Fishing Reports

June 2009
Hey, its summer time…. get to the beach! This month pogy pods should start to show just off the beach with predatory fish in hot pursuit. Sharks, cobia, bull reds, spanish and king macs, giant jacks, bluefish, and one of my favorites the silver king, aka tarpon, will all be crashing the pogy pods in an exciting free-for-all that has to be seen to be believed. A favorite way to fish the pods is to rig a live pogy on a medium to large circle hook. Use about 5 feet of 60-80lb. florocarbon leader then add a splitshot or two a few feet above the hook. This will keep your pogy slightly under the pod and make for an easy lunch for lurking predators. Bring some heavy tackle because you never know what may lie underneath. 
Inshore, some of the best redfish and trout catches will come at daybreak and at sunset. A top-water plug will be the lure of choice at these times when worked around mullet schools. If the fish seem to be short striking try to vary your retrieval rate. Sometimes they like it fast and sometime a little slower. If they just don't seem to want to inhale the topwater switch to a sub-surface lure like the Mirro-Lure Mirrodine. This lure perfectly imitates a wounded mullet or small pogy and will stay just under the surface when worked correctly. It can be just the right look for those fish that seem to be just "sniffing" your topwaters. During the heat of the day switch up your presentation... again locate the mullet schools and jig a Fishbites Xtreme paddle tail or jerkbait paired with an 1/8 ounce Slayer Inc. jighead. Trout, jacks, ladyfish, and reds, just to name a few, will be hiding underneath. With the water turning towards that summer "yoohoo" color a gold spoon tossed along grass edges and oyster bars during the higher tide stages is sure to get a few reds and flounders attention. Another option for our dirty summer water is one bait that has gained a huge amount of popularity with both pro tournament anglers and the hardcore inshore fisherman... the spinnerbait. My favorites spinners come from Slayer Inc. whom are now making quite a few different models that are built to withstand the harsh saltwater environment and that's important if you want to use it for more than one trip. Sometimes spoons and spinners will have just enough vibration to call out those hard to find fish.

May 2009
It’s time to "walk the dog"... no, not the barking type, but your favorite topwater plug! With water temps on the rise this month look for the topwater bite to be on fire. Tossing a floating plug like those made by Mirrolure or Rapala at first and last light will produce great topwater strikes. Redfish will be more than willing to give chase on top but just make sure you don' set the hook prematurely, rather wait until you feel the fish pull back... then rip his lips off. Redfish have a knack for missing a topwater plug the first time and if you set the hook too fast he'll never get that second chance to inhale it. May is a great month for topwater trout as well. We usually get some of the biggest trout of the year this month on my boat and they're usually caught on a topwater or subsurface plug.
You know summer is coming as the jacks will be crushing baitfish at the inlets, seawalls, and shell banks along the ICW. Ladyfish as well as bluefish can be caught in the same areas as long as the current is moving. Using a plug or a free-lined finger mullet are both very effective ways to target these fish. Speaking of fast-hitting fish, look for spanish mackerel to be chasing bait pods in and just outside all area inlets. A Gotcha type plug or a spoon is your best bet at taming these toothy critters. 
When targeting redfish and flounder during the day go to a bigger soft plastic like a 5" Fishbite's jerk bait, as the bigger soft plastic more resembles the finger mullet that invade the ICW this time of year. During the lower tide stages redfish will move out to the ICW banks to chase the schools of mullet. Look for areas that are holding the most mullet on the ICW and fish them hard. If artificial isn't your thing a mud minnow, a finger mullet, or live shrimp on a 1/4 to 3/8oz Slayer Inc. jighead will work wonders. Last, but definitely not least, tarpon season is just around the corner… let the madness begin!

April 2009
It's time to dust off your favorite floating plugs this month for some of the best top-water action Northeast Florida has to offer. With water temps on the rise many of our inshore gamefish will be looking skyward for tasty snack. Finger mullet will start to invade the creeks and flats and a small to medium sized "walk the dog" type plug will be an excellent way to match the hatch. Best time to toss a top-water would be at first light and again towards the end of the day. Typically this time of year yields some monster top-water caught trout. There's a few things to key in on when looking for a big trout. Any type of structure adjacent to deeper, moving water would be a great place to start. If there is an oyster bar nearby that's even better. Many of my big trout have also come from the banks of the ICW. Look for banks that run close to the ICW channel markers (these will have a steeper drop into deeper water). If there's a shell bar along the same bank that's even better.
Redfish will start to scatter somewhat on the flats and start to key in on finfish this month as well. If you're a live baiter a finger mullet will be the choice bait. A big mud minnow would be a very close second. Like mentioned before a top-water plug will also make a great search bait for redfish on the flats. Even if the reds are a little hesitant to strike your plug you can have another rod rigged up with a soft plastic ready to fire into the strike zone. This classic "bait and switch" technique is used by many of today's top Redfish Tour professionals. As the water starts to get a little murky heading into spring another great lure to target redfish with is the spinner bait. The best spinner baits around are made right here in North Florida by Slayer Inc.. Both their inline and "R" bend spinners are made with the hardcore fisherman in mind. They use the toughest of components that hold up really well, even after being abused by many a redfish. These spinner baits not only work on redfish but flounder really seem to like them as well.
Speaking of flounder, the flatties should start to show up in better numbers this month. A mud minnow rigged on a jighead and/or a finger mullet on a fishfinder rig will be the go to rigs. Creek holes, sand bar drop offs, grass lines, and inlet jettys, are great places to hunt for flounder. Just remember to let him chew for a few seconds before setting the hook.
I think we can look forward to an exciting spring and summer for Northeast Florida fishing. Jacks, ladyfish, tarpon, kingfish, cobia... all just right around the corner.

March 2009
Last month was the most epic month that I can remember for my clients and myself sight-fishing for redfish. The weather got cold, the water got gin clear, and the reds really got schooled up and hungry. That was February... this is a new month and it could be a totally different game. Actually the reds should continue to stay schooled up, at least until water temps significantly start to rise and that most likely won't be until April. Continue to look for reds in shallow areas that have a darker mud or oyster laden bottom. On clear days the sun will warm the water a few degrees in those areas making a great spot for the reds to hang out and warm up a bit. Bait (mullet, minnows, shrimp) will also hold in these "hot" spots and it's common knowledge that the reds will be in the same areas the bait is. One thing that does change towards the end of the month is the top-water bite. With the water warming up reds will be once again be willing to chase down and inhale your favorite top-water plug. I prefer the "walk the dog" style lures. If the fish don't seem to want to give chase at first try changing up your retrieval speed. Sometimes they like it fast and sometimes a little slower.
Speaking of top-water... this is my favorite time of year to fish for trout. There's nothing like watching that big momma trout come soaring out of the water after you plug. Creek mouths, rip rap, and just about anywhere you have some moving water are going to be great places to target the specs. Remember to loosen the drag just a little when throwing top-water plugs for trout. They have somewhat delicate mouths and you don't want to rip the plug away from the fish before they actually get it. Many anglers prefer to use mono when tossing top-water plugs for just this reason (gives a little stretch). Of course if top-water isn't your thing a jig and soft plastic will do the trick. I've been absolutely wearing the trout out as of late using a Slayer Inc. 1/8 ounce Predator jighead with a Fishbites paddle tail. Jig, jig, then pause... then repeat. They almost always seem to hit it on the pause.
The black drum bite has been on fire lately. Most of my fish have been in the 4-6lb range and have been caught using live or fresh dead shrimp. Dead low tide has been producing the best bite especially around the new and full moons.

February 2009
You've got to love Florida winter.. as of report time the temps have been consistently in the mid 70's sometimes even in the 80's. February is a different month though and we can expect at least a few bone chilling days to come along. I hate cold weather but I love what it does to our redfish. The colder it gets the tighter the reds will be schooled up, usually eagerly awaiting to chew on whatever you toss at them. Even though the cold water seems to fire up the reds there's a few things you can do that will increase your hookup ratio. A small paddle-tail or soft plastic shrimp like those offered from Fishbite's are just the right size this time of year. Reds will be looking for tiny shrimp, fiddler crabs, and smaller minnows so try to "match the hatch" as they say. The water should be at it's clearest this time of year so If you're fishing shallow go light and use an 1/8 ounce predator style jighead from Slayer Inc.. One reason I prefer to use the Slayer Inc. line of jigheads is because you can get the lighter weight jigs with a strong 4/0 hook. A larger gap hook is key for a solid hookset on a big redfish. Sometimes even an unweighted soft plastic will work best this time of year as the fish will be a little spooky due to the clear water. At low tide try jigging the creek holes with the above mentioned baits (with a 1/4 or 3/8oz jighead). The fish will stack in these holes, especially during the winter time negative low tides. A negative low tide is a great time to go out and do some scouting as well. You'll find oyster bars and troughs that you never knew were there.

January was a great month for black drum and sheepshead. A piece of shrimp on a smaller circle hook or jighead is the go-to bait for the drum. The pinfish have sometimes been relentless this past month, stealing the shrimp before it even reaches the bottom. A few other baits that get a drums attention and seem to last a little longer on the bottom are clams, oyster crabs, or Fishbites Fish'n strips. The low end of the tide seems to be best and the deeper the creek hole the better. Fiddler crabs will also get a drums attention but are really candy for sheepshead. Some lunker sized sheepies will come from the Bridge of Lions and the St. Augustine jetties this month. Try fishing the slack tides as it will make it easier to feel the toothy critters slurp up your bait.

Trout also seem to enjoy the cold weather and should be lurking along the ICW edges, creek mouths, and just about anywhere with moving water. If you find one there will likely be more in the same spot. Small jigs and the good 'ol live shrimp under a popping cork should make for some steady action... just remember trout season is closed this month so it's catch and release only until March.

January 2009
The early bird doesn't always get the worm... January is one of my favorite months to fish and being able to sleep in a little longer than usual (especially when it's cold) can be nice. There's no need to get on the water super early this month as the fish will be chewing better after the sun gets up and the flats start to warm up a bit. A mid-day low tide this time of year is a Northeast Florida angler's dream come true. Redfish will be schooled up and low tide is the easiest time to find them. This is the time of year that I always hear people saying "I wish my boat would float shallower or, I wish I could push-pole my boat". This is because you can take a shallow water skiff deep into the creeks and flats on the low tide stages and have your way with large schools of feeding redfish. Look for flats with dark colored bottoms and creeks with an abundance of oyster bars. One of my favorite areas this time of year is the flats on the west side of the ICW in St. Augustine from the 312 bridge to just south of Devils Elbow Fish Camp. Redfish love those areas because they warm up faster than others and tend to hold more bait for them to snack on. Typically the water is pretty clear right now so you'll be able to see the fish but you can also locate them by looking for "muds" or small fleeing baitfish and shrimp. Don't worry if you don't own a super shallow water skiff, these fish are still accessible. Most larger creeks in the area have small "flats" on their banks on extreme winter low tides. Slowly use the trolling motor to work as far back as possible in the creeks while eyeing the banks for cruising reds. An inexpensive way to improve your sight-fishing prose is to buy a step ladder and bring it out on the boat. Paired with a good pair of polarized sunglasses this will give you a huge advantage. Some redfish tour anglers are actually using 10 foot ladders with great success (just make sure you have some decent balance if you try this one). My favorite baits this time of year are small soft plastics like a Fishbites Xtreme paddle tail or a live shrimp both paired with an 1/8 ounce Slayer Inc. jighead. The reason I prefer the 1/8 ounce or even a 1/16 ounce jig is they make less splash when casted and with the clear water we have right now our reds can get a little spooky.
Black drum should be a good bet this month in the deeper creek and ICW holes. Fresh dead shrimp or sometimes even better, a fiddler crab fished on the bottom will do the trick. Speaking of fiddler crabs, the sheepshead bite was really good last month and should continue through the next few months. Target area bridges and pilings with fiddlers, oyster crabs, or small shrimp. If you're feeling a little more sporty look for sheepies on the flats feeding on oyster bars. Last month it seemed like every oyster bar I passed by had a few munching away just waiting to be caught. Have a safe and happy New Year!

December 2008
With water temperatures on the fall this month look for sight-fishing opportunities to rise... For me the next few months are the most exciting time of year to target reds on the flats. As the water drops into the low 60's our water, especially the south part of our region, will really start to clear up. Fish will be hanging in the cleaner waters of our flats and creeks looking to warm up on sunny winter days. Look for darker mud and oyster-laden bottom to be holding redfish, trout, and flounder. These areas will warm up faster than others on sunny days.... a few degrees can really make a difference. Take the time to scout out these “hot spots” on a good low tide. Another benefit of dropping water temps is the redfish will start schooling on the flats. Locate these fish from a distance by looking for “muds” (discolored muddy water) and/or pushing wakes made by moving fish. After getting close enough to see them in the water always try to cast to lead fish, he’s usually the biggest. Redfish singles and doubles can also be found sunning themselves in the shallows this time of year. These fish will be lazy so make sure to present you bait in a slow methodical manner. When I spot a stationary fish I like to cast long of him and at least a few feet to either the left or right of the fish depending on which way he's facing. Then work the bait slowly back to where the fish is (this will help to not spook the fish). Once you think the fish might be in striking range of your bait you'll have to choose to either leave the bait sit (this will work well while using live bait or a scented soft plastic like a Fishbite's Xtreme shrimp) or to give it a very slight twitch. Some days they like it moving and some days they like it sitting still.
Smaller reds as well as trout and flounder will be schooled up in area creek holes. A live shrimp or mud minnow tossed into the depths can’t be beat. If throwing artificials is your thing try to downsize your baits in these colder months. A Fishbite's shrimp or paddle tail paired with a Slayer Inc. jighead will be deadly! White and chartreuse are always favorite winter colors. Sheepshead fishing should start to pick up considerably this month. Target area bridges, docks, and pilings with fiddler crabs to catch the tasty porgies. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good bite!

November 2008
For most people, November means turkey and stuffing but for us fishermen it’s officially “doormat” month. Traditionally November is a great time to target and catch big flounder. A live finger mullet or a big mud minnow rigged on a jighead or fish-finder rig is your best bet. Flounder will be holding in deep cuts in the creeks at lower tide stages. It’s not uncommon to find them “stacked up” in these holes so if you get one make sure to try a few more casts in the same spot. At higher tides fish on top of oyster bars and along the grass lines. Another popular spot to target the flat fish is at the inlets. They will hold close to the jetties… you’ll know you’re fishing the right spot after you’ve lost a rig or three to the rocks.
Trout catches should also increase this month. When fishing early for trout throw a top-water "walk the dog" type plug. One of my favorites, especially when the wind is fairly calm is a High Roller plug. It's wooden and doesn't have rattles in it so it doesn't make any noise other than the hooks hitting the side of the bait. Some of my biggest trout have come on that bait. One thing to remember when a fish strikes your top-water plug is to try to resist the urge to set the hook right away, but rather wait to feel the weight of the fish. If the fish misses on the first try he'll usually come back for a second chance. If you set the hook right away your plug is likely to be flying through the air like a tiny fish missile aimed at the boat and the fish might have a hard time finding it again. Your best bet when targeting trout is to look for moving water at creek mouths, around oyster bars, and along the ICW banks. Sea walls, jetties, and rip-rap are also good trout haunts. The good 'ole live shrimp under a float is always a sure thing for trout but if you prefer to throw a soft plastic the Fishbites paddle tails have been slayin' em lately.
Redfish will continue to shadow finger mullet schools this month. When you find a good concentration of mullet you can be sure the reds will not be far behind. Low tide creek fishing for reds should be hot this month as well as the banks of the ICW. Many people overlook these banks but when the tide is low and the mullet are schooled up Mr. Rojo will be on the prowl! Happy Thanksgiving...

October 2008
Trick or treat? That’s a good question. With all the bait around, a live lined mullet or even just a mullet head will be a great “treat” for numerous species this month. On many of my recent charters the redfish seemed to prefer a mullet head as opposed to a live one. If you’d rather “trick” your fish into biting, toss a plug or jerkbait around schools of bait. Early or late, a top-water plug or popper made by High Roller will do the trick. Later in the day a Fishbites Xtreme jerkbait or shrimp will fool the reds and trout shadowing the bait schools.
Towards the middle of this month we will be blessed with our "tailing" tides. Look for flooded spartina grass on the extreme high tides and you're sure to find some tailing reds, sheepshead, and maybe even a black drum or two. You don't have to have a super skinny water skiff to get to these fish... just anchor up on the edge of the flat, put on some wading boots and get to hunting some tails. Fly-fishermen will use the go-to spoon fly as well as shrimp and crab imitation flys. Spin fishermen will also do well with spoons. Recently I've had great success using a Fishbites jerkbait with a glass rattle inserted into it. Its tough to get a tailing fish's attention and sometimes the rattle makes all the difference in the world (the scent from the bait helps out as well). The sheepshead and black drum can be a little tricky on fly and artificial so just in case, pack a few fresh dead shrimp in your pocket (a common practice when wading for bonefish down south) before leaving the boat... just remember to take them out before you get home!
Flounder catches as well as the size of the flatties should increase this month. A mud minnow or finger mullet on a jighead bumped slowly across the bottom should bring in the “doormats”. At low tide they will be stacked in deeper creek holes, and on higher tides work oyster bar edges, grass lines, and drop offs. Another hot spot this month for flounder will be the St. Augustine and Matanzas Inlets. Use a fish-finder rig with the above mentioned baits to slay 'em at the inlet. Use a 1/2 ounce to 2 ounce egg sinker above a swivel then tie on about 18" of 20lb leader material. A St. Auggie old timer told me a long time ago to use a khale hook when flounder fishing. I've watched this guy catch tons of flounder over the years at the rocks and let me tell you, he's on to something.
The water is finally starting to clear up, air temps are starting to cool off, and the mullet are everywhere.. it's a perfect time to go fishing!

September 2008
It's the end of summer but let's talk about the beach... As of report time the water temp is finally on the rise. Hopefully that means that the usual tarpon, kings, jacks, and just about everything that swims will show up for a late season drag screamer or two. The shrimp boats have/will be out there too. When they throw back their by-catch it can be an all out feeding frenzy, making the above-mentioned predators easy targets. The inlets will be full of fish as well. Flounder and reds will stack up along the rocks at the St. Augustine inlet. Use a heavy jighead or fishfinder rig and bump a good-sized mullet to locate the flatties. For the “Bull” reds fish deeper, use a large live mullet, pogy, or half a blue crab on a circle hook with enough weight to hold the bottom. Be sure to take the time to revive these monsters. Inshore the bite should continue to be red hot early and at dusk when top-waters will get redfish and trout fired up. During the day toss a Fishbites Xtreme jerkbait or shrimp. The scent on these baits will entice strikes from even the pickiest of fish.

August 2008
It's hot out there so beat the heat! Get out at first light for the best inshore bite this month. Top-water "walk the dog" style plugs as well as "chuggers" will make for some exciting catches. Target concentrations of finger mullet and shrimp. They can be easily located by looking for nervous water (small disruptions on the surface, similar to a very small boat wake). Redfish, trout, and flounder will be found hanging around the schools of bait looking for an easy meal. If fishing the lower tide stage look for small shrimp to be scurrying away from redfish cruising along the banks of the creeks. Once the sun is overhead switch to a soft plastic mullet imitation. A Fishbites Extreme jerkbait in watermelon red flake is my summer favorite. Last month saw chilly water temps along our beaches making for a slow start to the tarpon season. If the water warms back up look for the silver kings to be feeding early in the AM on the bait pods just off the beach. There should also be plenty of smaller tarpon inshore in the canals and deeper creeks. A back hooked free-lined finger mullet makes a great tarpon snack.