Inshore:

Well, July is here and it's been the typical hot weather on the Treasure Coast. I don't complain about the heat, because I hate the cold weather. We usually have an ocean breeze to keep the temperatures from getting too hot on the water. Drink lots of fluids and make sure to splather on that sunscreen this time of year! July might be hot, but it's fun on the water.

I had the privilege to be invited to the annual DOA Outdoor Writers Event again this year. Lot of fun meeting old friends and making new ones. Oh, and seeing more and more gray hair each year.... I had Glenn, Tom and Gary fishing with me this year. It was slow fishing in Fort Pierce, but we managed to catch some fish in spite of the bite. It's always a fun event for everyone. I had Tom on the boat with Isaac and Jeremiah later this week. The guys caught a lot of fish including a nice 28" sea trout to top off the morning. Scott and Connor joined me on a beautiful morning. They caught a variety of fish and lost a few big fish that wouldn't come to the boat.

Fish the deeper cuts and flats of the river this month with the hot weather. Use top water lures in the early mornings and switch to DOA shrimp or CAL jerk baits as the sun rises. We are using a 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig head on the soft plastics. Bear Point, Harbor Branch and Queen's Cove have all been active with bait. The snapper have been moving into the river and you will find some nice mangroves around the area. Fish the docks, channel edges or bridges for a chance for some snapper for dinner. Look for the glass minnows to be moving into the river this month and bringing a host of predators to feed on them. July is always a super month to fish the area. Watch for the redfish to begin schooling up this month on the flats. Move across the flats slowly and keep your eyes on the water to find some nice schools this month. DOA shrimp is always a good choice for redfish. Snook fishing around the bridges and jetties will be dependent of the tides and should find a good bite on the last of the incoming and first of the outgoing tides.

Have a fun month and enjoy the fishing on the Treasure Coast! Beat the heat and get out early before the afternoon storms brew up. Early mornings are good times to enjoy the top water fishing and watch the gorgeous sunrises on the coast.Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby……it’s an ADVENTURE!Good Fishing,

Captain Charlie Connerwww.fishtalescharter.com