keeper snook

Armando shows off his first -ever “keeper” snook. He caught this specimen using live shrimp while “walking the dog” on the north jetty — and it was his birthday!

Good morning, Sebastian Inlet fishing fans. Here’s the latest of what’s happening at the inlet, and again, it will be brief as it hasn’t been all that good. As long as these fronts move across the state and impact water clarity and temperature, fishing will be hit-or-miss.

Last week, mid-week, it warmed up to 71 degrees and we had a pretty good snook bite on the north jetty during the incoming tide and the last of the outgoing tide. Wednesday and Thursday there were quite a few snook caught on live shrimp — most were over slot, but several were keepers. I also saw a few black drum caught as well on the same tide phases, live and dead shrimp for those. Outgoing tide was all about the blues and jacks, many caught on silver spoons at the jetty tip. Spanish mackerel were there, but were a hit-or-miss; one day there, next few days gone. Small jigs and gotcha lures for them.

The south side has been slow, the water on that side dirty from the SSE winds. Incoming tide was producing small snook on live baits and artificials. Outgoing tide at the tip was producing jacks, blues and black margates. Dead shrimp was the ticket for them. Over the weekend it was pretty calm, but NO fish were caught to speak of. It was crowded, but the water has cooled back down to 69 degrees this morning. The water is sandy/murky and shut everything down, again. The surf fishing on either side has also been slow due to silty, cool water conditions.

That’s it. I tell it like I see it. Conditions will improve when the weather patterns and water conditions improve. If you do go out to fish, good luck and catch a big one that you can take home!