The Short Version

The north wind has made offshore and nearshore fishing impossible this week, so we’ve saved our trips by fishing wind-protected mangroves. The inlet is giving up numbers, with bluefish, jacks and Spanish mackerel coming in hot there, and the backcountry redfish bite is strong.

At the Inlet
We’re catching lots of snook in the inlet, mostly in the 22 to 26 inch range. Not many slot or overslot fish are coming out with this rough, dirty water. The redfish bite at the inlet has started to slow, but there are still reds on both the incoming and outgoing tides. Bluefish, jacks and Spanish mackerel have come in hot. Right now they’d eat a chicken nugget if you threw one.

In the Backcountry
There are tons of mullet around, but most of our action has come on live shrimp. We’re also seeing early signs of black drum moving onto the flats for the fall pattern.

The redfish bite is strong. With this extremely high water, the reds are pushed way up into the coves exploring new territory, so don’t be afraid to push in farther than you normally would.

We’re also seeing bigger jacks pushed up onto the flats, which isn’t normal for this area. Tarpon are showing up in stagnant, dirty water with heavy wind protection. There’s not much to report on backcountry snook this week.

This Week’s Game Plan



If you want the most action and a bent rod, fish the inlet.

If you’re after quality fish, take advantage of the high water and explore spots your boat normally can’t reach. The redfish are out exploring too. Don’t be afraid to let your bait soak before you move on. The reds are so far back in the mangroves that it may take a little while for them to push out to where you can cast to them.

Dates to Know
Saturday, Oct 31 is the last day to keep seatrout in the Indian River Lagoon.