On October 10, 2021, Tania and I decided to spend church on the beach! We arrived around 7:30 am, hopeful the recent cold front would turn on the pompano bite. While we were waiting for our first bite, Tania was able to see a sea turtle right off shore and a spinner shark breach the water 30 feet off shore in front of us.

It was about 8:30am before we had any action. I ended up catching a small leatherjack. I released it and baited my hooks back up and cast back out. The slow bite allowed Tania and I to enjoy the cool north breeze as well as the beautiful view.

As the morning progressed the wind picked up and changed to a northeast direction.  The increased wind made the water a bit rough and cloudy. We also noticed weeds starting to move in. However as the tide continued to raise, the water color cleared up and became a beautiful aqua blue color.

Between 8:30 am and 11:00 am I caught a baby bonnet head. Tania and I were disappointed in the slow bite, but we were enjoying the company and the relaxing scenery. Even though there was a lack of aquatic activity, we decided to stay until high tide to see if the bite would pick up.

Shortly after 11:00 am my pole went! I love the feeling you get when you see your pole bent over and you have to run through the sand to grab it. I got to my pole slightly out of breath but excited to see what was on the other end of my line. I was happy to see the beautiful silver shape coming out of the water! Yes it was a pompano. I had to measure it as it was on the small side; however it was 11 ½ inches so it was legal. The good Lord blessed me with supper!

Shortly after I sent my bait back out, my pole bent over again, but this time it went completely limp before I got to my pole. As I was winding in I quickly realized I was broken off. I am pretty sure I had a shark take whatever fish I had on the other end. My pompano rig was completely gone and my main line was frayed 15 feet up from where it had broken.

About noon, Tania and I were the last ones fishing the beach. Since it was just past high tide, we decided to pack up and head home. We ended up stopping at the cleaning station near the boat ramp on the west side of the South Causeway bridge.

All in all Tania and I had a great day. She was a bit disappointed to not catch a fish all day but was grateful the Lord opened her eyes to see the turtle and the shark.  We pray all who made it out fishing this week had blessed and safe trips. And those going out this weekend may you have tight lines and good times!

The Treasure Coast Chapter of Salt Strong is now holding monthly meetings in Fort Pierce. The meetings are being held on the 4^th Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be August 24^th. These club meeting are for inside members only. If you would like to become an inside member here is what the membership includes: access to the in-person meetings as well as all the other perks such as 20% off all tackle, Smart Fishing spots, and insider information on trends in your area. We will also have guest speakers at our meetings and we will be holding monthly tournaments. Click the link below to get a FREE pack of slam shady or a 10-Day Test-Drive of The Smart Fishing Spots App and The Salt Strong Insider Club . . . And We’ll Ship You $35 Worth of FREE Lures, an “Inshore Fishing Manifesto” Book (Physical copy) & Decals – Yours to Keep Even If You Cancel!