The Latest Fishing Conditions from Captain Max at Split Tail Charters
Looking for the latest Stuart Fishing Report? Here’s what we’ve been seeing this August throughout Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Florida’s Treasure Coast.
August continues to provide outstanding opportunities for anglers targeting inshore, nearshore, and dock light fishing. While summer heat has many fish in predictable patterns, anglers willing to fish the right tides and present live bait naturally are being rewarded with excellent action on snook, tarpon, trout, redfish, and jack crevalle.
Whether you’re planning your next fishing charter or simply curious about current conditions, here’s what’s happening on the water this month.
Stuart Inshore Fishing Report
Big snook are in full spawning mode throughout the Stuart area, and some outstanding fish are being caught around local inlets, jetties, beaches, and nearby structure. Since spawning snook aren’t feeding aggressively, presentation has been the key to success.
Live croakers and threadfin continue producing the most consistent bites when fished free-swimming on circle hooks or with a 2-ounce weight. For anglers throwing artificials, the MirrOlure Suspending Mullet has consistently produced quality fish.
Outgoing tides have provided the strongest bite this month, although we’ve still experienced excellent action on incoming tides when bait is presented directly in front of active schools.
A reminder to all anglers: Snook season remains closed until September 1. During the spawn, please keep the fight short, take a quick photo, and release these incredible fish immediately so they can continue reproducing successfully.
Redfish and spotted seatrout have also been very active around mangrove shorelines during higher tides. Look for schools of mullet along the outside edges of the mangroves and fish live shrimp under a popping cork or work a topwater MirrOlure across the surface during lower-light periods.
Stuart Night Dock Light Fishing Report
Night fishing continues to be one of the most exciting trips we offer this time of year.
Tarpon have arrived in good numbers and have been feeding aggressively around local bridges on outgoing tides. Fast-moving suspending lures worked through the shadow lines have been producing explosive strikes.
Live mullet and croakers allowed to free-swim naturally around the bridge shadow lines continue to be one of the most effective presentations.
Dock light fishing has also been outstanding for snook, with spotted seatrout regularly mixed into the action. Fly anglers have enjoyed exceptional opportunities as baitfish gather around illuminated docks during the evening hours.
Stuart Nearshore Fishing Report
Nearshore fishing off Stuart has remained excellent whenever the Atlantic lays down during the early morning hours.
Tarpon, spawning snook, and giant jack crevalle continue to headline the action.
Morning sight fishing for rolling tarpon has been excellent. A properly presented live threadfin or croaker placed naturally in front of moving fish continues to produce memorable hookups.
Large spawning snook remain concentrated along the beaches and nearshore reefs. Live threadfin and croakers have consistently produced quality fish throughout the month.
Because snook season remains closed, we encourage everyone to practice quick catch-and-release techniques to help protect these important spawning fish.
Huge schools of jack crevalle have also been roaming the beaches. Once you locate a school, they’ll often strike almost anything you throw. Just remember that sharks are frequently following these schools, so be prepared for some extra excitement.
Kingfish have also been making regular appearances in approximately 30 feet of water and have provided an excellent bonus catch while targeting nearshore snook. A free-swimming live bait rigged on a circle hook continues to produce the best results.
Looking Ahead to September
• Snook season reopens on September 1
• More migrating tarpon moving down the beaches
• The annual mullet run beginning to build toward the end of the month
• Excellent opportunities for both inshore and nearshore fishing as bait activity increases throughout the Treasure Coast
Support Your Local Tackle Shops
Don’t forget to support the local tackle shops and fly shops that help keep our fishing community thriving. They’re a great resource for quality gear, live bait, and local knowledge that helps make every day on the water more enjoyable.
Planning a Fishing Charter in Stuart?
If you’re planning a private fishing charter around Stuart or Florida’s Treasure Coast, August continues to offer outstanding opportunities for inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and nighttime dock light fishing.
Whether you’re hoping to target trophy snook, chase migrating tarpon, or experience the excitement of fishing under the dock lights after sunset, we’d love to get you on the water.
See You Out There,
Captain Max Luzzi
Owner & Captain | Split Tail Charters
Private Inshore • Nearshore • Dock Light Fishing Charters
Stuart, Florida | Florida’s Treasure Coast