tarpon on the beach

Live bait has been key for tarpon chasing mullet along the beaches.

The mullet run was popping last week. We had a few days with big schools throughout the lagoon and a few small schools along the beaches. Lots of jacks, trout and some snook and reds following the schools in the lagoon. The schools around the inlet had some snook and reds mixed in. Live mullet and pig fish were the best baits in and around Sebastian Inlet. Inshore, the most effective artificial baits were soft plastic paddle tails and the Rapala skitter walk. Rapala twitchin minnow was also a good bait inshore.

Nearshore, there were still a few schools of bait with tarpon on them scattered along the beaches. Live bait was the key to success for these fish this week.

Looks like this week is going to be blown out, especially for nearshore fishing. If you can find a spot out of the wind with some bait, you should be able to get on a decent trout bite as well as find some inshore snook and redfish! Stay safe on the water — these high winds will make the lagoon rough and dangerous for small boats!