As seasonably warm temps and constant southerly winds create dynamic changes. After weeks of inhabiting the Stuart/Vero estuary pompano, ladyfish and bonefish are staging at both Local inlets. The inlet exits are promising as surf results increase! Boat anglers have been limiting out all week but that changed upon the increase of heavy southerly winds. Whether the fish would go north or south was the question. The fish chose both directions.

This winter Hobe Sound Public has been the most consistent spot in the tri county region. But three weeks ago the dredges appeared, barges anchored and rusty pipe laid. The North Beach became the battle ground and the northern fronts shifted compromised sand south.

As it turns out the activity increased dramatically north of the Stuart Inlet. From Stuart Public the thru the Ft. Pierce cove beaches surf rods bent with hungry surf riders. Numerous short pompano hit vigorously at every beach entrance for the entire length of Hutchinson Island. A pronounced abundance of lady fish, blue runners, bluefish and jacks were caught. Tides were not significant. Long casters smacked some really nice keeper pompano.

Most recently the heightened appearance of spinner sharks indicated the vast schools of fish were present. Anglers experienced cut offs regularly. Consistent heavy southerly winds have burdened the troughs with Sargasso weed. With the Portuguese Man O’ War jelly fish landing on the beach fisherman should be careful. The tentacle sting is intense and derives immediate attention. Best to pack vinegar in the back pack. Please advise tourists to steer clear. Beach social interaction is the best way we can show out-of-towners that we are caring Floridians!

Top bait choices include: sand fleas, orange fish bites (in either scent) and brined clams. To dramatically increase your catches, study the usage of calico crabs and ghost crabs! These wonderful baits will draw dramatic attention from permit especially. Creativity equals an increase in success! For tips simply go to pompanorich.com and email your questions.

Also, look to my column titled “What the Pompano Pro’s do” in the March/April issue of Florida Sport Fishing magazine. Page 53 is my latest column. Six pages in what I expect are helpful tips and archival history of south Florida pompano fishing. I thank all of you for your consistent friendship! Let’s ice down some pomps and whiting this Spring! Tightlines……