Fishing from the Point: Fatties seek cold water, croaker merely seek bait

The Indian River Inlet was a treasure trove of croaker this week, with the fish practically serving themselves up to anglers on a silver platter. If the early bird catches the worm, then the croaker are right on time, tearing into bloodworms, clams and squid, particularly the bigger fish at the Red Can.

Coastal Point • Stock photography
Early morning at Massey’s Ditch marsh is the resort destination for croaker, blues and some flounder. Blues are starting to get bigger on the incoming day tide.

If you’re looking for flounder, they’re looking for cold water. They’ve kept cool in deeper water at the open bottom of Old Grounds and southeast of the B Buoy. Fish were hungry after the stormy water, so they’re coming in heavy, with full bellies after feeding. Site 10 has continues to be a top fishing spot, and for good reason. Flatties are nipping at bucktails tipped with shiners, squid and cut bait.

Rockfish are coming, still working their way up at the Old Grounds, but sea bass are more likely to be shorts than keepers.

Offshore and all over, the tuna bite has dropped off, and some boats have started deep-dropping at the canyons. They’re getting rewarded with a good number of golden tilefish.

Kings, croaker, spot, small drum and sharks have been found in the surf on bloodworms, Fishbies and Gulp! A few spike trout and snapper blues have been picked up, as well. Remember that sand tiger and duskies may not be removed from the surf and must be released in a way that promotes a live release. Although, in the dark of night might not be the safest time to handle something with that many teeth. Watch your fingers, and happy fishing.