Treasure Coast Fishing Report
October 2, 2016 | by Steve Beare
The first day of October brought a welcome feeling of cooler air as we ventured out onto the Indian River Lagoon. This delightful change was quickly interrupted by the news of Hurricane Matthew. As everyone along the eastern shoreline of Florida is paying close attention to Hurricane Matthew, just as many are taking advantage of the weather and paying homage to the phenomenon known as the Mullet Run. Nothing rings the dinner bell now better than couple hundred supple finger mullet making their way along the beach, across a grass flat or around a mangrove’s edge. Both the beach and the ICW have been home to spectacular sights of soaring mullet as they get ambushed by waiting Snook, Jack Crevalle, Snapper, Tarpon, Bluefish and Trout. The Snook fishing is going to remain solid while fishing the seawalls, mangrove shore lines and deeper holes in and around the inlets. Use stout rods with 30-50# fluorocarbon leader rigged with a 3/0-5/0 circle or live bait hook when fishing the inlets and turning basin and make sure to bring enough lead to hold bottom or you could miss the bite. Mullet and Croakers will provide your best opportunities at securing the bite. For the artificial angler, use feather jigs, a Vudu Mullet or MirrOlure MirrOdine to garner the best results. You’ll find a mixed bag of Mangrove Snapper, Sheephead, Black Drum along the channel edges, docks and bridges. Use a live shrimp on 20# fluorocarbon leader with a 1/0-2/0 hook or a DOA Shrimp on a popping cork. The Sea Trout bite will continue to offer some exciting action on top water lures along the deeper flats. As the sun and water temperatures rise, switch to a D.O.A. Shrimp or Down South Lure paddle tail jerk bait of your choice.
Hot Spots: Harbor Branch and Middle Cove
Best Days to Fish: Oct 15-17