Feb. 16 -- Hiding in the river from NASTY winds

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When the day starts off with the boat floating off the trailer and heading straight out to sea because the north winds are ripping so hard, you know it's not going to be pretty. That was the case at the Stuart Causeway, my normal launching place. I corraled the boat, put it back on the trailer and took it to Palm City, where we were going to be a little more protected from the 20-25 mph north winds.

Mike, Joey and I headed up (down?) the south fork, looking to fish the sea walls that were in the sun and, hopefully, holding big snook and/or jacks. Joey works for ZMan Lures, so we were using his paddletail swim baits and Ultra Shrimp.

Despite the whipping wind and temperature that seemed to be dropping even though the sun was out, we managed a pair of jacks and spooked a big redfish. Mullet were EVERYWHERE up the river. BIG mullet. So the fish are there, too, it's just a matter of some calmer days and warmer temps.

Feb. 8-- Bass fishing

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The beach was rocking with big waves and the water in the rivers was so cold even the croakers turned off. The choice was fish in the South Fork of the St. Lucie River and try to pick a couple snook off sea walls or take advantage of the recent full moon and hope the bass were spawning at a nearby county park. The snook will be there all summer (and they're only going to get bigger). The bass should have been hungry and willing to chomp. Easy decision.

Paul and I headed to the park, slipped the tiny trolling motored bass boat in the water and started marveling at how quiet and empty the lake was. We were in a big lake, but wanted to fish the clearer south lake where the banks were a little less steep and the potential for beds was much higher.

Throwing worms and jerk baits and swimming baits (I LOVE the Sebile Magic Swimmer!!) and spinnerbaits, we racked up about 40 bass total. The cold front from last week kept the water chilly and the fish weren't on the beds yet. Instead, they were hanging just off the grass, waiting for the right time to start the spawn. The biggest bass was about 2.5 pounds (though I did manage a 3.5-pound bowfin). Also saw a really cool otter right next to the boat.

These lakes are so pristine and untouched, it's unbelievable. We were the only ones out there the entire day. The plan now is go back out in the spring with a bucket load of wild shiners. We won't forget the camera that day!!