Today’s (September 28) forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, a high of 85 degrees, ESE winds of 6 mph, and two to three-foot seas.

Our fishing guide, Wayne "Snookman" Landry offers up a tale of rough water and powerful winds, but the conditions didn't deter inlet anglers:

"Hello, Sebastian Inlet fans and fanatics! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Fishing slowed considerably after strong winds and rough seas arrived on Thursday and continued through the weekend. The water turned rough and murky, and most of the mullet moved out. They should return once conditions settle and the water clears. Despite the weather, anglers managed to catch a few fish; the details are below.

Important Reminder: Protect Our Marine Resources

Conditions at the North Jetty are especially concerning. Some cast-netters have left unwanted baitfish and other fish on the jetty. This waste harms marine resources, creates a mess, and must stop. Signs throughout the park instruct cast-netters to return unwanted baitfish to the water promptly. Cast netting is a privilege—please use it responsibly.

Under Florida Statute 379.2421(4), anyone who catches fish with a net, seine, or other fishing device and decides not to keep them—regardless of size, preference, or any other reason—must immediately return them to the water alive. Violations may result in fines or arrest.

·         No shoreline disposal: Do not leave unwanted baitfish or bycatch on a bank, shore, beach, dock, jetty, or any other place out of the water.

·         Release fish immediately: Do not leave unwanted fish in buckets or on a boat deck to die before returning them. Separate and release them right away.

·         Protect restricted species: If you accidentally catch a game fish or any species that is not permitted for net harvest in the area, return it to the water immediately and unharmed.

Please return all unwanted baitfish and other fish to the water, and help keep our jetties and shorelines clean. If you see someone misusing cast-netting privileges or leaving baitfish to die, call the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922. Thank you for helping protect the marine environment and keep the jetty and park clean.

Fishing Conditions by Area

North Jetty

Conditions were rough from Thursday through the weekend, with winds of 20–25 mph and seas of 6–7 feet. The weather eased somewhat on Saturday and Sunday, and the incoming tide produced a brief morning bite both days. Anglers caught several good-sized redfish on finger mullet, but the season remains closed, so all had to be released.

Anglers also caught snook on live pigfish, although most were oversized. I heard of only one slot-size fish caught Sunday morning. Spanish mackerel measuring 12–14 inches were taken on live greenies, small jigs, and silver spoons. Around the pilings and rocks, dead cut shrimp produced a good black margate bite, with many fish measuring 10–11 inches. Black margates currently have no size or bag limit. Catfish and jacks were also present in the murky water.

South Jetty

The early incoming tide continued to produce snook. Many were undersized, but a few slot-size fish were caught. Live pigfish and mullet were the most effective baits. At the tip during the outgoing tide, I received a report of two nice black drum caught on cut shrimp, although I did not see them myself. Anglers also caught the usual mix of margates, spot-tail pinfish, blue runners, jacks, and catfish, which thrive in murky water.

T-Dock Area

The water here was cleaner and calmer. During the incoming tide, anglers targeting snook caught many undersized fish on finger mullet, pigfish, pinfish, shrimp, and mojarras. Around the dock pilings, small snapper, margates, and puffers continued to bite on shrimp and cut bait. Most snapper were undersized, but I saw a few keepers in buckets and coolers on Sunday, so legal-size fish are around.

Surf Area—Both Sides

The surf was completely blown out, with no meaningful fishing activity to report.

Week Ahead

That’s all for this week, my friends. Monday through Wednesday should be relatively calm. The rest of the week may become breezier, with mostly south-southeast winds of 10–15 mph, seas of 2–3 feet, and a chance of afternoon rain each day.

Have a great and safe week!"
- Snookman