Back on the Water: A Return to Fort Pierce

We’re back! After being on separate continents for months, Wendy and I finally reunited for a paddle at Fort Pierce Inlet. From dolphin sightings along the Spoil Islands to fish tacos at Little Jim Bait & Tackle, it was the perfect January day on the water.

The Route: Little Jim’s to Big Ear

We launched from our favorite spot, Little Jim Bait & Tackle, just off the causeway in Fort Pierce and headed toward the Spoil islands that are strung along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). There is a specific peace found in paddling the shallows along Snapper Cut, and we eventually made our way to our “happy place”—the secluded spot just across from Big Ear Island.

Wildlife & Conditions

There are a lot of places to discover at Fort Pierce Inlet State Recreation Area and while the manatees were elusive today, we did spot the local Bald Eagle (Eastern side of Snapper Cut Island– tall Australian Pine) in it’s nest and we were gifted with a majestic flyover. But the stars of today were the dolphins putting on a spectacular show. We spotted several pods teaching their young how to hunt along the shallow bars.

A few tips for those planning a trip here:

• With the new North Causeway Bridge still under construction, the traffic, in season, even during the week can bet backed up so add ten minutes (each way) to your time.
• Timing the Tide: It’s best to launch from Little Jim’s just before high tide. This allows you to ride the currents into the shallows, picking up clear waters, and head back on a slack tide. Remember to add 1-2 hours to a tide table for this area.
• Watch the Wind: While the late morning was calm, those signature January easterly breezes picked up quickly after noon.
• The Golden Rule: You do not want to find yourself paddling against both a stiff afternoon wind and an incoming tide. Plan your return accordingly!
• Weekends, in season, after mid-morning will pose a parking issue at Little Jim’s, making for a long carry of your gear, unless you luck out on a spot on the upper tier parking area, next to the mobile bathrooms.

The Perfect Finish

As you pull up onto the sand after a good day of paddling, unload and pack up your gear, head back to Little Jim Bait & Tackle. There is usually music and and their fresh fish tacos are, quite frankly, to die for. There is always music playing and this was a perfect day to get back into the rhythm of things.