How should I fish the St Lucie River, North Fork, from Mud Cove, South?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Fishing the **St. Lucie River's North Fork** from Mud Cove to the south presents an exciting array of opportunities. During the *beginning of spring*, the river is teeming with life as fish become more active with warming waters. Here's how you can make the most out of your fishing adventure.

### Understanding the Locale
The St. Lucie River is a diverse fishing habitat with a mix of freshwater and saltwater species due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The North Fork, where you're planning to fish, is known for its mangrove-lined shores, providing excellent cover for fish. You can expect to encounter species like **snook**, **tarpon**, **redfish**, and even *largemouth bass*.

### Choosing the Right Gear
For this area, a medium to heavy action rod paired with a reel capable of holding at least **200 yards of 20-30 lb braided line** is ideal. This setup will give you the strength to handle larger fish while also providing the sensitivity needed for smaller bites.

- **Recommended Tackle:**
  - Lures: Use soft plastics like the [Lake Fork Trophy Lures 3.75" Fork Creature](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECEVERI?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) in natural colors such as June Bug or watermelon. These mimic the small baitfish and crustaceans found in the river, making them irresistible to local fish.
  - Hooks: A 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook will work well for live bait.
  - Leader: A fluorocarbon leader of 30-40 lb test is recommended to withstand the sharp gill-plates of snook and tarpon.

### Fishing Techniques
- **Casting:** Work the mangrove edges with your soft plastics. Snook and redfish often patrol these areas, ambushing prey.
- **Topwater Action:** Early morning or late evening is a perfect time for topwater lures. The quiet surface makes it easier to entice explosive strikes.
- **Live Bait:** If you're inclined to use live bait, shrimp or pilchards can be very effective. Fish them under a popping cork to draw attention.

### Practical Tip
Always be mindful of the tide. Fish are more active during changing tides, particularly when the tide is coming in. This is when the baitfish are washed into the estuary, creating a feeding frenzy.

### Safety & Conservation
Keep an eye on the weather and water conditions, as they can change rapidly. Also, remember to follow local regulations and practice catch and release when possible, to preserve the fishery for future generations.

For a bit of humor and a cautionary tale, check out this [video of a truck going down at a boat ramp in Port Saint Lucie](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V444rf0tXAY). It’s a reminder to always be vigilant and prepared!

Tight lines and happy fishing! Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the thrill of the catch in this vibrant ecosystem. **Spring** is a lively time for the river, and with the right preparation, you're in for a fantastic fishing experience!

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