Nestled in the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast, Martin County’s waterways boast some of the best fishing opportunities in the world. From the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, a variety of game fish provide thrills and delicious dining options at every turn. See where anglers of all ages and skill levels can find the “Storiebook” ending to their tall tale in Martin County.
Offshore Adventures
For those who love the open sea, Martin County’s offshore waters are a dream come true. Stuart has earned the nickname of “Sailfish Capital of the World” due to its dense population of sailfish, making it a prime location for anglers looking for a challenge. Kickstart your day by heading to Bull Shark Barge, located just offshore of the St. Lucie Inlet State Park, to catch live bait such as herring, sardines, and blue runners. Then, head offshore to the Gulf Stream waters to reel in prized species like dolphin, wahoo, tuna, and marlin. For those who prefer bottom fishing, don’t miss the chance to catch snapper, cobia, amberjack, and grouper at the offshore wrecks and artificial reefs, including Six Mile Reef, Kyle Conrad Reef, Gamefish Point, Chris Neal Reef, and more. The West End of the Bahamas just over 60 nautical miles away provides even more offshore challenges to explore.
Inshore Fishing
If anglers prefer to stay closer to shore, Martin County’s inshore fishing is world-class. The St. Lucie Inlet, one of the widest saltwater inlets in Florida, is the go-to location for catching snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, and flounder. Peck Lake and Sandsprit Park are also popular hotspots, while Sailfish Flats provides a more relaxed experience for wading or kayaking through the shallow estuary waters. Light tackle options and a variety of baits such as live shrimp, pinfish, mullet, and crabs are commonly used to target these species, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can be just as effective. Even without a boat, fishermen can enjoy casting a line from various bridges, piers, shores, and more throughout Martin County, including the Roosevelt Bridge, Jensen Beach Causeway, and over 22 miles of pristine beaches.
Freshwater Fishing on Lake Okeechobee
Located just 40 miles to the west, Lake Okeechobee offers some of the most exhilarating freshwater fishing opportunities. Covering 730 square miles with over 135 miles of shoreline, this vast body of water is the second-largest freshwater lake in the nation. Lake Okeechobee is the bass capital of the world and is also home to bluegill, crappies, and redear sunfish. The ideal way to experience the lake is by boat or kayak with a professional guide. Early birds can rent a cabin overnight to facilitate an early start, or even make a weekend of it.
A New Chapter in Preserving Martin County’s Waterways
With so many waterfront adventures nearby, residents have placed a high priority on clean water initiatives and open spaces that preserve the area’s future. Protecting these green spaces and creating new clean water initiatives are two central components of Storie, an innovative new community concept on tap for Martin County’s future. Storie is a vision that has yet to be unveiled, but the designers are placing a high priority on creating a vibrant village center, parks, educational opportunities, and plentiful outdoor activities for all Martin County residents to enjoy. To receive a copy of the Storie Time magazine with more details on the vision for this community, or to be among the first to see the vision video upon its release, register your interest at StorieFL.com.
