Snook, pompano, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead at the Sebastian Inlet 

This week’s fishing report at the Sebastian Inlet unveils a lot of activity on both the North and South Jetties in Sebastian, Florida. 

Many anglers told Sebastian Daily they caught catch & release snook, jack crevalles, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, black drum, and pompano. Our forecast this week shows great weather for fishing until a cold front moves in on Friday afternoon, potentially bringing some thunderstorms.

Snook season opens again on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. 

Abram “Tarzan” Miller

Abram “Tarzan” Miller (pictured above) caught an excellent catch & release Snook from the South Jetty using Thumper Shrimp with a BKK 3/0 Silent Chaser a jig head.

Miller used a VanStaal VR50 reel with stronger stainless steel spool shafts and enhanced drag capabilities. 

Miller visits the Sebastian Inlet every week.

North Jetty, South Jetty, Catwalks, Docks

On the North Jetty, anglers say they are catching jack crevalles and Spanish mackerel on the outgoing tide using silver spoons as bait.

The South Jetty has a little more action with snook, black drum, and sheepshead using live shrimp on the incoming tide. There’s not much flounder, and there have been a few jack crevalles and Spanish mackerel on the outgoing tide. Some are using goofy gifs to catch pompano.

The catwalk areas and docks have consistent sheepshead and Spanish mackerel using small jigs and fiddler crabs. 

Spanish mackerel

Spanish mackerel is an excellent fish that can be fried, baked, poached, grilled, marinated, smoked, and barbecued. Spanish mackerel can also be deep-fried to make “fish & chips.” 

The Spanish mackerel is one of the most sought-after in the ocean due to its exceptional taste and nutrient-packed meat. They have a very mild flavor that goes well with lime juice or melted butter.

Jack Crevalle

Jack Crevalle are popular near the Sebastian Inlet and is closely related to pompano and amberjack. Many anglers say they are good fighting fish, an experience nothing you’ve seen before. 

Regarding eating, anglers say they aren’t the best, but you have to prepare them to cook. Other anglers say there is no food value from the jack crevalle.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead fish live around the Sebastian Inlet and piers and hang out near mangroves and reefs. Many anglers we speak with love eating sheepshead and describe them as being delicious, moist, and mouthwatering.

Some describe the meat as having a sweet shellfish-like taste. You can order the fish in restaurants or buy them at places like the Sebastian Seafood Market or the Indian River Seafood Market.

Pompano

The pompano is probably one of the best-tasting fish to eat. Some anglers even refer to them as one of the planet’s most edible fish. These fish have no scales, so you cook them with the skin.

They offer a sweet taste; you can bake, grill, broil, or pan-fry. The meat is firm and goes well with butter, salt, and pepper. 

Black Drum

Black drums are usually caught inshore in the Indian River Lagoon or the St. Sebastian River. It is common for these fish to take both live and dead bait, making them popular with anglers, including fly fishermen.

The Black drum is edible, with a moderate flavor, and is not oily. Some restaurants in Florida serve smaller black drums. 

Going Fishing?

If you plan to do some fishing, email us with a picture of your catch, the fish you caught, and the reel and bait you used. Please include your full name and the city where you live. We love to receive your fishing pictures too!