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Tarpon |
Found in Treasure Coast waters all year long but most widespread during summer months.
Juveniles are found in the IRL and St. Lucie rivers while the larger migratory adults are mostly near shore in the ocean. Adults do make their way into the IRL to feed from time to time during mid summer but are not permanent residents. This fish takes patience and generally some experience to get to the boat which you might expect from a fish in the 100 lb range. |
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Snook |
Available all year long and just about anywhere the water is moving, these fish are protected with a slot limit and two spawning periods. A great game fish as they generally jump and fight hard, the two to seven pound class is very common, eight to 12 pounders are occasional and a Snook up to 30 pounds happens seldom, but happens enough to keep your tackle beefed up. At night, the docks with good lights will draw these fish in great numbers to eat baitfish. A fly is the perfect offering and usually provides ample reward. |
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Jack Crevalle |
Jacks cruise these waters year round in the one to two pound class size. Always a great catch as they will fight long and hard. There is always a chance of catching a Jack and anywhere you're fishing a ten pounder can nail you bait and take off. In the spring, schools of adults move into the beaches just offshore and catching just a few can flat wear you out. These fish range from 15 to 35 pounds and are most likely to hit a topwater plug. |
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Little Tunny |
These tuna are often called Atlantic Bonito in this area but are, in fact, a slightly different species and actually grow larger than Bonito. Also known as False Albacore, this fish is a fast and powerful feeder and as it roams near shore (not in the IRL) in schools to attack small baitfish. You couldn't ask for much more from a fish on the end of your line, except maybe a jump or two. If you like to hear the drag scream, this is the one for you. Fishermen go to North Carolina in late fall for these fish but if they knew what it's like here in the summer, they would change their vacation plans. |
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Redfish |
The further north you go the more likely you are to find Redfish. These fish can take some searching but the catch is worth it. Not an "everyday" fish in the Stuart area but when the waters cool in the fall they can be plentiful and catchable with the right bait. |
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Spotted Seatrout |
The trout are around all year but most plentiful in the fall and winter. The smaller fish can be around in great numbers, but the big ones will keep you casting. A savage strike is the trademark of these spooky flats dwellers. |
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Ladyfish |
These fish do not get enough respect as they hit and fight hard. Known as the poor man's tarpon because they mimic the acrobatics of the Silver King, the Ladyfish provide lots of fun, especially in fall and winter. |
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Pompano |
Not a big fish but lots of excitement in the winter months. Highly prized for the table (and rightly so) this fish is a type of Jack and is often confused with a small Permit. In fact, the similarity is so great that the lower size limit on Permit is set above the natural size of Pompano. Pompano are the highest priced saltwater fish in US markets. |
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Bluefish |
A ferocious and powerful feeder, you will generally know when you have one on the end of the line. Often feeding in small schools they will compete for your offering and tear away with it to make sure he can eat it all to himself. If you have the rod in your hand you get to enjoy this process. He will fight all the way to the boat and when he gets there watch you fingers....they seem to like them, too. |
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