Night Fishing – Dock and Bridge Fishing
Many people overlook the nighttime fishing opportunities that we have, which is beneficial for us because it means less competition! In fact, we run a significant number of nighttime trips because the fishing can be better at night. Snook and tarpon are natural nighttime feeders, lying in wait for schools of baitfish such as mullet and pilchards to come through with the moving tides. This makes these fish relatively predictable in terms of their location and feeding patterns throughout the tide cycle. Moreover, snook and tarpon tend to feed near the surface, so it’s often possible to locate them by listening for the distinct pops and surface crashes as they attack baitfish. Additionally, snook and tarpon have adapted to using manmade structures like bridges, docks, and dock lights as cover to catch their prey.
Captain Chris specializes in nighttime dock and bridge fishing, having honed his techniques since he was a young boy. Alongside the great fishing opportunities along bridges, docks, and dock lights, fishing at night provides a completely unique experience compared to daytime fishing. Not only can you avoid the scorching sun, but it’s also all about the peace and quiet… well, at least until the fish start breaking the surface!
Day Fishing – Mangroves, Flats and Beach Fishing
One of the greatest aspects of saltwater fishing is its perpetual cycle. As soon as the tidal currents cease, they change direction and begin pushing baitfish in the opposite way, creating a buffet for large gamefish to feast upon. During daylight hours, we continue fishing the bridges and docks, but we also explore other areas to maximize our chances of getting a bite. Along the Treasure Coast, our shorelines are adorned with mangroves, which serve to prevent soil erosion and provide a sanctuary for younger gamefish to thrive. Fishing in these mangrove areas entails various tactics, including posting up or utilizing the trolling motor to cast flies, lures, topwater baits, and live bait.
Beyond the mangroves, we have extensive stretches of shallow flats to explore. These flats boast seagrass, small ledges, structures, and potholes that attract gamefish like snook, tarpon, redfish, and speckled trout, laying in wait to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. While navigating the flats, we typically proceed at a slow pace using the trolling motor or push pole to search for fish in the shallows. Under ideal conditions, sight fishing becomes our primary focus, allowing us to spot the fish before making our cast. In these crystal-clear waters, it is quite common to witness the take as the fish strikes. In some cases, we may even fish along the sandy beaches or mouth of the inlet. Sight fishing is particularly effective when fishing the beach due to the light-colored sand bottom. However, it is not uncommon to find fish, particularly larger tarpon and snook, positioned further out, where they feed on the vast schools of pilchard and mullet.
Book Your Fishing Charter
To book your next fishing adventure, give Capt. Chris call at (786) 402-1915 or click here to schedule your charter online.
