Vero Beach Fishing Report
November 1, 2016 | by Steve Beare
November got off to a great start buy bringing some welcomed fall weather. As with every November, anglers along the Treasure Coast will prepare for easterly winds, short blasts of cooler weather and a drop in water temperatures. We’ve been experiencing higher and dirtier water levels then usual due to Hurricane Matthew and there are still ruminants of damaged docks and debris in the water so stay alert while you’re underway. As water levels fall we should start to regain some water clarity providing for better site fishing conditions.
Snook fishing remains the hot bite in our region with the most success being reported from the Ft Pierce and Sebastian Inlets, as well as the area bridges, on the outgoing tide using live Mullet, Pinfish or Jigs. When fishing the inlets I prefer to drift a live mullet on 5/0 VMC 7381 Sure Set Circle Hook rigged with 3′ of 40# fluorocarbon leader weighted with 1/2-2 ounces of split shot weights rigged just below the leader connection. Smaller fish are being caught along the seawalls, docks and Mangrove shorelines using live mullet, Shrimp and Jigs.
Over the last week we’ve found some Redfish schooling along the grass flats. Use live Shrimp under a popping cork or a paddle tail grub of your choice. Down South Lures Super Model in Texas Roach and Plum Chartreuse have provided the most hook-ups. Look for these schooling fish early in the morning working around the shallow flats.
The Trout bite has slowed a bit with most fish being caught during low light conditions. Live Finger Mullet and top-water lures such as the Rapala Skitterwalk or Heddon SuperSpook will draw the fierce Trout bite we all love to witness. With water temperatures staying in the low to mid 70’s, look for Trout to remain in ambush points along the shallow edges of the grass flats as long as the bait is there.
Our area never ceases to amaze me with the mixed bag of Black Drum, Sheephead and Mangrove Snapper
that can be found along the channel edges and bridge pilings. Use live Shrimp under a popping cork or free lined on a 1/8 ounce jig head or circle hook with a small 1/8ounce split shot weight.
Surprisingly enough, while fishing the seawalls for Snook and Jack Crevalles, a client hooked up to a nice 28″ Spanish Mackerel on a live mullet. With the multiple inshore catches recently, I think its safe to say that they have begun their migration along the Treasure Coast. The strong winds and higher tides are most likely the culprits that are pushing these tasty critters into the deep shallows of the Lagoon. Spanish Mackerel are schooling fish, so if you catch one get a bait out there quickly as more are always around. Spanish Mackerel have a minimum size limit of 12″ fork length and a 15 fish bag limit.