Fishing around the Sebastian Inlet has indeed been an exciting affair this week. There’s been significant activity with mangrove snapper, redfish, jack crevalle, blue runners, and catch-and-release snook, all caught primarily using live bait. In addition, there are reports of mullet along the beaches.
Just yesterday, we rolled out an insightful piece about snook fish, detailing some of the most effective baits to use around the inlet. We highly recommend you give it a read; it’s quite enlightening.
Catch anything? We would love to feature your catch! Let us know how you did by sending us your name, hometown, fish, bait used, and where you caught your fish, with photos to info@sebastiandaily.com.
Calvin Snead
Calvin Snead was back on the water with friend Tony Joseph this past week when he caught a redfish (in the photo above).
The outgoing tide near the North and South Jetty seems to be making all the difference. Several catches have also been made near the rock formations located just west of the tidal pool on both water edges. Yet, fishermen are also deploying boats to navigate through these fishing zones.
Fishing Weather
Regardless of the daily storms we’ve been experiencing, the fishing conditions have remained favorable. However, the lightning that accompanies these storms poses a significant risk. Exercise prudence during these weather events, and consider postponing your fishing activities if there’s lightning.
Regrettably, the weather update isn’t particularly promising, with storms forecasted to persist until the following Monday. The usual afternoon storms are on the cards, with temperatures soaring to 93 degrees and nightly lows hovering around 73 degrees.
With the heat index anticipated to hit a sweltering 103 to 106 degrees on Thursday and Friday, keeping yourself well-hydrated is essential. The thunderstorm probability sits at about 60-70 percent daily until the beginning of next week. So, ensure you factor in the heat index when making outdoor plans.
Mangrove Snapper
The Mangrove Snapper, often referred to as “mangrove,” is a common inshore species, especially around the Atlantic. Their grayish or dark brown bodies can identify them with a reddish-orange tinge, highlighted by their distinctive snapper-shaped bodies.
Juvenile mangroves are known to inhabit the safety of mangroves, hence the name, while mature ones venture into open waters, reefs, and inlets. This characteristic makes the Sebastian Inlet ideal for catching bigger mangrove snappers.
The Sebastian Inlet is an aquatic sanctuary that perfectly accommodates the lifestyle of the mangrove snapper. The inlet’s robust tidal action and diverse underwater terrain make it a favorite hunting ground for these snappers.
The rocks and jetties of the Sebastian Inlet, particularly during an outgoing tide, can be productive spots for snapper fishing. These areas teem with small crustaceans and baitfish, attracting the predatory mangrove snapper.
Understanding Redfish
Redfish are distinctive in appearance. These powerful, stout-bodied fish often flaunt a rusty bronze or reddish-brown hue that gives them their common name. They’re easily identifiable by the signature black spot or spots at the base of their tail.
Redfish are typically found in inshore waters and estuaries and migrate to nearshore waters during the fall. Young redfish prefer shallow waters near oyster beds, seagrasses, or marsh vegetation. As they grow older, they move more profoundly, making locations like the Sebastian Inlet perfect for catching larger redfish.
The inlet’s robust tidal action stirs up small prey, attracting redfish to its brimming waters. The inlet’s jetties are conducive to redfish activity, and many anglers report high success rates in these areas.
Fishing Report
Keeping up-to-date with the latest fishing trends and patterns is essential, and that’s why we have our Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report to provide a weekly brief summary of the current fishing conditions.