Today’s (August 31) forecast calls for afternoon thunderstorms, a high of 85 degrees, NE winds of seven to 10 mph, and one to two-foot seas.

Our trusty fishing guide and chief Snookologist, “Snookman” Wayne Landry says the action can be found on both tides right now:

“Hello, Sebastian Inlet fans and fanatics! I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. It wasn't too  bad; the heat was more tolerable and there were few storms around. The fishing at the inlet has held on for another week; it was still fairly good for several species of fish. The water remains relatively clean on the north side, and the south side is dirtied up a bit from the SSE winds and small surf (two to three feet) and the water temp has dropped down to 78 from the 82 it was last week, which, in turn, slowed the snook in advance of the fall snook season, which opens September 1. They are still there, just not biting particularly good as they are still in ‘spawn mode.’ Also, the  bait is still around —the pilchards and greenies — but the schools of mullet have thinned out greatly. So, without further ado, here are your action spots. 

 

North Jetty: Over here, the action has been on both tides. The incoming, early morning tide is producing decent snook catches on live mullet and shrimp; croakers are working, but they want the hand-sized silver mullet. Redfish are being caught also on this tide, and any baits live for them. Remember, they are closed in our area and cannot be kept. They must be released back into the water unharmed. Also, on this tide between the pilings and the rocks at the tip, the snapper bite is still occurring. Live and dead greenies, shrimp and small mojarra are the baits for them. Spot tail pinfish and black margates are being caught as well, dead shrimp for those. For those fishing tiny jigs and tiny live shrimp, lookdowns are being caught at the tip in the eddy over the rocks. There isn't much to them to eat, but man are they good eating! You must catch a few to make a meal. No limits on them size-wise of bag-wise. The outgoing tide at the tip is still producing  snook action on mostly live mullet, croakers and pinfish. Mixed in with them are a few nice sized redfish, which are still catch-and-release. For those fishing the hand-sized mullet, a cubera snapper is quite possible too, as a few have been caught on that tide at the tip. The mangrove snapper also are still biting in the rocks at the tip — live or dead greenies and mojarra are the baits for them. Along the wall between the bait shop and cleaning station, the fishing has slowed a tad, but  decent mangrove snapper are still being caught, mostly on the incoming tide, greenies, shrimp, and mojarra. 

South jetty: From what I have heard and seen, the bite over here has slowed  due to the cloudy water, but if you find  clean water on the incoming tide you just may find  decent mangroves over here, along with  catch-and-release snook and reds. For those fishing the tip on the outgoing tide it's all about the margates, blue runners, spot tail pins and  jack crevalle.  Snook and tarpon have been hooked up as well on the tide rip at the end of the jetty, live mullet, croakers and pin fish. 

T-Dock area: Back here, same as last week, small snappers everywhere, spot tail pins, margates, and a few decent sheepshead on cut dead shrimp around the dock pilings, and along the rocks outside the little pool, and the cleaning station, either tide is good. The snook bite back here should pick up after the season opens up September the first and the guys get out to fish them. I know they are there because I have seen them hanging around the dock on the outgoing tide. One angler I was chatting with caught an undersized snapper, and when he was pulling it up out of the water, three snook came up to look at it, and when he tossed it back in the water, the biggest of the snook grabbed it right when it hit the water!! It was pretty cool to watch. 

Surf Area, both sides: Again, nobody is fishing the south beach due to the construction limiting  access. No one is fishing the shallow north side with its huge sandbar, and the folks I did see fishing were only catching  small whiting and croakers, and catfish. We need  autumn NNE winds and surf to wash out the sand to increase the water depth to improve fishing.  

Well, that's all I have for this week, folks. Expect the surf to remain in the one to two-foot range, and the winds ESE in the lower range (five to 10 mph) all week with afternoon thunderstorms. Remember, snook season opens September 1. Grab your gear, sunscreen, water, bait, and a BIG bag of patience — as it will get crowded — and get out and catch  dinner!”  — Snookman.