09-09-11 FRIDAY: REDS, MANGROVE SNAPPER, BLACK DRUM, LADYFISH AND JACKS

Anglers on the crowded jetty are getting a break from the heat this morning, there is cloud cover and it is a welcome site, particularly compared to yesterday morning! Winds are blowing out of the West at 4 -5 mph and there is another small swell for the surfers out there. As always, use caution when casting into the surfing area.

Anglers looking for that keeper Snook must ensure that they have a Snook stamp on their fishing license and stay within the regulations of 1 per person per day within a 28" - 32" range. The larger fish tend to breed more, please use care when returning an oversized Snook to the water. It is preferable to use a net to lower it back into the water if you catch one off the north jetty. If a net isn't available then release the Snook head first and away from the rocks below.
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We received an update from Nam Bui of Orlando. Nam and his family went to the inlet over Labor Day weekend in search of the elusive keeper Snook, but had no luck. Nam's father Vinh landed a 27.5" slot Red and a 35" oversized Red. Nam reported finger mullet running along the inlet and some big predators feeding on them. Ladyfish and Jacks were active as well. Nam said that many people don't realize that Ladyfish can be very good if prepared properly. Our first photo features Vinh Bui with the 35" C/R Red that was returned to the water right after the photo. Thanks for the photo and update Nam!
Sebastian Inlet fishing report 9-9-2.jpg
Our second update is from inlet regular Mike Ricciardi who reported the Redfish bite continues to be good with about 75% of those coming over the rails being slot sized. Snook were very active throughout the morning, busting up large schools of mullet. One Snook was landed that was 32.5", 1/2" over the slot, so sad. Mangrove Snapper, Jacks and Ladyfish have been active as well. Mike had a Snapper on the line in the 5 lb range ready to net and big guy snapped the line! Our second photo today is of Mike with a 25" slot Red and Tony Swiderski of Sebastian with a good sized Black Drum and nice Mangrove Snapper. Thanks for update and photo Mike!

Have a great weekend and send in your updates and photos from the inlet and surrounding areas. Get out and try surf fishing or the flats if the jetties are too crowded, fishing seems to be productive everywhere!

Looking for something to do Saturday night? The Sebastian Inlet State Park is hosting its "Night Sounds" concert series from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. This month will feature The Country Classics Band. The concert is free but Park admission fees apply.