Today’s forecast calls for cloudy skies with possible thunderstorms in the afternoon, a high of 87 degrees, SSE winds of 8 to 11 mph, and zero to one-foot seas.

Today’s forecast calls for cloudy skies with possible thunderstorms in the afternoon, a high of 87 degrees, SSE winds of 8 to 11 mph, and zero to one-foot seas.

Our fishing guide, “Snookman” Wayne Landry says the fishing last week started like a kiss and ended like a curse. Learn why:

Good morning, all my Sebastian Inlet fans and anglers. I hope everyone had a nice, safe July 4 weekend. Aside from the rain, it was nice. Without further delay, here is your fishing report for the past few days. Last Monday, opening day had to be one of the most perfect days you could possibly ask for perfect weather, perfect water conditions, plenty of fish, plenty of anglers and sightseers, and great fishing! The next day, it all went downhill quickly. The winds picked up out of the SSE, the surf picked up, and the water got dirty and colder! It was at 81 to 82 on that Monday, then plummeted to the mid-70s for the rest or the week, shutting down the action. On a good note; today, Monday, it is back up to 77 degrees, but still a bit silted up on both sides and weedy on the south side.

Please remember  that all your fishing equipment, carts, coolers, chairs and anything else belongs in the CENTER of the north jetty, NOT in the walkway between the railings and the painted yellow lines. That area is a safety walkway  for pedestrians and to be kept clear in case of a medical emergency. You can stand at the railing and fish, but all your equipment needs to be out of that area.

Now, for the breakdown on what's biting, and where:

North jetty:  The bite has been on the late afternoon incoming tide. The outgoing tide in the morning has been slow due to the dirtier, cooler water from the Sebastian River rain runoff. The fish avoid such conditions and will move further away from the jetty, but there have been a few catch-and-release snook and redfish caught, no numbers. Catfish have also been present, as is the case with dirty water. The incoming tide, which has been active, is producing some catch-and-release snook and redfish on live shrimp and mojarra, but just a few, no numbers. Lookdowns, black margate, and spadefish are being caught on live and dead shrimp. Also there have been a few bluefish and big jack crevalle around for those using jigs and silver spoons in the channel area. That's pretty much for the jetty; like I stated, it has slowed down quite a bit. Along the rock seawall, between the jetty and bridge, has yet to produce any mangrove snappers. I think the water is still a bit too cool, plus we don't have the big schools of small baitfish for them to feed on yet. 

South jetty: Here, the fishing is also slow due to the dirty water, seaweed from the SSE winds and the surf that has kicked up. I did see catch-and-release snook and redfish  caught on the incoming tide in the afternoons. Shoreline anglers and boaters were doing well. Live threadfins and croakers were the baits of choice. At the tip on the outgoing tide anglers were catching black margates, spot tail pins, and a few small whiting on cut shrimp. Those using silver spoons and vertical jigs were catching bluefish and big jack crevalle. Also present were the pesky catfish, puffers and small bonnethead sharks to play with. 

T-dock area: Back here, the fishing has also been quiet. The only fish I saw were a couple of catch-and-release snook and redfish caught on live mojarra — incoming tide at the cleaning table. During the outgoing tide, when the small greenies arrive, anglers are catching smaller Spanish mackerel using them, as well as small white jigs and swimbaits  fished out away from the dock. Around the pilings there have been undersized snappers caught — muttons and mangroves — on live and dead greenies. Also, puffers are everywhere. It’s difficult to escape them.

Surf area, both sides:  The north side water has silted up a bit from the ESE swell and the SSE winds, but there have been reports of whiting and a few black drum caught on cut shrimp and sand fleas, north of the jetty area.  On Sunday, on this side, I saw schools of mullet in the surf being blasted by gamefish — not sure what they were, but you never know what's going to show up when the mullet run. Snook, redfish, jacks, tarpon and sharks. So, keep an eye out for some surf fun! 

South side: On this side, the fishing has been slow due to the roughed-up, dirty and weedy water. If you can find cleaner water, whiting and black drum and maybe some pompano are possible with cut shrimp and sand fleas. 

That's all I have for this week. As I said, last Monday was the banner day for fishing from the north jetty, but as always, things change, and our inlet is dependent on water conditions and bait present. If conditions aren't ideal, there's no fish action. Everyone have a great week!” — Snookman.