7725198711
Fish Hard. Live Better.
Monthly Fishing Reports
June-August 2022
Snook Spawn
June marks the start of the annual Snook spawn. During this time, both small males and large females congregate in the salty waters of inlets and beaches to release sperm and egg to create offspring. Salty water is vital for a successful spawn, as higher salinity waters allow fertilized eggs to float and disperse. Places such as the St. Lucie River are poor choices for big breeders this time of year due to low salinity. Therefore, we've been targeting the deep waters of the inlet and beach shorelines for our big trophy fish.
Pilchards, Threadfins and Pinfish are baits of choice. Drop a lively bait down to the bottom of the inlet where you mark schools of fish and get ready for a bite. These fish are usually very willing to eat during the spawn. Spawning requires lots of energy, which means the Snook must keep itself fueled up with food. Big Fat healthy Snook is what we live for!
Targeting the beach fish can be very exciting. Generally, fishing from the beach can offer many sight casting opportunities. The beach fish can be weary, so make you presence discreet when fishing them. Find your cruising fish in the shallows, advance in front of them and present a white jig, fly, or live baitfish to entice a bite.
It's important to address proper handling of these fish during their spawn. We want these fish to be healthy when we release them, so they can successfully reproduce and give our future generations plenty of opportunities at catching them. Keep your caught Snook wet, leave them in a rubber mesh net submerged in water when unhooking. Do not leave them out of the water for more than 15-30 seconds to get your picture and measurement. Avoid laying fish on boat decks, docks, sand etc AMAP. Keep them wet, keep them slimy, keep them healthy.
Thank you all for your continued support. I have openings available for the first week of September, which is when anglers are aloud to harvest Snook. Give me a call and let's get on em'!
My Experience as a Fishing Guide in Alaska
I was blessed with the opportunity to guide for Bear Trail Lodge in King Salmon, AK. June 11th I arrive at the lodge which overlooks the mighty Naknek River about 14 miles from the mouth of Bristol Bay. The first thing I notice is how beautiful the area is. Tall spruce trees standing proud along the shoreline, Bald Eagles soaring above looking for fish, and crystal clear water flowing with immense strength downstream.The lodge sits high on a bluff overlooking the whole area.
June 12th I started guiding. Myself and a fellow guide take a float plane to Cabin Creek with four guests. After landing on Becherof Lake, we take a short walk through the Tundra to find ourselves in the honey hole. Dolly Varden are rising and flashing all over. Throwing a combination of dry flies and streamers, we land around 50 Dollys before we depart. A truly great day.
The following days consisted of more fly-out trips flying to remote creeks in the Alaskan wilderness targeting Dollys, Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling. Some destinations such as Brooks Falls and Kulik River were home to large populations of bears. It was nothing to count 10 to 20 bears hunting fish along the shoreline at these locations. Towards the end of June we start targeting big King Salmon in both the Naknek and Nushagak Rivers. We troll lipped plugs and spinner style lures to entice the fish to strike. On several trips we were able to harvest 20 and 30 pound fish. Early July we start seeing the Sockeye Salmon entering the rivers to spawn. We utilize a technique called "flossing" to catch these fish. Many guests were able to catch their share of Kings in the morning and then finish their day catching limits of Sockeye. August 1st is the last day of King season, which means it is time to switch gears to Silver Salmon. Silver fishing reminded me a lot of Bass fishing at home. We would cast jigs and spinners along shorelines to find fish. Silvers are a blast to fish for. They are known for their hard fights, acrobatic jumps and great table fare.
At the tail end of the season, we are hardcore Rainbow Trout fishing. The Naknek River is known for its trophy sized Trout. At Bear Trail Lodge, our standard for a big trout is 30"+. The lodge has two walls behind the bar that are covered in pictures of guests with their big fish. All pictures on these walls are fish from the last year. It seemed almost every day we were taking down an old picture to hang a new one up. Our guests this season caught a LOT of big fish.
Overall, I loved Alaska. I saw some of the most beautiful places in the world, experienced once in a lifetime opportunities and met some truly great people. If you have not yet, book a trip to Alaska and go fishing with the crew at Bear Trail. Mrs. Nanci Lyon, the owner of the lodge, will cater to all your needs and make sure you have a superb Alaskan fishing experience. You will catch lots of fish, eat like royalty, and make unforgettable memories both at the lodge and on the water.
"...If you have never been to Alaska, go there while it is still WILD. "
-Bob Ross
February 2021
February has been all about Snook fishing and it has not disappointed! The beginning of the month we fished the inlet and bridges catching several slot sized fish as well as several overslots. Many of the bigger fish were around 35" and some pushing 20 pounds. Our inlet Snook are typically VERY healthy. Bait of choice includes Croakers and Threadfin Herring.
During the middle of the month we had several inches of rainfall. The spillways reacted by opening their gates and causing the water in the St. Lucie River to flow South. This is like ringing a dinner bell to all the Snook in the Lucie. Using live bait, topwater plugs and a combination of flies we have pulled out plenty of small Snook and some overslot fish pushing 40".
I am expecting the Snook fishing to remain hot for a while. With March starting we should start seeing lots of pilchards and threadfins. Right by their side will be big Snook and Tarpon. Our Tarpon fishery can be absolutely stellar towards the middle of March.
I already have several spots reserved for Tarpon fishing, so if you want to have your chance at a fish of a lifetime, give me a call soon!
January 2021
It has been a great start to the new year for Ate-Up Charters and it's guests. Bait has been plentiful as well as the gamefish. Croakers, one of the best baits to use here in the Indian River Lagoon, are running rampid in the river and off the beaches. Snook, Redfish, Jacks and Sharks simply cannot resist a delicious croaker. Fishing in the inlet has produced Snooks of all sizes including several slot sized fish. ***February 1st is opening day of Snook season!*** Large Jacks have been traveling the inlet in schools. Behind the Jacks are the Spinner and Blacktip Sharks. All provide an intense fight on light tackle.
February should bring a great bite! ITS SNOOK SEASON Y'ALL!!!
December 2020
I hope we all had a wonderful holiday season this year. I am greatly looking forward to starting a great year of fishing in 2021! December has been challenging with the weather. High winds and cold fronts have been churning up the river a good bit but there is still plenty of fish to be found. Sheepshead, Black Drum, Snook and Redfish have been stacked up on the bridges and docks. Tripletail fishing has been good recently as well, with multiple 5+ pounders caught. All great tasting fish! Snook Season closed on the 15th so all Snook fishing will be catch and realease only until February. I am expecting January to produce a solid Trout and Redfish bite along with all the normal winter time species. With all of the craziness going on, there is no better way to put your mind at ease than a day on the beautiful Lagoon. Merry Christmas y'all, and happy new year!
November 2020
![VSHA3793[1].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/706881_70b155c4c2654a48969395daa8a7a822~mv2_d_1920_1280_s_2.jpg/v1/crop/x_232,y_0,w_1280,h_1280/fill/w_90,h_90,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/VSHA3793%5B1%5D_JPG.jpg)
It is the end of November, and the weather has been awful for weeks now! Fishing in Indian River has been slower than average due to high winds and rain, which makes the water dirty and the fish tough to find. However, right next door to the Indian is the St. Lucie River. Most fishing this month has been in the north fork of the Lucie, where unique and fantastic fishing can be found. The recent rains have caused a significant current to develop that runs South, which signals the fish it's time to feed. Snook, small Tarpon, Largemouth Bass, Longnose Gar, and a variety of other species congregate in small side creeks that branch from the main channel. The southbound current sweeps bait down the main channel while the predators sit in slower moving water waiting to ambush the unsuspecting prey. Tall palms and oaks covered in Spanish moss offer not only protection from the wind, but a beautiful and serene view throughout the river. This area truly gives you the "Old Florida" vibe.
Guests in the recent trips have caught many small Tarpon and Snook, all ranging between 1-10 pounds. These fish feed on small minnows, bugs, mullet, rodents and even lizards. An ideal presentation can be made with a 5-7 WT fly rod with a small streamer or gurguler. When you find the school of fish, the fishing can be incredible. We have had days where 9 out of 10 casts with a fly rod find a hungry fish.
The Lucie is always a great alternative to the Indian when foul weather is present. Even on the slower days in the Lucie, it is a wonderful experience in one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on Earth.
Spring Time Poon
Beau and his best friend Dave have been fishing with me since the beginning. Their favorite fish to target with me is the silver king. Here is a quick article that Beau (pictured) wrote about his experience Tarpon fishing with Ate-Up. Enjoy!
World Class Fishing
When I think of world class fishing, several locations come to mind, e.g. Prince Edward Island for Blue Fin Tuna; the coastal marshes of Louisiana for Redfish; Montauk, NY for Stripers, the Kenai River in Alaska for Rainbow Trout and Salmon; Andros Island in the Bahamas for Bonefish; Lizard Island off Australia for Black Marlin and Ft. Pierce, Florida for Tarpon a.k.a “The Silver King”.
Ft. Pierce Inlet for Tarpon? World class fishing? Yes!
Springtime triggers the annual Tarpon migration north along the Atlantic coastline. Experienced fisherman can catch them here until their arms burn, If they know where to fish. There is an old saying, “You have to fish where the fish are”, and Ft. Pierce is certainly where they are!
A while back, my fishing buddy Dave asked me to convince him NOT to buy a boat. He was interested in a river boat and asked me to give him reasons not to do so. I had plenty.
The best reason I gave was that we could hire a guide to take us fishing and by the time the purchase price, not to mention the maintenance of the boat, equaled the costs of hiring the guide, we would both be gone.
Enter Riley Griffith of Ate-Up Charters.com. Riley is a sixth-generation fisherman who has spent his life on St. Lucie County waters. Do not let his youth fool you, he knows every flat, point and channel that harbor fish and can maneuver his Vantage Flats boat into the skinniest of water. Riley has guided us to catch every conceivable fish found in the Indian River Lagoon, depending on the season.
Dave and I are primarily catch-and-release fishermen, although the occasional Redfish and slot sized Snook does end up in the ice chest. The ultimate catch-and-release target for us is Tarpon. This is the second season we have hired Riley to find them for us and he has not disappointed.
The spinning outfits we use are in the 6000-size filled with 30-lb braid, 50-lb fluorocarbon leader with a 5/0 circle hook, and a fair amount of drag. Bait is typically live pilchards or threadfin herring which are fished free-swimming or with split-shot to get the bait a little deeper.
In biology there is a term, form follows function. Tarpon have large eyes, which is an indication that they are night feeders. So, fish for them at night. We usually start about an hour before dusk, locating schools by their typical rolls. They do this to gulp air, an amazing evolutionary adaptation that allows them to live in poorly oxygenated waters.
Look for rolling Tarpon to locate the schools. Surprisingly, for such a large fish, the bite is often subtle, much like a Mangrove Snapper. Fish with an open bail holding the line between your fingers to feel the bite and when the line starts to go, close the bail and hang on! Let the circle hook and the fish’s weight secure the catch. Yeah, right!
There is nothing like the initial run and jump of a Tarpon. The big boys, while not as acrobatic as their smaller kin, peel off line as if they are heading to the Bahamas. When they jump it is complete chaos, shaking their heads in an attempt to throw the hook, gills rattling like a drum line. A few weeks back, Dave caught a 30+ pounder that during the fight jumped right into the boat. Riley earned his pay dealing with that one! More often than not, at least with us, they do get off. And do not forget to bow to the King. Lunging your rod toward a jumping Tarpon, offering slack line,goes against one’s instincts but it’s a must if you want to have any chance to win the battle. Batting .250 in baseball will not get you the big contract. Going .250 for catching tarpon is a very successful night.
The fish range in size from 20 pounds to 150 pounds. These fish are not the record breakers, but after catching a 100 pounder this season, I do not want to catch one of those. Typically, fish of the same size school together but the Ft. Pierce Tarpon seem to break this pattern, as Dave and I have caught fish from the same school this season and their weights have varied greatly.
This has been a very successful season, catching 26 Tarpon with Riley, with probably three or four times that amount shaking free. Our best trip was going eight for 20 on Tarpon and a 50-pound class goliath grouper. While every fisherman has his secret spot, the best I am willing to offer is that the Ft. Pierce Inlet is always in sight. And if you want to enjoy world class Tarpon fishing, give Riley a call and get ready for the fight!
October 2020
It is the end of October, and the mullet are starting to move farther South. However, great fishing is still out there. Tarpon fishing has started to slow down, which means it is time to start focusing on Snook. Guests have been pulling big Snook out of the mangroves as well as big Seatrout using live mullet. Big Mangrove Snapper have been crushing our baits as well ( Snapper Sammiches!) The next few weeks we will be focusing on bridge and inlet fishing. Live bait on the bottom around bridge structure is a great way to pull up snook, as well as trolling large Rapala lures along the shadow lines at night. Drifting over drop-offs and holes in the inlet can be a great way to pull up slot sized or bigger Snook.
It is common to find Snapper, Redfish, and Grouper as by-catch utilizing these methods. The next few weeks should be great!
September 2020: Start of the Mullet Run!
It is the time of year that so many of us have been patiently waiting for... The mullet run is on! Every year starting mid September massive schools of mullet migrate South along our coast. Tarpon, Snook, giant Jack-Crevalle, Seatrout, Redfish, Sharks and more accompany these schools. Watching this spectacle from the beach is truly a mind blowing experience. The Jacks crash into the mullet schools as if bombs were exploding, Snook cartwheel out of the water engulfing their prey, and the Tarpon rocket into the air tossing bait in every direction. It truly is a warzone.
These mullet schools find their way into the river where they are met by gluttonous predators along the mangroves and seawalls. Tossing free-lined mullet along the structure and the outside edges of the bait schools has been producing greatly. I must add that some days in can be difficult to convince the predator fish that your mullet is the one to eat when they literally have hundreds (if not thousands) of options in front of them. Regardless, just seeing the chaos unfold in front of you is worth the excursion. Images of 150 pound tarpon launching into the air, 20 pound Snook chucking mullet, and 40 pound Jacks rushing in for a meal will be engraved into your memory forever.
The mullet run starts to fade around mid to late October, only giving us about a month of mullet run insanity. So far, guests of Ate-Up have caught trophy Snook, Tarpon, Jacks, Sharks, Snapper, and Seatrout this month. I'm looking forward to several more weeks of great mullet run fishing.
-Capt. Riley