Stuart, Martin County, FL
Thunderstorm In Vicinity
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82°F
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Feels 90°
Naples Premier Offshore Fishing Charter
Pattern day — fish are predictable. Work structure and watch the feeding windows.
1-3oz jig heads for deep water
Reef and wreck fishing requires weight to reach fish quickly
Live pinfish rigged on heavy setup
Reef and wreck fish feed aggressively on live baitfish
20-40lb stainless steel wire leader
King mackerel and large predators around wrecks have sharp teeth
Multi-hook sabiki rig for catching live baitfish
Stock your own live bait — essential for offshore and wreck fishing
Local Fishing Resource
Fort Pierce Inlet, Stuart — the Sailfish Capital, and the Indian River
Open the St. Lucie & Martin Cheat Sheet
Lutjanus synagris
Small snapper with distinctive yellow stripes and pink spot.
Local Notes: Bottom fish around the reef at Bathtub Reef with small circle hooks and shrimp or squid.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Hold tight to structure at Bathtub Reef. Fish with light fluorocarbon and live pilchards in the chum slick.
Ocyurus chrysurus
Beautiful snapper with yellow tail and lateral stripe. Excellent table fare.
Local Notes: Classic reef fishing at Bathtub Reef. Chum the water and freeline pilchards or shrimp on 15 lb fluorocarbon — these fish are leader-shy.
Rachycentron canadum
Large pelagic fish often found near buoys and wrecks. Excellent table quality.
Local Notes: Found circling the shallower reef structures near Bathtub Reef. Live pinfish or eel on a circle hook.
Mycteroperca microlepis
Popular reef fish with excellent table quality. Found around structure.
Local Notes: Hold at the base of the reef structure near Bathtub Reef. Live pinfish or cut bonito on a knocker rig.
Scomberomorus cavalla
Large mackerel species prized by anglers. Strong fighter found offshore.
Local Notes: Cruise the reef edges near Bathtub Reef. Slow-trolling live blue runners on a stinger rig.
Trachinotus falcatus
Highly prized sport fish. Challenging to catch on flats and around wrecks.
Local Notes: Cruise the sandy areas adjacent to Bathtub Reef. Sight-cast live crab for permit — patience is critical.
