cast those soft rubber baits.  Lots of slot Trout and Reds mixed with pesky Snook and mean Jacks.  Watch the grass edges, and pot holes in the sand both make great ambush points.  When the sun is high just go for the shaded and deep water, the fish want out of the sun. Tarpon at the power plant, at the channels, at the Stuart causeway and the Cross Roads but it seems they have won not one angler has that them on the target list.

                  Till next week, lots of water, sun screen and where is the camera………………………………………………HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net       

Jensen Beach Tarpon Are Everywhere

FISHING 7/17/10

          Tarpon in the river, inlets, surf it seems they are every where, why not it is their time.  At times they will eat what ever is in their way, and then there are the days where you can not get a look.  Look to go down in size, throwing that Crystal Minnow, look to the next size down, 3 ½” or if you are using the DOA bait buster try the small TerrorEyz, all your favorites come in a small size and that may be the secret.  With these small baits and heavy leaders a loop knot is mandatory or the bait just will not work.  These little baits can not pull the bigger leaders, that loop will let them work with out pulling the leader.  Tarpon at the Jetties, at surf edge north of FT.Pierce, south of Bath Tub to the Inlet, playing in the Cross Roads, plenty of them and the early hour seems to be most productive.

           At the surf plenty of big Whiting chased by plenty of big Snook.  If there is no action at the beach site you have chosen move, north or south because you will find them.  These fish have been there into the late morning a little piece of shrimp will find them.  If your target is Snook take the barbs off the hooks and go fish, please release them in the water.  Heard about a few Blues this week and some nice Snapper off the Hobe Sound beach, one thing they all had in common was the time, early.

            River, fish early or low light, water is warm and clear up my way.  If you can see them they can see you, long cast early using top water after sun up move to the channels.  Lots of slot Trout, small Reds, plenty of Snook and the good thing is that they have been hungry, breakfast.

           Bonita and more Boneheads, if you can get bait through them one may find a fish. Seas were not to polite this week with 3 to 4 being called all week with a strong east wind just maybe some Dolphin will blow our way.  For the moment most anglers were going deep looking for the Black Fins, playing with a few small Dolphins and coming in with King Fish of medium size, perfect for the grill.  Good Mutton bite for the bottom anglers, Cobia swimming around the boats, but not eating and this was reported from several locations.

          Yes, summer makes me lazy and the fish feel the same way……till next week where is the sun blocker??

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net       

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 7-10-10

FISHING....07/10/10



            Beautiful weather, warm temps, and flat water, can it get any better?  Lake Atlantic was very kind to anglers, one to two foot seas and that would be big, so every body was out and the catch list was long.  So was the list of boats, lot of boats and a few fish each but it was a beautiful week end.  The Black Fins were out in 250’ and some were of good size, trolling small feathers. Problem was after three the forth was eaten buy a shark, the fight and the run drew the sharks to the area, solution bring in the lines and move on.  Dolphin were all small, two here and two there, not a bunch but they were out there, again the man in the gray suit shows up. Kings were in sixty feet, a lot in the twenty pound class eating sardines and the sharks were with them. Mutton and Yellow Tail Snapper kept the reef anglers busy, Amber Jacks to test your equipment and again sardines top the bait list.  Not a lot of fish per boat but enough. Lots of comments on Sharks both inside and out, look before you reach out for that catch, look before you put your hands on that leader, we get upset when we loose a catch but you are in his house, careful. Action zone was 80’/125’ both north and south of the inlets, baits were not a problem, just lots of boats. Please give every body lots of room, pay attention to what in front of you.

          Inlets and beach were busy, lots of Whiting, Snook, Tarpon, big Jacks, just a lot of fish that will test your equipment.  Lots of good size Whiting on small pieces of shrimp, bring that bucket of ice you want to keep your catch as fresh as possible. Now about the Snook, if that is your target take the barbs off the hooks and if the fish takes the bait deep cut the leader and let them have the hook.  These fish are after the Whiting, they are your toes, Yozuri crystal minnow, D.O.A Bait Buster, Gulf Stream Red Tail Hawk will find the fish and plenty of them; take the barbs off the hooks.  Slide them across the bottom, fish in the trough or put that little Whiting back where you caught it and hang on. Tarpon have been south of Bath Tub beach, and the south Jetty in Ft Pierce, big fish, do not bring a knife to the gun fight.

           Trout fishing early has been excellent, lots of nice fish on top water lures or a shrimp on a popping cork, knee deep. Bite is early, before sun up till maybe mid morning.  Fish the grass edges; work your bait down that line from Bear Point south to Boy Scout Island, early, low light.  Late morning look deep, the channel edge, four feet, work your bait slow across the bottom.  Tarpon, low light, cross roads north to the Stuart causeway, north side of the Jensen causeway and Mud creeks are holding fish and I have no idea why there is none in between. But plenty of big Jacks every where in between so do not set your equipment down.  Fishing has been good but you have to fish early, low light and cooler water is the key.

           So where is the camera????????

 Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net      

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 6-27-10

FISHING 6/27/10

Ninety degrees all day with temps dropping to eighty five at night, I love this place. High temps may be good with me but not so sure about the fish. Summer months you will have to plan your trips to a more comfortable time, like dawn, as a matter of fact you need to watch the sun come up.Fishing inside or out fish the coolest water you can, that’s when the fish will be feeding.

Surf anglers reported that even the Whiting were a cast out, but good size Whiting worth the cast. Still some grass in areas but just not as thick. A piece of shrimp will find all the Whiting and a small Whiting will find the Snook, Tarpon and big Jacks that are there for the early angler. Even that surf edge has heated to the point the fish are holding just beyond the trough. Lots of Crabs in the area and yes they do make good bait, a dollar size crab on a 5/0 hook tied to a fifty pound leader is a “Snickers” bar to a Tarpon or Snook, so bring that extra rod. If you plan on staying please reapply that sun screen. Snook fishing on the beach has been excellent, barbless hooks that are the secret to a quick release.

Off shore it was pesky Sail fish and Bonita all week then the week end and wind and a 3to 5 added a little sport to the game. Bait was not an issue till the week end and that full moon, well what can I say. Sails and Bonita were the only game in town from fifty feet out eating any thing you put in the water, then the week end and it was Black Fin Tuna, the Sails disappeared the Bonita slowed but we had a few Dolphin make the catch list. Surface temps are high and I would swim my baits even run a few deep looking for that comfort zone, take dinner to the fish from 50’ out. Had two anglers in looking for Bonita at the Sand Pile and all they could catch were Cobia, no sympathy here. Had one other in looking for Sails, we told him no problem, all he caught was Dolphin and Black fins in 80/125’ slow trolling Bally hoo again no sympathy. The only thing we were able to call were the Tarpon and Permit at the Boils on crabs, well I two right for the week end. These fish have been there for a few days, you might want to check them out, so where is the sun screen.

River anglers I know if you are watching the sun come up you are catching, fishing north or south you are catching. Plenty of Trout, Jacks, Snook and Tarpon to name a few, live baits or top water have been doing their job. Stay in the channel and watch for activity, lots of bait in the river, fish the outer edge of the activity, not a problem. After the sun is up now you will have to look for shaded water or deeper water. Fish any channel or work a dock from deep to shallow, soft rubber baits with a swim tail presented slowly. Fish the channel in the middle of our river that is where the fish go, just fish slow and if you feel any bump set the hook. When the water gets this warm the fish will pick up the bait not attack it, slow Down. Now if any body sees a Red Fish give me a call.

This is a great area with lots of water and yet not many fish at night, one evening go for a ride, visit any bridge. Many of the docks in the area are lit, all the bridges have lighting and until you have watch a Tarpon roll with those big eyes. Big eyes, yes they eat at night and it is cool and the fish are about, try it you may find it a lot cooler and very productive.

Till next week, where is the sunscreen??? HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 6-18-10

FISHING 6/12/10



Bright sun and warm temps it is summer, anglers need to fish early or late for the best bite. Please be on location as the sun comes up. The coolest part of the day, the coolest water and that is when the fish are feeding. Off shore the king fish bite has been excellent if you are fishing early or late, low light, big Kings. These fish have been in the thirty pound class, sixty to eighty feet of water using sardines, cut, dead, whole and live are all getting attention. A few Cobia but most anglers are not targeting them, twenty to forty feet of depth and most are fishing from eighty feet out. Small boaters looking for the Permit have found both from the inlet to the power plant. Dolphin, small and plenty of them, run baits deep the reason they are all up is because something big is under them. Big Dolphin eat little Dolphin and they did find a few bigger fish lurking below the schoolies. These fish were found in the hundred to one hundred and fifty feet, the deeper one fished the bigger the fish but far less numbers. Plenty of Bonita and some good size Black Fin Tuna kept most busy and yes the pesky Sail fish were every where. When releasing these fish bring them in the boat then put them back, you will not see the Shark that wants your catch and he can not see your hand, careful.

For the surf anglers it was Whiting, Croakers, Jacks and Snook, the Tarpon are still just out of casting distance. Whiting and Croakers do not mind the sun, they like the warm water so they are around all day. No special time for these but the Snook and Jacks like them also, the Jacks are big and the Snook are out of season, Release them as quick as possible. Be sure to bring that bucket of ice to keep your catch as fresh as possible. Now if you want to wade into the surf and cast a live mullet out you will stand up a Tarpon or two, bring the right equipment, no knife to a gun fight.

River anglers timing is every thing, wading or boating early is the key. Watch the shallows you will see the action zones, top water early. Zara Spooks, Top Dog, Skitter walk to name a few, as long as it rattles and splashes it will get attention. Bigger Trout and good size Reds are the target and there is plenty of good catch’s reported. After the sun is up and the water has warmed look to the shaded or dark waters, the fish want out of the sun. Docks, bridges, treed shore lines and deep water is where they will be. Now is the time to get the soft rubber baits out of the box and put them to work, slow presentation. Be sure to check out the channel markers, drift up, motor off, the Triple tale love the sun shine and channel markers, a live shrimp will get them. Tarpon at the power lines, at the Stuart causeway, the channel at the Dolphin Grill are all favorite hang out for these fish and small baits are getting their attention. That little Pompano jigging spoon is the one.

Till next week, lots of water on the boat, sun screen, long sleeves and polarized sun glasses, mandatory………………..HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 6-5-10

FISHING 6/5/10

Summer, warm and warmer, big bright sun and yes it will rain at some area this afternoon while the sun is still shining. If you are going to spend time on the water start early, you want to catch the coolest water of the day and that is just as the sun is rising.

Off shore was hit or miss, we had a lot of species on the list just not that many anglers. Bottom anglers had to play with cold water up welling depending on the area, trollers spent most of their time looking and live bait anglers are still waiting. The cold water on the bottom was a clue to pay attention to those leads, when you cranked them up just how cold were they? If they were cold you needed to move, in or out north of south but find some warm water. Had some nice catches of Muttons and Grouper the Mangroves were thick but you needed to find the warm water and it was not south. Kings were in sixty feet from Jupiter to Ft. Pierce it was the first response, Kings in 60’ on sardines, mid column. Dolphin started the week in numbers as the week progressed they scattered. Nice weed lines, lots of bait, some small Dolphin but the bigger fish headed for cooler water. Sails were every where up close and far out, summer fishing. Did you try up close, when fishing slows most anglers will run deep, try shallow, 20” to 40” that’s where the Cobia , Permit, big Jacks, Tarpon and a few other serious rod benders were located. Permit or Cobia on the grill, sounds good to me.

Surf anglers the Tarpon are moving up the beach, look at the bait schools are they scattering, swimming in and out, that usually means some one is following them and it most likely will be the big Jacks or Tarpon. Serious rod benders, do not take a knife to the gun fight, if this is your target be prepared. Lots of Whiting so do not forget a bucket of ice and yes Snook like them as much as I do, know season on the Whiting but Snook is closed. A few Blues early, a few Pompano but not enough to target.

River anglers you need to be on location as the sun rises, Trout, Reds, Tarpon and Snook are all there. Tarpon were at the Stuart causeway, Dolphin grill channel and on the west side across from the power plant in good numbers and they were eating which is even better. Slot Trout and slot Reds for that early angler across the Flats but after sun up these fish will move to deeper water, shaded water and place they can get out of the sun. Triple Tail are the only fish you will catch sunning them selves on any channel marker, cast a shrimp at them. Low light is the time ot be in the water for most action, bridge anglers you have the shaded water.

Yes, I like it hot, it is Florida………………………………………………………………………..HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 5-31-10

FISHING 5/30/10



Well how a bout a Dolphin, from 80’ out to 400’ it was Dolphin. These fish were hungry, strip baits, live, trolled, pitched, you name it the fish were hungry. Bigger Dolphin were deep, from 300’ out but then drive by fish to catch fish, no I didn’t think so. Lots of peanuts but lots of fish from 12lbs on up, a few Cobia, some Kings made the catch list but everybody was looking for Dolphin and every body took home Dolphin. Cobia were in 20 to 40’ they moved in close after being beat on for two weeks at the Sand Pile, Kings in 60’ eating top baits, just when you think you have figured it all out they change just to keep you interested. These Kings were ten to fifteen pounds, perfect to steak and put on the grill. North end of the Loran Tower Reef was the location for an excellent Snapper bite and yes the Kings were there also.

The surf was all weeds one day and the next clear and that depended on your location, so go north or south to the next access and take a look before you bring out the equipment. Blue fish early with a mix of Snook, Jacks, then as the sun get higher the Blues back out and in move the Whiting.

Snook and Jacks will be there all day, they like the Whiting. Tarpon is the one that holds my interest, plenty of sightings but I have not heard of a hook up nor have I heard of any one with Tarpon for a target. A new week and it is June, so let’s catch a Tarpon.

Excellent Trout bite on top water early in the shallowest of water, work you bait slowly across the surface and be ready. After sun up then move to three feet using a soft rubber bait of choice but still use the slower retrieve. Live shrimp and small pins are candy to these guys so what ever you prefer but when the line stops set the hook. Reds again early, you have to be on location before sun up. Run up the middle of the river and watch for activity, the direction it is moving, get ahead of this and let the fish come to you. After sun up the fish will go to shaded or deeper water, look around those docks on the west side of the Indian River from Midway road south, you will find them. Top water early then to a bait that works below the surface, Trout and Reds are waiting and Snook is still closed. Tarpon at the Power Plant, well at least I can go see them.

Till next week, it is summer and I love this place……………………………Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 5-13-2010

FISHING 5/8/10



Summer in Florida, cooler mornings, bright sun, a little wind in the later afternoon and clam evenings, I love this place. Yes, the shrimp do get smaller in the summer. Yes we have shrimp, not sure about tomorrow. Every summer the shrimp go some where, not sure where but they are gone so it is a guarantee that as July gets closer the shrimp will disappear.

Enough about shrimp lets talk Cobia form four feet out to twenty feet, how about a twenty pound class fish on a

Whiting rig and a piece of shrimp, now you know why all those boats were on the surfs edge. The minimum length is 33” to the fork of the tail, one per angler or 6 per vessel, not big but twenty five pound class is a nice fish. Limits were caught all day both north and south of the inlet, in that very shallow water it was big top water lures, something that splashed or rattled, going deeper it was sardines. Schools of big Blue fish chasing schools of Pompano not to mention the big Jacks and African Pompano; it was a shallow week end. Bait was hard to come by with all the fish up close, trolled bally found a few Dolphin in the 150’ zone, Kings in the 60’ zone and plenty of Bonita every where in between. I believe a lot more fish would have been caught but after listening to the radio and seeing that line of boats on the beach why go out there when they are at the door.

Surf anglers had a busy week, early morning anglers still some Blue Fish action on spoons, excellent for Jacks and Snook and that one bite that took the bait and kept on going. For the rest of the day it was Whiting, Croakers and more of that one that took the bait and kept on going. Repots of Tarpon rolling, lots of sightings but no takers and that is because all any body wanted was those pesky Cobia.

River anglers it was Snook, Trout and Reds kept most busy, it was a mid morning bite. There were a few caught early on top water, Midway Road, Little Mud Creek on south to Joes Point but about nine when the sun was high they just turned on, I guess they did not read last weeks column. Snook is closed so quick release is mandatory and then you can drift up on the channel markers looking for the Triple Tails. Catch 22, Capt. Bob is at it again, the man knows how and when to catch them, brought two in this week. It is summer do not spend all day in one area, if it is slow move to the next area, when the bite slows again move. Look to fish the shaded water or the deeper water, change sides of the river, get opposite the sun and pay attention to the action is there a pattern? Tarpon, do not bring a knife to the gun fight, have one big rod rigged and ready, it summer and one never knows for sure.

Where is the camera, that one that took the bait just might turn around………………………………………………………..Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 4-29-10

FISHING 4/24/10



Starting to feel like summer, less wind and warm, I love this place. Starting to hear about Tarpon on the beach, Excellent Snook (season is still closed), Blues for the early angler, Trout in the summer location, yes it is almost here, summer.

This week it was all the Bonita from 40’ out and yes you needed extra bait, they are small but will eat anything that moves. The up side is that they make great bait, strips, chunk and whole depending on the species that you target. This week it was 100’ that was the action zone, Dolphin, Sails, Kings and a Wahoo or two. To go deep was to find small Black Fin Tuna and Bonita, beat bet was the 100’ mark weather you were trolling or live baiting that was the zone that most bent rods were located. Seas were polite one day and not so the next, polite early than of question later in the day, I wish I could be a weather man. Summer, May, Bonita, starting to sound like Marlin on the treasure coast, catching a few to the south, soon it will our turn.

On the beach for the early angler it is Blues, still waiting for the bigger fish but still plentiful, casting spoons or cut baits. Mid morning that summer sun will warm the edge and the Blues will back off with the cooler water and in come the Whiting, Pompano and Snook to name a few. Clams and shrimp pieces will keep their attention. As the surf warms the Snook bite will pick up, the season is closed, do not beach these fish it will wipe off their slim coat and that is their protection mush like your skin, please handle them with care we want them back. Plenty of Jacks and some of rather large size so do not wander away from your equipment they will teach it to swim.

It must be summer, what happened to our Red Fish, heard a lot about them but they are just not taking the baits. Small or Rat Reds as they are called have been on the west side of the Indian River from Mid way Road south and on the east side from North Bridge north and early is the only time I have heard of them on the chew. Before sun up be on location and it is the time for the bigger Trout so you were going to be there any ways. For the Trout it is top water be it a Zara Spook, Skitter walk or a Bomber Walkie Talkie work them slow, give the fish a chance to locate them. For the Reds, that Gold Spoon or a shrimp on a jig head again slow down let the fish have a chance, summer mode. Still plenty of big Lady Fish, Jacks and Blues to keep a rod bent. From the bridges still Pompano and a pretty good bite I might add, some Mac’s and plenty of Drum. Flounder in and out would be best to describe, it seems that every body is catching one here and there but still no area to go to, just happened to be there. Tarpon at the Ft. Pierce jetty, on the surf edge down by Shockers, two on in the St. Lucie south of the dime bridge, they are starting to show, I love summer.

Till next week, just because you see a bent rod, please give every body lots of room….a little courtesy goes a long way………..Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 4-21-10

FISHING 4/11/10

Less than polite seas again this week has made off shore fishing “sporty” to say the least. Our morning started out pretty nice but as the hours went so did the wind and sea conditions. Wind was changing directions and then the clouds made most anglers take note. Again this week the zone was 300’, yes there were some fish in closer but to find fish with some sort of a pattern it was deep. In the deeper water it was Dolphin, Sails and some good size Black Fins, up closer a little different. Hit and miss was about it, lots of small Black Fins and Bonita, a few Kings and some small Dolphin but you had to look, spend some time and conditions just did not allow for that type of angling. Plenty of live bait from several locations and there were fish feeding but that’s it fish feeding. Bottom fishing has saved the day with plenty of Muttons for the box and big AJ”S to keep your arms hurting, 60’ to 80’ on the close in reefs.

>From the surf the Blues are still pulling through the morning hours, this is the time of the year when the bigger Blues show. Cut baits and if it is chrome throw it, Spoons and Top Water will find plenty of action. With the wind making it less than polite try a cast master, they are made for casting in the wind and the best part is they work. After the sun is up and the edge starts to warm the Blues back off and in come the Whiting in good numbers and with them it is Pompano. From north of Bath Tub, not even the fish like the run off from lake “O”.

Trout and Red Fish, north of Taylor Creek and South of Bear Point to the Stuart Causeway, you need to get away from the fresh water, casting soft rubber baits, top water (early) and a live shrimp will bring them to the boat. These fish have been in two feet of water and they are hungry. Fishing early most anglers did not have to deal with the wind but if you are like me look for the flat water and look shallow. The docks on the west side of the Indian River have been hot for the Reds but there is a good mix to the east side and big Lady Fish or a twenty pound Jack to test your equipment. Finally the water is warming, yes we have wind but we also have warm and I love it, now it is time for the wind to stop and we can get back to east side or west and Tarpon. Please release that Snook as quickly as possible and if he has taken that hook deep just cut the leader and I will buy you another hook, just stop in. One more thing before I go, if you should see a county commissioner ask them why not a word about all this run off?????? HENRY

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 3-31-10

FISHING 3/27/10



Finally the temps are warming, did not slow the wind or the direction but there is always next week. So let’s start at the beach, Blue Fish, Whiting and Pompano top the list. For the Blues it is a morning bite, excellent numbers, excellent size and easy to catch. These fish are in the trough well into the late morning and the best part is they will eat any thing that moves. Spoons of all shapes and size, top water chuggers (creek chub in chrome), big chrome Spooks and cut baits are all catching. These fish are up close, long cast not necessary. Keep in mind they like the cooler water so as the sun rises and the edge heats up they will follow the cooler water, this allows the Whiting and Pompano to come in. Late morning is the time, big Whiting and nice numbers of Pompano up close, not way out, short cast they are in the trough. For the Whiting it has been shrimp pieces, clam strips and fish bites it is an alternative to natural bait. Pompano are eating clams and sand fleas and yes they have finally shown up on the surf edge, bring your rake. Do not forget the ice.

Trout fish continues to be excellent, Herman’s Bay north to Bear Point, east or west side of the Indian River. Soft rubber, top water and live shrimp are all catching. Three feet of water and as the sun rises move into shallower water, that school of mullet, take a good look because they are Red fish all slot size but nice fish to take home. Trout are in the top of the slot and the cool thing is these fish are chewing most of the day, as long as the current is moving they are chewing. Pompano, strong bite at the Jensen and Stuart causeways on south across the Sail Fish flats to the east side of the channel. With no pattern to the bite time, incoming or out going you will just need to put in your time and if they are not one bridge it probably means the bite is at the other. Those Jigging spoons with a teaser hook have pompano waiting in line. But the Blues and Mac’s love them also, bring a few extra if you can find them. A few Flounder made the catch list this week but from unusual places, the trout anglers fishing shrimp found them, when they start to catch from the regular places that will mean they have arrived, until them incidental. No mater where one fishes in the river there is plenty of Jacks, Lady’s, Blues, Mac’s and all of the above to keep a rod bent.

Off shore this week it has been deep, 330’ is the first depth I heard of that was holding any fish. Wind direction has not helped, the Gulf Stream with its warm water has been push in and out buy the hour. Again this week look for the temp lines and stay on them. Warmer land temps this week may bring the every thing in so pay attention to your water temps. A few Kings and a few Dolphins even had two Cobia on the catch list but no pattern to any of it, plenty of live bait but Mother Nature has been less than polite, seas still hostile.

March comes I like a lion and goes out like a lamb,,,,,,,well I am Ready for the Lamb…………………………Henry



Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net

Jensen Beach Fishing Report 3 16-10

FISHING 3/13/10



Cold, rain and wind what is with this March weather? We get one good day and the rest you know the story. About the only thing for sure is Blue Fish in the surf and every else. These cool windy days have kept the water temperatures cool, but the sun has been shining. So finish breakfast and then come down, let the sun warm the shallow water and then you will know where the fish are, unless Blue fish is the target.

Surf anglers have had plenty of action, top water, spoons or cut baits have put plenty of Blues on the beach. Neither time nor tide controlled the bite time, it was all day. This species love the cool temps, travel in large schools and will eat any thing that moves. They do prefer some flash and they have a mouth full of teeth, careful. Lots of bites, lots of fun and yes they are good on the table. I would like to tell you about all the other fish but their bite time and location were short and not enough to target. Another week the pompano win, now if the surf would lie down, let some of the turbity leave and come up just a few degrees we would have a Pompano bite to report.

Strange weather, with the wind changing directions, overcast then sun shine and rain it has been hard on anglers but the fish are all ready wet, they just don’t mind. Excellent Red Fish reports from north to south, schools from large to small both in size and numbers. The west bank of the Indian River from Bear Point to south of the Stuart Causeway, they may look like large mullet but they are not. Traveling in the clouded water, rooting in the bottom stirring up the mud, yes those were Reds you were watching. Get ahead of the school, cast your bait out and wait till they come to you is the way. Take the fish from the outer edges and watch to see witch way they scatter, all slot fish. The Trout are coming out in the late morning waiting for the sun to warm the sand bars, look to the edges for these, slow presentation will get the bite. A few Pompano at the bridges but the wind and rain has kept most anglers in. Now if the temps to pick up and winds slow some of the turbid water will lie down and the Pompano will be there. It was a strange week we had two anglers limit out from the bridge, yes in all that rain. Been looking ever since, a few here and a few there but not enough to establish a pattern. This could be the week.

How about the Cobia, early in the week these fish were every where, then the rain, wind and 3’ to 5’ seas moved in and again hard on the anglers the fish are already wet. From 40’ out the Cobia and the Rays were keeping all busy, these were not big but perfect for the grill and there were plenty of them. Casting that Gulf Stream Cobia Slayer put a lot of fish to the boats. Chartreuse is the favorite, white a close second, yellow or pink for cloudy water. It is the middle of March is it not time for the weather change???????

Till next week keep your foul weather gear handy………………………………..Henry

Snook Nook Bait & Tackle
3595 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL
(Just South of the Jensen Causeway)
(772)-334-2145
(Since 1949)
E-Mail: henry@snooknook.net
www.snooknook.net