This week we are moving offshore to shine the spotlight on our featured angler of the week – Andrew Simpson.  Bill and Sean Russell, along Paul Hensley and brothers Andrew and Tyler spent the day offshore near Sebastian Inlet on June 17.  Bill tells us it was a “beautiful day, caught Sharks, Lane Snappers, Trigger Fish and Red Snapper.  The highlight of the day was a 36 ¼ Red Snapper caught by Andrew.  It was huge and returned to the water after de-inflating to be caught another day.  The smile on Andrew’s face made the day so special.”

Way to go on the beautiful Red Snapper, Andrew!  And thanks Bill for practicing sustainable fishing techniques that promote survival while passing it on to the next generation of anglers.

Fishing has been pretty good on the North and South jetties, in the inlet channel and around the western flood shoals.  Reports of large Redfish have been streaming in.  Use your live shrimp to target them as a favorite bait and remember your FWC bag and size limits. 

Anglers have also reported catching Mangrove Snapper, Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel.  You’ll find the Mangrove Snapper migrating throughout the inlet and in the backwaters biting on live shrimp.  Try the jetties for targeting Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel.  Cut bait is the way to go for both or use your silver spoons for the Bluefish and your Gotcha lures for the Spanish Mackerel.

We hear that schools of large Tarpon have been running the beach, hitting on live bait, swim bait, plugs and spoons.  You’ll find some Jacks mixed in too. 

Snook continue to bite off the North Jetty, in the inlet system and inshore, but remember they are catch and release only until season opens again on September 1.

Regulatory update:  NOAA recently announced the harvest season for Red Snapper in Atlantic waters will be July 10, 11, 12 and 17.  Read more here to learn about the descending device requirement being discussed and why it’s important from our friend Ed Killer at Treasure Coast newspapers: 

To plan your next fishing trip to the inlet, check our webcam for real-time weather and views of the entire inlet system, tide charts and more.  For the latest update on the action, call our friend Tommy at Sebastian Inlet Bait & Tackle at 321-768-6621.

Thanks to everyone sending in photos of their catch!  We try to use every photo submitted.  If you want to be featured as our angler of the week, use the Contact Form to send us the details of your catch with photos (horizontal and vertical, please).  Have a great week and a safe July 4th holiday!