Florida Inshore Report
By: Capt. Bob Bushholz
8-19-02

It's been a busy week on the Catch 22, running several charters, with the
morning trips producing better catches.  Starting on Monday, it was a party
of five "the McClouds".  Departing at 8 a.m., we ran north near Walton Rod on
the west side of the Indian River, trying the grass flats in 3-4 feet for
trout.  A combination of DOA shrimp and live shrimp under popping corks
produced several trout under 20". By 9 a.m., it was time to move north,
running to Little Mud Creek on the east side.  During the past eight weeks
tarpon in the 30-lb. class could be seen rolling on a regular basis.  That
particular morning we observed a flats boat that was fishing smack in the
middle of the entrance to Little Mud tossing live mullet.  While we were
there these guys hooked up 2 bull sharks to 100 lbs, but there was no sign of
tarpon ("poons") in the neighborhood.  We did witness a few manatees in the
area, which really topped off the flats boat fishermen's day.  After watching
the manatee frolic for a while, I departed Little Mud in pursuit of some
bottom fishing action.  It proved to be the right move, with plenty of fish
caught, including a 6-lb. snook, 5-lb. tripletail and tons of lane and
mangrove snapper.  Results have been good at both the channel markers and the
Jensen Beach Causeway.

 Tuesday was another 8 a.m. departure with a party of three, Richard and Hank
Janczewsky and Bruce Raymon.  Heading north again produced lots of action
with mangrove and lane snapper, lookdowns, tripletail, flounder, black drum
and a real mixture of other fish.  I just need to say here that the
tripletail was #71 for the year so there's still time for me to hit the 100
mark. 

Due to unfavorable conditions in the St. Lucie Inlet the past two months,
I've had to head northward away from the "nasty water".   The Spillways were
opened up again this past week and believe me, it's not a pretty sight.  Just
ask anyone sitting in a riverfront restaurant what the water looks like and
most of the time they say "iced coffee".  Not only is the view nasty, the
smell isn't so great either. 

Thursday was a full day charter with the Shupenko family from Miami. Heading
north in the morning produced lots of fish and lots of action, hitting
channel markers and bridges.  Departing at 8 a.m. allows only a limited
shallow-water action due to the heat factor.  Normally by 9 a.m. in the
summer I like to head to deeper water.  Around noon we headed for the Inlet
for incoming tide.  It was good to be able to fish the Inlet on an incoming
tide, finally seeing some sign of salinity in the water.  There were some
excellent fish caught drifting on the south side, including a 3l" snook
(safely released).

To sum it up, it's still extremely hot so get out early and hit the flats
until 9 a.m.  After 9, fish deeper and try to time your inlet trips to fish
the incoming tide.  There's still a chance for some tarpon in the surf, but
again fish early.  Snook season is just around the corner (September 1) and
I'm looking forward to some great night trips.  It's been a great summer, but
remember we've still got the best area for some great fishing no matter how
hot it is.   Sometimes I think the fish are smarter than we are.  They have
enough sense to stay in the shade and look for deeper water.  I've heard
they're a little short of sun block and no one cruises their area with
"Foster Grants".  Until next time, tight lines everyone.

                                        Capt. Bob Bushholz

                                   http://www.catch22fish.com

                                         (772) 225-6436