Palm Beach County Weekend Fishing Report: 8/31/2018
Pictured: Snook Caught by Michael O'Connor
The weekend we’ve all been waiting for is finally here: the first weekend of snook season! Oh yeah, and it also happens to be Labor Day weekend. Not only do you have three full days to take home your snook-a-day bag limit, but you also have the notion of the “hard workers holiday” to validate your much-needed R&R time.
The name of the game is snook this weekend, but make sure you know the regulations and have your permit, because FWC will surely be out in full force. While the mullet run hasn’t completely caught fire yet, catch and release snook fishing has been plentiful lately, with the Palm Beach Inlet, Juno Pier, Jupiter Inlet, and Loxahatchee River churning with keepers ready to be your catch of the day. Mullet-like lures are the way to go at night or low lighted daytimes, and whether you’re in North Palm Beach near Lott Bros or Juno Beach near Juno Bait, here’s a list of tackle shops that should be able to set you up with a Yo-Zuri Pencil or Mag Darter. If you don’t have a boat, we’ve outlined some great spots you can catch some snook onshore, and Juno Bait recommends Flair Hawk Jigs, Big Swimbaits, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows, and Rapala X-Raps as solid lure choices. Keep in mind, you are still required to have a valid fishing license if you’re onshore.
Mahi has been consistent this week, as long as you find the right weedline at the right time, and of course trolling with bonita strips, ballyhoo, or squid is the method of choice. Most dolphin caught have been in 400-700’ of water, but they’ve all been just barely worth keeping. Following last weekend’s full moon, of course the wahoo bite is sparse, with a few suprises still out there. Small daisy chains and trolling feathers have lured in a few small blackfin tuna this week, and kingfish are slowing down with a few caught on the ledge with live sardines.
Hopefully the mullet will be running thick soon, and the snook bite will be hot!
Friday, 8/31: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of thunderstorms, High of 86 degrees, East winds at 10-15 knots, 2’ seas at 4 second periods, Intracoastal waters a moderate chop.
Saturday, 9/1: Partly sunny with a 40% chance of thunderstorms, High of 86 degrees, East winds at 10-15 knots, 2’-3' seas at 4 second periods, Intracoastal waters a moderate chop.
Sunday, 9/2: Partly sunny with a 40% chance of thunderstorms, High of 86 degrees, East winds at 10-15 knots, 2’-3' seas, Intracoastal waters a moderate chop.
Monday, 9/3: Mostly cloudy with a 50% chance of thunderstorms, High of 84 degrees, East winds at 15 knots, 2'-4' seas with occasional 5', Intracoastal waters a moderate chop.
As usual, have a safe, fun weekend on the South Florida water, and make sure you send any great pictures or stories to Lacey@wfpcc.com!
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