Every year is unique! I’ve been at this since ’58 and I’ve never witnessed an January surf shutdown like this… From Boynton Inlet through Ft. Pierce Inlet, the beach bite is likened to a winter doldrum. I never enjoy not writing an invigorating report, but so it goes.
We’re experiencing a shark infestation of epic proportions. Bulls, spinners and black tips line the surf and hold migratory species hostage in our local estuaries. Several weeks of potentially good fishing has been stymied. Historically, sharks don’t migrate till March and then the spring pompano run goes off the wall.
A month ago a school comprised of pomps and Spanish mackeral showed in Hobe Sound. My commercial boats followed the school North to Jensen Beach the very next day! The following day, Ft. Pierce then jumped to Ft. Pierce Inlet and then to the beaches of Vero. That was a monumental bite — by today’s standards — for 2 days, and proceeded to Sebastian, Melbourne, and finally, Cocoa Beach.
The serious fisherman towed their boats and jumped inlets the entire time. In every instance the gulls and the macks were on the beach. Pomps teaming up with pomps has become a security friendship of sorts. So what happened? My personal opinion is this bevy of beasts drove them north against their migratory will…
Tackle sales dictate what the fish are smacking. The river is lined with bluefish, lady fish, pomps and tons of bonefish. Jigs and quill sales are admirable. My sand flea sales are exceptional in the Boynton Beach area. Sheepshead galore! Convict fish at Lantana Bridge and all the bridges in Palm Beach. So follow your dreams and adjust accordingly!
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