Fishing the Saint Lucie River: A Hidden Coast Gem
The St. Lucie River is a tidal estuary located in St. Lucie and Martin counties. It empties into the South Indian River Lagoon near Sewall’s Point. Both the North Fork and South Fork of the St. Lucie River are known for their deeply stained water, which serves as the spawning ground and home of monster snook, tarpon and jack crevalle.
Targeted Species
• Snook: These elusive and powerful fish thrive in the river’s mangrove-lined shores. Cast near the edges of mangroves using a jig with a 4-inch or larger paddletail for thrilling snook action.
• Tarpon: The ultimate sports fish, tarpon can be found rolling in deeper water. Try bouncing jigs off the river bottom in areas where tarpon are active. Live bait, Cut bait and Top Water lures also work incredible for catching these absolute behemoth's.
• Jack Crevalle, Fish are also abundant, providing exciting catches with their unmatched energy and fighting power.
• Red Fish, Black Drum and Trout: While trout numbers are down this year due to a lack of grass, they’re still worth targeting and are a fun fighting fish!
Fishing Techniques
• Topwater Lures: Early mornings and evenings are perfect for topwater action. Try throwing a topwater lure to entice snook and tarpon.
• Jigging: Use a jig with a paddletail near mangroves or around bridges. Bounce it off the bottom or slow roll it.
• Live bait and cut bait on circle hooks are an excellent method for catching the BIG girls lurking in the dark river waters.
Access Points
• South Fork: Access the South Fork via the Palm City Bridge Boat Ramp in Martin County.
• North Fork: Use the White City landing on Midway Road in Fort Pierce to access the North Fork.
Remember, the St. Lucie River offers seclusion, natural beauty, and incredible fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, this river promises unforgettable moments with FL. Lunkerz Inshore Flats Fishing Charters.
Fishing Charters near Stuart and Jensen Beach.
Let’s dive into the fantastic world of inshore fishing charters along the Treasure Coast of Florida, specifically in Jensen Beach, Stuart and Fort Pierce. These areas of the Indian River Lagoon offer some of the best angling experiences, so grab your gear and let’s explore:
• Grass Flats on the West Shore: Located north of the Power Plant and south of the Fort Pierce Inlet, these grass flats are a year-round hotspot. From November to March, you’ll find excellent catches of Seatrout and Redfish. In the warmer months (June to October), the Snook bite really picks up.
• Grass Flats on the East Shore: Across from the West Shore grass flats, the East Shore provides a fairly good year-round Seatrout bite.
• Middle Cove: Just north of the East Shore grass flats, Middle Cove is another area with consistent Seatrout action.
• Little Mud Creek: South of the East Shore grass flats, Little Mud Creek offers a strong Seatrout bite, especially during winter.
• Big Mud Creek Area: Near the Power Plant on the East side of the Indian River, this gem of a fishing spot includes Big Mud Creek, Blind Creek, the Blind Creek Flats, and Hermans Bay Point. Expect Seatrout, Snook, Tarpon, and Redfish.
• Channel Shoals: Along the river channel, you’ll find shoals and small spoil islands. These can be great for Seatrout from January to March.
• Eden Shoreline / West Shoreline: Starting north of the Jensen Beach Causeway, this area has many docks. Catch Seatrout year-round, with Snook biting between May and October (best from June to September).
• Joe’s Point: Just south of the Jensen Beach Causeway, Joe’s Point is excellent for Snapper year-round. It’s also a good spot for Seatrout and Jack Crevalle (February to September).
• Bessie Cove: South of the Stuart Causeway, Bessie Cove’s grass flats and docks are perfect for Seatrout (November to April) and Redfish/Snook.
Remember, each season brings its own surprises, so keep an eye on the tides, weather, and local reports.
Let’s explore the captivating Sailfish Flats in Stuart, Florida. These flats are a beloved area where the Indian River Lagoon meets the St. Lucie River, offering fantastic inshore fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know:
Sailfish Flats: Where Anglers Thrive
• The Sailfish Flats generally encompass the area where the Indian River Lagoon meets the St. Lucie River. Imagine aquamarine waters, sandbars, and abundant marine life. Manatees lazily drift through these shallow, jewel-toned waters, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
• Historical Significance:
These flats were once lush seagrass meadows, serving as a foundational ecosystem for a spectacular and renowned fishery. Unfortunately today, the lack of seagrass has impacted the local fishery and Florida’s manatee population, which relies on it as a primary food source. Discharges from Lake Okeechobee, initiated by the Army Corps of Engineers, harm water clarity and salinity levels.Without additional land south of the lake for storage and cleaning capacity, ecosystems like the Sailfish Flats face an uncertain future.
• Fishing Opportunities:
Jigging the flats while drifting in the 3-to-5-foot range can yield pompano.
• Pitch baits under docks and along mangroves for exciting snook action.
•
baits over pot holes in the flats attract alot of action from predators stalking bait'
Remember, these moments of zen on the Sailfish Flats remind us of the delicate balance between nature and human impact. Let’s protect these waters for future generations.Â
book a trip today with FL. Lunkerz Inshore Flats Fishing Charters to learn more!
