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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 54
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 3:41 pm: | |
Report taken from www.captdaves.blogspot.com my daily reports & photo Blog.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
5/15 - "SCA" - Today & my Plate Alloy Boat.
Had Don B. and his parents scheduled for today. But man was it windy.
The NWS called for Small Craft Advisory. And they were right, but I don't think it ever blew as hard as it was supposed too.
But I'm glad we re-grouped this morning and decided to venture out on Wednesday instead. Because the forecast is getting better all the time!
For once in my life, can ya believe that??
----------------------------------------
I had my dad and mom out the other day (report is down page). Mom knows zero about boats. But dad was with me when I ordered mine from Jay at Black Lab Marine, up in Maine. July of last year. He's a motor cycle head, and I'm a fish head. But at least he "gets it".
"Getting it", is part of why people buy Plate Alloy boats. And for Dad "Getting it", is why people like him ride BMW - GS Adventure models.
Finally we have common ground!
Just as a boat owner goes through many a boat till one finds a boat that really fits their needs for life. He's done the same thing with motorcycles. First it was a Kawasaki, then on too numerous Harley's, then on too many BMW's, and then now he found his niche. The German UNI-MOG, or here in the US it would be the original Military HUMMER, of Motorcycles. Go anywhere, street or off road. A Serious traveling bike, that can take the abuse.
And for me, it's my Plate Alloy Boat. I say Plate Alloy, because it's really not your average aluminum boat. At Blacklab Marine, they don't refer to the boats as aluminum. Because everyone thinks "Jon-Boat", rather than lets say....the St. Johns River Bar Pilot Boats! Which are built out of the same material. And they certainly are not your average "Aluminum Boat".
When I had dad on the boat on Sunday, I must have said, "Isn't this boat great?" about 10 times. Because I'm just so happy with it. And he doesn't fish with me all that much anymore.
(too busy riding that "UNI-MOG" motorcycle all over the country)
The attributes of this hull are clear. If you're not trying to impress your neighbors with sleek "cad-cam" hull designs and the color of the drapes in your cabin. Because if you're worried about all that then a boat like this isn't for you.
It's taken me all these years to realize how much I loved my ole 14' 1971 Aluma-Craft. I beat it, banged it, beached it, and drove on top of oyster beds with it. And that's why I loved that ole boat. And back then is when they made them TUFF. I look at an Aluma-Craft now, and can't believe how cheaply made they are. With thin, low grade "aluminum".
My BLM is Marine Grade Alloy and without going into all the jargon, it's 1/4 inch think one piece plate on the bottom. The sides & floor are 3/16" and the transom is 1/2".
I run into tug boat wakes and don't hear any "creeking", and the simplicity and functionality is unbelievable. I know people talk about me as they see it at the boat ramp.
-I bet it's hot in that boat.......not really.
-I bet that boats noisy.......No, it's completely foam filled.
-I 'm sure that boat costs a fortune....go price any decent fiberglass boat. They cost the same.
-Who buys a Stainless steel boat?........ It's not stainless you dummy!
So far I've heard all the wacko comments, been chased down, had my time wasted by US Navy retiree's who are obvious metal boat experts in their own minds...and it doesn't change a damn thing.
Plate Alloy is a superior boat building material. Period. I have zero wasted space. And the 2-1/2" scuppers drain water off the deck (when I use my wash down pump) so fast it's a beautiful thing.
Remember the photo of Tiger Woods' big monster yacht I had in a post a few days ago?
I'd bet that yacht is Plate Alloy! But you can't tell.
My plate alloy boat floats differently than a fiberglass boat. It's not tippy, or stern heavy. I used to think my ole 23' MayCraft was a stable boat. Until I rode in a BLM boat. Here's just an example of the difference:
My 26 footer is capable of carrying twin 300 four-strokes (for commercial purposes), but I have a single 225 Honda.
Over-all weight capacity is 4600 POUNDS! Have 4600 lbs in most fiberglass 26 footers and your about to sink!
Even the best, go fast, $100,000.00 boats will take water all over the engine(s) while backing down or by big following waves. I have not seen a drop of water go over my Honda yet. And I back into huge rollers while holding someone in position while they cast a jig at the jetties. And manuverability in reverse is something that made me say S-O-L-D, while on a seatrail in a 23 footer with 5 people in it.
I have this LINK on my NEWS PAGE.....but I will bet no one ever looks at my NEWS PAGE, so here ya go:
http://www.aluminum.org/content/navigationmenu/the_industry/-sheet,_pl ate/aluminum_boats/aluminumboats.doc
If you want to read the facts by people who know them. The facts I know is that no matter what this business throws at me, I'm absolutely the happiest boat owner I know of. And couldn't ask for anything better.
Except, now I want a customized 19 footer with tiller steering, as a back country creek & shallows boat for me to go play in. I want a fleet of these boats! Just wish we had enough people to take in this town.
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM
904-642-9546 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 53
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 8:52 pm: | |
Friday, May 11, 2007
5/11 - AFTER THE BIG BLOW
Report taken from my Daily Blog Reports & Photos at: WWW.CAPTDAVES.BLOGSPOT.COM
WHY THE HELL AM I OUT HERE TODAY BY MYSELF?
Because I get calls, for you guessed it......for Wednesday, and then Thursday....and last but not least, Friday. TODAY!!!!
I'll refer to today as the "Officially the First Day after the big Blow". But not everyone gets it. It's HOWLING upwards on the coast a gale or better. A Gale; is defined as 32 knots or more. And people in the area actually think we can fish in that?? But when the wind drops, as in today. They never call, then. Only on hainous days.
I know we have had damn near the worst weather anyone can think of in the last 2 months. And believe me, no one feels it more than a fishing guide. I cannot remember such a windy/gale filled April & May, than this year.
So, I went to do some after storm R&D.
I've done a lot of that lately. Every time it's gale force plus winds, I go the exact day it calms enough to "actually fish".
And when I tell ya', I had a tough time catching fish. Believe me, I know EXACTLY what I'm doing. I would bet, you'd have a real hard time.
(remember....I don't sit on a trolling motor and fish all day during YOUR charter, like many fishing guides. So when I hook'em up, I can hand them off to you. And pretend you're having a great day catching them yourself.)
When you fish with me, unless we're on a single passenger trip. I do not have time to fish. I'm busy helping YOU.
So, my day started after waiting and waiting, then waiting some more for live shrimp to appear at the bait shop. Yes, shrimp do not grow on tree's.
I think I left the ramp around 11am. And I headed straight up river.
But first, I took a pic of Tiger Woods' yacht "PRIVACY", sitting at Mayport Marine. Quite convenient, travel in your "ship" to and from Golf championships.
Can ya imagine being that young and that wealthy.
I had plans of fishing dead low at several spots. But we never really had a good low tide, anywhere. That pic of the Flounder is from under the Mathews Bridge!! I fished momentarily a Flounder spot there, where I've caught them before. But they were bigger before.
Previous to that Flounder, I fished 3 spots. And only caught Lady Fish and Jacks. I worked in the 15-20 knot gusting winds from the ENE some seriously great Trout areas at low tide till I worked my way to the Mathews Bridge. To check the Salinity Levels!
THE MONSTER OF ALL FLIP FLOPS: Last Thursday south of the Dames Point Bridge area, salinity level in river 22 Part Per Thousand. NOW? Let's just say, with a stiff breeze holding all the water up in the river for the last 4 days at least, now all the way to my measuring point, the salinity level today was 35-36 PPT.
I could just look at the water and tell it's not right, as it was last Thursday. The color, and the other dead give away was the salt covering the boat & engine. I want no salt or much less salt water.....I'd love a 10 parts per thousand. That's serious Trout water!
But I caught some fish.
I boxed 3 Trout to 4 pounds, (threw back one 14-1/2 incher), and the "chipper" Flounder, and one big Spanish Mackerel. Plus hads 6 ladyfish and 4 Jacks.
On one spot, where I caught the 4 pounder. On my first drift of my float, I GOT MY ASS HANDED TO ME! It's a dock, and man do these fish wait till you're floats up between two pilings, and then they hit and hit hard. But that's not all...I received 2 more "ass handings" before I left the spot. Man, it was exciting. Pitch back to the dock, drift in beween two wood pilings and next to a concrete one and BAM! Float goes down and I set the hook, I got it....and then against the drag pulling the fish ducks for cover around that nasty wood piling.
I LOVE IT! Maybe big Trout, maybe a Red. I caught not a single Jack or Ladyfish at this spot and can't remember the last time I did. But have only caught and lost Reds and Trout here.
It's fun, getting slam dunked. If you think Trout do not PULL hard, then you've never hooked a really, really big one.
We really need less wind and less wind with EAST in it's name. ALL was right on track. And then came this storm Andre (?) and now everything is totally FLIP-FLOPPED. I know for a fact, I'm back-stepping. I was right where I wanted to be. Now all has changed........
AGAIN!
Man, I love float-rigging a live shrimp through dock pilings. Backing up and anchoring next to massive structure, right where you know they are. It's truly NE Florida's version of addictive fishing for me.
I hope mother nature will cut me a break and let me get back to taking people to do some really good Trout fishing, again.
Memorial Holiday is wide open. The tides are good that whole week. Call now to reserve your day, because.........
Not another single fishing guide in this whole area gives you this kind of info as you get here, to make the right choice in a charter.
I want educated anglers aboard.
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
Jacksonville-Amelia Island, Florida
WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM - for charter info
904-642-9546
For daily reports & pics:
www.captdaves.blogspot.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 52
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 7:02 am: | |
4/26 - The man has good balance!
(report taken from my daily reports blog at: www.captdaves.blogspot.com)
Now this is one thing I do not get very often on my boat....a fella who can cast a Bait Casting reel, and into the wind too!
Whit Sherrill, my Solo angler I had today could do that and more. This soon to be "ex" USAF Officer, (GO AIRFORCE...it was my choice of armed services also) was a good fish catcher, and he and I, had a ball.
He was right on time at the dock this morning, not coming from very far....he was staying at the Mayport Navy Base vacationing with his wife and baby boy.
His first fish of the morning was a big nasty Jack, that snatched his float and gave this N. Carolina "sweet water-ish" fisherman's rod a serious jerkin'. We weren't fishing 5 minutes and he hooked the Jack. Then came some Trout, then a Sheepshead.
Then we ran down river and found the wind too strong, on one spot and the current too strong on another. So back to the Big Rocks (jetties) we went. Caught some Yellowmouth Trout, a few more small Jacks, then a Ladyfish or two, and a nice light tackle battle with a good size Shark too.
The south Jetty was a mess on the outside. THE SOUTH WIND I WAS LOOKING FOR WAS ACTUALLY S.E. AT 20 KTS. NOT THE KINDA SOUTH I WANTED, LATER IN THE DAY!
The South Jetty was Sandy-silty water, nasty and very choppy, and NO BIG DEAL to fish in my battle wagon. I swear to you, you can not imagine how superior this big & brawny Plate Alloy boat of mine handles the nastiest of conditions. Believe me, I'll never go back to Fiberglass. And will never have too. It's my life time boat!
The fishing wasn't full of action. So we moved, and put up the float rig (DON'T TELL ANYONE) And pitched jigs while power drifting the jetty tip. More like power Backing. Because the 15-20 knot SE winds were pushing us into the rocks, so I had to stay in reverse the whole time we sort of drifted. (AND NOT A DROP OF WATER CAME IN THE BOAT) As the 4 footers crashed on the transom, as I backed away from the jetty. (the boats design is super dry and stable)
Whit played tug of war with a 28" deep water Redbass, and another big Jack. I even made a few casts and pulled as hard as I could on a Red, just for the fun of it and the fish straighted my jig hook.
By looking at the photo's, I think you could tell Whit had a good time and he also had some fillets for a nice family dinner, also.
Thanks Whit.
Here's today's "Recent Catch" page photo's:
http://www.captdaves.com/Catch4.htm
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546
26' boat 1-4 passengers |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 51
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 6:59 am: | |
4/30 - GATOR HUNTIN'
(report taken from Capt Dave's Daily Reports at:
www.captdaves.blogspot.com)
As you can see....I started out "counting" them, holding my fingers up. But that didn't work. Actually I got the first three fish on my first three drifts of my Float-rig.
I had 2 - 19" to 20" Trout in the box, then the third fish was a 5 pounder. Then I caught a Spanish Mackerel and a Ladyfish, and then in the next hour and a half I had 5 more, 5 pounder G-A-T-O-R-S!
The wind (sea-breeze to be very technical) started honkin' so bad I could almost not fish anymore, but I waited it out. And the wind would subside a little and I'd catch another one. So, what's a TROUT FREAK gonna do? Keep at it, of course. I actually needed not 5 pounders, but rather smaller fish for the box.
So after 8 mega-nice Trout I started pitching a jig-n-shrimp. Hooked up two super sweet sized Flounder, and both got off at the side of the boat. So I went to a curly tailed plastic on the jig real fast and pitched along side the boat right where i lost one of the Flounder and hooked it up again....."Ahh, you bastard are gonna meet Mr. Trout, in the fish box", I thought. But damned if that one didn't get off too! Dammit! I know why, because all the flounder I hooked wewre in NO CURRENT, and they just snapped at it, and didn't engulf the bait. I heavy current it would be a different story.
Earlier in the day, as I waited for the tide to drop. I found a new spot. Boulders all over the bottom from 10-18 feet, dropping off to deep water. Another possible Trout hang-out. So as i looked around I pitched a Jig-n-curly-tail, I hooked up a Flattie immediately. So as I reeled it to the boat, I looked up and saw two Sheepshead tailing, around a rock in a foot or so of water...Cool...but it wasn't meant to be because when I looked down again at my Flounder. It also got off the hook.
I just wasn't my day to catch 4 nice Flounder, I guess. But that's okay. I know where the Trout are.
A Trout Tracker, that's what ya have to be. These are all big fat "roe" Trout too. It's spawning time. And if all goes well and I actually get someone who picks a day for a charter when the tides right, they may get the chance to catch fish like these pictures. But, the likely-hood is slim to none..."and slim left town".
People from other parts just do not get it. Thats why they hire me I thought. I had three calls today. And 3 yesterday. Everyone wants the best day, but do not get that it's all about the tide. I just do my best with the day they give me. If they want a GREAT DAY........PLAN instead of just showing up hilly-nilly. I have a phone, a blog, e-mail, a web site with alot of info, that many do not even want to look at and read. I hand out pearls full of info, and just do the best I can, with the cards I'm dealt.
So that's why I go and mess'em up all by myself. Because I can.
PHOTO & Report LINK:
http://www.captdaves.blogspot.com/
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
Jacksonville to Amelia Island, Florida
WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM
904) 642-9546
26' boat 1-4 passengers
Inshore/River/Near-coastal waters light tackle fishing
Visa/MC/Amex/PayPal - accepted
ADVANCED RESERVATIONS REQUIRED |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 50
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 6:10 am: | |
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546
4/23 - Only on a falling tide?????
Thank goodness for a few hours of falling tide!
Had Dave Campbell and Mike and Austin out again. Dave and Mike have been with me several times before, but this was Austin's first dip into the saltwater fishery, since he's from IOWA??
Where's dat? I've heard of it before, though. Prior we always bottom fished so this was their first time doing the float-rig fishing.
Wow, was the rollers high this morning heading out to the tip of the jetties. Rollers, is all I can think of calling them, because we rolled up them and over them as we headed out to where I was putting all my nuts in one sack. Yes, I had no where else I could think of going that would produce some good bites on the last few hours of falling tide. Everywhere else has been so damn dead. Or just so damned hard to fish in the winds, day after day.
I was a tad pissed off that I had to go thru such nastiness just to get to where I wanted to fish in the first place, I'll admit that. And it was showing.
Can I please get a single day that life is easy.....or just easier?? I guess not.
The last dead calm day I had was back on April 4th with Jake and Jeff, and we fished the beach that day.......literally the beach behind the surf (if there was one) and left them biting
Alright, we made it to the spot, and I anchored up and it all felt WRONG! The boat lay, the way the floats went.......EVERYTHING!
So after a few minutes I re-grouped and made a slight adjustment. And we were on them.
Trout, and some Jacks, and one big Ladyfish. The fishing was consistent for a few hours and like a light switch all of a sudden went completely dead!
I again made some adjustments for the guys on their tackle...and that's when we had back to back Sheepshead, 5 & 6 pounds. I don't mind two of them, maybe even 3 of them. But I'm not like some of these Sheepherders. I certainly don't want to have to clean a whole bunch of them.
Then, as the tide completely died we ran up into a creek and had some more blues, a Ladyfish and some small Trout to finish up 10 dozen live shrimp.
By noon the wind was again howling inshore from the east...You'd think I was used to it by now, but I'm not and it made precision anchoring a problem.
Next up:
Wednesday's afternoon Group Charter with 3 boats (on an incoming tide) & Thursday's "solo" angler and me. Which is always a fun day, where I can throw in something different.
Where's that south wind?
Here's the rest of today's pics on my Catch Page 7 - http://www.captdaves.com/Catch7.htm |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 49
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 6:08 am: | |
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
Jacksonville-Amelia Island Florida
WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM
904-642-9546
4/20 - Another windy weekend
I think today's weather stats say it all:
04/20 - 12:06 pm,
NNE @
22.9 knot sustained/
32.1 knot gusts
04/20 - 12:00 pm,
NNE @
25.1 knot sustained/
31.1 knot gusts
04/20 - 11:54 am,
NNE @
24.1 knot sustained/
28.9 knot gusts
I THINK YA GET MY DRIFT.
But there's more to this story than just un-bare able winds. That's Dave Seidel in the photo. He met me at the Mayport boat ramp around 8am. It was sunny, chilly and with some wind, about 10 knots from the N.E. Not all that bad.....just a tad askew that's all. Dave just wanted to "get out", since he was hotel bound and was here for a Navy reunion, and was leaving Monday back to Pa. I told him, the forecast looks to be heinous, and I certainly cannot promise much if anything at all. It was okay, he said. He understood, an was a fisherman himself at home.
So we leave the ramp, and head for the jetties. Not really to fish them, but I wanted to give him the .50 cent tour at least. He was easy going on the phone last night and at 6:00am this morning when I called, for the heads-up on the weather report. I wanted to at least show him around.
The jetties were nasty, even on the incoming tide. I can only image how bad they will be when the tide really starts falling against the N.E. wind. So off down river we went. 2-Bluefish on, 2- Bluefish off.....they chewed through the 20 pound leader. Next spot, 2- Speckled Trout (keepers) and a Flounder. And then another one we call "LUCKY".
Dave's float goes down, he reels, sets the hook tight, and has the fish coming to the boat, so he thought. The drag burns.....he reels, the drag burns again.....I look into the water (care of Ocean Waves sunglasses Illuminator Lens') and see a big fat Speck! The drag goes off again......I go for the net...Dave's line goes slack.....Fish Gone!
AHHHHH, man. A big Trout lost. And Dave did nothing I saw wrong. The fishes name was "LUCKY", that's all.
The sky was dark, the wind was picking up, and the saving grace is we were into some fish up in a small creek, behind another creek, that branched off another small creek, way on back there! The rain started, the clouds began to darken, and here it comes. ANOTHER "FRONT" FROM HELL!
All bites stopped, the anchor broke free because the wind was so full bore against the side of the boat, so we moved on. As I got out in the main creek, it was not looking good. But we tried it again. Then another spot, and it was now in full Gale conditions.
In the back of my mind I was thinking about..."how do I pull up to the dock in this wind?" "how do I get the boat on the trailer in this wind?"
So we looked around a little more and headed into the river. Holy Crap, this was some sporty stuff, and the tide hasn't changed yet and may never against all this. So I made the decision to bag it and head in.
I idled outside the boat ramp docks studying how to get to the dock that was down wind, without making this into a all out collision with concrete and those damned NYLON sides on the dock. Hey, I may have a big Plate Alloy boat, but still would like to avoid any dents in the hull.
So I made my approach with "all hands on deck", ready for who knows what. And I came in good and safely. Now, how do I drive on the trailer without driving over the trailer??
Dave and I figured it out and it was so simple, and I slid into the bunks like an ole man sliding into bed.....oh so easy.
I was so happy. No casualties or broken anything! Just had to do the geometry. The angle of the gale force gust versus the docks, the trailer and take it easy and think it through.
Sounds stupid maybe but this was no laughing matter, because the wind was blowing straight into the docks, and in this kind of Gale I had no bow control at slow speeds, or boat control at all.
Tomorrow, I have two guys scheduled. And we decided to do a rain check and I put them in my long will call list. They want to go, but will call back with another date to do so.
Back to back weekends with winds this strong is freakin me OUT!
This like NO April I have ever seen before.
So far I have 3 days next week and as far as what they say now, 15 knots from the south seems to be the norm. I'll take that over a cold NE 15 anyday!
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 48
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 8:20 pm: | |
NOW TODAY WAS PERFECT! (4/4/07)
-taken from daily report & photo Blog
Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Black Drum......AND WE LEFT THEM BITING!!!!!!!
Wow what a beautiful day. This is how it's supposed to be. No B.S., just three Amigos, shooting the bull telling stories, out catching some fish, and nice ones I might add. On a beautiful day, soaking up the sun, getting some great bites, a variety of species, not having to fight Momma Nature, 20 knot winds or crowds of people out to ruin your day with clients, with inconsideration.
Jake & Jeff had their trip planned for late March. But as you may know if you're a frequent reader of these pages, the end of March was heinous! Jake said, "I do not want to fish in the winds...so pick another day Dave and call me." So I picked today April 4th, for the soul reason Jeff was coming from Gainesville, and a 10:30am High Tide gave him some wiggle room, to get to Mayport. And avid Gulf Coast fisherman himself, Jeff hadn't ever went float rigging before. But then again it wasn't your average Float-rigging day. We never really did any long drifts, because the fish were all around us. Plus, we were in such shallow waters, that I could have just as well had on the ole Cajun Thunder clickin' corks. (have a I told ya'll how much I LOVE my new boat, lately??? If not let just say, It's the best boat I have ever fished on, EVER!)
And really lets face it. Some of the simplistic most relaxing fishing in saltwater is when all ya do is set the float a drifting, and watch that baby disappear......FISH ON! And anyone can do it. I think that it's obvious that this "blog" and my "recent catch pages" prove that!
There's not much else to tell other than Jake is wanting to learn more about the ways of the float, and I think he learned just enough to make him dangerous today, but he'll need some more reel time still.
We had 4 Sheepshead to 6 pounds, a 5 pound Flounder, a 4 pound Trout, and a 4 pound Black Drum, and a small 17" Redfish, too many Bluefish. And for Jake it was all he needed to fill up on some fresh fish fillets.
And again, I'll say it. WE LEFT THEM BITING!
Jeff and I both knew that. But there's hopefully more days like the one we had today still to come.
It was an awesome day, with great guys.
________________________________
Link to photos:
http://www.captdaves.com/4-4-2.gif
http://www.captdaves.com/4-4-5.gif
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546
26' custom plate alloy boat, from 1 angler to large groups accomodated. |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 47
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 5:33 pm: | |
Report photo's, or visit www.captdaves.com - recent catch pages.
Photo's of recent trips:
April 2nd - http://www.captdaves.com/4-2-2.gif
April 3rd - http://www.captdaves.com/3-31-3.gif
more april 3rd:
http://www.captdaves.com/3-31-6.gif
April 4th -
http://www.captdaves.com/4-3-07jetty3.gif
more April 4th - http://www.captdaves.com/4-3-2.gif
LETS GO MAKE SOME MEMORIES
Capt Dave
904-642-9546 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 46
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 5:27 pm: | |
3/31 - Blustery, overcast, WHO CARES?
LOOK AT THOSE P-fish!!!!! (pics of pompano)
POMPANO.....one of the special spring time treats, that I love catching on the Float-rig.
And so did Jeff & Carl....Carl's was 1st, and we were excited. Then, came Jeff's whopper Pomp and we were really excited, because it hit as I was dragging on the anchor and idling the boat forward against the anchor line.
They were 2.5 & 4.5 pounds.
We also had Speckled Trout, (of course) and all but one were good keeper size fish to 19".
Then a Sheepshead, a frisky 5 pounder. And way to many Bluefish. And let me just say..."where the hell did these Nantucket junk-fish come from?" This year they are like in plague proportions. I've been fighting them since January, and I'm about tired of it. I hate them....and they're green NOT blue!
So we sat in rough and tumble waters most of the morning to get our fish, then all of a sudden the bite fell off. So I went shallow, down river. We went to kayak country. Yakers all up in water where the birds wade....why? Fish need to swim yaker-man. So as we laughed and joked about the yaks fishing in 3 inches of water, we caught some pupper Redfish, and then came the one we were fishing for, Harry's 26 incher that fought real good. (in 3 feet of water...where the fish were)
The day was overcast, blustery winds shifting from easterly to the south. Waters disturbed, and rough, with swells in the river. But we didn't care. The fish were chewing. And I was surprised, seeing that yesterday it blew like hell.
Wanna see the whole days pics? Go to my Catch page 3 on my web site: http://www.captdaves.com/Catch3.htm
Next day up, Monday with just two anglers. I'm looking forward to it. The Weather Guessers say it'll be nice, I'll see, and if so I'll enjoy that.
Commentary:
I've notice A LOT of fishing guides who constantly fish-hard on their charters. They are always casting, and seem to be "just going fishing" and letting paying customers tag along. That isn't a charter, that's paying to fish while the guide fishes. That's tacky, and hack-like in my book.
And I guess at the end of the day the Guides fish are what his "charter caught" huh? I see something kinda wrong with that do you? If not. Stop reading any further or you'll get your feelings hurt.
I just want you to know, my people aboard catch all their own fish. They don't just reel in a fish after a guide hooks it for them, or watch the fishing guide reel in a fish. This seems to be a running trend with the flats boat/bay boat crowd on a trolling motor. I guess that's their excuse they're using. Personally, I see some guides never, I mean never bait a hook, or personally instruct an angler. I've done it all, had bay boats, small skiffs with trolling motors....)I hate them! Because they always break, when ya need them the most.) I was in the fore front of developing the jigging the jetty rocks with jigs and shrimp/fiddlers. I've done it all, and believe what I'm doing right now is a true and a honest days fishing.....for my customers. Where YOU always catch the fish, not me. And personal attention and instruction is something you get a lot of.
And I even read an article about a outdoor writer who did one of those "$400 a day take a Guide on a Fishing charter, type trips." And man was he telling it like he saw it. I'd love to find that article again and post it here.
-Just food for thought, that's all. I'm always watching and observing.
Capt Dave, "the float freak"
904-642-9546
www.captdaves.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 45
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 5:23 pm: | |
Sunday, April 1, 2007 4/1 - ...."its blowin again"....April fools!
(taken from my daily reports blog)
I lazily rolled out of bed at 7:30am, (really sleeping in for me) back aching, burry-eyed and made some strong Java this morning. Sat down at my desk and went to work updating my NEWS page on my web site with the new pre-reserved days on the calendar. And then the phone rang around 9am.
It was Brian & Matt, wanting to go fishing. They said they were hung-over, had a wild night but really wanted to go fishing. They called around and ended up with my phone number, from a friend already out fishing.
Well, ya know how I love "last minute" phone calls for charters. So I told them I too am sitting here waking up slowly while still in my BVD's.
But they didn't hem or haw, they wanted to go and laid a Visa on me with no gripes. (usually these types of calls never work out....not because of me, but because fishing was just a whim) But not these two guys.
So I said, "Okay, meet me at 11am at the dock". I scurried and got my act together, loaded the boat and just knew it was gonna be a cone-a-rama out on the river, and it was! The ramp was full, the river was full, and there was people wall to wall everywhere you looked.
And ya know how I just love fishing in and around other people....I DON'T, I HATE IT! (It's heredity. My Grand father was incredibly unsocialable when he fished so my dad tells me and he says; "your just like your grandfather, if he saw a single body standing on the beach when he went surf fishing, he'd pack up and leave that entire stretch of ocean.")
But that was back in the 1950's, he'd just flip if he was alive and trying to fish these days, without seeing a soul.
I got a good word that the jetties were heinous, big seas and big wind. And yes, it was windy when we left, too. So my 2 crew members didn't want any parts of rockin & rollin' so we turned left out of the boat ramp towards inshore waters.
My options were pretty limited starting late and with so many people everywhere, so we went to the closest place I know we can hide-out. We were early on the spot, but I didn't care. I had to stake claim or loose it to the unknowing weekend crowds. The tide started to drop, and the bites came.
First fish was a small 14" pup Redfish. Then a Flounder, then a good pull on the rod lost to a user error. Then another Redfish, a 22 incher. Then more traffic coming thru screwing us over, then some small Trout, then a keeper, then another lost good puller, then a few more small trout. Then our current died....Time to move on.
But as we were fishing the wind was worse and worse. South at a good 20 knots easy!
April fools!!!!! Ya'll who listened to the weather guessers, really got bent over the rail today. (personally I never even looked at it and didn't care. I had a feeling nothing would change from the rest of the last 30 days.)
Is that why the river was a July like festival of boats, because the weather guessers, said it was gonna be nice? Sure was nice. NICE AND WINDY.
So we looked around, and it got to the point where a boat was on every spot, the wind was bad everywhere, and the river was so rough it was like being offshore during a gale.
So we pretty much went back to the creek, caught a few more dinks at dead low tide, and then headed in.
We had a pretty good day considering a late start, too many people, and to much south wind. Keeping one Trout, one Flounder and one Redfish for take home.
Now I have Monday thru Thursday reserved...and will not be fishing next weekend probably. 5 days in a row, and if I have to fight the wind I'll really be tired of it. But according to the forecast: - MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. I guess I may get a breather from the wind burn.Because as of now the whole week looks good.
My News page is where you can find what dates are "pre-reserved", in case your interested in booking a day of float-riggin, aboard the CaptDaves.com boat. Along with other pertinent dates.
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546
26' Center console bay/bluewater capable boat 1-4 anglers. |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 44
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 5:22 pm: | |
Jacksonville Fishing Report for:
Amelia Island and Mayport (inshore).
Tuesday, April 3, 2007 4/3 - Super weather.....doesn't anyone go to work?
(report taken from Daily report Blog)
Had Allen & Cliff Giddens on board today while in Jax with their parents. The boat ramp looked like a July 4th weekend, on an ordinary Tuesday.
Thank goodness, it's all the slick sea starved offshore warriors, that haven't been able to do anything, because of the 21 days worth of incessant east winds.
I'm more than happy to do just what I do and that's, no long boat rides.
So the boys met me at the dock at 8:30am. I decided to fish the incoming tide at the big rocks for a change. Drifting our floats straight down the jetty with not a single sniff.
It just wasn't happening, so I waited for the tide to turn by anchoring up and using some finger mullet about 4" that I had in my second live well pinned to a leader and a 4oz bank sinker pitched out on the bottom along the south tip.
That's where Cliff caught a 12 pound, 31" Redfish. We tired for a second one, but the dullness of bottom fishing was more than I could take, and the boys seemed restless too.
I did all I could to roust a smile or a conversation out of them, but they were the quite types. The exact opposite of me, which for 6 hours is tough.
So we went back to the trusty float-rig. We went back to where we first started, because I do not give up, and I do not run around all over chasing a bite. Patience and the tides timing will bring what it brings. We ended up nailing 5-giant Yellowmouths in a row, 2-3 pounds a piece. Then, the Specks showed and we boxed 3 of them, and that was about it. Everything shut down.
So I moved no more than 200 yards, but to a very difficult area to fish. And Cliff, nailed a 4 pound Speck. We got waked, knocked off anchor twice. And the difficulty of float-fishing this spot forced me to make a run down river.
We stopped by the river/ICW intersection and worked an area that I can't wait to actually have fish on it again. Last year I could go in there, bang 5-10 healthy Specks on almost any falling tide. But not this Spring.....not so far. Yesterday Mike pulled one nice Speck off it and that was it. So we slid into a Redfish "go to spot", before packing it in for the day.
Looking for that perfect 18-27 incher that does swim this area, Cliff hooked up a nice 18" Speck instead, and Allen hooked that pupper 14" Redfish.
If we had enough time to possibly sit there and work the area hard for another hour or two we could have probably picked up a keeper Redbass or Flounder, but it was getting late.
So I ended up cleaning 5 Specks to 4 pounds and 5 yellowmouths to 3 pounds at the end of the day. I think the boys will have a good fish fry.
The photo outside the boat was taken by Ron Brooks from http://www.saltfishing.about.com/ Ron's and outdoor writer and does some great local fishing articles. Plus I knew of him because I used to buy mass amounts of my "Capt Dave's Jetty-Jigs", that I used to sell in my online tackle shop from his cousin in Tennessee. Ron was out fishing solo on his flats boat, loading up for a fish fry. So you may see the CaptDaves.com-Sportfishing boat in an article someday soon on Ron's ABOUT.com site. (thanks for the pics, Ron)
2 more days to go.......till I get a days rest. And the oil changed in the Honda outboard, and my Taxes sent to the IRS.
To see photo's go to www.captdaves.com and click Recent catch pics and daily reports page.
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing 904-642-9546 "Float-Freak" |
Bryan Russell (Capt_bryan_russell)
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Username: Capt_bryan_russell
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2006
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:55 pm: | |
INSHORE/OFFSHORE April - 30 Mar 2007
INSHORE
Well, Spring is springin'! After 8 days of charters i can say that with confidence! The fish are chewin' the transom off... Catch the tide right, and put out a float rig with a live shrimp and hang on! I have boated limits of NICE specks from 18-22" on every good tide. Also the big yellowmouth have been off the chart, with fish in the 15-20" range. Mix in Spanish macks in ever increasing numbers, plus, Sheepshead, Drum, Red Bass, Flounder, Jacks, Ringtails Etc. And you can see why fishing is smoking hot!
The trout bite will continue to get stronger as will most of the other species listed.
Now is THE time to book a trip and experience the great spring fishing yourself.
OFFSHORE
As the seabass get smaller and less numbers, the good news is the Nearshore Red snapper and Gag grouper bite is steadily improving.
Tons of short snapper available, but bigger, nicer fish to 20 lbs. are moving in preparing to spawn. Also Spring kings along with Bonito, Spanish mackerel, Bluefish are starting to show on some wrecks. That fishery will improve drastically in the next 2-3 weeks. Also if my hunch is correct, we may have an early cobia run. Book your trip ahead of time to get prime weekday slots. Most charter captains including myself don't fish thier best spots on the weekend trying too keep them a secret as much as possible.
I've renamed my boat.....The new name is "The office"
So book a trip now and tell your boss or your wife that your working hard in the "office"
See you on the water, Capt. Bryan |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 43
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 6:03 am: | |
Had a two boat charter today, and some fun guys from Jax. Port Authority. Had Mike, Dave & Dennis on my boat.
We left out at sun-up, with somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 dozen live "river crickets" (aka: Shrimp), more than plenty for a 1/2 day river trip...................SO I THOUGHT!
We pulled up on the spot, and I had "I.G." - Instantaneous Gratification, showing them what to do, catching a small trout. And then that was all she wrote. It was time to rumble. I could barely get them all ready to go with their rods before Trout were hooked up and coming to the boat.
We flew threw the shrimp, as the fish flew over the gunnel as floats were disappearing, as soon as they hit the water. The tide was the last few hours of the falling, it was calm with low winds and all was right in "Cappy Dave's World" again.
The catching was so fast and furious, I felt as if we were bailing schoolie Dolphin from under a mat of Sargasso weeds offshore.
And the guys were having a ball.
Then right as I turned and said we ought to get another species fired up with all this commotion, the hook was set in a Sheepheads mouth. It crushed the hook flat, be it made it to the net.
The Trout were big'ish and small'ish, we had to have caught 30 plus easily, and kept 20 of the largest. We were astonished, at least I was when Mike hooked a Trout and it took off like a Bat outa hell. Ripping drag like no Trout could. And then we thought it came off.....NOPE!
It came back crushed, ripped up and mutilated. Some MONSTER something came by and grabbed it, mauled it and then let it go. I'm scepticizing (fancy fishing word), that it was a huge Bluefish, a really big Bluefish like a 10 pounder that we "used" to get visits from around here, but haven't seen in many years.
Then, quickly we were down to just 2 shrimp left..and we were only 2.5 hours into the charter.
HOLY CRAP! I've never burned through that many shrimp in such a short time.....maybe I had but it's been a real long time.
That's when Dennis sets the hook on another Trout, and Dave sets the hook on a different fish. One that was clearly not a Trout.
"P-FISH"....I yelled. IT'S A POMPANO!
And I didn't even have to see it. I could just tell by watching the line in the water. It zipped around so fast, making 180's on a dime. There's only one fish that I know of that can turn from one direction to another in the length of it's own body, and that's a Pompano. And all during a high rate of speed. The last shrimp of the day caught a beautiful 3 pound Pomp, and the first one for the 2007 fishing year. And nice and early too, just like the 5 pound Jack Crevalle on Friday.
I usually do not catch the first Pomp or 5 pound Jack until were into April a little ways.
So we hit the dock, snapped a few pics and then began the a long fish cleaning process. ( And I was happy) Between the two boats, these guys had some serious fish fry fixin's, make that 4 fish fry fixin's, for several people.
I may have to go hit the Trout myself tomorrow. I have a experimental plan, I'd like to try out.
Then next up is Mike a regular on Friday, and another regular Jeff and his dad on Saturday.
Hope the weather holds, (because it doesn't look that good for Friday, right now the NWS is calling for Friday to be 15-20 knots out of the N.E. and we all know, that means 20-25 knots out of the N.E. in reality! And Saturday is iffy'ish wind wise too.)
But the closer we get to the weekend the more people on the river "will" affect the fishing. It always does, that's why I hate weekends this time of year with a passion. Maybe the wind will keep people off the water???? But if it's sunny, I doubt it.
There's nothing like a Tuesday at sun-up on the St. Johns, except for someplace else where there's no one around.
Just remember.....you stand a whole lot better chance at catching a lot of or BIGGER Trout when there's less boat traffic.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG:
5 LB JACK 3/23
3 LB POMPANO 2/27
TO SEE RECENT CATCHES, AND DAILY REPORTS VISIT WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM - CLICK ON FISHING REPORT & DAILY BLOG & RECENT CATCH PIC PAGES.
904-642-9546 |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 18
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 12:51 pm: | |
Florida Fishing Report for:
Intracoastal Waterway, St Johns River and Nearshore Waters from Fernandina to Saint Augustine
Updated: March 14, 2007.
NE Florida inshore nearshore report
March, the transition month, is here and we'll be steadily moving from our winter fishing patterns into spring. In fact, a customer caught a jack crevalle a couple days ago, which is a sure sign migrating fish are moving north.
Sheephead are biting very well right now at area jetties and are averaging 3-4lbs with 5-6lb fish mixed in. These normally elusive fish fight hard and are excellent table fare. A 1/8 oz. jig and fiddler crab fished around the rocks should work.
Redfish can be found in all their normal haunts: edges of the ICW, jetty rocks, creeks, and around dock pilings. Several redfish tournaments have or will occur, and boats "pre-fishing" are pretty much everywhere.
The speckled trout are common in the creeks with some fish large enough to keep. With the water temps rising try a topwater plug early and late on high water. In the river the small aggressive bluefish can be a nuisance striking your expensive shrimp before the trout can find it. A few weakfish are biting, usually on high incoming water.
A surprising number of small to medium size flounder are biting in the creeks. Mud minnows and Gulp baits are effective options. The whiting action has improved on the pier and in the surf. It won't be long until pompano and spanish mackeral move into our area also.
This and next month provide opportunities to catch a giant black drum in our area. Fish deep around the jetties, area inlets, and in the ICW with crab and clam baits. Use heavy tackle to subdue the fish quickly and release them carefully.
Tight lines!
CAPT Bob Cosby
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 42
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 8:15 am: | |
So far so good.
Got out of February with minimal cold weather, but even though it was quite chilly the morning of the Super Bowl, I went out solo and waxed the Redfish, Trout, Flounder pretty good. It's always that way....no one wants to miss that 3 hour long commercialized event, and I go and have the best day of the whole month.
Now it's March and the water temps hovering around the 60 degree mark and all hell is gonna break loose here by the end of March, along the banks of the Big St. Johns River East of down town Jacksonville, Florida.
Speckled Trout, my specialty is in full swing, along with Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum.
Went two days this week. Once alone to do some R&D,in a damn near gale and had 6 Reds and 10 Trout in 2.5 hours! Then, again with Nick W. a local drummer for the Celtic rock band, Rathketair.
Nick did a businessman's day off weekday trip with me by himself.
We had alot of Reds, Trout and some Sheepshead, and Black Drum.
Left out with no less than 6 dozen live shrimp in the well, and came back with zero shrimp left.
From the first bait to the last bait Nick and I caught fish after fish. (see my Daily Blog for more info, and Recent catch pages)
This was a teaching trip for Nick as he wanted to learn more about Float Rig fishing.
This was his second trip in two weeks or so, so to make sure he was confident that he's got it down for when he goes himself.
Shallows....that's where I've been finding the best action. And that's sort of uncommon for me as I am a big water Jetty guy. But the action has been Great!
And the boat ride is SHORT. I do not have to go far to find good action.
But in the comfort of my 26' plate alloy custom BlackLab boat, it can do bay or bluewater.
RIGHT NOW is when you need to start thinking about Memorial day weekend or Easter weekend.
RERSERVE EARLY, is all I can say.
Please visit my Daily Report Blog page, by clicking on FISHING REPORT at www.captdaves.com
Here is where you'll be able to track whats going on weekly and daily. Because this is a transitional time of the year in NE Florida, and things change fast.
I'm CRAZY over big TROUT, and April is a TOP MONTH. And I'll be fishing a lot for them. As with late March.
Last year was unbelieveable, and I hope the trout fishing will be the same this year.
On a falling tide I didn't have to go but to one area, and we could limit out on nice Specks to 6 pounds.
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
CALL 904) 642-9546 to reserve your day
1-4 passengers in comfort and loads of room to fish the BIG water or shallow salt marsh. |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 6:40 am: | |
Florida Fishing Report for:
Intracoastal Waterway, St Johns River and Nearshore Waters from Fernandina to Saint Augustine
Updated: March 2, 2007.
Inshore report
Recently, we've had a break from the cold weather. In the last few days the water temperature has approached 65 degrees in the shallow creeks and on the flats. That being said, I wouldn't be surprized if we get another cold snap before spring truly arrives.
The reds are cruising the shallows in the creeks at low tide. Sometimes they are reluctant to bite and can be very spooky. With all the fishing pressure, particularly on weekends, they are resembling Islamorada bonefish more each day. You can also find them along the edge of the ICW before the boat traffic gets rolling. Be stealthy; fish slowly, and be patient.
The trout bite was pretty good all last month. Now they are fair game once again. With the warming water, topwater plugs are worth trying early and late. Some yellowmouth trout are being caught near the jetty tips, but the bite is not as strong as in years past. Sheephead have slowed down some recently. Some fishermen attribute this slowdown to the clear water. The local El Cheapo sheephead tournament with 300 plus boats also put a significant dent in the population.
Lots of small bluefish are in the river and ICW. Most are too small to keep. The drum action has improved. I heard of a 67 pounder being caught recently. Drum fishing should improve through the month of March and into April. Crab, clams, and fresh dead shrimp are favorite baits fished deep near rocks and other structure. The flounder fishing in the creeks has been quite good, though they're difficult to target specifically. Fish the small runouts with mud minnows or Gulp baits.
Tight lines!
CAPT Bob Cosby
--
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 41
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 9:48 am: | |
2/19/07 - After the big Blow
That was some serious wind yesterday, huh?
Gale force gusts, in conjunction with some nice strong tides made for 'NO' water as I went over the ICW-Wonderwood Bridge and looked over the side as I always do while going and coming from B&M bait and tackle. The "ditch" was dry! A heavy duty west wind and a very low tide, made for some big time exposed shoreline.
I had to hurry up and get to B&M because I no sooner get home and had to pro-cure bait for a Monday charter, that I booked while walking the Miami Beach Convention Center halls, with Sam Kennedy who called and wanted to go fishing with 3 of his buddies.
The rush to B&M bait and tackle was because when there's seriously cold (hard Freeze type weather) You can bet there was NO live shrimp delivery in days. The shrimp just bury up, and no one catch's any. So I hoofed it quickly over there to get some for Today's charter and Tuesdays charter. I have keeping them warm, comfortable and alive for days down pat, thru obvious trial and error of many years. My secret "a heating pad"....yep, the same thing you may use on a bum knee, with a good slathering of BenGay.
And ya'll think, us fishing guides just go get bait, because it's always plentiful and just show up to go fishing in the morning huh? Naw....it's far from that many days in the "deep" winter. Babying bait, rushing to get bait before it's all gone, having a really tight relationship with the manager of the bait shop, and getting up at 3am to check on them is all things I have to do. And I did a lot of it last spring when no one was catching many shrimp. And then there's those holiday weekends and live shrimp are scarce, and people call and have no idea what hoops I have toi jump thru to make sure we have bait to use. But all that is another story.
Today, after yesterdays huge blow. And not fishing since last Thursday. I couldn't believe how fast the tide moved out today. I picked up Sam and three of his buddies at 11:30am to fish the falling tide all day.
And we float rig fished to start. And one spot produced...even though the tide was great. Low tide in the late part of the afternoon, perfect timing for a chilly day.
We caught a bunch of what you see in the picture. Small "pup" reds. And them had a double header of a pupper and a 23 incher. Our only keeper fish of the day.
I tried some clams at the jetties and just plain bottom fished. Good ole Bait-N-Wait fishing.
B-O-R-I-N-G...as hell. And the 4 guys aboard would agree. We had a few "pecks" but no Sheepshead which was the target species. So we stayed at the jetties and went back to Float Rig fishing and caught way too many small bluefish. (We never got any brown water)
It wasn't the festival I was wanting, of course. But on a short notice trip, and me not knowing what the deal would be, we did okay and caught a few fish, most were just very small.
Now, tomarrow it's a company group charter, 4 boats.
Man was it a beautiful day today though, it remained cool, but the wind went away, and the sun was nice and bright.....the waters still very cold though.
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
26' BlackLab Marine Plate Alloy boat, 1-4 passengers in comfort.
www.captdaves.com - for daily pics and reports
Here's what I'm talking about: http://www.captdaves.com/12-13-D&K-6.gif -Looking to get back into this March 1st.
So reserve now! |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 40
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 9:40 am: | |
2/20/07 - Media General Corp. group charter
I WISH I TOOK A FEW PICTURES....sorry they had me running, and time was of the essence so I never got around to it.
But, I had a 4 boat 13-16 passenger trip that headed out Tuesday. It was in the planning since back in October before I even got my new boat.
BIG problems though, as usual. NO LIVE SHRIMP were to be had. Except on my boat, because I run a shrimp farm in my live well most of the time.
With the weekends cold cold weather no shrimp could be caught, so a few of the boats had to just "wing-it". And go with mud Minnows or dead shrimp.
I know I had plenty so a few of the big-wigs jumped on my boat, for a 1/2 day of float rigging.
They told me, "Dave, we have a big pot going for largest fish...so put us on them."
Just what ya wanna on a February charter huh? So I was under the gun.
On the first spot, and only spot I had that would produce "I.G." - instantaneous Gratification", we were on Trout the first drift of the float!
Then came a few more. For I think it was (3) 17-19 inchers.
Then a few pup reds, and then a 29", 8.5 pound Redbass.
I said, "Here's your winning fish!" As one of the guys took 15 minutes to get it to the boat.
(the fella who hooked into it wasn't by now means a Roland Martin type fisherman)
It was the winning fish worth $140.00
And then I think we picked up another small pup red again...and that was it. This spot was OVER and DONE with.
But what did we have yesterday?? The lowest tide of damn near all of 2006 and 2007.
The ICW was 10' deep in the middle, the creeks went dry, and by the time we left out of where we were, the tide was so low I couldn't go anywhere else in a creek, or if I went in the river the current was so strong we couldn't fish.
So we spent our nickle on that one spot.
One other boat did really well tossing jigs and Gulp and Mud Minnows, and caught Reds, Trout, and a nice fat Flounder while using the trolling motor up inside Hannah Mills area.
Now we still have no shrimp at the bait shop, No fiddler crabs, just clams....and here comes the JOSFC Sheepshead tournament this Saturday. I'm a sponsor and may or may not fish it.
But I will trade my entry for 20 dozen live shrimp...anyone??
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM - FOR DAILY REPORTS & PHOTOS
904-642-9546 |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 16
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 5:15 pm: | |
Florida Fishing Report for:
Intracoastal Waterway, St Johns River and Nearshore Waters from Fernandina to Saint Augustine
Updated: February 13, 2007.
Inshore report Jacksonville area waters
Speckled trout are closed in our waters this month, so naturally, they are biting fairly well. Since they are "weak" fish, release them carefully with wet hands if you must touch them.
There are some large sheephead in the river. The last two to come into my boat weighed 7 1/2 and 8lbs respectively. Both were caught in deep water. Ringtail porgies are still at the jetty tips.
The water temperature is hovering around 56 degrees, and the water is exceptionally clear with the algae die off. The cold weather has finally arrived with a few nights dropping into the 30's. The fishing remains good, though fewer fishermen are on the water.
The reds in the creeks and along the ICW can be seen cruising the shallows near oyster bars, but often are in no hurry to eat. They spook easily, so it's best to pole from a fair distance away, if possible. There are also some larger over slot reds at the jetties. In some areas when casting a jig and shrimp, it's a toss up whether you'll hook a big red or a sheephead.
If you just enjoy pulling in lots of fish, the small bluefish are more than cooperative. Watch thier teeth! Yellowmouth trout are another good winter fish to pursue, though, in my opinion, they are not as plentiful this year as in years past.
Tight lines!
CAPT Bob Cosby
--
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 39
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 01, 2007 - 4:42 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler
Jacksonville Fishing Report for:
Amelia Island and Mayport (inshore).
Updated: January 30, 2007.
1/30/07 - Trouts Closing for 28 days...I needed to get me some!!!!!
Down right chilly today. I was maxed out with the fleece outer wear.
Immediately had my Trout limit of 5 from 15" to 19", but they were all skinny fish. Basically went back to the same place I took Travis the other day, and tried it again. The trout were seriously scattered along a 100 yard piece of the creek, way back in the salt marsh.
Then as the tide got really low and I had my 5 Trout in the box, I worked my way around and float-rigged some deeper holes. Catching an absolute ton of 12-14" Trout, at the slack low tide.
Then, as the water barely started to move again, I re-anchored and floated just outside an exposed oyster bank. I got a great hook up on a big fish and had it one for a nano-second. So, I pitched up there again.....float bobs a little and I come back with a bit in half shrimp. I pitch up there again, and the float takes a dive. And I'm hooked up to that fish with a few lives, but those lives just ended. And that 7 pound Sheepshead puts up one hell of a battle. The bite was fast and furious as the tide poured in over the oysters beds.
I also had no less than 8 small Redfish, 15 more small Trout, and two small Flounder.
As the tide got high I switched over to my home made (and a lot better) Cajun thunder, clicker float with a 3 foot leader. But I call mine, the "Capt Dave's custom thunder" rig. I don't get to use it very often. Because I'm not in very shallow water very often. But, I ended up on a huge mud flat with high mounds of oyster's and islands out off the grass line. I pulled up on that flat when it was just barely 2 feet deep, and as the water rose, the fish followed, and I found them all in one spot, with my "CDCT".
I had a blast today, and had to have caught at least 30 fish, on 48 live shrimp. But still only ended up with my 5 Trout, and the Sheepshead in the box. It's really something that 26 foot Plate Alloy, boat of mine. It floats in hardly any water.
It's no Gheenoe, or Kayak but for a 26 footer with a 225 HP Honda on the back, you'd be very surprised where I can go. And do it with lots of fishing room. That's the difference between 26 feet of 1/4" Aluminum, and a fiberglass boat. Plus, I have no fear of oyster beds, either.
One more day till the Speckled Trout closure for the next 28 days. I just had to go and get me some for the plate. And that Sheepshead will taste better knowing I got it on a float-rig off a shell bar, in a creek. And by the way.....there's a whole lot more up in those creeks I didn't catch.
I had other Salt marsh "7-striped Jetty Snappers" chewing on my live shrimp too. I just couldn't connect as good as I did with the big boy.
Go wade the hard bottomed areas of flooded marsh grass off the ICW sometime in Sept. & Oct. if you want to see for yourself how many Sheepshead "DO NOT" hang out on pilings, rocks & docks.
I just may have to go tomorrow too. We'll see.
hope to have you aboard,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing "the float freak"
-On the big St. Johns River, Jacksonville/Mayport Florida.
www.captdaves.com - for daily reports and photos
904-642-9546
1-4 passengers, 12 months a year-full time guide, yearly corporate charters arranged, discounts for singles, 26' Plate Alloy Boat, safe, comfortable, loads of fishing room. VISA-MC-AMEX-PAYPAL accepted. **Special "just for the kids" charters**
-------------------------------------------------
Capt. Dave Sipler is a fulltime fishing guide out of Jacksonville's Mayport area. He specializes in St. Johns River and the Mayport Inlet near-coastal waters for tarpon, shark,pompano, drum, sheepshead, trout and Florida's largest trophy redfish (April thru November).
------------------------------------------------- |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 38
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 3:13 pm: | |
Hot-Cold-Warm-Windy-Nowind, you name it we've had it so far in the first week of 2007!
FEBRUARY OFFER:
Reserve now for my February "Photo Shoot-out". 2- consecutive days fishing for up to 3 anglers, just $700. (that's a $200 savings) Largest Trout or Redfish in Feb. gets bragging rights plus photo pictured here and framed 8X10 of your catch.
Call now to reserve...remember this time of year there's No crowds!
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546
 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 36
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 8:44 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters to Amelia Island Florida. Updated: 12/27/06
No Lack Of Fishing
January report
There's certainly no lack of fishing opportunities as N.E. Florida goes into the it's first winter month, January. Just a lack of fisherman sometimes. I'm certainly not some fair weather angler, because I know that on certain days it can be a all out bonanza!
I remember a trip I did a few years ago with three guys on a cold morning. It was a 1/2 day'er (which I don't really even do), and by the time we were out for 3 hours we had to of caught 100 pounds of Black Drum, Redfish, and Sheepshead. They tried their best to get out of going, the night before. Making up one heck of a bad excuse. Because the weather report changed after they reserved the trip to; very cold but sunny. And they didn't like that. I said, "Okay we can not go, but ya'll will loose your deposit." And then all of a sudden their story changed. And the boys were so happy they went, because we all had a ball!
Unfortunately, that's the way it goes sometimes. When I'm talking to you on the phone it's 68 and warm, and then two days later it's a high of 40 in the morning as we depart. Not all Fisherman were Boy/Girl Scouts, I understand that. SO PLEASE, COME PREPARED!
I know I have a saying for when it's like that, as I'm putting on a heavier jacket in front of my clients, that failed to bring one, "there's no HMO's or sick days to take in the fishing business, and I can't afford to get sick."
So let's talk FISHIN'
As of December, the big Trout move east. Actually, back in early November when we had a blast of cool temps followed by a weekend of Gale Force winds, was when I found all the monster Trout exciting the salt marsh in huge numbers.
RICK WIDNER'S Nov. 9th, second fish of the morning.
But, as of December the creeks were void of really big Trout, and out in the main river is where I'm finding the big ones. Then, as December progressed I find large numbers of fish closer to the inlet and out in the Ocean. And this is the way it'll be till spring time.
During January, everything is at the inlet. Except for us if it's so nasty that we can't fish there. One year I had a charter that was rescheduled all the way from a summer time Tarpon trip, till we finally went in January. Schedules of the the two guys could never meet-up all summer and fall, then comes a day in January that was bitterly cold, and that's when we ended up going. And again, in just a few hours they slayed the big Reds, one after another. Just dropping live shrimp straight down on the bottom, at the inlet. Catching 12 before their hands got numb. And again, we had a lot of fun out there. Joking about who would give up first.
Beautiful January day of bone chilling weather & rod bending!
But, not all January winter days are so cold. Typically we get some seriously nice weather the first few weeks of the month. (although I hope we didn't spend our nickel already this year , by having the week before Christmas between the 70's & 80's.)
Look forward to lot's of Speckled Trout, Yellowmouth Trout, Redfish, Black Drum and Sheepshead this time of year. All good eating fish, with no long boat rides required to catch them. If the tide's right we're on the fish and the spot right away.
Dress properly, always count on it being colder, not warmer, and leave the "malted brewed type beverages" at home, instead bring a thermos of tea, coffee or a hot soup. Do not forget a hat, and dress with layers, just so if it gets warm you can adjust. And I hope you enjoy catching them as much as I enjoy showing you how.
The biggest "MISCONCEPTION" is that the winter months are not the time to go inshore fishing, maybe not in Minnesota, but here we fish 12 months a year. And I've had some of the most outstanding days of the entire year during January.
Check my NEWS page on my web site for updates on new things going on, and to really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum at: http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions, photos and editorials.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 35
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 8:42 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters to Amelia Island Florida. Updated: 12/27/06
No Lack Of Fishing
January report
There's certainly no lack of fishing opportunities as N.E. Florida goes into the it's first winter month, January. Just a lack of fisherman sometimes. I'm certainly not some fair weather angler, because I know that on certain days it can be a all out bonanza!
I remember a trip I did a few years ago with three guys on a cold morning. It was a 1/2 day'er (which I don't really even do), and by the time we were out for 3 hours we had to of caught 100 pounds of Black Drum, Redfish, and Sheepshead. They tried their best to get out of going, the night before. Making up one heck of a bad excuse. Because the weather report changed after they reserved the trip to; very cold but sunny. And they didn't like that. I said, "Okay we can not go, but ya'll will loose your deposit." And then all of a sudden their story changed. And the boys were so happy they went, because we all had a ball!
Unfortunately, that's the way it goes sometimes. When I'm talking to you on the phone it's 68 and warm, and then two days later it's a high of 40 in the morning as we depart. Not all Fisherman were Boy/Girl Scouts, I understand that. SO PLEASE, COME PREPARED!
I know I have a saying for when it's like that, as I'm putting on a heavier jacket in front of my clients, that failed to bring one, "there's no HMO's or sick days to take in the fishing business, and I can't afford to get sick."
So let's talk FISHIN'
As of December, the big Trout move east. Actually, back in early November when we had a blast of cool temps followed by a weekend of Gale Force winds, was when I found all the monster Trout exciting the salt marsh in huge numbers.
RICK WIDNER'S Nov. 9th, second fish of the morning.
But, as of December the creeks were void of really big Trout, and out in the main river is where I'm finding the big ones. Then, as December progressed I find large numbers of fish closer to the inlet and out in the Ocean. And this is the way it'll be till spring time.
During January, everything is at the inlet. Except for us if it's so nasty that we can't fish there. One year I had a charter that was rescheduled all the way from a summer time Tarpon trip, till we finally went in January. Schedules of the the two guys could never meet-up all summer and fall, then comes a day in January that was bitterly cold, and that's when we ended up going. And again, in just a few hours they slayed the big Reds, one after another. Just dropping live shrimp straight down on the bottom, at the inlet. Catching 12 before their hands got numb. And again, we had a lot of fun out there. Joking about who would give up first.
Beautiful January day of bone chilling weather & rod bending!
But, not all January winter days are so cold. Typically we get some seriously nice weather the first few weeks of the month. (although I hope we didn't spend our nickel already this year , by having the week before Christmas between the 70's & 80's.)
Look forward to lot's of Speckled Trout, Yellowmouth Trout, Redfish, Black Drum and Sheepshead this time of year. All good eating fish, with no long boat rides required to catch them. If the tide's right we're on the fish and the spot right away.
Dress properly, always count on it being colder, not warmer, and leave the "malted brewed type beverages" at home, instead bring a thermos of tea, coffee or a hot soup. Do not forget a hat, and dress with layers, just so if it gets warm you can adjust. And I hope you enjoy catching them as much as I enjoy showing you how.
The biggest "MISCONCEPTION" is that the winter months are not the time to go inshore fishing, maybe not in Minnesota, but here we fish 12 months a year. And I've had some of the most outstanding days of the entire year during January.
Check my NEWS page on my web site for updates on new things going on, and to really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum at: http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions, photos and editorials.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 34
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 8:34 am: | |
Well since I had such a ball on (12/12) Monday while out solo, I just had to go again. So I called ole buddy Pelican - aka: Ken H.
It's December. It's one of the best months in the whole N.E. area to go out and have a ball day after day. The fish are chewin'.
So I called ole Pelican up, because he can either come with me, or just listen to his Nextel walkie talkie......with banter of, YOU'RE MISSING IT AGAIN TODAY!! YOU SHOULD BE HERE, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!
As I shout unsolicited remarks over the Nextel to him. (because I can)
So we went, because he's never been in the 'NEW BOAT' yet.
I'm not gonna go into every detail, but it was a FISH RIOT!
Remember this, just incase you do not know:
*When the forecast is for fog this time of year - THAT'S A GOOD THING-
*When the forecast is for fog this time of year - THERE'S NO WIND-
*When the forecast is for fog this time of year - THE FISHING IS HOT-
*When the forecast is for fog this time of year - I'LL BE OUT THERE-
FOGGY-NESS in December, sets a mood. For me, I just know from past experiences, no matter what it's gonna be a good day.
Pelican and I fished all around, at the jetties, in the river at Mayport, and up river too.
Here's a few examples of my first cast fish (I.G. - instantaneous gratification's)
Of course, Speckled Trout. Then my first cast with a jig-n-shrimp, 3 pound Flounder. At the jetties, first cast of my Float-rig - 6 pound Sheepshead. Up in the river pitching under docks, a 30 inch 10 pound Redfish.
I was on F-I-R-E.
Our total:
20 PLUS - Speckled Trout (EZ- 2 person limit of nice fatties, non- under 16 inches even kept. Kept our two over 20 inches.
20 - Yellowmouth Trout - just for fun, various sizes.
1- 6 pound Sheepshead
1- 30" 10 pound Redfish pulled from under a dock...ADDICTIVE FISHING STYLE.
3- Smaller Redfish (released)
3- Flounder all nice fish to 3+ pounds.
1- OCTOPUSS, that I hooked on some seriously nasty bottom structure while Flounder fishing and thought I had a 10 pound Flattie!
We left them biting, to go do our ritual cold beer at the baitshop, prior to darkness.
I hope this puts Pelican in a good holiday mood, because the dang guy works too much.
There's no excuse for a anyone not to make time to go fishing this time of year....NO ONE!
INCLUDING YOU!
_________________
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
904-642-9546
www.captdaves.com
e-mail: charter@captdaves.com
  |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 - 7:17 pm: | |
Speckled trout are in high gear in our area right now. You can target them with lipped diving lures, DOA shrimp, Gulp shrimp, or the real thing(live shrimp) with a good chance of success. Use a sliding float rig with the live ones to cover the productive zone within a couple of feet of the bottom. In the creeks try free lining a live shrimp or minnow with a splitshot. The water temperature is around 55-60 degrees, so it's a bit chilly for top water plugs. There are also some good size yellowmouth trout biting at the jetties. Try a white Gulp shrimp on a jighead, and work it slowly.
Sheephead like the cooler water, and are biting fairly well along the big rocks and other structure in the river. Fish a fiddler crab on a jighead or egg sinker fishfinder rig. Some nice black drum are also being caught on shrimp, clam, and crab baits. Last outing I caught quite a few bluefish while throwing plugs for trout.
The redfish are in the creeks around the oyster bars and small tributaries which drain into the creeks on the outgoing tide. You are likely to catch some flounder also fishing these same spots. There are also some reds at the tips of the big rocks hitting on jigs tipped with shrimp or mud minnows.
Traditionally, this is the beginning of the winter slow down for us charter captains, which is really unfortunate, as the fishing can be spectacular. Given the right conditions,the chances are good that you will catch a mixed bag of beautiful NE Florida fish!
Tight lines! CAPT Bob Cosby
--
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 33
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 - 11:45 am: | |
SPAWNING FLATTIES!
It's that time of year, and seems still kind of late to be still catching spawning roe laidened Flounder.
Had a 7 pounder yesterday, on the good ole "float-rig", and a live shrimp. If it swims I'll catch it on my float rig!
The float bobbed and then slowly dissappeared, "FLOUNDER, I said to myself", and man I was right. It turned out to be my largest of the year so far. It ran and fought tremendously on the light tackle.
Just messing around doing some R&D, I had 4 flatties total, but kept only 2 of the largest.
A few weeks ago I did a report about Crashing a Redfish Dock Party. So I went and did it again.
Man there's some addictive fishing, for ya!
Pitch up under this particular dock, snap the jig up and out of the nasty nooks and crannies that are on the bottom and get slammed by big Redfish.
Last time I did it I had 10 Redfish, everyone was a big legal fish. But yesterday, I landed only one and got my ass handed to me 3-4 other times. They eat that jig and when ya set the hook they dive for the pilings of the dock.
But thats why I go there...ITS EXCITING!
Speckled Trout, there's so many of them around, I tried NOT to catch any, and still had 15. No whoppers, but then again I didn't care.
Throw in a sheepshead here and there...another fish I didn't target, and I had a good day of Reasearch and Development.
New Virtual Tour of my BlackLab Marine - Plate Alloy Boat is now on my web site....kinda one of those 'just for the fun of it' things that not many have. Just so potential clients are more informed, that's all.
It's beautiful weather this week (12/11-12/15)
if no one wants to go. Don't worry, I WILL.
Here's an example of some serious flattie fishing....38 Flounder 2 to 5 pounds from a October trip many moons ago, with the Smith's...(and I didn't even have to clean them all!)
 |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 14
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 7:48 pm: | |
Fishing report Jacksonville area waters
In between northeasters the fishing has been really good. The water temperature starts out in the low 60's in the morning and usually gets up to mid or high 60's by the afternoon.The really cold weather isn't here yet, and most days are pleasant fishing, when the wind abates.
The speckled trout have been biting in the creeks, ICW, and St. Johns River. The smaller trout are mostly in the creeks. Lipped diving plugs are very effective as is the DOA clacker with a glow shrimp. Of course, live shrimp are most often the bait of choice, fished under a sliding float rig, or freelined.
The bull reds are mostly gone, with a few hanging around the jetty tips. I am beginning to see reds schooling along the banks of the ICW in the early morning before the "snowbird" boat traffic cranks up. Slot and rat reds are in the creeks, and can be seen crashing bait during low tide phases. Yesterday, I caught a nice slot red on a crab fly. Spinner baits are also effective fished slowly.
There are lots of flounder in the creeks and ICW, though most are small to medium sized. For me they are usually an incidental catch, unless I specifically target them. I had a 6-8lb flounder escape yesterday when the plug became tangled in the edge of the landing net and the wily fish took advantage!
There are bluefish, drum, and sheephead in our waters now, too. So, take your pick, and go fishing!
Tight lines and fair winds!
CAPT Bob Cosby
--
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 32
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 30, 2006 - 4:53 pm: | |
Left out early this morning solo to go up to Amelia Island and see Tom L. the proud owner of his very own NEW BlackLab Marine "Plate Alloy" boat.
Capt Tom designed his boat to do handicap accessable charters for maybe one or two folks that maybe in a wheel chair, but want to continue fishing. His boat has some very unique features about it, like a lift and ways to secure someones chair to the deck, for safety.
There's a calling for this boat, thats for sure.
Big and roomy, its also a 26 footer like mine, but with an extended hard top.
Tom lives on the water along the Amelia river, so I kinda fished my way up there to see him. By 10am I had found his beautiful retreat, along a wooded section of the ICW. He has a nice floating dock, and I pulled up, as he was standing in his back yard.
We've talked, but this is the first time we've actually met. He was in Maine checking out the boats, just a day before I was there. Two guys from FLA. in the same week! Jay at BLM was surprised.
Before seeing Tom I putted around checking out some old spots and even fished the Nassua Sound Bridge a little. Last of the falling tide was bait stealers galore, as I couldn't and didn't want to disturb the guys standing on the Sawpit Creek bridge as they float fished. Thats that biggest problem up there. Right where they want their floats to go is the same place I'd like to anchor.
I caught a few small'ish trout and then looked around some more. And waited till a decent hour to go see Tom.
After our visit, the tide was coming in, and so was the wind. A stiff S.E started to blow. So I went and putted around more and caught WAY TOO MANY small Trout, so many that I pinched the barb on my hook as I just way-layed the 14 inchers. After about 15 of them it was obvious thats all that wa sthere. And that wasn't what I was looking for. So I headed back to my ole stomping grounds, the BIG St. JOHNS.
The tide was pretty high and still coming in as I tried a spot that I've never really fished before on a incoming tide. I tossed Mirr-O-lures here in the spring time and have had some exillarating monster trout catches, but it was'nt spring time. So I decided to try a Jig-N-Shrimp.
Have ya ever seen on the TV fishing shows from down in South Florida, where they get up tight to a dock and pitch under it and have giant Snook slam the bait and ya have to strain to keep the fish out of the pilings?
WELL, THATS WHAT I WAS ABOUT TO ENCOUNTER ON THIS SPOT!
And I learned the hard way at first. I tied on a jig that had a light wire hook, it was a 3/8ths oz plain ole ball headed jig. I put on a live shrimp, and pitched it up underneath this dock.
First cast.........INSTANT hook-up!
The fish dove for the pilings, my rod slapped accross the engine cover, I reeled down, felt my 50# super braid scraping the piling and it was all over. A break-off, I thought. But nope, it was a completely straightened jig hook. Okay, I said...I'll tie on a jig with a heavier hook then.
I made a few more lobs under the dock, and got to where I was just about VERTICLE jigging the shrimp right under the boat.......when I was hammered. This time I was ready. My Loomis Popping rod, which is a fairy wand and whippy as hell, bent like a horseshoe as I went toe to toe with a big Red, right next to those nasty dock pilings. But I won, I was able to not break my rod, PERPLEX the fish away from the dock, and after several drag smoking dives to the bottom, a 26-7/8th's inch with tail pinched Redfish came to the surface and in my net.
WOW...that had to be the best battle I've had in awhile. Just like catching those giant Snook from under the docks, I see on TV. Blair Wiigins of Addictive Fishing, would be into this.
And just as I like it, too.
Some like casting to a Redfish, up where the birds are wading around them in water inches deep, but this was my kind of fishing. Deep water, Structure fishing, where the fight is reminiscent of grappling with a Grouper over a wreck. But on tackle that should never be used to do so.
Okay, I got the program, the T-shirt, now lets see the rest of this TRACTOR PULL!
It took awhile, but I went thru no less than 5-6 jigs, and caught 10 slot Redfish 25-27 inches all on this spot, doing just what I discribed every single time. While loosing that first one, and the last one to the pilings. And then it was over like a light switched being turned off.
What a scrap! This is what fishing dreams are made of if you're looking for a street brawl here in N.E. Florida....but I almost need a heavier rod.
They might not be Snook, but all the same ingrediants were there.
I kept thinking, could I have a charter do this? How many broke $225 rods would I have to replace if so? Naw, I better not try this with my fairy wands. And at the same time, the bottom was so snaggy, that it took a skillful feel to keep the jig from getting embedded in the bottom.
Either way, I visited two really cool places today. Capt Tom's Island house, and Mr. Redfishes lair. If it wasn't for going to see Tom, and riding all the way up to the Amelia river I would have not been fishing at this tide looking for something to do.
But I'm, glad I did. Because I've always wondered. What goes on under that dock at high water?
OBVIOUSLY A BRUTUS T. REDBASS PARTY!
And I wasn't necessarily on the guest list.
_________________
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
904-642-9546
www.captdaves.com
e-mail: charter@captdaves.com
 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 30
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006 - 8:55 am: | |
TROUT-REDFISH-FLOUNDER FRENZY!
Thats what it's been lately.
I'm telling ya'll that no matter who you are or what kind of experience you may have or not have, rather. You will have a chance at catching some seriously nice fish.
I had the Hedenquist Family on the boat on 11/20. And one member of the family was lil' 7 year old Jake. All by himself he caught Trout, Redfish and Flounder, doing it "my way". Which will soon b3ecaome your favorite way of fishing too.
We had limits of Trout to 4 pounds, Redfish from 26-28" thats 7-9 pound fish that kick some butt on light tackle.
Its all per the tides. Get a decent day with good flowing water, light winds and look out!
GO TO: WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM and click RECENT CATCHES to see pics from the last few days. |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 29
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006 - 5:31 am: | |
THEY'RE GOIN NUTZ!!!!!
BIG SPECKLED TROUT.
Did a "kids trip" with a dad and two 8 year olds the other day. And every spot we went too, except for one the lil' anglers caught Trout, and some dandy ones.
Wish I had some pics but they kept me pretty busy.
To see more go to: www.captdaves.com
and click on "MY" Daily reports. This is where the "meat & potatoes photos" are posted daily. |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 28
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 12, 2006 - 12:58 pm: | |
Man, let me tell ya how I looked forward to today. I had my California Connection's in town. Rick & Kathy W.
These are regulars of mine. And when I know they are coming to Florida all the way from California, I REALLY look forward to seeing them. WHY, you maybe asking yourself?? Because, I've masterfully taught Rick & Kathy to Float-rig fish, over the years. So they know the deal....and in turn they have earned thier wings, I guess you could say. And are now full blown Float Freaks!!!!!!!
But today, they earned "Senior Float Freak" status.
It was chilly still at 11:30am when we left the dock, the wind was howling along from the NW at 15 knots with an occational gust of 20 knots. Things looked sketchy. But of course in my NEW 26 foot Plate Alloy boat, nothing short of a tornado was gonna stop us from "wacking some fatties".
First drift, first spot.........TROUT.
2nd Drift, Bluefish
3rd drift, nice keeper Black Drum.
I adjusted the anchor position slightly......then Rick bangs a big beautiful 4-pound Trout off a submerged shell bar. WAY TO GO!!!!!!More Trout, and more Trout......then the action slowed. So we moved on.
Next spot, I eased in. But noticed folks in a small boat heading to our same destination....."please move along" I was thinking. I didn't want anyone around us as we slipped in to the area. (I would have anchored there none-the-less, but as what happened, I was glad there was no one around).
So I anchored up. And on her 2nd Drift of her Float, Kathy got SLAMMED! Her float went down, and the reel drag screamed, and she was into a huge fish, that ran away, then ran shallow and then tried to go for the bank, then I saw it. Then, I netted Kathy's 6 pound Speckled Trout. My god, and I thought Ricks 4 pounder right off the bat was something.
Now we have a 25 inch big fat beautiful fall Trout, to add to our rich tally already. Then, as I was grabbing the camera, Rick set the hook and had another big fish on......ANOTHER big Trout.
What a photo I took. This is gonna be hopefully Magazine quality!
So we stayed there and caught more Trout, and were releasing 16-18 inchers one after another.
W-O-W!!!!!!!!
Then the action slowed, so I pulled up anchor and we went to a spot that has been relatively slow lately, but that was days ago. And ya know how it is this time of year. Things change from day to day.
So we softly eased up river, we got there and the tide wasn't right, but I've "pushed" this spot before and have come up successful, before so why not?
Well, they weren't there!! But that's okay. We moved 100 feet and I found them.
On Rick's second drift, right where I said his float would go down, it did! And from that point on Rick and Kathy commenced to catching 15-21 inch trout.
It sure is good thinking out of the box somethimes, because we just caught a bunch of real nice trout right next to where two guys were just anchored, and they left. But the problem was they didn't know the terrain, like I do. And were anchored in current too strong for these Trout.
I love being a Master Of My Domain! I may not fish at all when I have customers on the boat, and don't really want too, because I'm always thinking six moves ahead, as if this was a life size chess match. My challenges come from where I want the boat to be, what's the wind doing, whats the current telling me. Beleive me, I maybe telling stories and coaching you, but my eyes are are paying attention to the smallest of details.
We had Trout from 3-6 pounds now in the box, and released well over a 3 person limit (5 trout per person 15-20 inches with one allowed over 20 inches).
So it was time to hit a low tide spot for a Redfish, and hopefully more than one. But that's all we got, one 19 incher on a shell bar, and a bunch more Trout, and some Bluefish, and as the tide became very low, and alot of pinfish.
We finished up all the shrimp, 8+ dozen. And now it was almost dark.
What a great day it was. And by the late afternoon the wind went completely away. So tomarrow we're going to do it again, but maybe with some bottom fishing too....Because I'd like to see Kathy hooked up to a giant Blacktip Shark, or a giant Redfish. So we'll probably hit the jetties.
But if all else fails, these Float Freaks will quickly switch back to what they know always catches them. Because, they're good at it.
_________________
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
904-642-9546
www.captdaves.com
e-mail: charter@captdaves.com |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 13
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 05, 2006 - 4:17 pm: | |
This has been a strange fall. As I write this, there are still large shrimp far up the river and plenty of finger mullet in the creeks. The bull reds are still in the river and haven't moved in any numbers to the sand flats outside the jetties. Somebody caught a snook by Blount Island. Mangrove snapper are becoming a common catch. Maybe the full moon in November and the strong nor'easter cranking up right now will get things moving. Don't get me wrong, the fishing is good, just running behind schedule.
If you want a bull red, try half a blue crab fished deep along the edges of the river channel. Use 30-40lb class tackle to subdue the fish quickly for a healthy release. There are also schools of slot reds both at the jetties and in the ICW creeks.
The flounder bite has been good one day, and not so good the next. Dedicated flounder fishermen are waiting for the big push of finger mullet from the creeks. Work the docks and rocks in the river and inlet with finger mullet, mud minnows, and soft artificials for these fine tasting fish.
The sheephead fishermen are growing in number along the jetty rocks as the water temperatures fall. Right now the temps are ranging from 65-70 degrees, and some decent catches are being reported.
The speckled trout bite is picking up in the river and ICW and its creeks. Try sliding float rigs with live shrimp, DOA shrimp, and topwater plugs. The plugs will work best on higher tides, early and late, and on overcast days.
Some decent catches of black drum are being made along the jetties on crab and shrimp baits. The deeper holes in the creeks and ICW can also be productive.
When the mullet are running in the surf, the redfish will be there too, along with flounder, bluefish, and larger trout.One day a couple of weeks ago, some friends and I caught nine oversized and slot reds in the surf on mullet and Storm wildeye shad lures.
Fair winds and good fishing!
CAPT Bob Cosby
--
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com
 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 27
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 01, 2006 - 7:01 am: | |
Revised: 10/26/06
I'M ONE HAPPY CAPPY!
Took delivery of my brand new 26' Black Lab Marine, Plate Alloy boat on October 19th. EXACTLY, 3 months from when I went to Yarmouth, Maine to see Jay Perrotta, President of Black Lab Marine to order the boat. Custom designed to my specification....."simple, but versatile", that's the way I wanted it. It's BIG and it's BAD!
Since taking delivery I've spent a few days fishing and cruising solo, so to get used to it. And that HONDA 225 is fantastic. The question is; "What's not to like about a quiet outboard?".
The boat, aptly named CAPTDAVES.COM is like no other boat I've ever had the pleasure of owning. Roomy, solid as a rock, nimble, fast and has all the commercial quality appeal I was looking for while fishing for a living, as a sole purpose. And has comforts that many river/inshore charter boats do not normally have. And as I've mentioned on this NEWS PAGE before, "this boat is TUFF". I told Jay on the telephone the other day, "this boat gives you some serious confidence. Go ahead drive right into that huge tug boat wake, it can take it, cause ya ain't gonna break it!"
I hope you make the decision to join me on a fishing adventure, soon. And you enjoy the security, safety and comfort that my 26' Black Lab Plate Alloy boat was designed for.
YOU WANT COMFORT...and don't want to fish inshore on a surf board with an outboard motor?
Then you found the one to call.
I'm presently getting some name graphics done for the sides, and then it will be pictured proudly on my home page when all finished.
P.S. And if you're interested in an a all welded Black Lab plate alloy boat for yourself, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail or call for a test ride. That's why I'm here, because you do not have to go to Maine to see what one is like. Or visit: www.blacklabmarine.com
Visit my news page for photos:
http://www.captdaves.com/news.htm
-Capt Dave
CAPTDAVES.COM
904-642-9546 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 26
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 01, 2006 - 6:48 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters to Amelia Island Florida. Updated: 10/31/06
A new Era afloat
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters to Amelia Island Florida. Updated: 10/31/06
I took delivery of my new 26' Plate Alloy (5086 marine aluminum) customized charter boat October 19th. And I cannot explain how happy I am. It's absolutely wonderful. More fishing room, a wide open spacious fishing deck, and loads of comfort. All in a life-time hull with Honda power efficiency.
The first charter I had on it was with two really nice guys Tony and his son Mike. Although, the weather could have been a lot better, (it was a SCA- small craft advisory all afternoon which made things tough.) Tony and Mike were very impressed, which made me happy. And I could just tell that the boat is going to really work out. Plus, the first spot and first drift of Mike's float that morning caught the largest trout of the day, a nice 21 incher.
The water temps are finally getting down to where I like them this time of year, in the 70's. I could not wait to get out of those 80 degree water temps......"I needed a change, badly". Remember me saying a few reports ago how the best time of year I think, is when you have to wear a sweatshirt in the morning??? Well, we've had a few mornings where I was adorned in full winter fleece! But that's okay, I'm admittedly a real sissy-boy when the thermometer drops below 55 degree's. And what's funny is, I really look forward to it.
You know we, always in pusuit of the largest Speckley fish (Speckled trout) I can find. So I went out yesterday on a solo R&D trip to the extreme north of my usual stomping grounds. No sooner I arrived there and it was low tide and slacking fast. Bait was everywhere. I mean more 2-3" finger mullet than I've ever seen in the St. Johns River. ( I guess the baitfish don't like boat traffic either) So I quickly drove my boat up on to a oyster shelled bank, (because I can) and got out the cast-net. One throw and I had all the 2-3" mullet snacks for the live well I needed and a hand full of native shrimp. I just stayed parked up on the bank and pitched a jig out with a mullet, and then grabbed my own version of a poppin'- rattlin cork and put on a shrimp, and sent that outside a creek mouth I was in front of.
No sooner than I got both baits out I had a Trout on the Poppin-rattlin cork and a Trout on the finger mullet at the same time. I quickly baited again, and on the jig and mullet had a 4 pound Flounder coming to the boat next. All as I was talking on the phone, pining it between my shoulder and ear, my rod in one hand and the net in the other, while disusing a trip with a caller. Now that's "multi-tasking". And always good for business.
But, the bite quickly slowed as the tide started to flood in on me. That's one thing I have noticed lately, that the incoming tide has me working feverishly looking for the next good bite of Trout. According to my schedule book it looks like almost every single charter I have pre-booked for November has an incoming tide in the morning. So don't count on leaving the dock at the crack of dawn. I'll plan your trip to be during the best part of the tide.
Later during the day on my R&D trip, I moved around and caught a lot of Trout, one Redfish, and three more smaller Flounder. And during that incoming tide I was The King of the 14" Trout. But just before I was ready to head home the tide started to fall, so I stayed with it for a few more minutes and low and behold, I caught a 4 & 5 pound Flounder and a 21" Speckled Trout, and 4-16 incher's, as the tide fell. SO YOU TELL ME, COINCIDENCE OR NOT? I SAY,NOT! FISHING THE FALLING TIDE RIGHT NOW IS WHERE IT'S AT.
Tides are important. That's why I persist that planning your day is important.
A LOOK AHEAD
As we go into November, "diversity" should be the name of the game. Although, I think many of my fellow guides will agree, everything so far this year is a bit behind schedule, due to lack of rain or storms. Not all years are the same. And that's what keeps some fishing guides constantly on their toes. That's why I do R&D trips, when I have a chance...."or a brand new boat to break-in" .
I'm expecting to start seeing the Trout push closer towards the inlet. As they do during the winter months. And again, it all has to do with F-O-O-D. We're way behind in rain fall, and fresh water is what pushes the shrimp out of the river. The Sheepshead will really fire off, better catches are coming from the 'head-hunters already. But many have complained about all the bait stealers along the jetties.
Years ago, I came up with a constant temperature of 72 degrees and below, along the jetties is when all those bait stealers still hanging around from summer time either seek warmer water else where or just plain die off. Which is one reason you can get bit by big Trout along the jetties in the winter. There isn't a thousand other mouths competing for your live shrimp. One thing Trout do not seem to do is play well with other fish.
There's those days when big Redfish (up to approx. 32") on the last of the high tide are cruising up in the jetty rocks. Then, as the tide slows the Sheepshead are all over your live shrimp. Toss in some Flounder bites, and ferocious schools of Yellowmouth Trout, and you've had one hell of a day along the inlet's giant granite boulders.
Still for sale......and with each passing month someone is missing out. Two years were left as of August of Yamaha extended service warranty on the 2003 Yamaha 200 HPDI, and now it has 21 months of warrenty left. My 23' MayCraft is fully rigged and ready to go. Plus, the addition of a brand new Continental tandem axle aluminum I -beam trailer. I mean, so new it's never seen saltwater! Turn the key go fishing, 18K.
Check my NEWS page on my web site for updates on new things going on, and to really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum at: http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing www.captdaves.com e-mail: charter@captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
 |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 12
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 - 6:46 pm: | |
Florida Fishing Report for:
Jacksonville Inshore and Nearshore Waters from Fernandina to Saint Augustine
Updated: October 08, 2006.
We are in a transition period now between summer and fall, and a northeaster is blowing as I write this. The water temperatures are starting to drop a little and were 77 to 79 degrees yesterday.
The bull reds are staging way up the St Johns River near Dames Point and Blount Island. Normally, they would be out on the sand flats north and south of the jetty tips by this time. The consensus is that our lack of rain thus far has something to do with it. They can still be caught using blue crab baits fished along the channel roll down. Slot size fish are in the creeks and surf following the mullet run. A couple of weeks ago some friends and I caught nine in the surf on live mullet and Storm wild eye shad lures. The high spring tides associated with our current full moon also provide opportunities to catch tailing reds and sheephead on the grass flats.
Finger and corn cob size mullet are streaming out of area inlets with tarpon, sharks, bluefish, jacks, flounder and redfish hot on thier heels. There are also some nice speckled trout shadowing the mullet. This is probably the last good chance to catch a tarpon as they will be moving south with the mullet and pogies and falling water temperatures. The flounder fishing is only going to get better as the temperatures drop and the mullet run continues.
There are also some good size spanish mackerel around the jetty tips. Troll or cast for them with small spoons, diving plugs, or shiny flies.
Good fishing!
CAPT Bob -- Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc. http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com
 |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 11
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 07, 2006 - 9:07 am: | |
September inshore/nearshore fishing report for Jacksonville and St. Augustine area waters
I have to apologize for not posting a report in August, however, I was in Nova Scotia, Canada, fly fishing for Atlantic salmon most of the month and didn't have first hand knowledge of the fishing scene here. Since my return, I have been concentrating on tarpon along our coast.
This time of year the tarpon are thick in our waters from Fernandina to Matanzas Inlet. One day last week we probably saw several hundred tarpon crashing large pogie pods off the beach. Another day they were feeding on a mullet run caused by the passing of "Ernesto". This is close quarters, exciting fishing with fish averaging 80 to 100lbs, with some well over that. One morning I caught and released three and jumped two others before 10:00 AM. Another day my customers jumped ten tarpon, catching two, and fighting a third large fish for an hour and a half before breaking the line. Other days the bait pods disappear and the fishing technique changes to the time tested "chum line"drifting using shrimp boat bycatch or pogies. These fish pull hard, put on a great show, and test both the angler and his tackle.
Sharing the spotlight with the tarpon, are the "bull" redfish.They are entering the area inlets and rivers and moving along the coasts gorging as they go in anticipation of the fall spawn. Good baits include pogies, blue crabs, mullet, cut ladyfish, croakers, etc. Use heavy enough tackle to subdue the fish quickly for a healthy release.
Speckled trout should be taking top water lures in Mill Cove, Guano Lake, and the ICW. This is also a prime time to target flounder around jetty rocks, docks, and other structure in the rivers. Finger mullet, small pogies, mud minnows, and artificials will all produce. I like the lower halves of the tide for flounder. There will also be opportunities this month to fish high "spring" tides for redfish in the grass.
Good fishing!
CAPT Bob
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 25
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 12:09 pm: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters to Amelia Island Florida. Updated: 8/30/06
SEPTEMBER...the start of change
Yes, September. When all the kids are back in school, it's the peak of hurricane season, and the inshore fishing in N.E. Florida slides slowly out of the summer doldrums. After many years of doing this now, I certainly have decided on my favorite season. As I said in last months report, I just love the sweatshirt and shorts weather. And although September isn't it yet, and either is most of October, some years. At least it's getting closer.
I've had many days in the last weeks of August that are good signs of what's to come..... (big brood stock Redfish up to 50 pounds). Almost everyday that weather permitted, I took my folks on a quick bait hunt, and then strategically anchored outside the Mayport inlets jetty rocks. (on my favorite spot) even chummed a little if I caught enough bait, and pitched either cut or live Pogies (menhaden) out on the edge of the submerged jetty rocks. And we've been catching some dandy Redfish up to 15 pounds. But these aren't even the big ones yet. It turned out to be kind of good though, because I've had many young anglers that didn't need any larger of a fish.
Ernesto the hurricane/tropical storm is heading north right now as I write this report. And I hope we actually get a lot of rain. But probably not enough.
Because these are the kinds of factors that will help local fishing. Not only am I excited about the big Redfish in Sept. & Oct. but I'm also excited about getting back into more and more Speckled Trout.
I went or a R&D trip yesterday, (that's Research and Development) and did the best I have all summer long, fishing my normal stomping grounds. I fished with the Float-rig and live shrimp, and had 18-20 Trout, and easily had my 5 keeper sized fish, from 16" to 21". I was successful on 2 out of the 4 area's I tried. The word was that there is a lot of river shrimp in this area. Friends have been catching enough for bait off their docks. So if we get a huge push of fresh water, these same shrimp will flush out, and the Trout fishing will go wild.
It did last year, that's for sure. With storm after storm, we had no problems with drought in all of 2005. And it turned out to be a year to remember for me, as a dedicated Speckled Trout angler. And I distinctly remember, when we had a huge push of fresh water from all the rain in September the Trout were stacked up right at my back door, making them so easy to catch.
Each year is different from the next. But one thing is for sure, you can't go wrong during September and October, barring any weather related events. Plus, I'm on the edge of my seat, because my new boat should be arriving the first week or so of October. And there's nothing like a new romance. So if your planning a visit to Jacksonville, Amelia Island or surrounding areas. Now is the time to secure yourself a date with Mr. & Mrs. Redfish and their friends the Trout family.
I'll have them tracked down for ya',
Check my NEWS page on my web site for updates on new things going on, and to really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum at: http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
Email Capt. Dave
Season Calendar of some of the more popular N.E. Florida inshore species:
Species Top months
Speckled Sea Trout October- May
Weakfish Jan, - April
Redfish (Big Reds!) April - May & Sept - Oct
Sheepshead Dec. - April
Flounder Mar.- June & Oct.-Jan.
Bull Whiting April - Jan.
Pompano April - Nov.
Shark July - Oct.
Tarpon July - Oct.
Jack Crevalle June - Oct
Ladyfish June - Oct
Seasonal Variations occur Let's go F-I-S-H-I-N
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 19
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 01, 2006 - 8:32 am: | |
Getting "out of town" during the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish tournament!!!!!!
This report or story is actually off my NEWS page on my web site. And during the Greater Jax Kingfish tournament, I cannot conduct business so I "get out of town" for two day....here's what I did.
Capt. Dave's news page
On 7/19-7/21 Capt. Dave with his dad as a traveling partner went to Blacklab Marine, in Yarmouth Maine, and met with owner Jay Perrotta. Jay is a dealer/representative of Pacific boats for the East coast.
Capt Dave went to order his new charter boat that will be a customized 26' center console "Alloy Plate" Pacific. The boat will be built at the Pacific companies facilities in Washington. But while in Maine, Jay treated Capt. Dave and his dad to some outstanding seafood, and two days of cruising in a Pacific 23' center console hard top, around the unbelievably beautiful coast line between Portland and Yarmouth. Dotted with literally thousands of rocky islands inhabited with summer cottages, and lighthouses. The weather was awesome. 72 degrees, sunny and no wind. It was kind of a mini vacation for Capt Dave, from the Florida heat and to see an area steeped with Maritime tradition and New England lifestyle. Much of the scenery they saw could have been straight out of a New England postcard collection.
When Capt. Dave's new boat arrives, he will be a Pro Rep for BlackLab Marine, providing not only local Jacksonville charters in his Pacific, but also demo rides for prospective and curious people who want to know more about Marine grade aluminum boats by Pacific, from Georgia, North and South Carolina, and all of Florida.
Plate Alloy boats, are not a new concept. And with a bit of research you'll find that fiberglass boats cannot touch a Plate Alloy built boat if you're looking for toughness, strength, speed, sea-worthiness, and fuel economy. Just look at what the US Coast Guard uses! (photos below are of a Gulf Coast customers 23' hard top and some of the awesome Maine Coast scenery) ***Will be updating these photo's with a boat in the building process soon.
Capt Dave's 26' center console boat will be built with a Florida styling in mind, like the one that says V2600. Open console, no top but with the console pushed a bit forward. It's going to be a "ride" like you have never seen before, around here. And will probably be offering "6-6-6 fishing charters"....6 passengers-6 hours-$600
Go to: www.captdaves.com ****click on "NEWS PAGE" to see photo's of boats and the beautiful Maine Coast.
And hope to have you aboard the ALLOY ANGLER this fall.
Recent report:
I've been doing some Speckled Trout fishing, and have found them and big ones where I'd least expect too. Fish from 15" to 24" have been caught at high water on some of my sacred spots.
RECENT PICS ARE AT: www.captdaves.com
But mostly I've been taking a lot of kids (and their parents) to Nassua Sound at the tip of Amelia Island. The ACTION has been phenomenal on bull Whiting. 18 inchers which is pretty dang big for a Whiting have not been hard to find. My largest ever caught was 19" and I caught it in October while surf fishing in the evening in south Ponte Vedra Beach, about 15 years ago. Vacationers have had some really good trips with me up in the sound.
There's almost nothing you cannot catch within it's boundries. Blues, Jacks, Shark, Tarpon, Spadefish, Ladyfish, Flounder, Trout, and Pompano are just some of the species we catch in the area. But Redfish have been hard to get.
If I get the right couple of folks I really want to do some Tarpon targeting in the area. I keep seeing them swim by the boat as we move about. So they are there. But lately 5-11 yr. old's are not really the kind of anglers that need to do a Tarpon spacific charter.
This summer so far has been a very dry one. We still need some Rain! Big Time Rain. Not just these 10 minute showers along the coast.
Have done some Chum fishing trips lately too. In the Pogie Pods. And have had no Tarpon, but caught mostly Sharks and got 2 Cobia to 30 pounds, when I went out with a friend.
The heat of the day is intense, so I leave at 6:30am and we're back at 1pm, before the sea breeze or thunderstorms. So don't worry about standing out in the heat of the day all day long. I do this from May till the end of Oct. mostly. Then as fall enters go back to fishing spacific tide times.
It's gonna be pure agony waiting on my new boat to get finished and be delivered, plus I'm selling my present boat. It can also be seen on my RECENT CATCH PAGES, on Catch page 8.
If your looking for Daily Reports in Jax I also have them on my forum. Just click on: DAILY REPORTS to enter and get the meat and potatoes of whats going on.
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing www.captdaves.com e-mail: charter@captdaves.com 904-642-9546 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 18
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 01, 2006 - 8:15 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters to Amelia Island Florida. Updated: 8/2/06
Summer is more than half over...
The other day I was thinking about Feb. 4th of 2005. You know when that was? It was 2 days before the Super Bowl, held here in J-ville, Florida. For 3 months prior, my phone rang till the battery died almost everyday. And I was receiving at least 10 e-mails a day inquiring about charters.
Yeah, that was supposed to be 'our big time'. Even fishing guides were going to the bank, for all the business we were supposed to get, so said the Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. But I knew better.
No one thought about what this fisherman knew all along......"THE WEATHER". February in Jacksonville is the mother of all months!
Out of probably 400 e-mails, and 1000 hours of phone calls I booked one trip on Feb. 4th with Sal Pepitone Sr. & Jr. from Long Island N.Y., and then later another boat for the same day with his hosts from FedEx. None of those phone calls and emails wanted to commit. For some reason people were apprehensive, and unsure if they really wanted to fish or sleep off their hang-over's instead. Pre-booking a charter for before or after the game was like pulling teeth. Except for Sal & Sal Jr. who were die-hard N.Y. anglers.
I left the dock that morning at 7:00am. The temperature was a balmy 28 degree's, with a howling gale force N.E. wind. And a water temp of 55 degree's. I was clothed in every foul weather, winter attire I owned. But Sal Sr. & Jr. were ready to go. And we caught a whopping 6- small and frozen Speckled Trout that whole day, just 200 yards from where we left because the river was heinously nasty, and the wind chill was burning our faces and the ride was wet.
That's an example of the most extreme. And although summer is more than half way over, it's about this time every year I look forward to a change. I don't mean a change like I just described, but a change temperature wise, and fishing wise.
People ask me almost every trip, doesn't matter what month it is. "What's the best time of year to fish here", as if they think this day isn't good enough for them.
And I always say, "my favorite time of year is November through Mothers day." I usually get a confused look from them. Because they do not know about our 3-seasons here in N.E. Florida. Which is; TOO HOT, VERY COMFORTABLE & TOO COLD. They just think Florida is always HOT. I also respond, "I like a sweatshirt with shorts, weather".
And just about every August, I can't wait for "Sweatshirts and shorts weather". To me it means, better fishing. But let me define the word "better", as I see it.
Changing climate - transitions - cooler water temps - bait migration - more Trout - better jetty fishing - less busy weekends - no fishing tournaments. (the arrival of my new boat, this year.)
But, just around the corner comes something more consistent. The Big spawning Redfish, in the river and at the inlets.
And in about one more month, this will be one of our target species along with Speckled Trout fishing. September is one of those transition times. And the big Redfish spawn marks the beginning of Fall. We might not be in sweatshirts, during the early morning run to the spot just yet, but it's around the corner. And I can't wait. Summer is long, and right about now I'm longing for a change.
With the building of my new boat, will come a feeling of rejuvenation, also. "A new romance" ya' might say. And it's been in the planning stages for over two years. So, this ought to be one hell of a fall season for me!
I hope you'll plan on visiting me in Jacksonville. So we can pursue a whopper and some Specks, together.
Check my NEWS page on my web site for updates and photos of my new ride if you're interested in learning more about Plate Alloy boats from Pacific and Blacklab Marine.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
MORE INFO FROM CAPT DAVE
To really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum: http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials. Or just click on: "DAILY REPORTS" on my Web Site.
HOW TO GET IT?
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 15
Registered: 7-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 2:19 pm: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 7/6/06 Revised on:
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Over the years, I have really changed my tune about many aspects of fishing here in N.E. Florida. Years and years ago I was a die hard offshore trolling and bottom fishing guy. Surrounding myself with some of the best people and learned all I could by doing.
Then as time went on I found how hard it is to make a living doing just offshore fishing charters here in the Jacksonville area, so naturally you have to be come very flexible. One day I'd be taking 4 people out 20 miles, and the next we'd be fishing in the river. I also became very flexible with my boats too. I had my 23' offshore type center console, then I bought a 17' flat bottomed skiff for shallow water fishing. Not long after I also ran a 22' bay boat for a local dealership, as a demo and also took charter customers fishing with it.
I got to the point where I referred to my 3 boats as "my 3 wives". Jumping from one to the other for different trips. Maintaining them and keeping all three 'happy' became a full-time job.......(hence the 3 wives concept).
I now use an ole saying, (but tweaked a little) to describe what I believe makes for a good and sane Fishing guide, here in N.E. Florida waters. "Jack of all trades, but master of one" is my motto.
It's hard enough in this area of Florida to keep up with what's going on in your area of expertise, let alone trying to do it all and be really good at teaching others while being successful ever day.
Folks ask me all the time, "what should I do to learn how to catch fish here?" And I immediately attempt to describe the meaning of my personal motto.
#1 - pick an area of the river, that you can access easily with frequency.
#2 - fish only that area.
#3 - fish that area during all seasons.
#4 - get to know every conceivable fishing situation; IE: tide, bait, weather, tactic, every nook and cranny.
#5 - move on to another area only when you have it mastered.
Now, this process could take 20 years. And of course you'll venture out of your target area from time to time. But when the going gets tough you'll find yourself going back to where you call home, or back to a type of fishing that you are most comfortable with.
Familiarity breeds success. And now you'll experience the same things I and many other fishing guides do.
On my web pages www.captdaves.com you'll see what I love to do, and where I do it, best.
We're still basically in a drought condition here along the upper reaches of the St. Johns River. It's time for local live shrimp, but they are sparatic. And so is any live shrimp in general.
Some very good fishing has been way up river towards the Orange Park area, near the Buchman bridge. During drought conditions this area becomes sort of the demarcation line of where the saltier ocean water finally meets the fresher water of the St. Johns. Catches of Striped Bass, Speckled Trout, Flounder and others have been good from right under the massive pilings of this over 3 mile bridge that spans the river.
Locally in the Mayport area (my home turf) the river fishing is best when we have stronger tides. I've done best on days with a 4+ foot tide, which relates to the amount of current that we will get along the river banks. But still things can be tough because of the salinity levels. I want to depart very early and be done by 1pm each day. The heat of the afternoon, is the slowest part of the day for me.
Nassau Sound has been giving up a literal grab-bag of species. And makes for a really fun day. Big Whiting and lots of them, along with Jacks, Ladyfish, Bluefish, coastal shark species, and the illusive Pompano. If ya' just want to pull on fish all day, this is the place to go.
Chum fishing near the Pogie pods has been a morning kind of trip also. This has been taking place just north of the Mayport Jetties. The pods of bait have been there in acre size schools for weeks now. Chum fishing means a lot of sharks, which are fun and strong. Ranging from 30 pounds to 100. Tarpon are there too, but of course have been illusive. They'll roll by from time to time. But I haven't heard of many hook-up's. Giant Jack Cravalles in the 20-30 pound range also frequent the massive pods of bait, these are really a crowd pleaser. Then there's the Cobia. I had a 2 yesterday one small one and a 30 pounder. And just had a friend call me just now that boxed a 30 pounder also. So the Cob's are still out there and are the big meat fish.
Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder can be found thru-out the summer in the river, but the fishing is much better when you reserve a day that has strong tides, so please consult with me about the tides before reserving a trip.
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To really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
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Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 10
Registered: 11-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 04, 2006 - 5:38 pm: | |
July inshore and near-shore fishing report for Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine area waters
Summer seems to be flying by as I write this on the 4th of July. Where did June go? The fishing continues to be good. The king mackerel are on the beach and reefs, though anglers are having difficulties getting "whole" fish to the boat because of the hungry barracudas, which seem to be everywhere.
Tarpon are being caught occasionally, both at the jetties and chumming the near-shore waters of Nassau Sound, the "Redtops", and the "Desert". I look for their numbers to only increase in the future as the water warms even more.
Cobia are still being caught around pogie pods and over reefs. Redfish have been biting consistently along the jetties. Most of these fish are slightly oversize with a few slot fish mixed in. For example, one of my charters last week caught twelve redfish with eleven being oversize. They are in the creeks and ICW also, but you had better fish early before the water gets too hot and the boat traffic picks up. The evenings can also be productive.
Flounder are biting well in their usual haunts which include around docks and rocks and other ambush points. I like the last of the ebb tide and first of the flood for the flatties. Finger mullet , mud minnows, and plastic or "gulp"type baits all are effective.
Speckled trout are hitting top-water baits and DOA shrimp fished under a clacker float or Cajun thunder or free lined with the current. This is also an early and late game for best results.They like low light conditions. Live shrimp are a hit and miss thing at local bait shops, so you always need a contingency plan when you head out.
Some large jacks are being caught along the beaches near the pogie pods. Black tip sharks are also feasting on the pogies and shrimp boat bycatch. These high flying sharks are like the mako's smaller cousin and give a similar fight. It's usually safest to just cut the leader at boat side with these fish.
Good fishing!
CAPT Bob Cosby -- Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc. http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com  |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 9
Registered: 11-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 2:46 pm: | |
Conditions continue to change in our local waters. The ocean water is now about 77-79 degrees. We have had a long dry spell and the salt water has moved far up the St Johns River. The trout and reds have now disbursed 20 to 30 miles up the river and can be caught in the Mandarin, Switzerland, and Green Cove Springs areas on the flats and around docks. Also, the creeks have warmed up considerably. Yesterday, the creek I was in was 90 degrees. Try early and late in the creeks for best results.
We had a good run of flounder moving from their wintering grounds offshore to their bait rich inshore summer haunts over the past few weeks with some banner days being had at the Mayport jetties, St Augustine Jetties, and the rocks at Nassau Sound. These flounder averaged 2-4lbs with some reports of 10lb doormats also being caught. Try a jig and finger mullet or mud minnow, or rig them on a fish finder for best results.
While fishing for flounder, we have had substantial incidental catches of speckled trout, redfish, jacks and ladyfish. Last week two of my charters even pulled up octopii out of the rocks! The spanish mackerel were thick a couple of weeks ago, however, the big schools seem to have moved on north.
There are some schools of slot and oversize reds feeding around the jetties when you can find them. When you do find them, double and even triple hook-ups are not uncommon. One of my inland customers hooked into what he thought was a nice red only to be surprized by a tarpon in the 20lb class tail walking behind the boat. With considerable luck, he landed this fish and got the coveted photo for back home bragging rights.
The king mackerel tournaments have begun, and the slow trollers are a daily sight along our beaches. Several kings have already been caught off the Jacksonville Beach pier. Surf fishing has been slow for me lately, but I keep trying.
See you on the water!
CAPT Bob
-- Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc. http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 14
Registered: 7-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 2:30 pm: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 5/28/06
The Three Dimensional River
In my early days of fishing the river, I never noticed even half of what I do today, about the river's three dimensional aspects.
The secrets become unraveled with more and more time spent on the water. As any good fishing guide will tell you, "I still learn something new everyday."
My last report was about, May's trophy sized Speckled Trout. And I want to apologize, because May was not all about trophy sized Speckled Trout as I had hoped it would be. I was basing my report on last year and how good the trout were biting and how big they were during this past March and April.
But as of May 4th. For me all that changed. I went from absolutely being in trout heaven, too many days struggling to find those same fish that kept us so busy 2 months ago.
But, the river is vast and it's dimensions can shift in a matter of days. Nothing stays the same for long. The river is a huge organism, it lives, it breaths and it's inhabitants no way more about it than we will ever know. But as a full time fishing guide it's my job to stay on top of what's going on, and I take it very serious.
I don't like to accept the fact the "oh well they just aren't biting today." So since May first, I've been trying my best to track the Trout and figure out why they are not in the same areas they were this time last year. And I think at least, it's all about the salinity level of the St. Johns River.
Last May, I found the big Trout bottle necked into an area of the river were the water was 4-12 'parts per thousand' of salinity on my tester that ranges from zero salt water to 40 'parts per thousand'. So as you can see, 4-12 parts is pretty low. Yes, I even tasted it from time to time last year, to see if I could even taste any salt in the water, and I couldn't.
This year, in that same area of the river the salinity is a whopping 32-36 PPT out of a range from 0-40. So what did I do in May? I ran further south, (up river as we call it) and went hunting for "sweeter" water. I got as far as past down town Jacksonville, beyond the big city sky line and still found 32-36 PPT on the last of the falling tide.
On May 6th, Mark Gambone from Pittsburg caught this 5 pound Speckled Trout. (SEE PHOTO)
So just why am I hunting "sweeter" water in the St. Johns River?? Because that's where the Speckled Trout should be in masses. I believe that they are looking for X number of parts of fresh water and X number parts of saltwater, to spawn in. Just like last year, in May.
I never found any water that was 4-12 'parts per thousand of salinity'. It doesn't exist. At least not any where I can go to in a 6 hour charter fishing day, in the St. Johns River. Even so, I have not given up in trying to duplicate last years phenomenal success on those big Specks. I'm still hunting. But have realized, this year will not be like last year. Not right now, at least.
Nonetheless, my customers and I have had good days and some not so productive days. We've still managed to pull our fair share of big Trout from the salty pure ocean water of the St. Johns, in May.
But there's always looking forward, to the next event that can change the salinity in the river.
AND THAT'S GETTING A LOT OF RAIN!
The state for the most part is in a drought. No one is getting "too much rain". And here along the northern reaches of the St. Johns River, where we depend on flow from the south, because the river supposively flows from south to north. The St. Johns only has flow, when there's "run-off" from rain in it's southern region. If lets say the Orlando area is in a drought, none of the fresh water makes it to the Jacksonville area via the river. So the ocean water that enters between the jetties in Mayport encroaches southward with each strong incoming tide. Thus we have high salinity in the river all the way to south of downtown Jacksonville and beyond.
It's always been a word that Floridians hate to hear. But a Hurricane, or at least a tropical storm, will very quickly remedy the salinity problem in the river. But that's okay. I'm not in that kind of a hurry to find "sweeter water". At least not Hurricane hurry!
If I remember correctly, the same situation we are in right now happened back in 1999. Lack of rain made the river the same way it is now, and forest fires engulfed the state, from the dryness of the vegetation.
So last months report should have read....."March sure was the month to catch huge amounts of big Specks".
But remember, the big St. Johns River we fish is just a small part of a huge ecosystem, that's alive and it changes from month to month. And you can bet, like a detective I'm always out there hunting for clues and trying to figure out the secret lives of it's inhabitants, so you can catch'em. But I figure everyone who reads this report can benefit a little from what I have learned through the years. Because I don't really read or hear many fisherman talking about the same subject. Which leads me to believe, they just do not realize how three dimensional our fascinating river really is.
-------------------------------------------------
To really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials. I take great pride in the fact that I have many that view the forum on a daily basis. I'm somewhat surprised when I do a new report, then come back two hours later and see that 20 people just read the report I just wrote.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST
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Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 7:00 pm: | |
May fishing report Jacksonville area waters
The fishing has really picked up recently with the warmer water temperatures and arrival of migratory fish and bait. For example, I quickly caught a limit of spanish mackerel last week at the mouth of the river after dropping off a charter. Yesterday we caught 18 large ladyfish on artificials and 15 slot and oversize reds on small pogies. A couple of days ago we got into some good size jacks crashing bait in the river.
There are reports of cobia and rays on the beach, though I haven't seen any yet. Some of the largest pogies I have ever seen are in our area.They are the size of shad and would be too large to use as bait except for large kingfish.
Both the reds and gator trout are hitting topwater lures. A friend witnessed the capture and release of an 8 lb speckled trout on topwater two days ago. I caught 3 slot size reds on a "skitterwalk" earlier in the week walking the dog over shallow mud flats. The water temperature is ranging from around 69 to 75 degrees now and the fish are more active. There are also fair numbers of flounder in the creeks.
The surf and pier are giving up good catches of whiting, some pompano, and yellowmouth and speckled trout when the water is clear. All in all, the fishing is exciting right now. I would describe it as opportunistic. Be ready to quickly present the proper bait to a wide variety of gamefish which might show themselves.
Good fishing!
CAPT Bob
--
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 13
Registered: 7-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 5:14 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 5/01/06
IF THERE EVER WAS A TIME FOR TROPHIES
It's MAY!
N.E. FLORIDA'S, top Trophy Speckled Trout month. Redfish, too! And just one great time of year, to be a fisherman. Summer weather is here to stay, for a long time. The first signs of migrating Tarpon, always get me stirred up inside. And baitfish of all sizes are everywhere and all the novelty for hungry predators.
May also is when we say "Hello" to all the fish we haven't seen in a while. Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Ladyfish, and those dang stingrays....everyone loves to hate.
This is the time of year, that I'll start working the river's salinity level. Checking it as I work the upper parts of the river, towards down-town. Hunting big Specks, that settle into bait filled areas of the river, that feels just perfect for the spawn. Last year, during this time 30-50 Trout were not uncommon, for the hard working angler.
Dave Forsyth's 5 pound Speck, from out of 30.
Large Redfish. I mean large Redfish, make their presence known for the patient bottom fisherman using large live or cut baits in deep swift parts of the river. Not always as dependable as those spawning Reds in the fall, but just as jumbo.
It took some patience to get this 43 pound Redfish, while fishing 43' of water, in the big St. Johns River.
Last year, in May my customers experienced more big Trout than any other month of the year. This year's anticipation is very high for me, because we've had a lot of big fish so far, and that started in March. So if it gets any better, it'll really be something else.
Light tackle fishing is what I do, 90% of the time. So it's not always about how big the fish ends up being. It's more about what it takes to catch'em, and that's attention to detail. I do not crowd my boat with as many angler's as I can stuff on to it, but rather strive for a quality experience, as we pursue quality fish, for fun and the table.
If you read these reports or my daily reports on my forum with regularity you will have noticed that during the transitional time, (when it's not summer yet but we certainly get glimpses of it ) can be detected in my reports by the noted frustration in my daily reports. Transitional weather has us experiencing days of near perfect weather and fishing, then terrible cold spells, high winds and tough fishing. Although it's just another part of a fisherman's life. I have to say, May, can be "the month that all changes".
One thing, that I have always offered is a discount to anyone reserving more than one days charter fishing. I have regulars that visit Jacksonville, and do so for the fishing. They are the ones who always take advantage of the two day charter pricing. So if your summer vacation brings you to the Jacksonville area in May, this could be your ticket to some great days on the water.
To really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum http://captdaves.8.forumer.com/ here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials. I take great pride in the fact that I have many that view the forum on a daily basis. I'm somewhat surprised when I do a new report, then come back two hours later and see that 20 people just read the report I just wrote.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
Email Capt. Dave
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Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 09, 2006 - 6:22 pm: | |
April Inshore Fishing Report Jacksonville Area Waters
The water is finally warming up and fish are starting to hit top water lures. The last two days in the creeks water temperatures have reached 75 degrees. I caught my first red of the spring on a "skitterwalk" dog walker last week. Lots of baitfish are showing in the creeks at low tides. I even saw some finger mullet at the south jetty a couple of days ago. All this bodes well for the inshore fishing scene.
With these warmer water temps the spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, and ladyfish will be arriving any day. Toward the end of the month the cobia should show up following the migrating manta rays. The big drum are still being caught at area jetties, from the pier, and even from the surf. If you target these breeding fish, be sure to use heavy enough tackle to get them in quickly, preferably for a waterside release. They deserve similar treatment as the bull reds caught in the fall.
Sheepshead are still biting strongly at the jetties on fiddlers, clams, and crab. Smaller drum are occasionally caught there, as are slot and oversize reds using the same baits. Lots of small bluefish are in the area, and can be a nuisance when you are targeting other species such as speckled and yellowmouth trout.
The ICW and creeks north and south of the St. Johns River are giving up slot and rat reds, speckled trout, and flounder. Most of the trout are too small but are fun to catch. Fish the higher tides along the banks and over oyster bars with topwaters for gator trout early and late in the day. Don't be surprised if a red smashes your plug.
Good fishing!
Captain Bob
-- Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc. http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com
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Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 7:38 pm: | |
March is the transition month here in north Florida. The cold fronts are weaker, and the water starts to warm up a bit. The wind, however, can be a challenge.Today, the water temperature in the shallow Palm Valley creeks reached 69 degrees. The speckled trout should start hitting top water lures in the near future.
Also this month the large black drum should arrive. These fish can reach weights of 70 or 80 lbs. Choice baits include blue crab, clams, and shrimp fished in deep holes. Area inlets, Nassau Sound, and the ICW near Pine Island, and Guana River are historical hot spots. Personally , I see no reason to kill these breeding fish. They aren't particularly tasty, and are very old. Take a picture and let them go. We might also see spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle later in the month with warmer weather.
The redfish are in the creeks as well as the ICW. They are still sluggish from the cold water and can be reluctant to bite. Work your lure or bait very slowly. I've had luck recently with dark or black Gulp baits, and lipped diving plugs with internal rattles. I think the rattles make the fish angry, because some of the strikes are vicious!
There are lots of speckled trout in the creeks, but most are too small. Try a glow DOA shrimp fished 3' under a clacker or cajun thunder float in the creeks. Fish the river for larger specks using live shrimp under a sliding float or artificials such as a bite-a-bait or plastic jig. Yellowmouth trout are also plentiful in the deeper water. Sheepshead and ring-tailed porgies can be caught near area jetties.
Whiting have been biting fairly well in the surf, but better offshore in 30 to 40 feet of water. Nassau Sound and the St Augustine Inlet should also be productive for whiting. There are also some blues around. We might get a run of the larger 10 to 15 lb blues this month. If you're lucky, you might find them crashing bait around the ends of area jetties. Don't forget to use a wire leader!
Tight lines!
CAPT Bob
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 12
Registered: 7-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 04, 2006 - 6:11 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 3/03/06
Spring has me......HUSLIN'
Since the last two weeks of February was sort of dead, I sure was looking forward to March. It's the first week of March and if all goes well my month is already made. The reservation book is pretty filled up and so far so good on the weather.
But just because it's March and it feels like spring time now, doesn't mean here in N.E. Florida, we're out of the woods just yet.
I'll give you an example. March 2nd, I had two guys out with me for the day and it started out beautiful at 8am, but around 10am the wind started to blow from the Southwest. I did think much of it till around noon, when the easy breezes turned into full blow 25 kt. gusts. Then by 2pm it felt like a full on gale blowing right down the St. Johns river.
Now everything was a chore, fishing, anchoring, docking, and lastly getting the boat on the trailer, at the end of the day. We caught a lot of fish and worked our way through the face burning wind but by the afternoon it was a dramatic change from what it was when we left the dock.
We have a lot to look forward too. For this river and inlet fisherman, the Speckled Trout will start to absolutely pile up on the clear water incoming tides. Live shrimp to sub surface lures, will take some studs. And those ferocious Yellowmouth Trout (weakfish) will hang around till the water gets too warm and then they head on. Many of them too will push 4-5 pounds as will the Specks.
The Sheepshead and Black Drum spawn. Oh...how fun that can be. Especially, where I fish for them. In shallow water, no more than 7 feet deep, can produce in just one tide, Drum to 60 pounds and many Sheepshead that can go 5-10 pounds, along with some Whiting and maybe a Pompano, thrown in too.
It was just two years ago, when I took some clients to this sacred spot and we had 10 -Sheepshead from 5-7 pounds, a hand full of bull Whiting, and 3- Black Drum that went 21, 40, & 41 pounds, in just a 6 hour trip. Another spring time trip that was just an afternoon 1/2 day yielded, 3- Sheepshead, a handful of Whiting, and 3-Black Drum from 26-28 pounds. Shallow water, BIG BOYS. They are a lot of fun on light tackle. I'll also mention the same guy who caught one of the 40 pounders fished with me again, and he and his guests caught a 90 pound Black Drum and a 10 pound Sheepshead all in the first hour of fishing.
In N.E. Florida and in around the Big St. Johns River, in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and St. Augustine, the key water temperature is 68-72. This is another one of the periods of the year I really love. So much is going on. Bait is starting to show up more, the tiny little Bluefish are everywhere and are a huge pain in the butt, the Pompano are on the beach, and the Big Redfish are cruising the surf, inlets, and rivers. Some people call a 30" Redfish a big one, but during the spring, a 30 pounder is a big one. And many go much larger.
One thing that changes in the charter fishing business, is the way calls come in. Instead of last minute calls for tomorrow, people seem to do more planning, which I like. I know what the deal is in the winter. Since we get sporadic days of beautiful weather, than a few days of dreadful weather, folks have to take advantage of what we have quickly. But that usually changes in the spring time, because the weather gets more predictable, right into summer.
I'm going to add in here a surf fishing report, because I have gone head first straight into full blown addiction mode. Surf fishing is one thing that has kept me sane this winter. Days when going out in the boat even for just the fun of it, would have been disastrous, were easily turned into fun days on the beach. Long casts into the chilly water, wet feet, enjoying the sun even though I'm freezing, and enjoying the thrill of learning all I can, is what I like to call fun.
As of right now, I'm catching just Whiting. It started out that back in December and January many of them were small. But now when we and the buds hit the beach armed with long rods and fast reels the Whiting fishing is for BULLS only. On some of our last trips we have boxed nothing but 14-18 plus inch Whiting. I can't speak for my surf fishing partners, but this guy is gearing up for a Pompano assault, and by April, I'll be geared up for those giant beach roaming Redfish, and by May and June the big Jacks, Sharks and maybe Mr. Tarpon, while standing on the beach, with my toes in the sand!
If you're one to plan ahead. "ya know, make reservation in advance and have me thinking about you, coming". You'll want to start giving my May Speckled Trout fishing trips a thought or two. May is a BIG month for BIG Trout! Last May, was a riot of Gators! On my web sites home page under the photo of my standing in my boat is a collage of photos of some of the Trout my customers caught, last May. From 5 to 7 pounds and all of the sizes in between those. We were catching upwards of 50 fish a 6 hr. trip, sometimes. I always have my regular Trout freaks. But if you'd like to join the GATOR CLUB, now is the time to make those plans. Fun Fishing, and great eating is guaranteed .
If you make reservations in advance, and are staying in a hotel, and if transportation is limited, don't worry. Say, you'd like to fish, but the wife wants to go sight seeing or wants to go to the beach and needs the car. I can provide pickup to and from your hotel, for you. Just make sure you mention, you'd like that service, when making reservations.
If you want up to date daily reports of what my clients are catching, the weather, or a surf fishing report. You can always find daily reports of my adventures on my Reports Forum located on my web site.
Just click on DAILY REPORT, and it'll take you to my forum's home page, then click on "Capt Dave's Daily reports, the good the bad and the ugly ", and then you'll be able to scroll right through months of my daily reports, that I do just for you, so you to be informed. And don't forget to stop by the "recent catch" photos section, to see the smiling faces of past customers trips.
JACKSONVILLE, WHERE FLORIDA BEGINS.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
Email Capt. Dave
 |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 5
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 7:54 am: | |
February fishing report Jacksonville area waters
This is the month of our coldest water temperatures so remember to slow your retrieves of both artificial and live baits down. Also, take full advantage of the thermal heating of our shallow waters by the sun. Because of cold mornings, some of the best fishing may be from midday on. That being said, fish frequenting deeper water such as yellowmouth and speckled trout, drum, jetty reds, bluefish and sheepshead may not be as affected by cold surface water.
This month is closed for speckled trout, however, the yellowmouth trout make a fine substitute, and, in my opinion, put up a better fight than thier speckled cousins, and taste just as good. Additionally, they seem to prefer the colder water. They will willingly hit artificials worked deep, as well as live shrimp fished with a sliding float or on a jighead.
The sheepshead are biting around area jetties and rocks on fiddlers, crab, and live shrimp. Interspersed with them you may pick up a red or black drum every now and then. There have also been some ringtail porgies caught fishing tight to the rocks using small jigs or bream type float rigs with a small hook.
The creeks and ICW are still producing rat and slot size reds, though they are reluctant to bite until they warm up a bit. The low halves of the tide have produced best for me. The cold water makes them "school up" more this time of year. Stealth is important when stalking these shallow water schooling and single reds. Poling beats the trolling motor, and try to avoid any bumping, thumping, or knocking about in the boat.
Many fishermen are targeting the excellent eating whiting that are available in NE Florida. These fish look like a small silver redfish without the spot and with smaller scales. They can be caught in the surf, on ocean piers, and from boats fishing off the beach, or in area inlets and sounds. Fresh bait is essential. I prefer a fresh peeled shrimp threaded on a small circle hook. Use the smallest sinker that will do the job. Recently, when fishing from the beach, a long cast has been more effective.
Good Fishing!
CAPT Bob
-- Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc. www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Bryan Russell (Capt_bryan_russell)
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Username: Capt_bryan_russell
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 10:57 am: | |
Inshore
Well for being the dead of winter, the fishing is still hot! The fish that seems to be everywhere is the seatrout. Every creek mouth in the ditch is stacked with trout. Most are undersized but fun non theless. 30 + fish days are very common with enough keeper fish to make 2-3 man trips very productive.
The bigger trout (both yellowmouth and specks are at the big stones and up in the river from the navy base to Dames point).
Also at the tips of the jetties are the ringtail porgies which are spawning ( and delicious!) small shrimp or pieces of shrimp on a 1/8 oz. jig or a split shot rig cast out at the tips are a recipe for some fast and fun fishing. Also the sheeshead should start picking up as we head into thier spawning time.
Instead of waiting for fishing reports get out and give it a try for yourself!
Head to the stones with live shrimp, dead shrimp, fiddlers and clams. Take a couple of float rigs a medium casting outfit for reds and a light spinning rod for porgies and go have a ball!
'til next time! tight lines and screamin' drags, Capt. Bryan |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 6:29 am: | |
The month of December was extremely windy, wet and cold here in north Florida. The water temperatures are ranging from the lower to mid 50's warming in the afternoons. Despite these conditions, there were still good fish to be caught if you were willing to brave the elements. An ideal situation for the creeks is a low incoming tide in the early afternoon which will create relatively warm water over the dark mud flats. The reds will often cruise these flats seeking comfort as well as food.
The sheepshead bite has been steadily improving at the jetties and in the rivers. Many anglers are targeting these hard fighting, good eating fish. Fiddlers or live shrimp are the bait of choice, fished either on a jighead or with a fishfinder rig. Another fish that isn't phased by the cold is the bluefish, which is available in the surf, around the jetties, and in area inlets. Most of these fish are small, but the occasional 4 to 5lb fish is caught. They will hit most any lure, live baitfish, or cut bait. Don't forget thier teeth when rigging your terminal tackle or extracting your hooks.
Speckled trout and yellowmouth trout are being caught in the rivers, ICW and feeder creeks, as well as area jetties and inlets. Most of the specs are undersize, so release them carefully. The tried and true sliding float rigs are very effective, as well as the DOA "deadly combo", bucktail jigs, jig and shrimp, plastic grubs, and even shrimp imitating flies. You'll also catch a sheepshead or a red every now and then.
Rat reds and slot size fish are in the creeks and ICW. They bite best in the afternoons after the water has warmed up a little. Remember to slow your bait presentations down some due to the colder water. There are still some oversize reds with a few slots mixed in around area jetties.
The surf and piers are giving up whiting, bluefish, and the occasional black drum. Fresh dead shrimp is the best bait for the whiting and drum. Try cut or finger mullet or any cut bait for the blues.
Tight lines and fair winds!
CAPT Bob
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc. www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
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Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 11
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 9:53 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 1/03/06
Looking forward to another great year!.
I sure did have a great start to 2006. I had Brian and Jay Nichter on board the morning of Jan. 1st and they sure did have a ball, and so did I. I went to pick them up and it was cool and clear, but by the time they arrived at the dock the fog had rolled in and was super thick. Just what I didn't want because I was in a real hurry to get on the fish, during that tide stage. But we got to our destination in about 20 minutes and started waxin' them right off the bat.
The big St. Johns river and seas outside the inlet were slick calm, as an eery fog horn blew from a ship approaching the mouth of the inlet. As the fog horn sounded the ship got closer and closer, but we couldn't see it, and I knew it was outside the inlet by maybe 100 feet away. A 500' long container ship probably, and the fog was so thick there wasn't a single foot that could be seen from where we were safely anchored. That's some thick fog!!!!
My guys played "when ya gonna catch one" as Brian, Jays dad started wearing-out the Trout and also caught a 4 pound Sheepshead. But as the day ended, and we boxed a huge pile of beautiful Trout and another Sheepshead, Jay really ended the day with a bang.
I took them to an area reserved for only when I have a 1 or 2 passenger charter. Because, this spot is tough to fish. Ya' have to be on top of your game. And too many lines in the water will spoil the area, to sort of say. I briefed the fella's on the how-to's of fishing this tight area, and gave them a quick demo......without a bait pinned on a float-rig, so I didn't mistakenly catch one. (because I wanted them to catch'em). Then Jay pitched into the spot and let his float drift about two feet and then he got "sand-bagged". A term I use for a Trout eating your shrimp and it doesn't even know yet that it's hooked. Jay reeled tight and came back with a heavy bend in his rod, I grabbed the landing net and peered into the dark tannin stained St. Johns river water and saw a big fat Speck! It was a fatty.
I reached out and slipped the fish into the net and sure enough it was Jay's biggest fish of the day. A 4+pound, 23" Speckled Trout to be proud of. And it couldn't have worked out any better. Then Jays dad Brian slammed dunked another nice one right after. So we ended the day with two big Trout on this one spot, and had a fish box of fish to clean. So we moseyed on back to the dock for ritual picture taking and filleting of the nights meal. They had many hungry mouths to feed that night and I'm sure the taste of the pursuit and challenge, will linger for quite a while.
So what can you look forward to in the next month or so????
Days just like Brian and Jay had!
Yeah, I know. I'm optimistic. Because I love fishing! I'll take the good and the bad. I know the weather in the winter isn't perfect, but that's what makes it challenging. If the fish just jumped into the cooler as you stood there, that wouldn't be much fun for you either, would it. It sure would be funny, that's for sure.
Last month's report was about why this is my favorite time of year. So without repeating myself, it still is.....fishing wise. Yes, not all species of what I'm targeting are easy to get on every trip. And sometimes it's more of one, over another. But variety is still attainable. It's just based on what the weather's doing really, that's all.
If you're not familiar with our local weather, here's a example. Yesterday, Monday 1/2/06, I was surf fishing with a friend. As we stood on the beach catching Whiting, it was 78 degrees, with a south westerly wind. We were both bare footed and sun burnt. Now, as of this weekend they say we here in N.E. Florida especially the "inland areas" could have a hard freeze.....that's several hours of below 32 degrees! I'm glad I live on the coast! I'm writing this report on Weds the 3rd, and it warm and sunny, flip-flop wearin' weather. And it all could change VERY fast. I know, it's really goofy, but that's our winter weather for ya'...
All that aside, the Speckled Trout will continue to chew, and so will the local yellowmouth Trout, along with Sheepshead and Redfish.
REMEMBER, if your a Speck nut like I am get them this month because for the 28 days of February they are closed for harvest. We can still catch them, but we have to release them. Believe me, I'm glad it's only 28 days, too. I do catch some serious whopper Trout in February, but we just make them famous in photos, not during dinner!
Check my "recent catch" pages, and my "daily reports forum" to get up to date info on what's going on. Plus don't forget to check the weather for your charter here on this page, where it says Pilot Dock Weather Station. That's a link that directs you to the current conditions right from where I leave from in Mayport.
Lets go fishin'
JACKSONVILLE, WHERE FLORIDA BEGINS.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
St. Johns River & Inlet; Mayport / Jacksonville, Florida
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
Email Capt. Dave
 |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 10
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 7:10 pm: | |
Ya know, sometimes I just have an intuition about thangs.
And I just could tell by my Florida Sportsman Tide Planner book that TODAY was gonna end the "dinker fest" as far as the Trout went.
Thats why I made that "announcement" post. And said ya'll have choices over this New years holiday.
And ya think I was kidding when I put up a photo with 2 guys and a pile of fish laid out on the dock?
Well, we had a pile just like that today, except no Pompano, and a BIGGER TROUT though!
All week we had hardly any current on some of my favorite spots, and when we did we'd hardly catch anything, except alot of "dinkers".
It's real simple why, and today it was obvious what the difference was compared to 2 days ago and today. It's all about water flow-age.
And I still beat myself up sometimes wondering why?
When I know what it is all along, but second guess myself.
But thats the nature of the beast. And my nature is I want ya'll to wax'em all the time!
Today, was great.
I had Brian and Jay N. out with me. And even though the fog was like a soup sandwich, it made for calm and cool SPANK-AGE!
Right off the bat we were into a few Sheepshead, some Yellermouth trouts, that were ravinous. Then we started to pick off those nice Specks. Tried for a big Red on light tackle, by moving a little, but they just weren't there today. Oh well, back to TROUTZ...
Everything was going as planned, other wise. We had current, and plenty of fish.
By 11am the cooler was starting to look like a full box, and we had just departed at 8am, and weaved our way thru the fog via; Lowrance GPS - map plotter. Good tools make a job EZ, and safe too.
We ended the day by hitting a special spot. I reserve this spot for charters with just two anglers, because its hard to fish. And three rods out is a genuine mess. It's a good end of day spot too, because it's "technical". Ya have to be on the ball, big time. And fish constantly in a state of super awareness, cause if you blink you could get bit, and bit by a BIG TROUT. There's alot going on and being alert and having the float-rig technique under your belt is best.
So as I pulled up I told my guys the whys and hows. Jay made the first drift with his float rig and had I.G. - instantaneous gratification! His float went down and he got jerked by a 4+ pound Speckled Trout BAM...in the boat.
Then dad, hit a good 17-18 incher. What a great end to a great day.
Our Total was:
25 Trout total (yellow mouth Trout and Speckled to 4 pounds plus of each.)
2-Sheepshead 4 pounds each.
released many, many smaller fish.
I wish we broke the 4 pound mark today...but there's always next time.
Pics coming soon, here on the forum and on my "recent catches" pages. I only have about 1 more charter left on my 35mm Camera, and hope to use that up on Tuesday, my next trip. Plus I have to do a new fishing report also, so look for it.
Tomarrow 1/2/06 - surfing again for Whiting......I mean, great eats!
With the moon finally giving us some current, Pelican and I are going south to comb the beach for hopefully a cooler full of tasty treats.
Hey, someone has to fish everyday. Might as well be me!
_________________
Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
"The Float Freak"
904-642-9546
www.captdaves.com
e-mail: charter@captdaves.com  |
Bryan Russell (Capt_bryan_russell)
New member
Username: Capt_bryan_russell
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 7:33 am: | |
Offshore/nearshore
Well, we finally had some decent seas this past week. Whew, its been a long time coming, thats for sure!
The snapper and grouper bite while slower than it was a few weeks ago is still good. Target areas 12-20 miles out. On 12/30 we started in about 55 feet of water, first two spots produced a couple of short snapper, sharks, sharks, sharks, and grunts. Not what we were looking for! We threw all the grunts in a bucket to use later for cut bait, and i'm glad we did and i'll get to that in a minute.....
We made another move out to about 75 feet. As i was running along and watching my bottom machine with my finger on the man overboard button, I saw something and instantly hit MOB and made a quick turn around. We dropped 3 baits to prospect the spot and immediatly started cranking in sea bass. I don't mean your run of the mill fish, But the big greenheads up to 18 inches! we stayed there a couple of hours an put 60 plus NICE fish in the boat. What a fine eatin' mess of fish. We added a 15 lb. grouper and a snapper to the box also. Oh, I almost forgot! the bait of choice for the BIG seabass? Cutbait from all those grunts we saved. We had squid and sardines, but the bigger bass wanted that cut grunt. I'm Glad we saved them! Just goes to show you have to be willing to experiment a little! Tight lines and screamin' drags, Capt. Bryan
Inshore
The trout bitecontinues to be good, although not as good as last week, I expect that will change with the moon this week. Creek mouths in the ICW as well as the tips of the jetties are producinga mix of sea trout, yellowmouth, flounder and redfish. The Sheepshead fishing has been hot and cold. The Ringtail porgies are starting to show up so the fishing at the rocks will continue to improve. When the ringtails show, The sheepshead usually get thicker too. |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 02, 2005 - 7:58 pm: | |
December 2005 Fishing Report Jacksonville area
It looks like fall is in full retreat and winter is upon us! The last time I fished (two days ago) the water temperature was 63 degrees and falling. The Jacksonville jetties are producing good catches of sheepshead and black drum are starting to bite. This bite should only improve in the near future. Some oversized redfish remain at the jetty tips and along the rocks. It seems that a resident population of large reds prefer the jetty environment so much that they hang around throughout the winter even as their chums move offshore. The drum we’ve caught have been in the 8 to 10 lb range and were caught on crab baits. Smaller drum can be caught in deep holes in creeks and the ICW. Some flounder are still being caught around Mayport and St. Augustine docks and rocks. Finger mullet and/or mud minnows are the best bait.
Speckled trout fishing has been very good recently in the river, ICW, and creeks. Lots of them are undersized, however, there are enough keepers to satisfy most fish eaters. As the water cools down, look for the specs to school in deep holes gouged in creek bends. All the normal fishing techniques are producing trout, including sliding float rigs, plastic and bucktail jigs, subsurface lures, and, to a lesser degree, topwater plugs. As the water continues to cool and the metabolism of the fish slows down, topwater lures will be less effective. Yellowmouth trout are also arriving in the area. They actually fight harder than their speckled cousins and seem to prefer the colder water.
The creeks, all the way from Fernandina to St Augustine, are producing both rat reds and slot fish. Artificial lures and flies as well as natural baits are effective. Look for the rats close to oyster bars and the slots cruising the shallows. Lots of finger mullet are still in the area, and the predatory fish are hanging around them. The last half of the ebb tide and the first of the flood are the best times for creek fishing. Don’t forget that most creek mouths are very shallow and can put a damper on your trip if you run aground.
The surf and piers are giving up good catches of whiting, bluefish, and some drum. November produced some exceptional catches of pompano, but these fish will move further south as the water cools.
All things considered, December remains a very good month for inshore fishing in northeast Florida. Remember, be considerate of other fishermen and boaters and release your undersized fish!
Fair winds,
CAPT Bob Cosby
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters, Inc.
http://www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 9
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2005 - 5:15 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 11/27/05
Why I love this time of year.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...."it's my favorite time of year!" Not because I love Turkey, or that my life revolves around shopping for Christmas presents. But more like the fishing is great and the air and water temps are cool. It's just more comfortable now that it is in the summer.
Top months to fish inshore in Jacksonville Florida:
October 1st thru Mothers day.
What can you expect?
Well, we do get a lot of cold fronts moving through the area. But that's a small price to pay for someone like me. Because I FISH THE BIG ST. JOHNS RIVER AREA! And we won't be running for an hour and a half through 4 foot+ seas offshore to go catch us a mess of great tasting fish. "been there done that"
Instead we'll mosey on down the river 400 yards from the dock, and start spankin' some Speckled Trout. Or head a whopping 2.5 miles out to the inlet where the St. Johns dumps into "Lake Atlantic", and fish some of the largest structure you've ever seen coming out of the OCEAN.
Two-mile long piles of granite rocks that hold fish like a magnet, that protect the inlet from the ever moving Ocean sands. Here we'll hunt Sheepshead, Drum, Redbass, Yellowmouth Trout, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sharks, Pompano and Tarpon. Depending on when you book your trip. All on super quality light tackle......for maximum enjoyment.
You'll be surprised to be an "Angler" although you may not even consider yourself a "fisherman" yet, really. You will target, and catch a certain species along with others, using a certain techniques, a certain way. Which is what accomplished "Anglers" do. And spend more time light tackle fishing, with less boat riding.
If your not familiar with N.E. Florida, this is how it works. We have two transitional times of the year. Basically, Thanksgiving and then Easter. Around the end of November the water has cooled off, and most of the warmer water fish have migrated south, leaving our native population of species to be our "primary target species", Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead. Then towards Easter, the water starts to warm up quickly and we start getting migratory species heading North again. Jack Cravalles, Tarpon, Pompano, Ladyfish etc. So depending on what time of year you fish here, different things are happening all the time.
But still, my favorite time of year is between those transitions, Nov. thru May. We have less bothersome species when the water is cooler. Some of the days I have had during this time frame have no rival during the rest of the year. Sure I love catching fish plain and simple. But, nothing is finer than taking people out and putting them on Trout, Reds, and Sheepshead, a mere 5 minute boat ride from where we just left from. All the while we're not sweating to death, it's super comfortable, there's hardly a soul around, and we're in fishin' heaven!
Lately, I've had those kind of days. Limits of fat Specks, throw in a nice Redbass or two, pick up some Flounder, and a few Sheepshead. Everyone catches fish, is challenged, and has a ball.
One trip lately that sticks out in my mind is one of my favorite fishin' gals, Kathy Widner. She was in Florida......again, from her home state of California. Unfortunely, her husband Rick was left at home, but Kathy had daughter Kim along with her on our November 13th charter. We left the dock around the mid-morning and headed straight for the inlet. I jigged up some live Croakers to use as bait and we then anchored up. I took the Croakers cut them in half and tossed them out on my favorite G. Loomis "whoopin' sticks". And it didn't take very long to get what we came for. Kathy reeled in an 8 pound Redbass, that was 26" Long. A real fattie! Then we saw lots activity a little further out, so I moved. Bait was being balled up from below by Bluefish, Spanish Mackeral, and Porpoise's, while the birds dived in from above. A nd I went and parked right along side all the commotion. Pitched out two more Croaker halves, and waited. Again it didn't take long. Kathy and Kim had a "double header" going......
Grunts and groans came from both, ( I liked that cause I knew these were big fish) Kathy's came up first, a 15 pound Redbass. Then, Kim's, a whopping 25 pound Redbass, her biggest fish ever. What a sweet double header, that was!
And the day wasn't even half over yet! We then went and took the float-rigs and live shrimp up in the river, and caught a bunch of Specks, Sheepshead, and Flounder!
And wanna hear the best part? All this was between the dock we left from, and 2.5 miles at the end of the jetty rocks at the mouth of the inlet! No long boat rides. Just maximum fishing time.
Think about it. Good times, diverse popular species, everyone catches fish, great eating, and without breaking a sweat.....unless you're lucky to get into what Kathy and Kim tangled with. And don't count that out, FOR SURE!
***GIFT CERTIFICATES MAKE FOR A MIGHTY FINE CHRISTMAS PRESENT.
***GIVE AN ALL EXPENSES PAID CHARTER, THAT YOU'LL MOST LIKELY BE INVITED ON !
JACKSONVILLE, WHERE FLORIDA BEGINS.
*Watch my "daily" reports pages, and "recent catch" photos for action like this. *
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
St. Johns River & Inlet; Mayport / Jacksonville, Florida
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 18, 2005 - 7:14 pm: | |
Nov. 17th Jacksonville Near-shore/river report
Dispite my utter hate for November full moon tides, I was very busy here during the mid-month.
The first 10 days of the month when the tides were great, the weather was beautiful, and the fish were chewin', no one wanted to go.
So they missed out. All I heard about was the reds on the pogie pods, originally found by Capt Mike Morris. He tried to keep it under wraps I guess, but it was such a November happening that it got out, and fast.
Well, I've caught pogie pod Reds before, so I didn't bother with them. Instead I went and absolutely way-laid the Speckled Trout and mixed up the box with some really nice 4 pound Flounder. Which meant some super fish fries with friends and relatives in the first week of November.
Do ya ever feel like every move you make someone is following you? You just can't do any thing, anywhere without being "coned". And some of these folks I've seen before and some just come out of the woodwork.
Either way, no matter what, they watched the "clinic" we put on. Learning I guess. I suppose we should have taken it as a compliment, although shaking these folks was tough, as we caught trout after Trout in the wide open, before having to change zip codes and run up river multiple miles, before they got the message.
Certain spots in the river is all about that window of opportunity. And on some areas I like to frequent, the window is a matter of 15 minutes of pure catching. After "pushing" the time by trying even though we know "it ain't gonna happen just yet".
I fished in fog so bad, that if I didn't have a GPS plotter and a map of the entire St. Johns I wouldn't have known where I was 150 feet after leaving the dock.
The best charter of the week was when I had 2 gals aboard the boat. They started out there day watching me catch some prime baits as fast as I could, then they commenced to doing the catching. An 8 pound Redfish started the day then a 15 and a 25 pounder, a double header.
Then we we left that and went float fishing with live shrimp for 15 Trout, 5 Sheepshead, and a Flounder.
During the winter months timing is everything. You can book one week, and the perverbial saying of "you should have been here yesterday", really means something. Fronts and weather patterns change overnight. So if you read a report and book a trip 2 weeks later, "the whole climate and fishing can be different", by the time you get on the boat.
Thats the biggest thing I think people have a hardest time understanding. I understand it! Because I fish every other day 365 days a year (weather permitting) and understand the patterns.
Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you need to be prepared to work hard at it, if fishing is tough. Not everyday is a catching-clinic. I know thats what I'll be doing, for you....."working hard at it". Over the last ten years of doing this full time, where your success means, "my living" it's not ever an easy day. Every day is different and challenging. Thats why I do it. No desk, no co-workers to put up with, no boss, just you, me, and the great outdoors.
Remember ya can't fight Mother Nature, because if you do, she always wins. Learn to read her signals, it's alot easier.  |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
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Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 18, 2005 - 5:30 am: | |
The last week has provided some world class fishing for oversize redfish, with last Thursday being one of the best days. Most of the phenomenal catches have occured fishing under pogie pods. A friend, who takes kids fishing for a living, had six bull reds hooked up at once! I can only imagine the pandemonium on that boat. Strong southeast winds and a large ground swell have made the "pod" fishing more difficult recently. The water is still fairly warm at 70-71 degrees, but the pogies are scattered and more difficult to find. In fact, they are still catching kingfish off the Jax Bch pier! I am still catching large reds at the Jacksonville jetty tips in the deeper water. Yesterday, I had eight oversize reds and two ten pound black drum despite screaming full moon tidal currents. Catching these large redfish is so much fun that I haven't been doing much creek, ICW, or river fishing. I just want to catch them while they're here before they move offshore.
Good catches of reds, trout, and flounder are being made in the creeks, ICW, and river. Sheepshead, with a few black drum are biting at the area jetties. Lots of bluefish are around and can be a nuisance when you are targeting other species. We've had a pretty good run of pompano with some great catches being made from the piers and surf.
Good fishing!
CAPT Bob |
Bob Cosby (Captain_bob_cosby)
New member
Username: Captain_bob_cosby
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 10, 2005 - 7:54 pm: | |
November 10 fishing report Jacksonville area waters
Once the "bull" reds spawn, be they male or female, they have a mighty hunger and a need to replenish fat stores depleted during the spawning process. There was a major spawn during the full moon phase in October. Consequently, now is a good time to try for the big fellows (and gals) under any bait pods you find along the beach.
I noticed acres of pogies today along the Mayport/Hannah Park beach. Pogies are an oily baitfish and perfect food for the ravenous reds. Sure enough, the reds were underneath them. I caught four over 20lbs in about an hour in water no deeper than 12 feet. My technique is to drift through the pods while slowing the boat by dragging a small anchor. I use fairly heavy tackle and a 10/0 circle hook to facilitate a quick release. You can get by with a light sinker (1 to 2 oz.) because the water is so shallow. I prefer 80 lb mono leader material. I'm going to try my 12 weight flyrod with a sinking line and a pogie fly next time out.
There have been numerous reports of great sheepshead catches both in Jacksonville and in St Augustine. These good eating fish should only bite better as the water cools down. Today the water temperature was 68 degrees. Fish along the rocks with fiddlers for best results.
Whiting, bluefish, pompano, drum, and redfish are all being caught in the surf. The speckled trout are being very cooperative in the River and ICW. It's also a good time to try for flounder. Actually, this is a great time to fish in NE Florida. You just have to watch the weather closely as the cold fronts and northeasters move through.
CAPT Bob
--
Captain Bob's Fishing Charters,Inc.
www.captainbobsfishingcharters.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 10, 2005 - 5:17 am: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 10/27/05
Why Jacksonville,Florida? "Excuse my bias."
I'll start this November's fishing report with a story that started many, many years ago.
I love the Miami International boat show. I've been to it so many times I've started to loose count.
The reason's I love going to it is because, it's huge, I love boats, it's in February, when it's the worst weather of the entire calendar year here in N. E. Florida. The show is always held in and around Valentines day, my birthday. My dad and I (Team Tourist) have a great game plan, and the weather in February in Miami makes Jacksonville's weather look like North Dakota. (been there done that too, C/O the U.S.A.F.)
It's a different culture, in Miami. The people are different (I've never seen a woman at the boat show in a flannel shirt and holey jeans), the attitudes, and of course, the boats. The reason I'm there in the first place.......sort of.
I'll never forget many years ago I was talking to someone there at the show about fishing , of course and they asked where I fished/lived. I answered, "Jacksonville", with pride in my voice. And they replied, "Oh....I'm sorry. I thought you were a fishing guide here" . I could tell this person meant "here" by, South Florida! The conversation then led to "isn't it cold up there....can you fish all year?" , and more. Damn, we're talking 6 hours north in the same state. And this person treats Jacksonville as if it was, NY city!! (WHICH PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE ACCEPTABLE SINCE I THINK 1/2 OF MIAMI RESIDENTS ARE FROM NY CITY, ANYHOW!!)
Either way, I was left with an impression which is plainly obvious, after all these years. Yes, they have great weather in the middle of February, blue, green, purple water outside the surf, great fishing for all that swims, lovely bikini-wearing boat show goers, lots of boats with racing stripes and chrome? A highly diverse culture, unique to the city. And a lot of bulkheads, high rises, and concrete.
But, one thing they do have is, Hurricane's.
I'm writing this report, 2-days after Hurricane "Wilma". And as a Floridian, be it you're from the North, South, East or West part of the state. No one wants a Hurricane, especially multiple Hurricanes in a season. Which we've had our fair share of this year, as the Sunshine State.
When a Hurricane does come such as Wilma, N.E. Florida does get rain and some wind. But, I think it's a pretty good place to be a fishing guide, Right Now!
I want you to know, if you're planning a vacation, a business trip, or any other reason to visit Florida between June thru November, THINK JACKSONVILLE! Especially if going fishing is part of your itinerary. I rarely have to cancel a trip because of Hurricanes, reschedule maybe.
Sticking with the 'day after Wilma topic', it brought us a blast of wintry weather. Which some residents might find to be a problem. "Ya' know I had to hunt up where I put my lucky fishing jacket, and a pair of shoes". Rather than heading out with just flip-flops, Aftco shorts and a t-shirt....which is my standard work uniform 6-8 months a year.
But the chill in the air meant one thing to me, "it's time to chase some inlet Trout." And the day after Wilma went just as I had planned.
It was breezy as the fast moving Hurricane moved north through the Atlantic, and drove Nordic air upon Jacksonville, Florida. But that didn't stop Ken Hubbard and myself. We went out to the St. Johns River inlet at 8:30am and stayed on a Speckled Trout bite that rivaled any fishing trip we'd had all year. Boxing our limit of fatties, quick. Then we caught a few small but keeper sized Redfish, and a Flounder, before we moved off to find another challenge.
I wanted to try and catch more Redfish on this west wind, and incoming tide we had by afternoon. ( I commonly state a challenge species, while fishing with Ken. Then go and try to accomplish it with the conditions we have. It's sort of like a self-imposed twist, within a game, to make us think.) So we went looking for a prime location to do that. Up in a shallow cove along a bank littered with large oyster beds, was our choice locale. The gusty 20kt. west breeze was blowing toward the bank which seemed to be just perfect. But, No Reds.....just more Speckled Trout! One after another, till we ran out of bait. When it comes to Trout, I can almost never say, "that's enough". It's an addiction. So we didn't catch anymore Redfish, but our tally for the day was well over 30 beautiful Trout. In the cold, windy conditions. Which had 'Trout weather' written all over it. I would have liked to have won the game, but our time was winding up.
This is just an example of what the "day after a hurricane" can be like here in N.E. Florida. Granted we are very lucky. The First Coast of Florida, (Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine) hasn't had a hit in 40 something years(?). And isn't normally part of Hurricane Ally. Which is a good thing!
So when someone feels sorry for me, that living and being a fishing guide in Jacksonville isn't as glamorous as it is in Miami, I'll just think about all the times I was out "waxing them", the day after the big Hurricane. There's many reasons to fish Jacksonville. This story is just one.
JACKSONVILLE, WHERE FLORIDA BEGINS.
*Watch my "daily" reports pages, and "recent catch" photos for action like this. *
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
St. Johns River & Inlet; Mayport / Jacksonville, Florida
If you would like my fishing report emailed to you on a monthly basis email me and I'll put you on the list.
Email Capt. Dave at: charter@captdaves.com
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 1:21 pm: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing Mayport to Amelia Island, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 9/29/05
LOOK OUT, its October!
Calling all anglers, your attention please! October in N.E. Florida has to be one of the best months of the year.
If yesterday, (9/28) is any kind of indication of what's to come. And it's not even October yet. HOLD ON TO YER HAT!
I know weekends are the hot time to go fishing for most, so that's why I usually take a day during the week to go do what I call Fishing-R&D, you know.....research and development?? And I wished while I was out there, that I wasn't alone. Because if you were with me it would have made you addicted to rod bending.
To summarize, I had my Speckled Trout limit up from 2-4 pounder's (5 per person allowed between 15-20" with one over 20" as a trophy Trout) And a 20" perfect eater size Redfish in the fish box in less than an hour since I left the dock! Then went and caught over sized Redfish (1-per person a day 18-27" is the Florida limit) on light tackle. After that I caught the incoming tide and went back after the Speckled Trout and had another 25 or so fish all in one spot, and 10-15 of these Trout were 3-4 pounder's!!!! It was an absolute Trout riot.
And it just kills me that so many people over-look this fishery here in N.E. Florida. When I got home I made some "fresh" fried Trout, and Blackened Redfish. AWESOME Day of fishing, and dinner is all I can say. (and believe me, I'm no chef)
So it's easy to see why I can get so excited about October. Here in N.E. Florida there is truly two transitional times of year; Thanksgiving and Easter. But that's weather wise. In October it's all about bait on the move. The mullet are EVERYWHERE. Along with our very own St. Johns River Shrimp.
Last week I was fishing with Jeff & Harry P. They wore out the Big Trout, caught a 12 pound Redfish, a Flounder, some Ladyfish, and Croakers all while watching shrimp get forced up on the surface along a dock by hungry Trout. The Trout were popping them as they danced across the top of the water fleeing hungry mouths. It was not only a sight to be hold, but a major clue to what's going on right now in the river.
The bait is pouring out of the St. Johns River inlet into the open Atlantic by the millions of tons per tide. Greenies, Mullet of all sizes, Pogies, all good baits but better yet, easy to catch and fill your live well with. It's no secret when you see a half acre of water explode as mullet go airborne hoping to escape the Tarpon, Sharks, Barracuda's, Jacks, and Porpoise that are waiting for them to make the turn to open water around the north and south jetties.
And if you're willing to pick a fight, the inlet is the place for big Spawning Redfish right now. From keepers, 18-27" to the bulls 25-50 pounds can be caught in the river, and at the inlet. So if BIG FISH, and hard tugs is what you're looking for, look no further. Sharks, and a possible Tarpon hook up is also waiting. I've even seen some folks catching 4-8 pound Black Drum along the jetty rocks, on shrimp.
All of this just minutes from the dock, where I leave from. Believe me...." I hate long boring and sometime rough & wet, boat rides". I used to do it all summer, those hour long or better runs offshore....they sure took a toll on my patience, boat and customers. Now, I literally blow people away with how fast we can be "into fish".
Last week, every single charter I had, while showing people what we were going to do, I hooked a nice fish. Then, I handed them the rods and they commenced to whacking' them! Not hours into their charter, but rather minutes into their charter. " I love it." And that's what so nice about river fishing, close to "facilities" if needed, no getting beat up, and 95% of the day is spent fishing. All of this, plus cooler mornings and afternoons in October.
As a full-time fishing guide, I want you to catch fish, be challenged, comfortable and have a ball. That's why I love October fishing. And I think you will too.
I heard on the local news the other day that some companies have diverted their conventions from New Orleans to Jacksonville. Which is great for "my" town. I'm also ready. I can organize your company or large group charters for you. Anywhere from 3 to 20+ anglers can fish on multiple inshore boats. I mention this because, October seems to be the month that I get the most requests for large group trips.
Check out my "daily reports" on my fishing forum. Here you will find a record of each days fishing. A valuable tool when searching for the right fishing guide. One that tells you the good, the bad and the ugly, because I have nothing to hide.......it's all in a days fishing!
I read articles all the time that tell people what questions to ask a prospective guide. Well, I look at it this way. For you web surfers, you shouldn't have to ask many, if the information you need is right there, and easily accessible. That's what my recent catch pages are for, and my daily reports forum. I want my photos to say a "thousand words" or actually less, like.... THIS COULD BE YOU!
****Watch my "daily" reports pages, and "recent catch" photos for action like this. And then call me fast! ****
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
St. Johns River & Inlet; Mayport / Jacksonville, Florida
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2005 - 12:21 pm: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's, September Out-look
Dang, it's September already! I can't help feeling bummed out though. Just thinking if I was a fishing guide over in Louisiana, what life would be like or quickly become. Because, of Hurricane Katrina. If the weather's bad here for more than two days it's killing me that I'm not on the river bending a rod.
On the bright side though, here in the Jacksonville, Florida area the fishing is great! And is going to be even better as we slide into the fall season.
Lately, I have been enjoying river fishing for Mangrove Snappers. Had a few charters that became addicted to the quick bite, and the hard and fast fight of these good eating fish. Along with catching some Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder and Sheepshead.
BUT....it's time to also bend the big rods! And I mean by that, BIG REDFISH!
Just the other day I was out solo fishing for some Trout, and Snappers, having myself a ball. When I decided to take one of my light bottom fishing rods, with a Ladyfish steak pinned to the hook and cast it out and let it sit, while continuing to catch Trout and Snappers. It didn't take long before the rod bowed over and the little Accurate -197 reel started to go ZZZzzzzzzzzz....I had me a monster! And what a fight it was. The big Redfish weighted in at exactly 40 pounds. Not bad, my last bull Red was 43 pounds. So I'm getting pretty lucky on the heavy-weights, so far this year.
Let me clarify (in my mind) what a true BULL REDFISH is. A bull Red is one that isn't 33". A bull Redfish isn't 16 pounds. A bull Redfish starts to be a bull Redfish, when they are 25 pounds. The reason I say this is because, I hear people say, "I caught this big bull Redfish and it was 32-1/2 " and weighted 14-3/4 pounds." Which is a fine and dandy fish. But in my mind, still not a bull Redfish. A bull Redfish is one that is measured in pounds not inches. Because inches, just doesn't portrait the fishes true immensity.
With that said, I still have a on going "challenge" to my charter clients, which has not been redeemed yet.
If a 35 pound plus Redfish (or Tarpon) is caught on my G. Loomis BBR-904C rod, which I consider a light rod for a 35+ pound fish, along with my Accurate B-197 reel which is very small but with huge fish catching qualities. I will take a photo of the angler, the fish and tackle, enlarge it to (8x10") and frame it and send the whole thing to you where ever you live. As a reward for a great catch! BUT.... you can not break the rod, or damage the tackle in any way.
I just caught that 40 pound Redfish on that same tackle. And it was fun fighting a fish that size on lighter weight tackle. Although some folks my not be experienced enough to do so, if you listen to what I tell you, it can be done.
For many folks pursuing huge Reds that cannot be kept isn't what they are looking for, and that's okay. Because the light tackle fishing for Speckled Trout, smaller Redfish, Mangrove Snappers, Flounder, and Sheepshead is going to get even better. And it's pretty darn good right now.
I did a few half day charters lately, which means to me that we don't have a lot of time to mess around. So getting the action started fast is what I'm looking for. We got on one spot, and hammered the Mangrove Snappers, as they schooled us too. Hooking probably 40 or more, loosing half that many on the way to the boat, and keeping 20 of them from 12-14". Plus 2- Sheepshead, some Jack Crevalles, mutant sized Ladyfish, a small Grouper, and a Redfish. That was some serious action for a 1/2 day morning trip, let me tell ya'.
Another thing that might be worth pointing out, since we don't know what the future will bring in the way of fuel and live bait costs. If you reserve your charter in advance, it will lock you in for any "craziness" at the gas pump, and bait shop. I just want to mention this because we just don't know what the future brings. I'm going to strive to keep my charter prices reasonable, as I feel they have always been. And still provide you with the best tackle, bait and fishing action I can, giving 110% all the time.
Its an unfortunate reality, that the Gulf Coast charter fishing fleet will take months if not years to recoup from such devastation. And as I said, I thinking about my fellow fishing guides over there daily. Because "what if it was me?" The Louisiana inshore fishery was phenomenal, with more Redfish and Speckled Trout per acre than probably anywhere in the south.
I hope people will still want to get out there and fish. And do not discount N.E. Florida as a great fishing destination, over the Gulf regions. We have much going for us here. Uncrowded beaches, a huge river, plenty of open space and plenty of southern hospitality.
I just read an article the other day that said, "where does the south end?" Meaning what destinations still have the southern appeal. And North Florida is where they claimed, the "south ends". Then as you go past N. Florida, you start to loose, "the south", is what they were trying to say. If that makes any sense to you. It did to me. I do visit "South Florida" each winter and the life style is not the same as it is here.
****Watch my "daily" reports pages, and "recent catch" photos for Bull Redfish action along with Speckled Trout and more. And then call me fast! ****
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
St. Johns River & Inlet; Mayport / Jacksonville, Florida
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Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 12:09 pm: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing Mayport to Amelia Island, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 9/05/05
Summer is half over, but the best is still to come.
Can you believe summer is half over already? But it's okay with me. I kind of had enough of the excessive heat. The perfect weather time of year is fast approaching. And with it comes a whole new season.
I can't scientifically say why it is, and I'm sure not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. But, it's been one hell of a Trout year, and a Trouty summer. As of this report date, I'm still having a great time with clients catching numbers of beautiful Speckled Trout. Lately we've had days of 30+ fish with half that many ending up in the fish box. (meaning "plus" keeper sized) Not that bad in a 1/2 to 3/4 day trip, and in the summer heat! The ticket is getting started as early as we can in the morning, and being done with fish cleaned by noon-ish.
We've also had many mixed bag days. Mangrove Snapper, Flounder, Redfish, Sheepshead, Ladyfish, Jacks, Yellowmouth Trout, have also bent the rods. River fishing will be getting even hotter as we roll into the late summer and fall season. For me the best is still to come. So hang on!
Then there's those days that I've went to the inlet jetties. Although very un-characteristic of the "Jetty Wolf" to not go there everyday, that's for sure. I still give it a try every once and a while. I need to have clients aboard that are prepared for that kind of fishing out there, though. I'm talking JUMBO Sharks, possible Tarpon hook-ups, giant Stingrays (dang, I dislike them!!), and all the while fishing in heavy current. If it's not a 100 pound "something" on your line smoking the drag as it runs with the current, then your just not having a 100% summer time jetty fishing experience!! The problem I've found is not everyone is wanting, or can handle fish like these.
A 200 pound Bull Shark, that just ate a 6" Pogie on the bottom, doesn't care if you wanted a 30" Redfish instead! These are some really bad dudes. They'll eat your 30" Redfish on the way up if you catch one! Just to let you know what the deal really is, in their world.
So this summer I've taken a different approach. We've spent more time in the river catching good eating and normal sized fish. Although no less tricky sometimes, you still have to be willing to fish hard in the summer months to have that Sunday fish fry, if you want one.
Just the other day, I had three fella's on the boat that said, "Capt Dave, we're boaters, but we're not fisherman, so bare with us". I said, "Heck that's okay. If I just took fisherman out all the time, I'd probably not catch as much as I do. I like training you guys my way anyhow". And it worked out to be one great day on the water. We caught in the neighborhood of 30+ Trout, and dropped 15 in the fish box up to 3 pounds.
Soon there will be those days when I can go in the river for a few hours in the morning, and then hit the inlet later on. Because if everything follows the usual pattern, we'll have our cake and will eat it too. A little float fishing in the morning, then out for some bottom fishing for big Redfish, Shark and possibly a jetty Tarpon in the afternoon. By late summer, the big Reds will congregate, the mullet will pour around the tips of the jetties, the Tarpon will be in the thick of it all, and so will the big Sharks.
One year me and a bunch of friends were all sitting out at the inlet ganged up on one spot. We all were catching big spawning Redfish, and hooking up Tarpon, as the schools of 12" mullet rounded the north jetty. The 100 pound Blacktips were also going nuts. And a buddy was sitting right in the path the mullet were taking. I looked over and saw a Blacktip Shark stalking the Mullet, and before we could say a word the fish flew out the water striking at the baitfish, and slammed into the side of my buddies boat. He freaked! And thought he was under attack. It made for an exciting day for his clients, and mine too as we caught a nice 50 pound Tarpon, some giant Redfish, some 1/2 sized Redfish (bitten in half), and hooked a few sharks while watching all the goings-on around us. Pretty exciting stuff can happen out there along that "mile- pile" of granite boulders.
If your willing, you better be "able" also. This fishing out there right now isn't for small kids, the seniors, or your 100 pound wife that never caught a fish in her life. The battles can be long, intense and it can be very,very hot. Plus don't expect to bring much home for dinner either. Unless we actually do get some "small" Redfish.
I talk frankly about my fishing, cause as one guy I took out on a very short notice afternoon trip told me, "I didn't have a clue of what to expect, and didn't have time to do any homework". Well, he was exactly right. He did no homework, and hadn't a clue other than what I could tell him very briefly on the phone. And BTW.....we had a 28" 10 pound Redfish, an 18" Trout, a few fat Snappers, and Ladyfish in the first 30 minutes....that afternoon. That is why I do these monthly/bi-weekly reports, and post "daily reports", along with what I call the proof. My "recent catch" pics of customers, on my web site. They get updated every 30 days with new photos. So check them out.
I want you to know, what's going on. I want no surprises, and I'm sure, neither do you........"If your a first-time customer on my boat."
Be rest assured. We will catch some nice fish, and I guarantee you'll have a great time!
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing "the Jetty Wolf"
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
St. Johns River & Inlet; Mayport / Jacksonville, Florida
If you would like me to email you my fishing report each month just email me at: charter@captdaves.com |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing (Jettywolf)
New member
Username: Jettywolf
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 3:11 pm: | |
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing Mayport to Amelia Island, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 7/20/05
THE BIG ST. JOHNS RIVER IS FULL OF REWARDS
It's now the mid-term of summer. Time for that mid-term testing to see what you have learned. And if you learned a lot, then the rewards are coolers of fat Speckled Trout, among other fish.
Hey, I know. I'm even flip-flopping around. One report about inlet Sharks and Tarpon, then the next one about Trout in the river, then back to Tarpon, now back to river fishing. At least my reports reflect the changing times, rather than those 3 month old reports from some other web site.
As of right now the river fishing is really good. I had several charter trips in the past week that had us catching super stringers of Trout, Sheepshead, Redfish, Mangrove Snappers, and Flounder.
And where we were doing all this catching, the water was about as fresh as it could get. Yep, salinity is another factor in finding fish in the big St. Johns river. So why were we catching saltwater species in fresh water? Well, I'm only checking the very surface. Down under it could be different. But as the fresh water moves along in the river the Trout could be staying just ahead of it.
Really it's a mystery. A biologist would have to answer my technical questions. But as a fisherman, keeping up with the habits and locations of the fish in the river is all we have. Technical scientific answers, I don't.
The river fishing did change. It went from very slow fishing to fantastic almost over night. And the only thing I can think of was that rain water that filled the St. Johns was on the move.
Last Friday is when I noticed the big change. I took Dave Lashbrook and his family down river, and right off the bat we caught Trout. The 6-8" type. "WHAT THE .....", I thought! This isn't right. So around the corner we went, and got on one of my best spots. And we were immediately rewarded with some beautiful pot-bellied specs, some good sized Yellowmouth Trout, and Sheepshead, on the falling tide.
Then on Saturday I had Joe Kalil and two of his buddies. In a half day trip they caught (12) Speckled Trout from 2-5 pounds and one Redfish, on the same spot as the day before. It was fantastic!
Plus my information network was working over time. Keeping an ear to the water, it was obvious the river was going off and the big Trout were strapping on the feed bag!!
That's why these reports change. Rather than a once a month, they turn into bi-weekly's. If you fish once a month, and on a weekend, you better try and soak in as much info as you can, because the "bite" can change rapidly. From week to week.
Here's another simple example. I love to hook people up with some big Jacks on light tackle after we had a morning of Trout, Flounder etc. I can usually find them on a conveniently located spot on the last of the falling tide, during the summer. It's been like clock-work then they just disappeared. Well, I got a call yesterday........"Dave the Jacks are back, and they were studs, hundreds boiling the surface chasing bait over at the......." Obviously the bait is back and the water's back right again. These are the things I have to stay up on, and I do, for you!
You can also check out my "daily reports" forum, on my web site. This is where I put reports of every day I'm out. It's also where I vent, and write "editorial commentaries", because I can. It's my Forum! I find it humorous sometimes, almost hit the delete button, then say to myself, "Go ahead, keep it. Someone may find this helpful if not humorous" .
The big St. Johns River is like a huge artery. It effects everything around it. When the river is hot, you can bet every other kind of fishing is hot too.
Till next time, "Fish Hard Fish Often"
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
St. Johns River & Inlet; Mayport / Jacksonville, Florida
If you would like me to email you my fishing report each month just email me at: charter@captdaves.com |
Capt. Sam Lynch (Reelfreak)
New member
Username: Reelfreak
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: 
Votes: 14 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 7:29 am: | |
ReelFreaks report 10/06/03
Day started out with high tide in am. Worked the creeks with the outgoing tide, live shrimp-mullet-muds. 1 flounder,2 reds, and a trout....all juvenilles. TIME FOR THE BIG BOYS....(last of outgoing). Better head to the jetties. 3 hours later 2 Reds( 26 1/2 in. - 33 in.)...3 Sheephead(16-18 in.) 1 porgy(16 in.) and a couple of Jacks... Fishing in Oct. in the St. Johns is going to pick up and only get better with the water temp. slowly dropping. 76 deg. seems to be a good temp to fire em off. more reports to come...... |
buddy orsak
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 6:17 pm: | |
Subject: mr.wiffle soft plastic lures
need the name of a dealer to order some mr. wiffle
plastic lures.if you can help, sure would appreciate it
thanks,buddy |
Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 3:19 am: | |
Catching King Mackeral Using Natural Bait (slow trolling)
This is probably the most popular style of fishing for King Mackeral for the tournament competitors.
When I was a kid (my early twenties, 30 plus years ago) there were two styles of king fishing, fast trolling, using a ballyhoo or Drone Spoon or chum fishing. Then came the king fish tournaments and the 10 to 12 pound kings that were generally caught when trolling were just not big enough to compete with the 30 to 40 pounders that were caught by the slow trollers.
I can remember fishing one of the first king fish tournaments and seeing some sort of contraption hanging from the stern of one of the competitors boats. What was this, it looked like a thick piece of pole with a big spool and a handle attached to it. On closer examination, it was a down rigger. Now what exactly was a downrigger? This was the first one that I had ever seen. I asked one of the guys on the boat about this strange new fishing tackle thing and he explained that it was used to get a bait down deep. I then said, isn't that what a wire line or planers are for. He sort of grinned and then told me how to use these fancy new devices.
See, these downriggers were used to send one or two "live baits" down to a specific depth when you were slow trolling. What was slow trolling? The only way that I knew how to troll for king fish was to send out my ballyhoo or spoons, bring the boat speed up to around 7 miles per hour and drag these baits around until a fish was one.
Slow trolling is more like a controlled drift. You, put the boat in gear and let it idle at about 1/2 to 1 mile per hour. If you go any faster than that, then the live baits that you are dragging, will not be able to swim that fast and will end up being pulled. When you pull a live bait that is rigged with a live bait rig, it makes the bait spin in circles or it skims it across the surface. NOT GOOD. This is not what you want with a live bait. You want the bait to swim as natural as possible.
I did not have any down riggers, so I fished the tournament the way that I had done in the past. We weighed in our five 10 to 12 pound kings and like the previous year, WON NOTHING.
On the way back to the house after the big hoopla and awards presentation, we discussed purchasing a downrigger but it just seemed to be too much money. We fished a few more times and finally decided to part with the cash and get a downrigger. Now we had to figure out how to tie the rigs. See, the rigs, hooks, wire, and every other part of slow trolling is different than fast trolling. Now, we could hold our own with anyone fast trolling, but the kings that we caught were only 10 to 15 pounds and these were not ever going to be to wining fish.
Here are some of the things that we have learned over the years. Some of this we figured out all by our selves and some we caught on by watching the guys that were always in the money in the tournaments.
You have to drag the bait SLOWWWW.
It does not have to be alive. It can be ribbon fish, spanish mackeral, mullet, cigar minnows,pogies, blue fish, whiting, trout, blue runners and many others. When dragging these baits, they need to look natural. Whether dead or alive they need to go through the water like they were alive.
Some boats will not go slow enough at idle. For these boats, you need something to slow the boats speed. You can tie one or more five gallon plastic buckets to the boat or get a couple of drift anchors.
You need to make your rigs from very small diameter wire. I like a wire in the 27 to 40 pound class. The color of the wire is also important. Most of the professional king fish persons use a coffee colored wire.
You will need to learn how to twist the wire so it will not break. To do this you can purchase some rigs that are already made and see how they are tied, you can purchase a device called E/Z Twist that has instructions on how to twist wire or purchase rigs already tied. I have been using the E/Z twist for over 20 years and have found it to be finger friendly and very easy to use. Here is a picture with instructions on this device.
1) Hold pointed end of the E/Z Twist tight with your left hand and turn hex end clockwise with the right hand to the closed position. Illustrated in Fig. 1. (Note: Leave tool in closed position until step 5).
2) Insert wire through slot in hex end and push wire through tool. Illustrated in Fig. 2A. Form loop and insert tag end of wire through opposite hole in the pointed end of the E/Z Twist, leaving approx. 3" of wire beyond the tool. Illustrated in Fig. 2B.
3) Hold desired size of loop in left hand and form twists by rotating E/Z Twist 6 twists clockwise with right hand. Illustrated in Fig. 3. (Note: For tighter twists, apply slight inward pressure with both hands while forming twists.)
4) Remove tag end of wire from E/Z Twist by pulling loop. Bend tag end of wire down 90 degrees and reposition in tool as shown in Fig. 4.
5) To form barrel wraps on bottom of twists, hold loop with left hand and rotate E/Z Twist 3 to 6 full turns clockwise with right hand. Illustrated in Fig. 5. Remove wire from tool by rotating hex end counter-clockwise to the open position.
6) Bend tag end of wire to form a crank. With fingers, hold tight at barrel wrap. With crank facing away from you, rotate clockwise until wire breaks. (Note: Keep crank close to wire when rotating.)
The finished product should look like this. The hook size should be a number 4, 3 to 4x strong hook. The swivel should be as small as you can get, a 30 to 50 pound test is plenty.
This rig has a skirt on it but is not necessary. The length of the wire on the last hook depends on the size of your bait. I try to make my rigs with several different lengths of wire on the second hook. This way, you will always have rigs to match your bait sizes.
To slow troll a ribbon fish (probably the best bait for slow trolling for kings), you will need much longer lengths of wire on the second hook. You can also have more than two hooks as the rig below does. I like to have a one ounce lead head jig as the lead hook. This stabilizes the bait and makes it troll like it is alive instead of looking like a wet towel.
Note, this rig has multiple stinger hooks and a lead head as the first hook. The lead head hook will be inserted from under the fishes lower chin and out of the top of the snout.
Catching live bait for king fish. You can use a hook and bait to catch any of the above mentioned baits or cast net them. The pogies are going to be on or near the breakers on the beach. Ease down the beach, find the schools that will usually be flipping on the surface. Cast your net on them and you are ready. If you are going to use live bait, you will need a boat with a good live well.
You can also catch live bait using a Daiichi sabiki rig. This comes in a pack ready to use. It has six small hooks and some flash tied on each hook. These rigs work well around all of the rock jetties and around most of the offshore wrecks. Tie one end to your line on the fishing pole and tie a small 2 to 3 ounce lead weight to the other. Send this to the bottom, turn the reel handle a turn or two to get the rig up a foot or so off of the bottom and slowly jig it up and down. When you feel the little fish on the hook, turn the handle quickly to get these baits in the boat. Remember there are things down there that will eat these baits as they come up to the boat.
Now for the rod and reel outfit:
This rig is generally lighter than the fast trolling outfit. I like a rod about 7 to 8 feet in length with a very light tip and as many guides as you can get. The reel should be a fast retrieve (3.8 to 1 or better). Bait cast style reels work best as you do not get line twist using these. The line should not be heavier than 20 pound test and the drag should be set to about 3 to 5 pounds. REMEMBER, you are using hooks that do not have a big bend therefore the hook does not get a big bite in the fish. If you pull too hard on the fish, the hooks will pull out and your winning kingfish will swim away for me to catch.
Alright, you have bait, rigs, the correct outfits and now all you have to know is where to catch Mr. Kingfish. Almost all of the offshore wrecks produce fish but most of these will never hold a fish that is larger than 30 pounds. You will generally catch more fish on the wrecks as opposed to the beach but the beach is where the studs hang out. If you are going to fish the wrecks, head to one of them, find out where the main piece of structure is and troll on the outskirts of this. Most of the kings are going to be holding on the outside edges and not dead over the structure.
Hook your bait, clip it on one of the downrigger clips and send the first bait down to about 1/3 of the way above the bottom. Do the same with the second and send it to about 3/4 of the way above the bottom. I also like to have at least 2 other baits a ways back from the boat in outriggers or your rod holders that face out away from the boat.
You have been trolling for a while and you hear that sound, you know that sound that is like a screaming sound, you know, the sound of a big fish screaming line off of your reel. You know, that sound that will bring you from a dead sleep to fast forward in less than a second.
You now need to get all of the other lines back in the boat. This should be the first thing that is done. Get them in quickly and then start angling the fish. You might have to send the angler to the front of the boat and chase the fish to get line back on the spool. If this is a king, it is going to run out about 100 yards and then head back for the boat (most of the time). Keep a cool head about you, no hook setting, no jerking on the rod, just turn the handle and keep the rod tip bent (a tight line). In a few minutes the fish will come up near the boat, slip the gaff under the fish and with one upward motion, slip it into the fish and then straight to the box with it.
This fish is now at it's most dangerous time. It has a mouth full of razor sharp teeth and several extremely sharp hooks hanging from it's mouth and body. Put the fish in the box, cut the leader off and shut the lid. Go ahead and get all of your lines back in the water, tie on another leader on the pole that was just used and get back to fishing. If you are going to remove the hooks from the fish in the box, be sure that you have given it plenty of time to die. You do not want to be wrestling with it for a few hooks. These hooks are very sharp and you do not want to end the trip early with you or one of your buddies on their way to the emergency room to have a hook removed from their hand.
The information in this article should get you started catching a few kings. Be careful, the hooks a sharp and the fish have sharp teeth. Never leave hooks on rods that you can walk into or get in your body.
Local action:
The jetties and inlets are starting to get pretty fired up with catches of nice redfish, lots of spanish mackeral, whiting, blue fish, sheepshead, yellowmouth trout, sharks and the kings will be here shortly. You can catch the reds, trout, sheepshead, whiting and sharks on the bottom using shrimp, cutbait or clams. The spanish can be taken with an assortment of flies for you fly fisherpersons or if you desire to catch them trolling, try the Clark spoon or cast to the them with a casting jig.
The inshore waters are producing a few nice trout using the conventional float rig, Mirro Lures, and shrimp or mud minnows on a lead head jig. Reds can be taken one the same baits or using a small cork with a mud minnow on a short leader, fished around the oyster mounds. Flounder are just starting to show up and they will usually eat minnows, shrimp, squid and an assortment of cutbaits and soft plastics. Try a soft plastic that has a built in smell or attractant.
The offshore action is still blazing with big catches of seabass. A few grouper are starting to show up and there have been several nice catches of snapper this past week. The striking fish are just around the corner and will be visiting our waters shortly.
On the freshwater scene, the bream are ON FIRE with banner catches as they start to bed up. Try crickets, worms or clams for a great day of panfish fishing. A small ultra light spinning reel or a long bream buster telescopic pole makes for a lot of fun with these hard pulling small fish and they fry up great.
On Saturday June 7, Comcast, Shakespeare, Honda Marine, Duval Ford Commercial Sales and Fun Fishing are sponsoring a kids day at Frenchie's Catfish Heaven in Maxville. All kids under 10 get in free. The first 20 kids get a free Shakespeare Kids rod, reel and tackle pack. The kid with the largest fish will win a nice prize. I am going to film this and air it on the following week. Directions to Frenchie's: Follow Normandy Blvd until it runs into Hwy 301. Go left on Hwy 301 for about 200 yards (you will see a gas station, Max gas), turn in front of the station. Go about 100 yards and you will be there. Frenchie's phone number is 673-4338. The fun last from 9 am to 3 pm. Come join us for some fun.
Charter Fishing Information:
Capt. Jim Hammond is a saltwater charter guide in Jacksonville, Florida and can be reached to book a trip by calling 904 757 7550.
Moms and Dads:
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day. (I am not just saying this because it sounds good. I MEAN IT, YOU WON'T BE LOOKING FOR THEM.)
Television Fishing Show:
Catch some local fishing action Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 8:30 am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, the Beaches and Clay County.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
jim@hammondfishing.com
www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by
|
Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 3:15 am: | |
Subject: Are You Ready For King Mackeral
Are You Ready for King Mackeral
Summer is here and the King Mackeral will be here any day now, are you ready?
Here are a few tactics to catch a kingfish trolling baits around some of the artificial reefs.
Lets first go over some of the equipment that you will need to present baits that will attract these fish.
Hooks, Spoons and Leader Line:
Your hooks should be 7/0 to 9/0 and you want to join them together in sets of three. Using a pair of wire cutters, open slightly the eye of two of the hooks. Slide the point end through the eye. Close the eye back to its original shape using a pair of heavy pliers. Do this to the hooks so you have a set that looks like this.
The eyes should not be so tight that the hooks can not bend at the joint. The one hook that still has an empty eye is the one that is tied to the leader line.
Now you will need some sort of skirts, like the Sea Bug, Ballyhoo Duster or the Sea Witch. These skirts have lead heads and some sort of Mylar type of material tied to the lead head. They have a hole in the lead head that your leader line will pass through. Point the lead head part of these towards the rod and finish the procedure by tying a knot to the front hook. You should now have a rig that looks similar to this:
The all around best dead bait in this area for king fish is a ballyhoo. This is a long slender fish that is usually sold in packs of 12. They come in sixes from small to large and all the way up to horse. The horse are usually the ones that are at least 12 inches long (bill not included) and they are usually sold in packs of 3 or 6. You can purchase these either rigged or not rigged, brined or not brined. Brined means they have been placed in a solution of salt and baking soda to make them tough and by doing this they usually last longer before starting to come apart. I prefer the medium ones that are brined.
Now, lets add a ballyhoo to this. First take the ballyhoo and holding it firmly around the head, break off the bill just about at the end of the top mouth part. The fish has a small upper bill or mouth part, this is where you want to break off the lower or long bill. You might want to clip it off with your scissors or cutters.
Ballyhoo as it will come out of the package.
Ballyhoo after you have broken off the bill.
Take the hook that is tied to the leader line and from the top of the ballyhoo run it through the center of it's head and come out through the bottom. Take the fish in one hand and the second hook in the other. Bend the fish from the back of the head to about 90 degrees. Run this hook through the top of the fish so when you straighten out the fish the shank of the hook will be running straight down his back and the point and bend will be in the middle of the fish. Do this with the third hook and you are ready. The skirt should cover the ballyhoos head, thus keeping his mouth from opening and acting like a spinner. When you get up to trolling speed, slip the rig in the water. If it spins around in a circle, you do not have it rigged properly. Most of the time it is with the way it was hooked. It is important that the hooks be inline with each other and the fish not be bent after you put the hooks in it. Do not fish it if it is spinning, bring it back aboard and fix it.
This rig should be fished with different color skirts, like red and white, blue and white, solid white and solid black. I have not done well with yellow, green, or orange.
The spoons should be about 5 inches long and silver in color. You can troll a silver spoon like the biggest Clark Spoon or the Drone spoon in size 3 1/2. If you are using either of these baits behind a planer, your leader needs to be about 20 to 30 feet long. I normally use 100 or 125 pound test monofilament as leader line.
Rods and Reels and Line:
Using dead and artificial baits are trolled at speeds from 5 to 7 knots and your live bait rigs are best left at the house while trolling at this faster speed. I like a medium action boat rod from 6 1/2 feet to 7 feet long. I like the rod to have a long fore grip and butt. Rods with gimble ends are best suited as they will seat in your rod holders, thus keeping them from spinning. A rod without a gimble will sometimes spin in the rod holder and this is not what you want to happen.
These Shakespeare rods have the gimble ends and rubber caps to fit over them if you prefer not to use the gimbles or to put back on the rods when fighting a fish. These long butts allow you to put the rods in the boats rod holders and are long enough to keep the reels from clanking on the gunnels. They also have long enough fore grips to allow the angler to extend his/her arm high enough to straighten out their arm. This is an important feature when fighting a fish for a long time, it allows the angler to extend their arm and allows them to use their back instead of their arm to do battle with the fish.
The reels should have a clicker and quality star or lever drag that will not over heat when the fish makes long runs. I also like a reel that will hold about 300 yards of 30 pound test monofilament or if you like braided line you can scale down to a reel that will hold 300 yards of 20 pound monofilament and use 50 pound braided line. Power Pro 50 pound test braided line is only the diameter of 12 pound test monofilament so you can get well over 300 yards on a reel the holds 300 yards of 30 pound test monofilament.
I like using a reel that has a level wind on it because this allows you to pay total attention to angling the fish instead of having to guide the line back on the spool evenly. With a non-level wind reel, if you lose concentration on keeping the line flowing evenly on the spool, you will end up with a big glob in the middle of the reel and this high spot will make the reel where you cannot turn the handle in the middle of the battle. To keep a level wind reel working properly, keep the gear under the level wind properly lubricated.
 
Here are a couple of reels that have the level wind system and a clicker.
Because most king fish that are caught around the artificial reefs are caught in water from 30 to 60 feet deep, you will need some way to get your baits down. There are two ways to do this, planers or down riggers. The planers are by far the least expensive but it might be a good idea to have at least one downrigger.
Planers come in many shapes and sizes. For this type of fishing, I like a metal planer that I have painted flat black.
 
The down rigger is designed to send a fishing line to a desired depth and when the fish strikes the bait, the clip on the down rigger line releases thus allowing you to fish the fish without any other terminal tackle to interfere with the action of the battle.
Down riggers are fairly easy to use and can cost from $59 each to around $600 each. They come in manual crank and electric. They can be as basic as a handle, a spool, a small boom and some line to as fancy as the ones that send positive ions into the water to attract fish and with electric motors that send the bait down and on a strike automatically bring the lead ball back to the surface. I would suggest starting with at least one in the middle of the road price of about $250. These can be just a valuable as the rods, reels and bait.
If you are going to purchase a down rigger, I would suggest you get one or two of them that have swivel bases. This is a good feature to have when you are trying to get the line attached and when the boat up on a plane.
Here are a couple from the basic to one of the fanciest.
 
Are you ready to catch a king fish now. Another trick is to have as many baits in the water as you and your crew can manage. When I was a kid with my first offshore boat, I used to run nine lines at one time. I had two off of each outrigger, two boat lines, one wire line and two off of each corner of the boat. Back then there were no downriggers so if you wanted to fish deep you did it with a wire line or boat lines with big planers and spoons. Running this many lines took a great deal of concentration on the drivers part and we did occasionally get a big mess with that many lines in a once.
Here is a good configuration that most of you should be able to run. If you do not have outriggers, you can run one line from the center of the boat. Send this way out there, about 200 yards. The outside baits in this picture have multiple baits on each of these rigs. One bait per rig works fine, don't get too fancy until you have mastered dragging six lines, it can get messy if they get all tangled up.
Once you have made your way to one of the artificial reefs, start sending out your baits. Try to stagger the distance from the boat as in the picture below. Bring your speed up to about 6 knots and get ready. Be sure to engage the clickers on the reels, so you can hear the sound as the fish screams off line.
Good luck in your pursuit of Mr. Kingfish.
Local action:
The jetties and inlets are starting to get pretty fired up with catches of nice redfish, lots of spanish mackeral, whiting, blue fish, sheepshead, yellowmouth trout, sharks and the kings will be here shortly. You can catch the reds, trout, sheepshead, whiting and sharks on the bottom using shrimp, cutbait or clams. The spanish can be taken with an assortment of flies for you fly fisherpersons or if you desire to catch them trolling, try the Clark spoon or cast to the them with a casting jig.
The inshore waters are producing a few nice trout using the conventional float rig, Mirro Lures, and shrimp or mud minnows on a lead head jig. Reds can be taken one the same baits or using a small cork with a mud minnow on a short leader, fished around the oyster mounds. Flounder are just starting to show up and they will usually eat minnows, shrimp, squid and an assortment of cutbaits and soft plastics. Try a soft plastic that has a built in smell or attractant.
The offshore action is still blazing with big catches of seabass. A few grouper are starting to show up and there have been several nice catches of snapper this past week. The striking fish are just around the corner and will be visiting our waters shortly.
On the freshwater scene, the bream are ON FIRE with banner catches as they start to bed up. Try crickets, worms or clams for a great day of panfish fishing. A small ultra light spinning reel or a long bream buster telescopic pole makes for a lot of fun with these hard pulling small fish and they fry up great.
Charter Fishing Information:
Capt. Jim Hammond is a saltwater charter guide in Jacksonville, Florida and can be reached to book a trip by calling 904 757 7550.
Moms and Dads:
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day. (I am not just saying this because it sounds good. I MEAN IT, YOU WON'T BE LOOKING FOR THEM.)
Television Fishing Show:
Catch some local fishing action Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 8:30 am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, the Beaches and Clay County.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
jim@hammondfishing.com
www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by  and  |
Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:18 am: | |
Subject: Artificials or Live Bait
Artificials or Live Bait
This past week I had the opportunity to fish with my bubby James Roney. We planned on fishing a small lake for specks (crappie). The day before, he asked if I had any minnows, to which I replied, I have mud minnows in the big boat. This was not what he had in mind, he wanted Missouri minnows. The small minnows that most people speck fish with. I told him that we could catch the fish without minnows and his reply to this was these fish don't want artificials, just minnows.
James has been with me on several occasions when we tore up the specks on just artificials but these fish only wanted minnows. I told him that I would go by Thrifty Bait and get some minnows on the way the next day.
Well the next day came and I was on my way to the lake to catch some specks. Woops, I forgot to go by Thrifty and get minnows. Oh well, I bet we can catch them on the killer new baits that I had just unboxed from MirrOLure.
When I pulled up the spot, James immediately went to the boat and seemed as if he was looking for the Keep Alive portable live well, which he could not find because I did not bring it. Therefore there were no minnows. Right away, he was asking where were the minnows. I told him that we did not need minnows to catch specks but he was convinced that no minnows equals no specks.
We launched the boat, slipped the MotorGuide trolling motor in the water and proceeded to make our way down the shoreline casting and retrieving our artificials. I was throwing the MirrOLure MMLS a jointed crank bait 1-5/8 inches long that weighs 1/16 of an ounce and dives to about 5 feet.
This lure has such a lifelike action that I cannot believe James would question it's ability to lure in the crappie one after another and, it looks just like a little minnow.
James was throwing a 1/16 ounce lead head with an Exude 1 inch scented curly tail.
As soon as the first cast was made with no fish on the other end, he started in. I told you we were going to need minnows, if we had minnows we would have had several specks by now. All the while, I knew that when we found them, we would start to put them in the boat.
We had now worked about 200 yards of shoreline and NO FISH. He was now throwing a 6 inch plastic worm trying to scare up a bass. I was steady working my little MirrOLure. We managed to go about another 200 yards and he put down the bass worm and picked up the little curly tail. I asked "what are you doing" and his reply was "this is where the specks have been". I then asked why we were fishing the last 400 yards of shore line if this is where they have been???????? He said he thought we might pick one up down there.
I was the first to cast into the spot. This spot was a place in the shoreline that was sort of an indention. It was a spot that was about twenty feet long that did not have any dollar weed growing in it and the bank sort of was drawn back from the rest of the shoreline. My cast was right in the spot and I worked the little lure right back to the boat and no fish. James and I made about a dozen cast to the spot and no fish. I was really getting it now. James was giving me heck about not stopping and getting minnows. We fished this area for about ten minutes and no fish.
You would have had to have been there to appreciate his attitude about having to throw these artificials and not having any minnows. I kept telling him that when we found fish they would eat what we had to offer and he kept saying that if I had brought minnows we would have had several fish by now. I was not convinced that we had thrown our baits near any fish to this point as I have caught many a specks on the bait that he was throwing and the little MirrOLure that I was throwing was so much like a minnow that you could not have gotten any closer without having a real minnow on the hook.
At on time James even got on the radio and called one of his buddies and asked him to bring us some minnows.
Things were about to change.
We eased down a little farther and I was hooked up. I hollered "FISH ON" and proceeded to work the fish toward the boat. I had a speck and not on a live minnow but my MirrOLure MMLS Broken Back Crank Bait. I managed to get the fish right up to the boat and as I was rubbing it in that these fish would eat artificials, he got off of the hook. Uh Oh, open mouth insert foot. I immediately made another cast in the same general area and I was hooked up again. This one managed to make it in the boat and now I was all bowed up. I quickly released this fish and as I was about to make another cast, James was hooked up. His managed to make it to the boat as did several more from both our efforts in this little stretch of shoreline. Not bad we had actually been in the water for about 1 hour but only in the right spot for about 20 minutes and had managed to boat about 8 nice specks.
We continued to work this section of shoreline picking up a fish every minute or two. Every now and then we would mange to find a spot that was holding a few fish and we would work that spot until the bite stopped.
I would cast the little MirrOLure right up on the shoreline and slowly retrieve it back towards the boat. I was trying to keep it just off of the bottom as it was covered with a moss like grass. With the exception of one or two fish the bite on the crank bait was as if they were just there. No big slam, no strike, they were just there. What I mean by "just there" is the lure felt heavy, it was more difficult to turn the handle on the reel, it almost felt like I was hung on something, then the fish would begin to pull back and then there was "NO DOUBT" that the fish was there.
The rig that I was using was a Pflueger Trion Ultra Light rod and Pflueger Trion Ultra Light spinning reel. With an ultra light outfit like this, you can cast a small lure plenty far enough and the rig is so light that even a small speck fights like a big dog.
We fished until about 9:30 that morning and managed to catch about 25 specks on "ARTIFICIALS", no live minnows, no dead minnows, just a MirrOLure ultra light crank bait and an Exude 1 inch curly tail on a 1/16 ounce jig. I don't think this turned out to be such a bad morning after all, around 25 specks in about 2 hours. We then turned our attention to bass fishing and on my second cast. Wait just a minute. This is another story all together. You are going to have to read about this some other time.
The point to be learned from this day is, artificials will catch fish. Now I am not saying for all of you to throw away all of your live or natural bait tackle and convert over to artificial but you do not always need to fish live bait to have fun and end up with a mess of fish.
Now for some local saltwater reports:
The water temperature is starting to come up and the creeks are starting to produce some nice reds on top water. The trout are ready to start biting again now that you can almost keep them again (March, 1). Sheepshead at the jetties are turned on and can be caught on oysters or clams. The near shore action for seabass, whiting and sand bass is on fire. Try a small piece of shrimp, clam, squid, Fishbites or mussel fished on the bottom. The offshore bottom boats are having good catches of amberjacks, seabass, vermilion snapper and a few genuine snapper.
How would you like to go fishing with Capt. Jim?
For charter information please call me at 904 757 7550 or email me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. Don't forget to watch my TV show, every Tuesday at 7pm and Sundays at 8:30am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, Clay County and the Beaches and Thursdays at 7:30, Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m pm on channel 22 and 2 in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
Starting on this weeks show, I am going to give away a Plano tackle tray full of tackle. I asked a question during the show and at the end of the show. For those of you that have the right answer, you can email it to me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. (NO PHONE CALLS) email only. I will then take all of the correct answers, put them in a hat and draw one name to win the prize. To pick up the prize, you will have to go to Deonas Boat works. I am going to do this each week from now through September. I am going to give away Plano Tackle trays, boxes, MirrOlures, Clark Spoons, Fishing Line, Pliers, Sea Striker Trout Killers, Sea Striker Trout grubs, Jaw Jacker Jigs, Fun Fishing T-Shirts and much more. So tune in each week for the question and respond via email.
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day.
Don't forget to check out my website for other information on fishing this area, the products that I use and charter info at www.fishingwithjim.com/ or www.hammondfishing.com.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
904 757 7550
jim@fishingwithjim.com
http://www.fishingwithjim.com
http://www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by and
|
Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:18 am: | |
Subject: Catching Trout
Trout Season Is Open
East Coast bag and size limits: 5 fish between 15 and 20 inches and you can have one fish over 20 inches included in your 5 fish limit per angler. Culling is NOT allowed. If you have a fish in the cooler and you catch a larger one, you CANNOT toss the dead one back and keep the larger one.
Wow, what a winter we have had this year. It never got real cold but the winter lasted much longer than normal and with the long period of temperatures with lows in the thirties and highs in the fifties the water temperatures fell to an amazingly cold 48 degrees and hovered in the low fifties for about three months.
Well, we have had several weeks of temps in the 70's and this has started to bring the water temperature back to the range that is supposed to be for this time of the year, the 60's. With the warming water the fish have started to act like they are supposed to and are feeding more often that once a week. This has happened just in time for some trout action to fire off and here are some ways that you might be able to put a few in the box for a nice meal.
I like to start by loading my boat with several Plano Tackle bags, each with an assortment of offerings. You can bet that I will have a box of MirrOlures, a box of soft plastics and a few spoons. The MirrOlures that I will have will consist of my all time favorite, The Provoker. This lure can be fished on the surface or you can work it so it dives and wobbles to about four feet. The plus with this lure is that when you are working it under the surface and come in contact with an obstacle, you can stop turning the reel handle and it will float back to the surface. I like to fish this lure in water depths from a couple of feet to seven or eight feet deep. I usually fish this lure by using my MotorGuide trolling motor to ease the boat along the shoreline, keeping the boat as far away from it as I can cast. I do believe that if you try to fish as far from the fish as possible, that you will be less likely to spook them. I cast the lure as close to the shoreline as possible and as soon as it hits the water I start turning the reel handle slowly and with my rod tip I make a twitching motion. This action keeps the lure under the surface from a foot or so to about four feet and with the constant turning of the reel handle the lure sort of darts from side to side with tight action. You can also stop turning the handle every few seconds and the lure will come to the surface. Try to break up your retrieval pattern by adding a jerk of the rod tip or maybe a couple of jerks. This will make the lure act as if it is wounded and sometimes this is all it takes to entice a fish to strike your lure.
I will also have several MirrOlure Slow sinking baits as the Catch 2000 and the Catch 2000 Jr. These baits sink and can be worked slow or fast to achieve some string stretching action. The MirrOlure broken back lipped lures also work well this time of the year for Mr. Trout. Color is sort of up to your own preference, but I usually throw chartreuse, white, black back silver sides, green back silver sides and the blue back with chartreuse sides. I am sure that you have caught trout on just about every color out there but these are the colors that I have the most confidence in and remember what I have said about "confidence". When you have confidence in a lure, you will fish it longer and harder than one you are not sure about.
For the soft plastics, I have several styles and colors that have consistently worked to produce good catches for me.
If I am wanting my soft plastic to get down, say 4 to 10 feet, I like a Jaw Jacker 1/4 to 1/2 ounce jig head and on the hook I will fish a Sea Striker Trout Killer, an Exude Shrimp, a Sea Striker 4 inch trout grub or a Mr. Wiffle 4 inch grub. I start be slipping the hook in the head of the lure and running it about 1 1/2 inches through the length of the body and then out. You want the lure to go from the head of the hook to just short of the bend. After you have done this, drop the lure in the water next to the boat and pull it along to be sure that it does not spin in circles of have an unnatural action. This lure can be fished from the edges to water as deep as you want. Fishing this lure can be done several ways. You can fish it just off of the bottom, giving it a shrimp like action. Popping the rod tip enough to make the lure sort of jump up about a foot and then settle back down. You can fish it where it slowly moves across the bottom like a bait that is crawling along the bottom. You can vertical jig along bridge pilings or in deep holes. One very effective way is to toss it out, let it sink to the bottom and slowly work it back to you. These soft plastics are very effective this time of the year and will just about catch everything that swims.
Soft plastics on a bare hook, are deadly for trout when fished over shallow rock piles, oyster mounds and along the edges. I usually like this method on the higher tides. Sea Striker Trout Killers, five or six inch long trout grubs, four and six inch long Mr. Wiffles and Exude RT Slugs all work great with this style. You will need a Daiichi Bleeding Bait Copperhead Hook, in 5/0 size.
Tie your line directly to the eye of the hook as you normally would. Take the soft plastic and push the curly wire just in the nose of the bait. Once you have it started in the soft plastic, spin the bait in a clockwise motion, keeping pressure pushing the bait toward the curly wire on the hook. As you spin the bait the wire will go further and further into the bait until it comes to the eye of the hook. As you are turning (screwing) the bait onto the hook, be sure that you try to keep the curly wire in the center of the bait, not allowing it to screw out of the side. Now take the bait and bend it in the middle so you have room to insert the barb of the hook. You want to hook this bait so the wire curly part is in the head and the hook in the bait so the bait is straight.
Once you have this rigged it is best fished with as light of a line a possible. I like 10 or 15 pound test 2 pound diameter Power Pro. With this thin line, you can cast this rig a long distance. I also like a 7 foot rod like a Shakespeare Intrepid or Shakespeare Graphite medium or medium light action. These rods give you the rod loading capability to cast light lures a long distance.
Now that you are rigged up and have the equipment to fish a new way, drop your MotorGuide trolling motor in the water and start chuncking and winding. After you cast this over the rocks, along the grass edges or over a big oyster mound, give about 1 or 2 seconds to start to sink. Don't let it fall down in the rocks, just let it sink about a few inches. this rig will come to the surface when you work it and most of your strikes are going to come as it starts to sink back down. I like to twitch this bait. I cast it up near the edge, let it sink a little the start slowly turning the reel handle and gently twitch your rod tip. You want the bait to sort of spin and jerk as you come back towards the boat. I like to make the lure move about four to six inches with each twitch. Once you get this style perfected you might not ever want to fish any other way as the excitement of the strike is sometimes just like a top water explosion. This method is one that you have to keep watching your lure as sometimes the fish will be all over it and you will not feel the strike until it is too late.
Tossing spoons for trout has become more and more popular in the past few years and here are a few ways to make this work for you. Sea Striker has come out with a Clark Spoon that has colored flash material adhered to one side. As this spoon is retrieved the action will drive the trout crazy. The spoons come in sliver with red, chartreuse, silver, and I think blue flash on them. I either toss the spoon with or without a trailer. If I use a trailer, I like to slip a 3 inch trout grub on the hook. This added weight will allow you to make long cast and gives this spoon an action that you might want to jump in and eat. I toss it out, let it sink a little and start a slow retrieval back to the boat. Every now and then stop winding and twitch it a little or change the rate of retrieval. So far I have had the best luck with the chartreuses flash and a white 3 inch grub as the trailer. The bite is like a subtle touch then the rod just feels heavy.
For those that like live bait, there is the Jaw Jacker Jig with a shrimp or mud minnow. This can be fished around creek mouths, oyster mounds, deep drops or trolled.
How would you like to go fishing with Capt. Jim?
For charter information please call me at 904 757 7550 or email me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. Don't forget to watch my TV show, every Tuesday at 7pm and Sundays at 8:30am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, Clay County and the Beaches and Thursdays at 7:30, Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m pm on channel 22 and 2 in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
Starting on last weeks show, I am going to give away a Plano tackle tray full of tackle, each week. I asked a question during the show. For those of you that have the right answer, you can email it to me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. (NO PHONE CALLS) email only. I will then take all of the correct answers, put them in a hat and let one of my dogs draw one name to win the prize each week. To pick up the prize, you will have to go to Deonas Boat works. I am going to do this each week from now through September. I am going to give away Plano Tackle trays, boxes, MirrOlures, Clark Spoons, Fishing Line, Pliers, Sea Striker Trout Killers, Sea Striker Trout grubs, Jaw Jacker Jigs, Fun Fishing T-Shirts and much more. So tune in each week for the question and respond via email.
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day.
Don't forget to check out my websites for other information on fishing this area, the products that I use and charter info at www.fishingwithjim.com/ or www.hammondfishing.com.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
904 757 7550
jim@fishingwithjim.com
http://www.fishingwithjim.com
http://www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by and
|
Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:17 am: | |
Subject: Finding Trout On Deep Drops
Finding Trout on Deep Drops
It is that time of the year when trout start to hold near bait pods and this is usually around deep drops. To find these special places, you are going to need a good recorder, fish finder.
I have always been a firm believer that a good fish finder (sonar) is essential to finding little humps, rock piles and small concentrations of bait fish. Your fish finder should have a good clear picture, show a good resolution and be dependable.
One very important thing to know is, how to use your fish finder (sonar), how it works and what you should expect to see on the screen. These are all very important when using it to locate fish and subtle bottom changes.
Here are some questions and answers on fish finders (sonar). Understanding how your unit works and what you are seeing on the screen is an important part of this kind of fishing.
How Sonar Works.
Greatly simplified, a sonar unit is just a combination of a speaker, microphone and stopwatch.
Every fish finder is programmed to "know" that the speed of sound through water is about 4800 feet per second. Using a transducer, fish finders transmit a sound pulse, or ping, and then measure the time it takes for echoes to return from the ping. Then they convert the elapsed time for each ping into distance. A built-in computer organizes all of this information and shows it on a display screen.
Conventional bottom-finding sonar uses a transducer to send ultrasonic sound waves, or pings, down through water. The pings bounce off the bottom, and objects such as fish, and are received back by the same transducer.
A sonar ping travels at a rate of approximately four thousand eight hundred feet per second. The Unit can monitor the time it takes for each ping to go out and come back, and accurately calculate the distance to underwater objects.
Once the distance is determined, it can be plotted on a screen, one ping at a time, to draw a historical picture of the bottom contour, and the location of fish and other objects that pass under your boat.
Pixels. Why are they so important? The word "pixel" is short for "picture element". Pixels are the elements that the picture on a fish finder's screen is made from. Liquid crystal displays are really checkerboard-like grids of tiny dots (pixels) that darken individually when electricity is applied to them. A fish finder's computer forms the picture on its screen by darkening selected pixels and leaving others "blank".
The number of pixels on a unit's screen determines how much detail it can show. Remember that pixels are arranged in columns and rows. The more pixels a screen has in each vertical column, the less depth each pixel represents and therefore the higher the resolution. If a screen has 100-pixels in each column and you search for fish on the 0- to 50-foot depth range, each pixel represents 6 inches of depth (50 feet divided by 100 pixels equals ½ foot per pixel). A picture made with 6-inch building blocks isn't going to have a lot of detail. Take a Bottom Line® model with 240 pixels in each vertical column, and each pixel represents about 2½ inches of depth. Smaller changes in the bottom contour and subtle details in the structure features spring into view, giving you, the angler, better information.
The number of pixels in each horizontal row determines how long information stay on the screen before it scrolls off. This is especially important for units to show side-by-side displays of different kinds of information. Wide-screens, such as the Bottom Line Tournament NCC 6300 and the Tournament 5100, allow information to stay on the display a normal length of time even when the screen is split into separate features.
Fish arches. Now you see them, now you don't. Why? The importance of seeing fish as perfect boomerang-shaped arches on the screen has been greatly exaggerated over the years. It all has to do with how fish arches are created.
Imagine sitting in an anchored boat with your fish finder turned on. Picture in your mind the transducer's cone-shaped scanning area under your boat. In order to print a perfect arch, a fish will have to enter the edge of the cone, swim directly across the middle, and pass out of the cone.
Let's say the fish holds a constant depth of 15 feet as he swims straight across the cone. The unit measures the distance to an object and starts to print out on the display; it's 15 feet below the surface of the water but probably 16 feet from the transducer. As the fish swims through the center of the cone, it passes 15 feet below the transducer. When it reaches the edge of the cone again, it's 16 feet away just before it stops printing on the screen. This causes an arch to start at 16 feet, curve up to 15 feet, then curve back down to 16 feet. The wider the cone angle, the more exaggerated the arch.
If the fish changes depth, passes through only one edge of the cone, or wonders around under the boat before swimming off, it won't print as a perfect arch.
Power. Why is it so important? The output power of a fish finder's transmitter is stated in watts RMS or in watts peak-to-peak (P-P). The two terms represent different ways to advertise output power, and all you need to know to compare units that advertise different ratings is that P-P equals watts RMS times 8.
Power's importance is based on the perception that more power always produces a better echo. In reality, it is the combination of the unit's power and receiver sophistication that determines the unit's ability to find a fish and display an accurate image.
Which is better, wide or narrow cone angle? Bigger is not necessarily better. A transducer with a wide cone angle scans more water as your boat moves along and can fish and structure features faster, but this advantage can also work against you. The wide cone may cover two or three important stumps on the bottom, for instance, and the lump their reading together, makes it impossible to see just the one with fish next to it.
A narrow cone zeroes in on fish and can detect small details on structure features that fish may relate to. Focusing the transducer's power into a narrow beam also concentrates the sound output, enabling it to reach greater depths. A disadvantage to a narrow cone angel is that it scans smaller amount of water as the boat moves along.
Bottom Line strives for the best of both worlds by using a transducer with a medium cone angle and automatically manipulating receiver sensitivity and echo filtering to provide wider coverage in shallow water and narrower, more detailed coverage in deeper water. Add the advantage of multiple transducer beams that look to the side as well as straight down, each with its own separate display, and it's easy to tell where fish are in relation to your boat.
How do I interpret what I am seeing on my fish finder display? Some anglers don't stop and fish areas unless they see fish on the screen; this limits their success. Areas loaded with weeds, brush and submerge trees are great spots even if no fish are obvious. Developing the skill to see fish-attracting cover is as important as being able to identify individual fish on the screen.
Any object that is different in density from water can return a sonar echo. It's the density difference that determines the strength of an object's echo. Clumps of weeds and branches of submerged trees poking into the cone angle have different densities, and return different echoes.
It's often been said that 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water. Vast areas of any body of water are barren of fish, and fishing them is a waste of time. One great benefit of fish finders is their ability to help you bypass water that contains no cover, no baitfish and no lumps on the bottom that could be game fish. Ironically, one of their great benefits is showing you where NOT to fish.
How do I tell what kind of bottom I'm marking? Generally speaking, a hard bottom will be indicated with a thicker (top-to-bottom) contour line because it reflects most of a transducer's sound pulse. A soft, mucky bottom will absorb sound and return a weaker echo, resulting in a thinner contour line. However, a feature Bottom Line® calls GrayScale makes it easier to see the difference between hard and soft bottoms. All Bottom Line units display GrayScale to indicate very strong reflections from the bottom. The thicker (top-to-bottom) the checkering, the harder the bottom.
Now that you understand what your unit is doing, how it works and what you are actually seeing on the display, I will go into what you should look for while in search of deep drop trout. I NEVER look for a single fish and rarely even pay any attention to a single fish that is displayed on the screen. When your unit shows one fish (arch or fish id) this fish can be cruising and most of the time you have no idea which direction it is going and you could spend valuable time trying to go back and find this single fish. You are not looking for a single fish, you are looking for structure on the bottom that provides a current brake or is holding bait.
These pictures show bait up off of the bottom, fish that we are after near the bottom and a contour change in the bottom. THIS is what you are looking for.
The fish that we are after are almost always going to be holding on the outside of the bait pods.
To find places like this, you will need to do some riding and searching (put in your time). I like to concentrate on places like points near deep water, sharp bends in the creeks or river, in the channel where there is hard bottom and in almost every junction where two or more creeks come together.
When searching for these spots, come down to an idle, turn on your fish finder and be ready to mark the spot. If I am in an area where the is land in sight, then I will have several places (trees, docks, crab traps, points) to use a reference points to mark your spot. If you are in open water or you think that you might want to have the spot marked with a marker buoy try the new Bandit Buoy. Or check out their web site at www.americanbandit.com/bouy.html .
Now that you have found a good spot that holds bait and larger fish, it is time to fish. You can either drop your MotorGuide trolling motor in the water and use it to work this area or you can go up current and ease your anchor over so your boat is about fifty feet or so from the concentration of bait. When putting your anchor down, it is important to ease your anchor over the side GENTLY. DO not throw it.
You have found a good spot and you now need a bait and a presentation to get some fish to stretch your string. You can use plugs, deep diving crank baits like the MirrOlure Crank Baits.
Try to remember what the bottom looked like, Where the bait is, where the hump is and where the fish were in relation to the bait. This is important as you want to work your lure through the bait and in the direction of the fish. The fish will think that a bait has strayed from the school and you will surely get the fishes attention. You will want to work your lure as if it is injured. Work it slow with an occasional jerk or pause. These erratic movements will draw a strike from the fish that you are targeting. For the spinning rod folks, a good combination is the Shakespeare Tidewater reel with the Intrepid 7 foot long medium action rod. If you spool the reel with Power Pro 10 pound test, the lure will dive deeper and you will be able to feel the bottom as your bait bounces along.
If you want to float a bait back to the fish, then I suggest hat you use the conventional float rig, but you will probably have better success casting a jig or crank bait. Remember to fish slow, changing the retrieve and action. You need to try to convince the fish that your bait is an injured fish, otherwise the fish might nit try to catch it.
It is reel important that you do not anchor on the hump, bait or fish.
How would you like to go fishing with Capt. Jim?
For charter information please call me at 904 757 7550 or email me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. Don't forget to watch my TV show, every Tuesday at 7pm and Sundays at 8:30am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, Clay County and the Beaches and Thursdays at 7:30, Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m pm on channel 22 and 2 in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
I am going to give away a Plano tackle tray full of tackle, each week. I asked a question during the show. For those of you that have the right answer, you can email it to me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. (NO PHONE CALLS) email only. I will then take all of the correct answers, put them in a hat and let one of my dogs draw one name to win the prize each week. To pick up the prize, you will have to go to Deonas Boat works. I am going to do this each week from now through September. I am going to give away Plano Tackle trays, boxes, MirrOlures, Clark Spoons, Fishing Line, Pliers, Sea Striker Trout Killers, Sea Striker Trout grubs, Jaw Jacker Jigs, Fun Fishing T-Shirts and much more. So tune in each week for the question and respond via email.
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day.
Don't forget to check out my websites for other information on fishing this area, the products that I use and charter info at www.fishingwithjim.com/ or www.hammondfishing.com.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
904 757 7550
jim@fishingwithjim.com
http://www.fishingwithjim.com
http://www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by
|
Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:15 am: | |
Subject: World Class Bass Fishing
World Class Bass Fishing
When was the last time that you went bass fishing and caught over 100 bass with an average weight of FOUR plus pounds. Think about this, four plus pounds average. Take into consideration, you are going to catch some 1.5 and some 2 pounders. Now think about this again. An average of four plus pounds. That is something that most of us can say that we have never done.
Here is how and where I was able to perform this.
My trip started the day before I was to leave, by loading my truck with three Plano Tackle bags and one large Plano spinner bait soft bag. In these bags were soft plastics, crank baits, suspending baits, spinner baits, buzz baits and so many more that mentioning all of them would take a whole paragraph. I then started with the rods. Pflueger spinning outfits, bait cast outfits and a few fly rods. Now I had more tackle than Wal-Mart, more rods and reels than Bass Pro and more anticipation than a small boy on his first fishing trip. I hooked up to my 16 foot Carolina Skiff, checked the lights and safety chains, tightened up the boat strap, greased the hubs and checked the tire pressure. I wanted this trip to be without any surprises. I was in the Boy Scouts for three days and they taught me one thing, BE PREPARED.
That night, I tried to get to bed early, around 8:00 pm, but once in the bed, I just laid there with my eyes wide open from the excitement of the anticipation of fishing in a place that had world class bass fishing. I think I finally fell off to sleep around 11:00 pm. The alarm was set to go off at 2:30 am, but as usual, my internal clock had me up about 2:15 am. I bounced from the bed, still with the same excitement that I had when I went to bed. I was quick to get my shower and finish loading up the truck with my cameras and clothes for a two day trip to Little River Plantation in Ashburn Georgia. About 3:30 Scott and James showed up and they were as eager as I to get on the road. About 4:00 am we pulled out with boat in tow, heading for two days of bass fishing in one of the best Plantations in this country.
About 6:30, we arrived in Ashburn and from there another ten minutes and we were at Little River Plantation, ready to wet a line. As we eased down the old country road on the way to the first lake, we were all jumping around like little kids. Then from around a stand of tress, there was the lake. The lake was about 50 acres and looked so bassy from all of the standing timber that I felt like an old bird dog waiting to get out and get on point.
After we launched the boat, I was quick to tie on a spinner bait to my new Pflueger rod and reel outfit. I also tied on an Exude Rt-Slug bait with a lone X-Point 5/0 heavy worm hook, weedless of course.
We were going to be fishing in some of the thickest cover that you could imagine and I knew that I would only feel safe fishing the rods that had Power Pro spooled on them. I had 20 pound test on the spinner bait and 10 pound on the Rt-Slug. With the seven foot rods, I would be able to cast these lures plenty far enough and still have the train stopping hook set power needed to get Mr. Bass to the boat. James had also tied a spinner bait to the same style outfit that I was using and Scott was using a Pflueger Trion LP bait cast style reel, spooled with 20 pound test monofilament and attached to a six foot long pistol grip bait cast rod.
We dropped the MotorGuide trolling motor in the water and eased along the edges, casting and retrieving. This place was amazing, wood piles and tree stumps everywhere. You could not cast in any direction without finding some sort of cover to fish around. This place was an ideal bass haven. About my third cast, I dropped the spinner bait between two logs and as I retrieved the bait by one of the logs, it made contact with it and then came a wrist slamming strike and I was hooked up. In and around the stumps the bass ran but I was not scared because I had Power Pro and I knew from past experiences that this fish was coming to the boat. I angled the fish in and around the timber and then to the boat. What a fish, a 4 pounder to start the day and I had caught the first one.
TIP: When fishing a spinner bait in and around cover (stumps, bushes, things for bass to hide under or near), you want to try to make contact with that cover with your spinner bait. This seems to get the fishes attention and draws more strikes that if you had not made contact with the cover.
We continued down the shoreline with every cast looking like it was going to produce a fish. This place was so fishy looking, we could hardly stand it. It wasn't long before Scott was hooked up and to the boat came a nice 5 plus pound bass. James then made a cast in the RIGHT SPOT and pulled out a 5 pounder. Lets see, we have been on this lake less than 30 minutes and already had 3 very nice bass to the boat, not bad. I was able to cast further than Scott or James and DID NOT like fishing in the back of the boat, so I was able every now and then to make a cast around the two of them and get to a spot that looked like it should hold a fish. You should have seem the looks from the two of them when I cast around and past them to get to unfished water. On about the third cast that I made out in front of them, I found a good log and as the bait bumped into it on my retrieve back to the boat, I was hooked up on a stud. Of course I am hollering "FISH ON", yall watch out, turn the boat, get out of the way and a few more things that I best not write down. After a nice fight, I managed to land a fish that was all of 7 pounds and fat as a football. Man do these fish pull good. I have bass fished since I was about 15, 30 plus years and have never caught bass that pulled as long and as hard as the fish at Little River Plantation. What ever they are feeding them, they need to share with the rest of the world.
Both Scott and James were not happy with me making that cast, as the thought they should have caught that fish. For the next hour or so Scott tried to keep the boat positioned as to keep me from being able to fish in un used water. They each landed several fish and I was more or less just along for the ride. See, when you are having to fish used water (water the two good fisherman have already placed a bait in) your chances go to pretty slim that you are even going to get a look see from a fish. After they had each boated several fish, I stood up and cast over Scott and in what looked to be another killer spot. I was right, as soon as my bait touched the submerged tree, I felt that unmistakable thump that pulled back. I reared back and set the hook on what ended being another 5 pound fish. After a lengthy battle, I had landed another one. Strangely enough, neither said a thing about me casting over them. I guess they both thought if I caught one fish every now and them, it was okay.
They both managed to keep me out of the strike zone most of the day. It seemed like I would get an opportunity every one and while to get in a cast to a spot that they had each overlooked. And I would occasionally get lucky and be able to make a cast around them and pull out a fish that they thought was theirs.
To this point the wind had been blowing about 12 to 13 mph, which is a good wind for spinner bait fishing but now the wind had died to about calm and I knew that it was time to pick up the RT-Slug and work it as if it was an injured bait fish. With the seven foot rod and the thin line, I was able to cast it plenty far enough and with it's weedless design, I could work it in and trough stumps, grass and logs. The way that I like to work this bait is to toss it out and slowly turning the reel handle twitch the rod tip ever so slightly. The bait should sink to about 8 inches deep and as you twitch the rod tip it should dart towards the surface. This is an excellent bait to fish in calm or near calm conditions. When a fish is interested in this style of bait, it will cause a disturbance in the water near the bait and then sort of suck it in. You rarely feel the bite as most of the strikes come when the bait is falling back towards the bottom and you have slack in your line. You will almost always see a swirl or a surface strike and then it is time to rare back and set the hook.
I had made about 4 cast with this lure before hooking my first one and once again a nice 5 pounder came to the boat. Scott eased us into a little shallow area and I was sure that I could see fish working bait, so you can imagine where my lure went. Just past the working fish my bait landed and as it made its way into their area, I was hooked up again and after what seemed to be a 10 pounder, I boated another 5 pound bass. These fish are all the same, they all fight like they are much larger than the really are, 5 pounders seem like they are 10 pounds and 2 pounders seem like they are 5 pounds. I like this place, it has brought back a whole new attitude towards bass fishing.
You can imagine, what was happening just about now, both James and Scott were digging in my bag for an Exude RT- Slug. I almost had them convinced that the one that I had was the only one that I had brought. Normally I would not mind sharing, right down to the last one but these guys had been whooping up on me for the past several hours and I wanted to get back in the game. See, we had a dollar bet on who caught the most fish and I was way behind. Now that they were both tying on the bait of choice in this calm water, I knew that this was my chance to get a few more before they could get in the water. I was quick to cast right back in the same spot the last fish came from and as I anticipated, I was hooked up again. I tightened up on the reels drag and tried to well rope the fish to the boat as I knew it would not be long before I had competition for these fish. After a short battle, in came a 3 pounder. I immediately cast right back in the spot and wham, I was hooked up again. This fish was a lot better than the last and did not want to just come to the boat. I made me work a while to get him in and as I landed a nice 5 plus pounder, both Scott and James were now casting to the spot. We managed to pull several more fish from this shoreline all between 2 and 6 pounds before the action stopped.
We then headed for a big rock wall that had been warming in the sunlight all day. We were hoping that the water would be a degree or two warmer there and we would be able to ad a few more fish to our count. We all tied on a tube jig on the same hook set up. We tossed it up on the edge of the wall and let it sink to the bottom. This method was a difficult way to fish as you had to keep feeding out line to get the bait to sink straight down. It was very difficult to tell if you were getting bit because you had so much slack in your line. We were having to watch our line for even the slightest movement in it. When the line started to move or you saw a slight twitch, it was time to take up the slack and set the hook. We managed to catch quite a few from the wall with most being in the 5 to 6 pound class. This style, once we figured it out was a blast. The line would ever so slightly move or twitch, you would tighten up on it and you could feel the fish moving off with the lure. Of course, you the busted him and held on for a good battle. James managed to catch the largest from this wall, weighing in at 8 1/4 pounds on the Boga Grip.
Overall we managed to catch right at 100 fish with an average weight over 4 pounds. How many places have been in the past ten years that you can catch numbers and average weight like this?
If you are interested in enjoying some of this killer bass fishing you can visit their website at http://www.littleriverga.com or write or call them at Little River Plantation of Georgia 2415 Warwick Highway • Ashburn, Georgia 31714
229-567-0394 or 229-567-3584.
The folks at Little River will treat you like kings and have lodging for you and all of your buddies, so go on up there and stay a day or two. I did and had two wonderful days of fishing.
Here is James Roney with one on the many fish landed at Little River Plantation Georgia
Local action:
Reds in the creeks are still slow at best, there are few nice reds in the deeper portions of the river. Trout are starting
to hit top water and suspending plugs. I have seen a couple of flat ones in the past week, so maybe they are on their
back in to the inshore waters. The sheepshead are biting at the jetties and on some of the larger docks that are encrusted with barnacles. Try a fiddler, an oyster or a live shrimp for these teethy critters. The sea bass are still on fire in the ocean and the snapper are starting to show some promise if you can get out a ways.
The bass should be coming off of the beds and should be ready for a meal. Try the docks and shell bars for a bream or two. try using mussels or worms and you might be surprised to hang something a little larger than a bream.
How would you like to go fishing with Capt. Jim?
For charter information please call me at 904 757 7550 or email me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. Don't forget to watch my TV show, every Tuesday at 7pm and Sundays at 8:30am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, Clay County and the Beaches and Thursdays at 7:30, Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m pm on channel 22 and 2 in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
I am going to give away a Plano tackle tray full of tackle, each week. I asked a question during the show. For those of you that have the right answer, you can email it to me at jim@fishingwithjim.com. (NO PHONE CALLS) email only. I will then take all of the correct answers, put them in a hat and let one of my dogs draw one name to win the prize each week. To pick up the prize, you will have to go to Deonas Boat works. I am going to do this each week from now through September. I am going to give away Plano Tackle trays, boxes, MirrOlures, Clark Spoons, Fishing Line, Pliers, Sea Striker Trout Killers, Sea Striker Trout grubs, Jaw Jacker Jigs, Fun Fishing T-Shirts and much more. So tune in each week for the question and respond via email.
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day.
Don't forget to check out my websites for other information on fishing this area, the products that I use and charter info at www.fishingwithjim.com/ or www.hammondfishing.com.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
904 757 7550
jim@fishingwithjim.com
http://www.fishingwithjim.com
http://www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by and
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Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:14 am: | |
Subject: Fishing Stained or Dirty Water
Fishing Stained or Dirty Water
Fishing in stained water is a task that we all have to endure at least some of the time. Here are a few tricks to help you put a few fish in the box when these conditions plague your favorite fishing spot.
When we have heavy rains, big winds or strong tides, the water clarity sometimes reduces to a visibility of a few inches. When this happens, we all have the same problem, can the fish see the bait. Like most guides, I do not have the option of fishing only the good days. I have to fish in all conditions and very dirty water is right up there on my list of conditions that make it tough for everyone.
When fishing under normal conditions, you toss your bait in an area that you expect to hold fish and you are depending on the fishes ability to see the bait. When the water is very dirty, from days of big winds or a lot of rain, the water clarity will decrease to the point that you cannot see the bait for more than a few inches. Well, can the fish that you are targeting see the bait any better than you or do they have other means of finding the bait.
When fishing these conditions, I like to employ all of the resources that are at my disposal.
SCENT:
Smell, is one of the best ways to attract a fish to your bait when fishing these conditions. There are several ways that you can use scents to attract fish. One very easy way is to attach something to your hook, is to add scent or attractant. One product that will do this and is easy to put on the hook and does not affect the movement of the bait is Fish Bites. Fish Bites is a synthetic fish attractant and feeding stimulant. This product comes in several colors, flavors and sizes. Fish Bites was developed by Dr. William Carr, a marine biologist that has spent many years testing and developing scents that attract and motivate fish to feed. In very stained water I like the chartreuse and hot pink colors. These two colors seem to show up best in dirty water.
Another product that has a lot of fish attracting scent, comes in several colors that either glow or show up well in dirty water are the Exude Baits. You can choose from several styles like shrimp, tubes, slugs and many more. All of these baits secrete a fish attracting smell and have the same texture as natural bait, so when the fish bites it, not only does it taste good but feels natural.
If you fish soft plastic baits, you can let them soak in pogy oil for several weeks, before attaching them to the hook. This will add a scent to them that will last a long time and for some reason the pogy oil makes these rubber baits very tough and difficult for the fish to get off of the hook. The down side to this is it is messy.
There are also several types of sprays that you can squirt on your bait, but they will not last near as long as the Exude Baits, Fish Bites or letting your baits soak for weeks in pogy oil.
Cut bait is another way to add scent to the water. A piece of cut mullet works well in dirty water. Take a mullet and cut off a piece of the side as if you were filleting him.
Sound, Vibration:
A way to add extra flash and sound to your jig is to add a small spinner blade to the eye of the jig. I like the size blade that you will find on small crappie jigs or beetle spins. You know what I am talking about, the blade this is attached to a small piece of wire with a blade about the size of your finger nail on your pinky. With this blade you will need to tie your fishing line to the loop in the wire. You will also need to back off a little on your drag because the wire is not very strong and a big fish will straighten this wire out and Mr. Fish will be gone. If you have a small vise or fly tying vise, you can take a small blade and attach it directly to the eye of the jig and still be able to tie your line to the jig head eye, thus eliminating the wire. The blade will also add vibration and sound as you work it through the water.
Sound also helps to attract fish and one easy way to add sound is to purchase some small glass rattles. The kind that bass fisherman use on their soft plastics. Take your jigs and glue one of these rattles to the hook, using super glue. This will add a clicking sound to your hook and this seems to at least get the fishes attention and get him looking for the sound.
I recently found another way to add sound to my baits. I have used the Cajun Thunder float several times over the past month and the clicking sound that this float makes DOES attract fish. I tie on a leader to the bottom of this float, attach a hook and for bait I like something live. Toss the Cajun Thunder in an area that you think holds fish, take up the slack in your line, let the bait sit there for a few seconds, then using a wrist action pull back briskly on the rod. This will cause the brass beads on the bottom of the Cajun Thunder to clack. Try a hard plastic bait that makes noise, like the MirrOlure She Dog, Top Dawg Pup or one of the many lures that have rattles in them. Work the baits slower so the fish can home in on them.
Spinner baits work well in dirty water. They not only have a lot of flash but the blades make noise that attracts the fishes attention.
Extra Flash:
Take your favorite jig and tie on a small piece of crystal flash or tinsel. I like to tie on several colors, gold, blue, silver or what ever you think will work. This adds extra flash to the bait and this little added flash can make the difference in a fish seeing your bait or passing it by.
Give one of these a try next time you have to fish dirty water and I bet you will see an improvement in the number of fish that take your bait.
Charter Information:
To experience some fine inshore action, please call me at 904 757 7550.
Moms and Dads:
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day. (I am not just saying this because it sounds good. I MEAN IT, YOU WON'T BE LOOKING FOR THEM.)
Television Fishing Show:
Catch some local fishing action Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 8:30 am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, the Beaches.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
jim@hammondfishing.com
www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by and
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Capt. Jim Hammond
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:13 am: | |
Subject: Spanish Mackeral
Spanish Mackerel
Get on out there and get some. The arrival of the Spanish Mackerel brings fun fishing to Jacksonville, Florida.
Now that they have arrived you will see many anglers both Fly Fisherman and Conventional Tackle Fisherman getting their limits of these tasty fish.
Here are some of the tricks for catching your share.
TROLLING:
To troll for these fish you will need the following:
1. Bait Casting style reels.
2. Bait casting rods, from six to seven feet in length, medium to medium heavy action.
3. Spool the reels with 50 pound test PowerPro line.
4. Sea Striker # 1 size planers, one for each rod.
5. A supply of 00 and 0 Clark Spoons, with the red bead.
6. 20 to 40 pound test monofilament leader.
7. 100 and 50 pound test snap swivels (BLACK)
The set-up:
Spool the reels with the PowerPro line, from the line on the reel tie on a 100 pound test snap swivel and clip it to the planer. From the other end of the planer clip on a 50 pound test snap swivel, tie to this 10 to 20 feet of monofilament leader line. To this tie on a Clark Spoon. Repeat this step for each rod you intend on using. I like to troll three rods and have a couple more ready to use if you snag one and lose your rig (this sometimes happens).
TRICK: paint your planers flat black.
Now that you have your rigs ready, make your way to the jetties on the last of the incoming tide. LOOK FOR THE DIVING BIRDS (terns). They are your friends and will tell you where the fish are. The fish are driving up glass minnows and the birds are feeding on them, so this is generally where the fish are.
Get your boat speed up to about 4 to 6 miles per hour and send out the planer rigs. I like to let out about 50 to 75 feet of line before locking the reel down. When the planers are engaged, the rod will bend pretty good and will be almost impossible to hold for any length of time. Place the rods in the rod holders and troll around the outer edges of the diving birds. When you have a fish on the bend will be gone from the rod and the rod will be jerking and bouncing around. DO NOT troll through the middle of the birds, as you will scatter the fish. If you troll around the edges you should be able to catch plenty of Spanish without sending the fish off in another direction.
Keep in mind, the further that you let the planer out behind the boat the further DOWN the planer goes.
FLY CASTING
To be successful with the fly rod you will need the following:
1. A fly rod that you can cast about 75 feet or longer.
2. Extra fast sinking line.
3. 30 pound test monofilament leader.
4. A fly that looks as much like a glass minnow as possible.
If you visit the Orvis web site at Orvis.com you can see pictures of a few of the patterns that work well and they are, Glass Minnow, Bead Eye Charlie, Bearded Charlie, Deep Water Gotcha, Spawning Gotcha, Kirk's Fly Spoon (in silver) and the Cowen's Albie Anchovie. These are just a few of the proven Spanish Mackerel flies. Orvis will sell you the fly or the material to make your own. When you find the fly that you want to tie, click on the picture and you will have a list of the materials needed to tie it yourself.
These fish are feeding on GLASS MINNOWS and that is what they want. They are not interested in mullet, shrimp or anything else, they want GLASS MINNOWS. The point that I am trying to get across is tie your flies to look as closely to glass minnows as possible. If you can work with epoxy, this is the way to go.
CATCHING THE FISH:
Again, find the diving birds, ease your boat up close to them and make your cast in the middle of them. Let the fly sink until it reaches about 20 feet deep. Strip the line back to the boat as fast as you can. The fish also gather up along the edges of the jetty rocks and you sometimes can cast along the edges to pick up a few fish.
CASTING CONVENTIONAL TACKLE
The tackle needed:
1. A light spinning outfit with a rod about 7 feet in length, I like the Shakespeare IM7 Intrepid.
2. 10 to 20 pound test PowerPro line on the reel.
3. 00 or 0 Clark Spoons, with the red bead.
4. Thirty to Forty pound test monofilament leader line.
5. Barrel swivels, very small, black.
6. 1/2 ounce trout weights, painted black.
7. Sea Striker Gotcha casting and trolling lures.
Spool the reel with the power pro line, from there tie on a barrel swivel or the trout weight, then to that, tie on about 1 to 3 feet of leader line and to that the spoon. If you are using a Gotcha, you do not need any weight as they come in sizes from 1/4 to one ounce and this is plenty heavy enough to cast a long way.
CATCHING THE FISH:
Find the birds or go to the end of the rocks and cast your spoon in the middle of the diving birds. Let the spoon sink to about 20 to 30 feet. When the spoon is deep enough, WIND LIKE HECK. These fish are fast swimming feeders and the faster that you can wind there more you will generally catch. With the Gotcha, you do not need to let it sink. It has a nose that acts like a planer and it will dive as it is retrieved.
Size and Bag limits in Jacksonville, Florida for Spanish Mackerel:
The bag limit is 15 fish per person, with the minimum size limit of 12 inches long at the fork.
Recipe for smoked Spanish, Um, Um, Good.
Fillet the fish, leave the skin on. In a sauce pan, melt 1/2 stick butter, add 1/2 of a beer (NO LIGHT BEER), add some crushed garlic and onion. Place the filets skin down on the smoker, brush on the concoction in sauce pan. Let smoke until done, usually, one to four hours, depending on the heat of your smoker. Call me when they are done so I can come over and taste test.
Local fishing action:
The jetties and inlets are still on fire with an assortment of fish. The drum, sheepshead, spanish, whiting and red fish are biting well at the jetties.
There are a few flounder in the creeks along with trout and reds. There also have been a few Jack Crevalle caught this past week.
The river is holding drum, sheepshead, flounder and whiting. The offshore bottom boats are still catching good numbers of snapper, seabass, vermilion snapper, sharks and amberjacks.
The area around Pacetties and Six Mile Creeks are holding good numbers of specks and bream, with a few bass and reds tossed in.
For those of you looking for a good deal on a fish cooker. Southern Propane located at 2711 Dunn Ave has them on sale, regular $129 now only $99.
Moms and Dads:
Remember mom and dad, spend some time with your sons and daughters taking them fishing and you will not be looking for them come Friday and Saturday nights, as they will be home in bed waiting to go the next day. (I am not just saying this because it sounds good. I MEAN IT, YOU WON'T BE LOOKING FOR THEM.)
Television Fishing Show:
Catch some local fishing action Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 8:30 am on cable channel 7 in Jacksonville, the Beaches and Clay County.
Good Fishing
Capt. Jim Hammond
jim@hammondfishing.com
www.hammondfishing.com
This report is brought to you by and
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Capt. Vic Tison
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 9:57 am: | |
Subject: Capt. Vic's Fishing Report, Jax., Fl. Areas
Ahoy there Anglers,
I usually talk about new laws, new rules, happenings, etc. that affect our fishery in this first section of my Reports. I'd like to take just a moment of your time and tell you about a Fishing Tournament that I'm honored to "Sponsor". You all know that I love to 'talk fishing' so much that I enjoy turning people on to angling. Shoot, it allows me to 'talk fishing' even more, (as if I need an excuse).
A High School buddy of mine, named Horace Lafavor, (I won't bother telling you how long ago that was) has started a club. It's called the Dog River Carp Fishing Association or the DRCFA located near Atlanta, Georgia. A great group of anglers just like our own Inshore Saltwater Angler's Club, (ISA) right here in Jacksonville. I'm honored because the caliber of people these two clubs draw are the caliber of people/anglers that I like being associated with. Nothing can take the place of good fellowship with good people. The DRCFA fishes for carp or as they sometimes call them 'golden ghosts'. The tournament is for crowning the "Carp King 2003" for the Dog River area. They have a 'revolving trophy' which changes hands every time a larger carp is boated. Their's is also a catch, weigh and release tournament, just my kind! The angler who has the largest reported catch by the End of the Year Banquet just after Thanksgiving is crowned Carp King 2003 and gets the trophy for keeps along with several prizes that I'm donating to this group. The trophy has 'Carp King 2003 Sponsored by Vic2Fish & Adventures, Inc. Jax., Fl.' engraved on it. If you'd like your Web Site, Tackle Shop or Company's name spread around this great group of anglers, please consider donating any new items, (it doesn't have to be fishing items) to the DRCFA's Carp King 2003 Tournament. Be a part of it and let's make this a tournament like North Georgia has never seen!
If you anglers right here in Jacksonville want to learn more about fishing our local waters. Learn from the best! Come 'talk fishing' with us at our next ISA meeting. Come early and mingle with our members. Let them know you're a guest and would like more info on fishing our inshore waters. Everyone there is helpful and considerate. You'll enjoy the friendly, family atmosphere. Good people! The first Monday of every month at the Mudville Grille, 3105 Beach Blvd. right in the St. Nicholas Shopping Center. Meeting starts at 7:00PM.
JETTIES:
The best bet right now are sheepshead. Sheepshead are fired up and chewing fiddlers and live shrimp out at the rocks. There are catches of 10 to 35 of those striped bandits for each boat working all along the big rocks. Usually while catching these light biting, hard fighting fish, as a bonus you can catch redfish, black drum, spot-tail porgies and sea bass on the same rigs and baits.
Whiting and yellow mouth trout are hiting dead shrimp again out in the sandy areas around the rocks also. The black drum have started biting again since the water temp has risen now to 67 - 69 degrees. Redfish, some legal size but mostly oversized are biting there again now also.
The giant drum have not been in yet even though it's now after March's full moon due to the water temp being so low for so long but looking at the water temperature, the way it's rising, I'm looking for them in about 2 weeks. When it gets to be around 70 to 72 degrees they'll be here. PLEASE, take good care of these monsters and release everything over about 25 pounds. They aren't any good to eat over that size but they are great for re-stocking our drum fishery. It's such a shame to see people cleaning drum 60 to 70 pounds at the docks and when they see the parasites/worms in them then they just throw them in the garbage. What a waste.
In a couple of weeks the Spanish mackerel will start to show in numbers. Last year they showed up a little early. It was March 29th and boom, we caught 48 of them. The first run is usually the smaller males and then a couple of weeks later the thicker, longer females will appear. It's usually pretty easy to catch 30 to 60 of them in a short period using planers and Clark Spoons. Remember the size limit goes to the 'fork' of the tail, not overall length.
Early next month I'll also be looking for the 'carpet flounder'. That's what I call them when they first come in from offshore. You can usually catch 15 to 25 of these good eating fish each trip for about 2 weeks when they first come to the rocks. That's the first structure they come to and they'll be laying on and around the rocks like a carpet feeding like I do at a buffet table.
CREEKS:
Redfish have been schooling up all in the shallows for weeks now but they have been reluctant to bite very much. The water temperature has really been up and down so often that even they don't know what time of the year it is. Every time our water gets to about 70 degrees in the creeks we get loads of rain and right back down to 63 - 64 degrees. And dirty,,, all this rain, even 150 miles south of us is effecting the water clarity here. It all has to come out of the river right here. Yesterday we were casting lures and the trash, (sticks, plastic bags, grass) was getting on the lures constantly but like the cat that got his tail cut off said, " It won't be long now".
Speckled trout are affected by the water clarity also. Last week we were catching 15 to 26 speckled trout on my 'lures only' trips but this week the numbers have fallen quite a bit. They are still around and will start biting again in about a week or so.
There's still a lost flounder or two in the creeks but you really have to hunt for them. About the middle to the end of April they'll be back in good numbers. Usually you can catch them at the jetties pretty good when they first come in from the offshore wrecks before they get spread around in the hundreds of creeks around here.
RIVERS:
About the best bet in the rivers right now are whiting. Nassau River, Sawpit Creek, Ft. George Inlet, St. Johns River and the best place at this writing is St. Augustine Inlet and North River. Dead shrimp is the bait of choice. Yellow mouth trout and a few black drum are chewing around the Dames Point Bridge and we caught a few keeper reds there the other day also on the last of the falling tide. Grass banks just after high tide with floater/divers have been producing trout to 6 pounds and reds to 33" in the rivers too. The water clarity in the creeks has moved the trout into the main rivers and the early morning tides have been better than the afternoon ones. Mill Cove is an excellent location for trout and reds right now. There isn't enough flow to stir the water up or draw the dirty water from the river and I think the fish have found some cleaner water in there and stuck around. Last 2 hours of the incoming and the first couple of hours of the outgoing tides have been the best.
SURF:
My 'surf fishing buddy' has been telling me that he's beginning to catch 35 to 60 whiting a trip again now in the surf. He said, "Tell your guys they have to have patience. If you get a spot in a runout before someone else does, stick with it. When they come through you'll get em". He's catching small blues and a couple of real small sharks in the surf too. Soon, the Spanish mackerel will show up and he should do good on them too.
That's about it for another Report. Sorry it's been a little while since my last one but when the rain finally slowed down, I've been staying in "my office". You all know where that is,,, on the water.
Remember to take a trash bag out on the boat with you so you can pick up that piece of trash you see floating by. If WE ALL pick up a couple of pieces that's not ours we can really make a difference as much as we're out on the water. What better way to teach our kids that we care about "their future"!
As always I'm,,,,, pulling drags,
Captain Vic Tison
VIC2FISH & ADVENTURES, INC.
web site http://vic2fish.com
P.O. Box 122
Jacksonville, Fl. 32219-0122
(904) 765-4936
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