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Fishing Off Fort Pierce, Florida

A recap of a recent fishing trip to one of Florida's best fisheries
Fort Pierce, Florida fishing sunrise
Calm seas await as we head out Ft. Pierce Inlet at daybreak. Courtesy Nissan America

We joined the crew from Nissan America for a day’s fishing prior to ICAST 2017 in July. Our expeditionary force consisted of seven boats carrying writers and editors, film and photo crews, and the Nissan America Communications out of Nashville.

Our rendezvous point was Stan Blum Boat Ramp on the Indian River, on the north side of Ft. Pierce inlet.

Perfect summer weather awaited as we headed out the inlet and the day looked promising: there were reports of cobia running the beach in ten feet of clear water, and rumors of permit schooled just offshore, where the outflow from the power plant cooling towers creates a powerful artificial upwelling, stirring up the forage and drawing predators.

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The Boil fishing spot
A short run to the south puts our crew over the outflow of the power plant, locally know as The Boil. Courtesy Nissan America
Fort Pierce, Florida fishing
Massive outflow on the bottom stirs marine life and creates a natural chum slick, drawing a variety of species. Courtesy Nissan America
crab bait for permit
Permit Magic: Known for being persnickety, permit nonetheless seldom refuse a live crab. Courtesy Nissan America
fishing reel
Successfully freelining a crab through the upwelling requires a deft touch. The sensitivity of braid helps detect strikes. Courtesy Nissan America
fishing for cobia along beach
Some of our flotilla cruised the beach hunting cobia in the shallower water. Courtesy Nissan America
African pompano catch
This bruiser African pompano put up a tremendous battle, but Steve Parrett of Nissan Communications put up a tougher one. Courtesy Nissan America
Fort Pierce, Florida fishing
Even a blind hog finds an acorn from time to time. Courtesy Nissan America
baby permit
Juvenile permit dreaming of one day becoming a trophy. Courtesy Nissan America
cobia fishing Florida
This nice cobia filled out our mixed bag for the day. Courtesy Nissan America
Fort Pierce, Florida fishing
Good as the fishing was, it seemed to be getting better back at the ramp. Courtesy Nissan America
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