Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This Stuart fishing report covers late October, when the mullet run is on its last legs but not over, and the moon swells toward full early next week. Snook are the headline at the inlet, the bridges and the dock lights, with more fish sliding back into the lagoon as the water cools. Redfish tail in the St. Lucie forks. The main conditions to plan around are building tides and the first north winds of the season, which make the beachfront choppy.
What’s Hitting
Snook lead the list at the inlet, the bridges and the dock lights. Redfish tail on the flats and push into the St. Lucie forks, jacks and ladyfish crash bait on the surface, and Spanish mackerel and a few bluefish work the beach. Tarpon are scattered and mostly an incidental catch.
Expect snook to keep drifting toward the creeks and warmer backwater pockets over the next few weeks, while redfish fishing improves as the water drops.
Where to Find Them
Work the inlet on the outgoing tide, where snook sit along the rock edges and the seawall. At night the dock lights along the lagoon hold fish, since the light draws shrimp and baitfish. For redfish, fish the oyster edges and shallow flats in the forks on the rising tide and watch for tails. Along the beach, look for birds over bait inside the first sandbar. The Crossroads and the bridge pilings concentrate fish too.
Tides & Conditions
Tide swings build toward the full moon, so current through the inlet strengthens through the weekend and into early next week. The outgoing tide is the best window for snook, and the first two hours of the incoming can be good. Cooler nights drop water temperatures steadily, and north wind can muddy the beachfront. Check a current tide chart for your spot.
Tackle & Tactics
- Inshore outfit: a 7-foot medium spinning rod, 15 to 20 pound braid and a 25 to 30 pound fluorocarbon leader.
- Snook: live pilchards and finger mullet on a circle hook at the inlet, or white and silver soft plastics when fish key on glass minnows.
- Redfish: a quarter-ounce jighead with a paddle tail, or a gold spoon over the flats.
When the wind kicks up, move to the protected lagoon side and fish the lee shorelines. Slow your retrieve as the water cools, and leave a little pause in every twitch.
Local Intel This Week
Launch at Sandsprit Park on the St. Lucie River for quick runs to the inlet and the Crossroads, use Phipps Park to reach the South Fork redfish flats, and fish from Jensen Beach Causeway Park for Indian River Lagoon access when the beach is rough. Snook and redfish rules are specific. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Watch the wind. A north blow pushes bait against the south shorelines, so follow the bait and fish the downwind side of points and docks.
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