Sunday, September 29, 2013

9/29 - Wind Honked.....

Morning was bad.....but it got a little better. Especially, since we didn't go eastward at all.


















Hmmm, what to do during the transition time, but not in the super fall season just yet with 4 guys, and two were real newbies.



















BOTTOM FISH....

The Croakers are endless. And I mean, "If you have kids and want to do a 2 hr kids trip, and want them to get some tugs on their line....GO NOW!!!!!!!"

I tell these parents. The Middle of July isn't the prime to for much inshore. C'mon back in Sept/Oct. and bring your kids. But Noooooo, the litl' shavers aren't allowed for some reason to take a Saturday in the fall to do any fishing. That's only for when its 100 degrees by 8am. And the kids are complaining it's so Hot.














We caught Croaks and used them for big Redbass baits. Had a bite that scaled a live Croak and that was it. It was a Redbass, that didn't really eat the Croak.

As the guys were wearing out on the Croakers, which soon became kinda boring doing the same ole thing. Over and over....but what am I supposed to do in a 20 kt NE wind?

Next spot or two same thing, and then as I cast out a nice little croaker for live bait on one of the big rods using 8 ounces to hold bottom. As soon as it hit the bottom...Fish on.

One of the guys took the rod (not a light tackle kinda rod but rather a 100 lb Shark type rod) And reeled up a nice Redbass.




















I needed "less individuals", about 15 kts less wind, a chance to catch alot of finger mullet, and the day would have been better using light tackle for Trout-Flounder & Redbass.

But, seeing the way it was. I had neither.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

9/28 - Winds Honkin'

Have 4 guys on Sunday...of course with windy conditions comes a maxed out boat!
But, its a day. They may get lucky like me and "LT" a big Redbass off the bottom as I'm tied off to whatever will hold the boat in the winds, as I will be HEAVY, for sure.

Saw this pic, and loved it.

GoPro on a surf board catches more than just a rip curl:

Friday, September 27, 2013

9/26 - IT'S FALL....can ya tell?

Oh it's so much cooler.

And why are YOU missing it???

I do reports, video's, emails, offer the best I can.
What else would you want?

If you're reading this and have never been aboard the Jettywolf...tell me what I'm not doing for YOU.
E-Mail:  charter@captdaves.com

Yes, I am still in hot pursuit for a truely monster Shark. I'm talking 200-400 pounds, would qualify. So when I have a chance I'm going out and seeing if I can find one. So, if I have to go "solo" it'll just make the catch & release, all that much sweeter for me. I'll have proof, because I'm getting better and better at being a "one man" production crew. So, you'll see it here when it happens.

Today, was kind of a fail. Not my fault, I tried. But the wind and seas had me turning back after a short try about 2 miles offshore. It went from slick calm to 4 footers folding into white water within an hour.

Had nothing but dead shrimp (used to catch Shark bait) and only a few small bait sized Croakers up in the river to salvage my day. Catching a few huge Whiting for dinner, and what you'll see here in the video, on serious light tackle.



Monday, September 23, 2013

9/21 - "IT'S GO TIME FOLKS!"

OH HOW THE WORLD CHANGES PRACTICALLY OVER NIGHT.

The Full Moon of September has kicked off the absolute best time of year. I actually wait for it, knowing it's coming. But sometimes it comes at a different time each year. But, it doesn't matter. It's all good.

TODAY. Was the first non-smoking hot Saturday of the whole season. I even had one crew member wearing a light jacket!

From here on out, be it Redfish in the river, Trout under a dock, Flounder on the bottom and you'll see, the inlet full of Sharks and Tarpon. A live Mullet will be the top choice, and unlike the heat of this summer where finding the perfect 3" Mullet proved damn near impossible. There should no problem getting a few in the well from here on out for a few weeks if not months.

Shorter days, cooling temps.......C'mon. Let's go fishing!!

Call Capt Dave and get on the JETTYWOLF.
www.captdaves.com


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

9/17 - THE ROD CAM

Watch for it, cause it's going to put to service very soon!








































WHILE YOUR AT IT, "SUBSCRIBE HERE" TO MY YOUTUBE VIDEO CHANNEL.
(just click "red" subscribe buttom)


9/17 - Time for a tackle sale...MOSLY SOLD



(2) - Heavy action 7 foot -15 to 25#, 3/4 to 2 ounce "Strike Zone" brand spinning rods.
Very good condition. Super nice rods. Nice Blue/gold wrappings,  rod color Black.
$47.50 each      NEW: $95.00   SOLD

























Fugi Reel seat and Guides:




























































These were a matched set.


(2) - Okuma Trio 55 series Spinningr reels - larger reel for bigger fish. Hold  250 yards of 50-65# braided line. Gear Ratio 4.5 to 1.  Not for Trout fishing in a creek.  Note, that the unique quality of the Trio reels is that it has a one piece metal frame that runs from the reel seat down to the great case. Makes these reels very very strong. (see photos) Also comes with 65# Braided line.
$35.00 each  NEW: $79.99    SOLD









































Metal "rotor", and metal frame thru grea box, in which gears are attached.








































Additionally,

I have a barely used Shimano Trevalla Jigging rod TVC casting model
7' Med. Light power, good for up to 4 ounces and 50# braid. $50.00



STILL AVAILIBLE at 1/2 price!





additional charge for using: Visa/MC/Amex/Paypal accepted

www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546
charter@captdaves.com




Monday, September 16, 2013

9/15 - NO LONG BOAT RIDE

Ya' missed it again....BIG PULLER ACTION AT INLET:




REDFISH...No Comparison!

At:   www.captdaves.com - aboard the Jettywolf

Friday, September 13, 2013

9/13 - Using the ARC dehooker...a great tool!

Tech tip:






-of course brought to you by; www.captdaves.com - "Jacksonville's Best Inshore Charter"


9/12 - Instantaneous Gratification, and vacant waters, a good thing!!!




Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com - your full-time Guide
since 1996

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

9/7-9/9 - working hard:

Ya know by now, if you frequent my reports page. I have a case for fishing for Blacktip & Spinner sharks. Because, it's FUN. And no where will anyone get a PULL, like that. Anywhere else in coastal waters.

Plus, as I always say..."It's what's HOT".

So, over the weekend I had the same plans. Shrimp boat running. And if all worked out right. Some anchoring up, laying out the big GUN tackle. And seeing what kind of trout we could get into.

So Saturday comes and I have Dave & James aboard. Great crew. They were up for about anything.
First off we head out the inlet and it's a soup sandwich! Serious back to back folding 4 footers.
We see a shrimp boat out there about a miles or so.

Well that turned out to be one long mile! The seas were what felt like 2 seconds apart. And I came up with a song...."we're all going fishing in a SILVER submarine, a silver submarine...." Because we got soaked. I couldn't make any speed at all, and the North East 15+ knots was blowing ever single breaking swell into the boat.

We got there. And had one small bite and that was it. I could barely keep up with the shrimp boat. It was 60+ feet and weighed 20 tons. Compared to us in what felt like a alloy bobber!

So our "anything goes" trip had us back at the Jetties. With some live Pogy's now in the well. I re-rigged the HD spin tackle up with 1/2 ounce jig heads, and we pinned live pogies on and cast them out off the South jetty.

SLAM DUNK. The drag smokers were home!!!

Sharks, spinners or Blacktips jumping and handing the guys their butts on a silver platter. While only boating a few smaller sharks. And then the action faded.

So we went and got more Pogies and anchored in 15-20' of water as massive Pogy schools surrounded the boat and had a ball watching them eat out live "surface" baits, on balloons. They were all small 2' long, but thick bodied youngster Blacktips.

Then, as the wind seemed to lay, we headed out again to the Shrimp boats. Not fast, but we got there and had multiple hook ups on the "speedy" Sharks, the Sharpnoses that Dave and James thought were the size of JAWS. But had fun with.

So our anything goes kinda day, was a "Anything went" kinda day. And these two guys were a blast to have aboard, for sure. James was visiting from the Canary Islands where he lives. And really didn't know how us mainlanders have to do things, since he sits in the Pacific Ocean with a thousand feet of water surrounding him.

--------------------------

Next day, Sunday. The wind never ever let up. The swells at the inlet seemed even worse. My crew was into flat waters, and at this point so was I.

So, we left the Mayport Jetties and went to Nassau Sound...."sort of". Actually, Nassau River behind Amelia Island. A little bottom fishing, with hopes for a big Shark or Tarpon on the Heavy Tackle.

So as we got there, we saw Tarpon feeding on jumping ribbon fish.  So we anchored up and just dropped some dead shrimp down, as I put out the big rod. It was Catfish after Catfish!!!

No Whiting, no nothing. Just "Kitty Kats". I even "bait'ized" a Catfish and put it out looking for that big Blacktip shark.

But we were in calm waters for sure. No boat traffic, No jetski's, No Tugboats, No Ships...."I love it up there."

But there were no fish.

So we moved around, went out and looked into the sound it's self, and it was rough. We anchored a few times, caught nothing but more Catfish and small Jacks, and a solo Whiting that was very small.

Nassau bit me in the butt......AGAIN!
Every time I go there. I get bit and claim I'll never ever fish there again.

So we headed back to the St. Johns and bottom fished as the tide started to fall and boxed a dozen.....what else, WHITING. While hoping for a Big River Redfish.

-------------------------------

Monday- There was NO WAY, I was working toward the Ocean. And my two guys wanted Redfish, Trout or Flounder INSHORE fishing. Russ and Larry were a great crew. So I wanted to fill-up on live mullet for them. Instead of tossing early morning top water plugs. I'd use the first hour or so and see if I could actually catch some decent baits.

I went to the docks where I usually get my live mullet, and the tide was just starting to rise. As we pulled up there was schools of them right at the docks.

I tied off, jumped out with the cast net and after an hour, maybe caught 14 good 3" live Mullet!!!!
We had to move on at this point.

I ran 6 miles or more up river and we first jigged Matrix Shads on a deep drop rocky bank. Not a sniff.
So we moved on. Doing 10 minutes per spot. On the third area. The tide wasn't coming in yet, but we were getting a back-eddy of good current. Jigs and shrimp, the guys caught Mangrove Snappers, and dang Pufferfish in 3 foot of water...Time to stay in the same area and fish deeper.

That's where we all hoped to find any signs of TROUT LIFE!!!!!
Because, this is now 2 trips as far as I can usually go on a regular day to my usual Trout stomping grounds and have a hard time finding them.

We ended up getting a 21" Redbass, a few small Trout, a 17" Trout and decent keeper Flounder for the box, while releasing a dozen small Flounder. The small Flounder were thick. And this is the spot that ended up being the only real "hot" spot.

We worked all the live shrimp in the well and used all the finger Mullet we had, and between the Ladyfish and Mangrove Snappers, and small Flounder. By noon we were out of bait, sop we headed back to clean a solo slam.

It was fun. But the fish just aren't there. I had a good buddy who's an excellent angler come up pretty much skunked. When he came by us to see what was going on.

So, it looks like the Inlet, beach, and behind the Shrimp boats is where I'll be.  Have a few more days this week coming up. Hope the inlet and ocean lays down.

NOTE:
didn't get any photos or video, because I was just too busy hunting  them the last three days.

Friday, September 6, 2013

9/6 - Really B-I-G?

I'm booked Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, so far.

And not all that sure what my crew will consist of, right now.

But, I'm just putting this out there. 

With a falling tide mid morning this week. I was thinking, who wants to target REALLY big Shark with me.

As in "Hundreds" of pounds. I have a hunch. We'll be fishing Tarpon country at the same time. And maybe and possibly some Whiting and other fish,  for the fish box while we wait on the big one.

-Lemons
















-Bulls















There's even been some talk about a large Tiger lurking around Jax Beach Pier (?)  So ya never know.

We won't be using sissy ass Pogy's for bait. I can tell ya that.

No long rough boat rides. I'm talking "near-shore/inshore" fishing.

Hey, just when you think you're not up to it or you're not mean enough....."I'm being kind"

READ THIS:  """""CLICK HERE"""""""


What a great story!  Notice the major typos, though??  "pin reels, with big cylinders". 
I think the author (NICHOLAS FOURIEZOS) meant "Penn Reels, with large spools!"

It's an adventure.
Not a "grocery shopping trip".
All Sharks caught will be released. That's why we still fish, while the BIG baits soak.
Ya may hook a Tarpon.

I'm going "solo" and will have to make a video of myself. If no one wants to go for the GUSTO.
Yeah, you'll get your own VIDEO proof, no matter what. Care of my 4 cameras, editing, and posting to my Youtube channel



www.captdaves.com- your Jax full-time fishing guide since 1996.

Here's a "blast from the past" This little lady, Nanette S. screamed bloody murder when she hooked this Spinner that weighed in at 120 pounds. After doing a few 10 pound Jack Crevalles, with her friend Donna, aboard my old boat the FOR REELIN II. And it was her Birthday also!

















There's Tarpon all around those jetty rocks too!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

9/3 - Big Game + Light Tackle = FUN!

Had Grady from N.C. aboard on Tuesday. After all the Holiday and weekend boaters, had us all alone and having a ball, running & gunning behind the Shrimp boats for instant action.

As it turns out, this is the closest and best BIG TUG action happening, right now. It's all about FUN and getting some serious pullers hooked up.

From Blacktips to Spinner Sharks that put on one hell of a show. All with no long boat ride!
Which I love. Because I like getting into "I.G." - instantaneous gratification no matter if it's a Trout on a top water plug (lure) or slinging big baits behind the Shrimp boats.

We also tried drifting Pogies that we caught on the beach in 12' of water, in the SouthEast Hole area in 55' of water. One on a down-rigger, and one flat lined. Looking for a big Bonita, or King Mackerel. But the only bite we had was a small Blacktip shark on the surface Pogy. I was very surprised, because we had a perfect, silent drift going with the decent SW breeze, pushing the boat bow first and stern to the wind. (the Jettywolf drifts so nicely)

So, with nothing going on in the S.E. Hole, we ran back to the North Jetty and pitched live Pogies up to the end of the rocks. On a 3/8th's ounce jig we had a giant Spinner Shark hooked up on the little jig hook and it lasted 3 jump and spins before snapping the 40 pound mono shock leader I was using on the spinning tackle.

Then we had a decent Jack eat a Pogy and give Grady a nice boat side tug. Then, we ended the day and slowly peddled our way back to the dock as the afternoon heat poured on.

Lots of good, funny, and exciting stuff happened on today's trip with Grady. Way too many things to list.

But, I can tell you. NEVER IS ANY DAY THE SAME OUT THERE.

That's what makes it fun and exciting in my book. And I can't say that I have ever taken anyone out Shrimp boat runnin' & gunnin' that didn't have a good time.

All the Sharks we hooked today were released, to fight again. Sometimes I can get the 14/0 circle hooks out, and sometimes I can't. But I am prepared with all the tools, if so. I have two ARC dehookers. One 6' pole version and a 24" version. I prefer to release all of these Sharks for another day. And I prefer (if I can) to humanly de-hook them.

Come join me aboard the Jettywolf, visit: www.captdaves.com

I do all I can to not be a boat ride. But rather be fishing as fast as possible!


Monday, September 2, 2013

9/2 - from 1st to last cast......HOLD-ON!!

Had Bill and his son Luke aboard the Jettywolf today. My yesterday charter cancelled on me. Which has me now going with a Holiday week, 1/2 up front NON-returnable deposit. Because, ya just can't do business this way in this town, where you live from Holiday to Holiday.

So today we headed out as the sun came up and "Yes", there were shrimp boats right outside the inlet.

1st cast of a float, attached to a 200# mono leader "crimped" then to a "crimped" on 14/0 circle hook.
I cast it behind the shrimp boat over the nets, right where the Flippers are piled up, and it was.....
GAME ON.

I couldn't believe it. The float went down instantly. Then the shark came right at us. It was a monster Spinner shark. It went air born two maybe three times corkscrewing 5 feet out of the water! Right behind the boat, then again, and then the next time I thought it was coming in the bpoat as it corkscrewed right behind my boats swim platform! All three of us couldn't do a thing. And we all thought it was coming in the boat. I had my hand on the throttle, but I was stunned, along with my crew.

Then it spun one more time and busted the leader clean.

THIS WAS ALL WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MINUTES OF US FISHING!

We had more instantaneous hook ups. Drag smokers, and one caught us up in the shrimp net. Then, another young Luke fought for over 30 minutes and then I took over. And it tried to whoop even me.

It was the largest Blacktip of the whole summer. 6-7' long and when I tried to use the dehooker pole and release it it just ate through the 200 pound mono leader and took off.





















The action was unbelievable and non stop.




















The action and size of these Blacktips was so good we went back to the jetties and sat for a little while before heading in. My crew was done.

Get to do it all over again on Tuesday. When ya'll are back at work finally. With just one guy.
The river was a zoo. And on the way back to the ramp only two idiots tried to run us over.

If they only realized they will get the "shit end of that stick" when they hit 1/4" alloy plate against fiberglass.....I know. Because I've seen it.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Finally...last day of August

Trout friends, at least Big Gators vanished. At least where I can go to find them. No "topwater" bites at all. Maybe a few swipe and misses from some small fish. But as usual here in Bazzarro world. I didn't get any hook ups on my new all black and chartreuse tail Kick-A-Mullet, and neither did Todd. And new resident to J-ville from the mid west. He said, "it's better than shoveling snow!" 

So after a "sun-up" cast fest on several spots. It was a HERE'S YER SIGN that the Trout vacated the area.

And since Todd's never seen the inlet. I ran all the way back from where we went to go somewhere to hook the brother up! The action at the N. Jetty seemed stereo-typical of what it's like in the summer out there. (can't wait till WINTER!!!!!!)

Caught only a few fish to use as baits, set the out for the "man in the brown suit" and had no heavy Sharkin' tackle with me. This was a complete after-thought!

Fishing Jacksonville, you have to remain Rigidly Flexible. Especially this time of year...