As the fishing season unfolds at Sebastian Inlet, anglers are experiencing a mix of fortunes. While flounder catches are notably slower, anglers are enjoying success with snook and sheepshead. Despite the sluggish start for flounder, especially off the North Jetty, there have been reports of occasional pompano and catch-and-release redfish.
Calling All Anglers! Got a catch to share? We’re eager to spotlight it! Share details about your bounty, including your name, hometown, type of fish, bait used, location, and pictures at info@sebastiandaily.com.
The current bait of choice among local anglers includes live shrimp and finger mullet, though baitfish numbers are dwindling due to cooler water temperatures.
For snook, the inlet remains a prime spot, but don’t overlook the Indian River Lagoon and St. Sebastian River. These fish favor live bait, such as pinfish, mullet, and shrimp.
In the pursuit of sheepshead, fiddler and mud crabs are top choices, although they also respond well to sand fleas and small shrimp pieces. Look for them near structures like bridges, docks, seawalls, and barnacle-encrusted pier pilings, as well as around the inlet’s jetties and rocks.
For flounder, which are currently less active, anglers have had some success with croakers, mud minnows, and pinfish. Drifting bait along the bottom is the most effective method, with high tide bringing flounder to shallower areas and low tide pushing them toward deeper channels.
Mark Reitter successfully landed a snook, as seen in the accompanying photograph above, and mentioned that there’s an interesting tale behind his catch. Stay tuned for this story in our upcoming Sebastian fishing report.
Weather and Boating Outlook
Sebastian’s weather is shifting to cooler conditions this week. Daytime highs are expected to be around 68 degrees, dipping to 51 degrees at night by Wednesday. Northern winds of 5 to 10 mph are forecast, with gusts possibly reaching 25 mph by Sunday.
The skies will generally be partly cloudy, with minimal rain, except for a potential light shower on Sunday. Boaters should exercise caution from Wednesday onwards as sea conditions are predicted to intensify, with waves reaching 5 to 7 feet.