The Latest Fishing Conditions from Captain Max at Split Tail Charters
Looking for the latest Stuart Fishing Report? September is shaping up to be an exciting month for anglers fishing the waters around Stuart and the St. Lucie River, with snook season reopening, early signs of the mullet run, and plenty of activity both inshore and along the beaches.
This month, we’re seeing excellent opportunities for inshore, nearshore, and nighttime dock light fishing. Snook and tarpon remain major targets, while migrating redfish and black drum should begin providing additional opportunities as September progresses.
Here’s what Captain Max is seeing on the water around Stuart this month.
Stuart Inshore Fishing Report
Snook season opens September 1, and the timing couldn’t be much better with the annual mullet run right around the corner.
We’re already starting to see signs of finger mullet in both the North Fork and South Fork of the St. Lucie River. As the bait continues to arrive, we expect snook to begin transitioning away from the beaches and inlets and start stacking back up around the Intracoastal Waterway, docks, bridges, and other inshore structure.
For now, snook remain plentiful around the inlet, particularly on the outgoing tide. Live croakers and threadfins have been producing great results, whether they’re fished with weight or free-lined naturally through the current.
Tarpon are also still being caught around the inlet and local bridges, giving anglers another exciting inshore target throughout September.
As we move toward the middle of the month, don’t be surprised if you begin seeing fewer snook along the beaches. That’s often a sign that these fish have started their seasonal migration back inshore and toward the backcountry.
Stuart Night Dock Light Fishing Report
For anglers who would rather avoid the daytime September heat, the night fishing around Stuart has been excellent.
Dock lights continue producing great snook action. We’ve been having success with live shrimp, fly tackle, and small artificial lures.
One of the keys has been working the outside edges of the illuminated water, rather than casting directly into the center of the light. Snook frequently position themselves along these edges waiting to ambush bait moving through the light.
Nighttime dock light fishing is a great option this time of year for anglers looking for cooler temperatures and a completely different inshore fishing experience after sunset.
September Redfish & Black Drum Migration
September is also a great time to start watching for large migrating redfish and black drum passing through the Stuart-area inlets.
Weighted cut bait is an excellent choice when targeting these fish, but they’ll also take a variety of live baits, including croakers, greenies, threadfins, and crabs.
As more fish begin moving through the inlets, these larger redfish and black drum can provide some outstanding opportunities alongside the traditional snook and tarpon action.
Stuart Nearshore Fishing Report
The nearshore fishing off Stuart continues to provide plenty of variety.
Snook, tarpon, bonito, and sharks have been moving up and down the beaches in approximately 8 to 30 feet of water.
Finding structure has been one of the keys. Rocks, reefs, and other nearshore structure can concentrate bait and give predatory fish a reason to stay in an area.
Live croakers, threadfins, and crabs have all been excellent bait choices. Depending on the conditions, we’ve had success either free-lining the bait or fishing it with approximately a 2-ounce weight.
Snook and tarpon continue to provide some of the most exciting nearshore opportunities, but bonito and sharks can quickly add another dimension to a morning along the beaches.
As September progresses, remember that many snook will begin transitioning away from the beaches and moving back toward Stuart’s inshore waters and backcountry areas. If the nearshore snook bite begins slowing down around the middle of the month, that seasonal movement may be the reason.
The Mullet Run Is Right Around the Corner
One of the biggest things we’re watching this September is the arrival of more mullet throughout the Stuart area.
We’re already seeing finger mullet in the North and South Forks of the St. Lucie River, and that activity should continue building as we move farther into the month.
The increasing amount of bait can create some outstanding opportunities throughout the local inshore and nearshore fishery as snook, tarpon, and other predators take advantage of the seasonal food source.
September is the beginning of an exciting transition, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the fishing develops as the mullet run picks up.
Planning a Fishing Charter in Stuart?
September offers an excellent combination of seasonal opportunities for anglers looking to experience inshore, nearshore, or nighttime dock light fishing in Stuart, Florida.
With snook season reopening, tarpon still active, migrating redfish and black drum beginning to move through the inlets, and the mullet run approaching, there’s plenty happening on the water.
Whether you want to fish Stuart’s rivers and inlets, explore the nearshore waters along the beaches, or spend an evening targeting fish around illuminated dock lights, we’d love to get you out there.
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