REPORTS

Treasure Coast Fishing Report: Tough fishing

Ed Killer
Treasure Coast Newspapers
R.J. Ferraro of Palm City caught and released this big bass near Seagate Harbor in Palm City, in the St. Lucie River, which is supposed to be saltwater. Bait? Live mullet.

Indian River County

Tough fishing. Trout, redfish, snook and tarpon can be caught on live mullet, but the fish were finicky Monday. Tides in the Indian River Lagoon were not very strong, and that meant fish did not feed aggressively. Anglers can find the best fishing around structures when the tide is moving.

St. Lucie County

Capt. Justin Rieger of Snook Nook in Jensen Beach said Monday's fishing during the D.O.A. Lures Outdoor Writers Event was challenging. He and his angler were able to manage about seven redfish, eight trout and a couple of small snook, but Rieger was disappointed they were unable to get into any fish larger than about 18 inches. They fished the north end of Herman's Bay with D.O.A. Cals and shrimp.

Martin County

Offshore fishing featured catches of dolphin and kingfish Monday. The best action can be found in 120 to 300 feet of water. Inshore, fishing with shrimp-tipped jigs can produce a mixed bag of catches like black drum, redfish, snook, jacks and ladyfish. R.J. Ferraro of Palm City caught and released a large bass while fishing with a live mullet near the entrance to Seagate Harbor, in the St. Lucie River, where it is supposed to be saltwater.

Lake Okeechobee

Bass fishing has been steady along the edges, but the high water has made it difficult for anglers to dial in on the fishing patterns. The fish are feeding best early in the day on topwaters and creature baits. Wild shiners will work in the channels. Speckled perch fishing has yet to get rolling.