Martin and Palm Beach County have worked hard for the past 15 years to restore beaches as storm and swells work to oppose this process.
Although I truly understand the need for beach renourishment, it does not sit well with any angler fishing the beaches from Jupiter Inlet to Lake Worth Inlet.
A side effect of these efforts is a continually- dwindling population of inshore bait species. The lighter, finer sand placed on the beaches creates a cloud in the water column and film over the sands at shore's edge. Small inshore fish, such as ballyhoo, sardines, goggle eye and blue runners are not traveling in the same waters where they once frequented.
Sand crabs, or sand fleas, are limited and much smaller than just 15 miles north or south of this area.
Unfortunately, there is not a cure that anyone person can implement to change this situation. My hope is that this fact raises questions the next time a proposal is introduced to re-nourish a beach in your area.
Offshore report: I hope that the meteorologists are right on the money for next weekend. The seas look calm, the skies look blue and the moon is almost full. It might be one of the best weekends to get out on the boat since December.
The usual suspects are in the area. Sailfish at the 150-foot mark are hitting goggle eye and blue runners. There have also been a few showering schools of sardines, which will lend itself to blackfin tuna, dolphin and kingfish.
Wahoo are hitting on fast trolled black and purple skirts. If the wahoo are hitting the sides of your bait and you are missing them, troll faster. They like to attack bait from behind, but that bait MUST be moving quickly.
Inshore report: Big bass are really turning on after the cold fronts. It is important to look for areas with steep drop offs, as this fish move deeper when it is cold and come up to feed as the day warms.
Snook are waiting for shrimp, mullet and artificial lures around the bridges and inlets. Use a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader for best results and avoid fishing low tide. Most fish being caught are 24- to 30- inches, consequently making heavier leader both unnecessary and a reason for that fish not to bite.
Pompano are migrating ever so slowly from the north. Hobe Sound produced three good days of bites last week indicating that the fish are headed to Palm Beach County.
Tight lines, crystal clear waters and sunny days to all.
Is there something more you would like to see in this article? Send me an e-mail with your suggestions.
Rob Fielding is an addicted angler and the owner of Sharkey's Tackle in Jupiter. For more information call (561) 630-3100 or e-mail Rob.Fielding@SharkeysTackle.com.