The sea surface temperature has been around the high 70s- to 80-degrees fahrenheit over the last week. Larger than the normal-sized bluefish for our area have been reported in the surf and around the piers with some as large as eight pounds.
Larger than the normal-sized bluefish for our area have been reported in the surf and around the piers with some as large as eight pounds.
Trout, redfish and flounder catches were reported around the main street pier. The inlet is full of redfish. Mosquito and Indian River lagoons reportedly have been giving anglers good catches of redfish and trout caught mostly on cut bait.
Offshore, there were large seas the past weekend. Prior to the rough seas there were reports that the sailfish and wahoo bites were pretty good.
FWC launches new technology for Wildlife Alert
The Wildlife Alert Reward Program has helped the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission catch thousands of violators through phone calls and online submissions from the public. Now, it is employing an additional method: text messaging.
The nonprofit, reward-based program was created 30 years ago to encourage citizens to report fish and wildlife law violations. The program offers rewards in exchange for information leading to arrests. Members of the public can call the Wildlife Alert Hotline or go to MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert to report known or suspected violations. Now, they can also text Tip@MyFWC.com.
Most cell phones now allow users to send text messages directly to an email address; standard usage fees may apply.
"The text messaging option makes it more convenient for the public," said Col. Jim Brown, director of the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement. "We also hope it will make Wildlife Alert even more effective in catching poachers and other violators."
When submitting information via text message, the FWC encourages including as much information as possible, such as the specific violation and the location. Once a report is initiated, FWC dispatch has the ability to respond via text message to the reporting party to gather additional details.
The FWC is committed to protecting Florida's fish, wildlife and people. However, FWC officers can't always do it alone.
"While we make every effort to be conscious of any threats to our valuable natural resources and people, we often rely upon support and tips from members of the public," Brown said.
The FWC encourages people to report any known or suspected illegal activity, such as illegal hunting, taking saltwater game fish out of season, taking protected wildlife species, boating under the influence and more.
To report violations by phone, please call 888-404-FWCC (3922). For more information, please visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert. The Wildlife Alert Reward Program relies upon donations from the public and other nonprofit organizations. To contribute, please mail your donation to the FWC at 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 c/o Olivia Townsend.
Capt. Budd's PostScript
It has been written “You cannot learn any stream by heart in less than three seasons.”
So, whether you charter, ride a head boat, run your own vessel, stay in the river, surf fish, or fish from shore or a bridge, there are fish to be caught. Fishing is not a matter of life or death; it is so much more important than that.
Tight lines, Capt. Budd
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